United News of Bangladesh

European leaders on Monday said US President Donald Trump’s sudden decision to pull thousands of American troops from Germany came as a surprise, but also reinforces the idea that Europe must take more responsibility for its own security. The Pentagon last week announced plans to withdraw about 5,000 troops from Germany. However, Trump later told reporters that the reduction would be much larger, saying, “we’re going to cut way down. And we’re cutting a lot further than 5,000,” without giving further details. The move caught NATO allies off guard. It comes amid rising tensions between Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the US-Israeli war on Iran, as well as Trump’s frustration over what he sees as limited European involvement in Middle East conflicts. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre downplayed concerns about the scale of the withdrawal. Speaking in Yerevan, where European leaders are attending a summit, he said Europe is expected to take greater responsibility for its own security. “I wouldn’t exaggerate that because I think we are expecting that Europe is taking more charge of its own security,” he said, adding that the issue should be managed “in a harmonious way inside the framework of NATO.” EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said troop withdrawal discussions from Europe have been ongoing, but the timing of the announcement was unexpected. “This shows that we really need to strengthen the European pillar in NATO,” she said. Asked whether Trump’s decision was aimed at punishing Merz after his criticism of US handling of Iran negotiations, Kallas said she could not speculate on the US president’s intentions. “I don’t see into the head of President Trump, so he has to explain it himself,” she said. NATO spokesperson Allison Hart said the alliance is working with Washington to understand the details of the planned changes to US troop deployment in Germany. European allies and Canada have been aware since Trump returned to office that US forces could be reduced in Europe. Some troops were already withdrawn from Romania in October. However, US officials had previously said any changes would be coordinated with NATO to avoid security gaps. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte downplayed the impact of the move, noting some US dissatisfaction with European support for the Iran conflict. France, Spain and the United Kingdom have limited US use of their military bases for operations related to Iran, while Spain has also restricted airspace access. Rutte said European countries had taken note of Washington’s concerns and were acting accordingly. He added that some nations were positioning military assets closer to potential areas of operation, though he gave no details. European officials have also said they would not take part in policing the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route, until the conflict ends.

Germany’s defence minister said the United States’ decision to withdraw about 5,000 troops from the country was “foreseeable,” as NATO seeks more details from Washington amid concerns over the alliance’s future. Speaking to DPA news agency, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said the presence of US forces in Europe  especially in Germany  remains important for both sides. He added that Berlin still values close military cooperation with Washington. NATO spokeswoman Allison Hart said the alliance is in talks with the US to better understand the scope and impact of the decision. President Donald Trump indicated that more cuts could follow. Asked about the troop withdrawal, he said the US would reduce its forces “way down,” suggesting the number could be far higher than 5,000, though he gave no specifics. The move comes after tensions between Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who recently criticised the US over its handling of negotiations with Iran, saying Washington had been “humiliated.” The US currently has more than 36,000 troops stationed in Germany — its largest military presence in Europe compared to about 12,000 in Italy and 10,000 in the United Kingdom. Trump has also floated the idea of reducing troop levels in Italy and Spain. The decision follows earlier steps to scale back US forces in Romania, part of a broader strategy to shift military focus toward the Indo-Pacific region. The latest move has raised concerns within the 32-member NATO alliance that reduced US presence could weaken collective security. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned that internal divisions, rather than external threats, pose the greatest risk to the transatlantic alliance and urged members to act to reverse the trend. In Washington, senior Republican lawmakers also voiced concern. Senator Roger Wicker and Representative Mike Rogers said maintaining a strong US military presence in Europe is vital for deterrence. Pistorius said Europe must take on greater responsibility for its own security, noting that Germany has significantly increased defence spending in recent years. Under the current government, Germany’s defence budget is expected to rise to €105.8 billion by 2027, pushing total defence-related spending to about 3.1% of GDP, including support for Ukraine. Trump has long criticised NATO allies, including Germany, for not meeting defence spending targets, though Berlin has recently moved closer to those goals. NATO officials say the US decision highlights the need for European countries to further boost defence investment and share more of the security burden. The troop withdrawal is expected to be completed within six to twelve months, according to the Pentagon. Tensions between Trump and allies have also grown over disagreements on military operations in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has restricted shipping following US and Israeli strikes earlier this year. With inputs from BBC

The Trump administration has been accused of repeatedly failing to comply with lower court rulings across a wide range of policy areas, including immigration, deportations, federal spending cuts and mass layoffs, according to a review of court records cited by The Associated Press (AP). The AP review found that in the first 15 months of President Donald Trump’s second term, federal district judges ruled the administration had violated court orders in at least 31 lawsuits. This represents roughly one in eight cases in which courts had temporarily blocked government actions. One such case involved a ruling last December in which a federal judge struck down a policy of holding immigrants without bond. Despite the decision, a senior Justice Department official reportedly argued the ruling was not binding, and detainees continued to be denied release. By February, US District Judge Sunshine Sykes expressed strong concern over the administration’s conduct. She accused officials of attempting “to erode any semblance of separation of powers,” adding that they could “only do so in a world where the Constitution does not exist.” The administration has also faced more than 250 additional findings of noncompliance in individual immigration-related cases, including failure to release detainees and return seized property. Legal experts and former judges said such levels of defiance are highly unusual compared to previous administrations. Ryan Goodman, a law professor at New York University, said, “What the court system is experiencing in the last year and a half is just qualitatively completely different from anything that’s preceded it.” Georgetown University constitutional law scholar David Super warned that weakening adherence to court rulings could have wider consequences, saying, “The federal government should be the institution most devoted to the rule of law in this country. When it ceases to feel itself bound, respect for the rule of law is likely to break down across the country.” According to the AP review, higher courts, including the Supreme Court, have overturned or limited lower court rulings in nearly half of the cases, a factor critics say may be encouraging the administration’s stance. White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson defended the administration, stating that higher courts had overturned “unlawful district court rulings.” She added, “The administration will continue to comply with lawful court rulings.” Among disputed cases are alleged violations involving deportations to El Salvador, delays in restoring funding for Voice of America, and restrictions on foreign aid. Some judges have used strong language in their rulings. One described government actions as “ham-handed,” while another accused officials of “hallucinating new text” in legal interpretations. The Justice Department has rejected claims of widespread noncompliance, arguing in court filings that it has acted within legal limits and appealed unfavorable rulings. However, critics including advocacy groups tracking the cases argue that selective compliance undermines judicial authority and risks normalizing defiance of court orders. The dispute highlights growing tensions between the executive branch and the judiciary amid broader political and legal battles over presidential authority and the limits of executive power.

US President Donald Trump has indicated that military attacks could resume if a ceasefire with Iran expires next week without a deal. Speaking to reporters, Trump said the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz would remain in place and warned that bombing could restart if negotiations fail. “I don’t know. Maybe I won’t extend it, but the blockade is going to remain,” Trump said. “Unfortunately, we may have to start dropping bombs again.” At the same time, he expressed hope for a diplomatic outcome, saying he believes an agreement is still possible. Iran earlier said it had reopened the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping but warned it could shut it again if the US continues its blockade on Iranian vessels and ports. Uncertainty remains over how freely ships can pass through the vital waterway, which handles about 20% of global oil shipments. The development comes as a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah group in Lebanon appears to be holding. The recent conflict has killed at least 3,000 people in Iran, nearly 2,300 in Lebanon, 23 in Israel and more than a dozen in Gulf Arab countries. Thirteen US service members have also been killed. Trump also rejected any possibility of Iran imposing tolls or restrictions on ships using the Strait of Hormuz. “No way,” he said, making it clear that such measures would not be accepted.

In an interview Sunday with Maria Bartiromo of Fox News, US President Donald Trump had said fuel prices could be the same or “maybe a little bit higher” by the November congressional elections. But in a separate interview with Bartiromo, which was taped on Tuesday at the White House and broadcast on Wednesday, Trump claimed he’d been misquoted and tried to overcome the blowback from his previous comments. He said he’s happy with oil costing about $92 per barrel. “It’s going to come dropping down very big as soon as this is over,” he said, referring to the war. “And I think it can be over very soon.” Later in the interview, he predicted that gas prices, now averaging slightly above $4 a gallon, will be “much lower” by the elections. Speaking again about the war, Trump said, “When that’s settled, gas prices are going to go down tremendously.”

US President Donald Trump has ruled out extending the ceasefire with Iran, suggesting that a resolution to the ongoing conflict could come within days. ABC News correspondent Jonathan Karl said Trump made the remarks during an interview, indicating he was not considering any extension of the truce, reports Al Jazeera. “I think you’re going to be watching an amazing two days ahead,” Trump was quoted as saying, adding that the situation could be resolved soon. He noted that the war “could end either way” but said he would prefer a diplomatic deal, arguing that an agreement would allow reconstruction efforts. “I think a deal is preferable because then they can rebuild,” he said, according to Karl. Trump also claimed that “the radicals” in Iran had been removed from power, adding, “They’re gone, no longer with us.”

The U.S. Education Department has said more than seven million student loan borrowers enrolled in the Biden-era SAVE repayment plan will begin receiving notices from Friday, instructing them to select a new plan to repay their debt. The SAVE plan was recently struck down by a federal court, leaving borrowers in forbearance since July 2024 while legal challenges played out. Starting July 1, loan servicers will give borrowers 90 days to choose a new repayment plan, which for most will mean higher monthly payments. Alexis Arredondo, a 2024 University of California, Los Angeles graduate with a microbiology degree, said he now faces tough choices. A first-generation college student with about $40,000 in debt, Arredondo joined the SAVE plan after graduation while working part-time and freelancing. He said higher monthly payments would be difficult, but a longer repayment period would increase interest costs. The SAVE plan, one of several initiatives launched under President Joe Biden, offered more lenient terms than traditional plans, including reduced payments based on discretionary income and forgiveness for borrowers who made payments for at least 10 years and owed $12,000 or less. Under Secretary of Education Nicholas Kent, citing the Trump administration’s perspective, said borrowers are responsible for repaying their loans. Meanwhile, experts warn that borrowers may face increased debt balances, as interest has accrued since the court blocked the plan last summer. “The promises about fixing the broken student loan system are now colliding with reality,” said Mike Pierce, executive director of the Student Borrower Protection Center. Notices from loan servicers will be sent in stages, with those enrolled in the SAVE plan the longest receiving them first. Borrowers will need to resume payments as early as this summer under new repayment options, which calculate the most lenient plan at a minimum of 10% of discretionary income.  

US President Donald Trump warned that the United States could destroy Iran’s massive South Pars gas field if Iran carries out another attack on Qatar. He stated that Israel would not launch further strikes on the site, but if Iran targets Qatar again, the U.S. would respond forcefully and could “completely destroy” the gas field. Trump made these remarks on social media on Wednesday night as tensions in the region intensified, global energy markets reacted, and Iranian missiles struck Qatar. Although Trump claimed the U.S. had no prior knowledge of Israel’s strike on the South Pars field, a source indicated that Washington had been informed beforehand but did not participate. The ongoing conflict involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran is putting heavy pressure on the global energy sector. Oil prices have surged by over 5%, exceeding $108 per barrel, increasing fuel costs and straining the global economy. Concerns over Iranian retaliation have driven these price increases, especially after the attack on the gas field. Qatar later reported that a ballistic missile hit one of its major natural gas facilities, causing a large fire and extensive damage. In response, Qatar expelled some Iranian embassy staff. Iran has also targeted energy infrastructure across the Persian Gulf region since the war began on February 28, while threatening shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil passage. The conflict has caused significant casualties, with over 1,300 deaths in Iran, more than 960 in Lebanon, and at least 14 in Israel. The U.S. military has reported 13 fatalities and around 200 injured personnel. Meanwhile, attacks have continued across the region. A ship near Qatar was struck by a projectile, though its crew remained safe. Another vessel caught fire near the UAE after being hit. It remains unclear whether these ships were directly targeted or damaged by debris from missile interceptions. Iran’s South Pars gas field is vital to its energy supply, providing about 80% of the country’s electricity and supporting household needs. Strikes on this facility threaten Iran’s domestic stability. In retaliation, Iran has launched attacks on energy sites in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Missile and drone attacks have also been reported across the region, including in Kuwait, Bahrain, Dubai, and Israel, heightening fears of further escalation. Qatar confirmed that additional Iranian strikes damaged more liquefied natural gas facilities, causing fires but no casualties so far. The damage could delay Qatar’s ability to resume gas exports after the conflict ends. Global leaders have expressed concern. Australia’s prime minister condemned Iran’s actions as reckless, while Gulf nations jointly called on Iran to stop attacking neighboring countries. Analysts warn that targeting gas infrastructure marks a major escalation in the conflict, with long-term economic consequences, particularly for civilians. Diplomatic tensions remain high, with Saudi Arabia strongly criticizing Iran’s actions and accusing it of undermining regional stability. The United Arab Emirates also described the attacks on its gas facilities as a dangerous escalation. In the U.S., Senate Democrats attempted to pass legislation to limit Trump’s ability to continue the war without congressional approval, but the effort failed. However, they plan to push for further debate on the issue. Overall, the conflict continues to intensify, spreading across multiple countries and posing serious risks to global energy supplies and regional stability.  

US President Donald Trump announced that American forces carried out airstrikes on military targets on Kharg Island, a strategic location in Iran’s oil export network. At the same time, a US official revealed that about 2,500 additional Marines and an amphibious assault ship are being deployed to the Middle East as the conflict with Iran approaches its second week. Trump said the strikes “destroyed” several targets on Kharg Island, which hosts Iran’s main oil export terminal. He warned that the island’s oil facilities might also be targeted if tensions continue. A day earlier, Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf warned that any attack on such sites would trigger a stronger Iranian response. Earlier on Friday, a powerful explosion shook Ferdowsi Square in Tehran, where thousands of people had gathered for the annual Quds Day rally supporting Palestinians and condemning Israel. Israel had previously warned it might strike the area. Despite the blast, no casualties were reported. The rally, attended by some Iranian officials, and Israel’s warning to target it highlighted the determination on both sides as the war continues to impact the global economy. Iran has been launching missile and drone attacks against Israel and Gulf countries while also blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for about one-fifth of the world’s oil trade. Meanwhile, U.S. and Israeli aircraft have continued striking military and other facilities throughout Iran. The conflict has also worsened the humanitarian situation in Lebanon, where Israeli strikes against Iran-supported Hezbollah militants have killed nearly 800 people and forced around 850,000 to flee their homes. In an interview with Fox News, Trump said the war would end “when I feel it in my bones.” He also expressed doubt that civilians in Iran could easily overthrow the government, noting the power of the Basij, which has previously helped suppress nationwide protests. Additional U.S. Military Deployment According to a U.S. official speaking anonymously to The Associated Press, parts of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA-7) have been ordered to the Middle East. Marine Expeditionary Units can conduct amphibious assaults but are also trained to protect embassies, evacuate civilians, and provide disaster relief. Officials said the deployment does not necessarily mean a ground invasion is planned. The unit and the Tripoli are normally stationed in Japan and had been operating in the Pacific Ocean. Satellite imagery recently showed the ship traveling alone near Taiwan, meaning it could take more than a week to reach waters near Iran. Earlier in the week, the U.S. Navy already had 12 ships in the Arabian Sea, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) and eight destroyers. If the Tripoli joins them, it would become the second-largest U.S. vessel in the area. The exact number of U.S. troops in the Middle East is unclear, though Al Udeid Air Base alone usually hosts about 8,000 American personnel. U.S. Strikes and Iranian Warning Trump stated on social media that the U.S. strikes on Kharg Island targeted only military facilities and avoided oil infrastructure for now. However, he warned that if Iran or others interfere with shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, he may reconsider and attack Iran’s oil facilities. Qalibaf had earlier warned that attacks on Iran’s southern islands would push the country to “abandon all restraint,” emphasizing their importance to Iran’s economy and security. Explosion During Tehran Rally The explosion at Ferdowsi Square occurred while thousands of demonstrators marked Quds Day, chanting slogans against Israel and the United States. Israel had posted a warning in Persian on X shortly before the blast, advising people to leave the area. However, many Iranians likely did not see the message because the government had largely shut down internet access. Videos showed people chanting “God is greatest” as smoke rose over the area. At the time of the explosion, Iran’s judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei was being interviewed on state television. His security guards surrounded him as he raised his fist and declared that Iran would never retreat despite missile attacks. Scale of Military Operations Israel said its air force had launched another round of strikes in Iran, hitting more than 200 targets within 24 hours, including missile launchers, air defenses, and weapons factories. In Washington, D.C., U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that over 15,000 enemy targets have been struck since the war began—an average of more than 1,000 per day. He also attempted to reassure reporters that the disruption of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz was being managed. U.S. Aircraft Crash The U.S. military confirmed that all six crew members aboard a Boeing KC‑135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft were killed when it crashed in Iraq, raising the U.S. death toll in the conflict to at least 13 service members. Mike DeWine, governor of Ohio, said three of the victims served in the Ohio Air National Guard. U.S. Central Command said the crash was not caused by hostile or friendly fire and involved two aircraft, one of which landed safely. The KC-135 crash marked the fourth publicly acknowledged aircraft loss during U.S. operations against Iran. The previous week, three U.S. fighter jets were accidentally shot down by friendly fire from Kuwait. Regional Attacks Continue Iran has continued launching attacks on oil facilities and other infrastructure across Gulf countries. In Oman, two people were killed when drones crashed in the Sohar region. A U.S. official also said the Navy destroyer USS Oscar Austin (DDG‑79) intercepted an Iranian ballistic missile over Turkey. It was the third such interception above the NATO member state in the past two weeks. Fighting in Lebanon The conflict has intensified between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. An Israeli strike hit a medical center in Burj Qalaouiyah, killing 12 medical workers, including doctors, nurses, and paramedics, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. Another strike in the coastal city of Sidon earlier killed at least eight people. Overall, the ministry said 773 people—including more than 100 children and 18 paramedics—have died since the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah began about 10 days ago.

FIFA expects that Iran’s national football team will be able to travel to the United States and take part in the upcoming World Cup, despite the ongoing conflict between the two countries. FIFA President ‘Gianni Infantino’ said on Tuesday that he spoke with US President Donald Trump about preparations for the tournament and received assurances that the Iranian team would be allowed to enter the United States to compete. The ‘2026 FIFA World Cup’, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, is set to begin in about three months. Iran is scheduled to play its group matches in the US, starting against New Zealand in Inglewood, California on June 15. The team will then face Belgium on June 21 before concluding its group stage campaign against Egypt in Seattle on June 26. Iranian officials had recently indicated that their participation in the tournament might be uncertain due to the ongoing war. Infantino said he discussed the situation with Trump during a meeting Tuesday night. “We also talked about the current situation in Iran and the fact that the Iranian team has qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026,” he said, adding that Trump confirmed the team would be welcome to take part in the tournament in the United States. Infantino and Trump maintain a close relationship. Trump was previously awarded FIFA’s inaugural peace prize, an honour many observers believe was created with him in mind. However, Iranian fans had already faced restrictions earlier, as they were included in the initial version of a travel ban introduced by the Trump administration. Infantino said global events like the World Cup are important for bringing people together, particularly during times of conflict, and thanked Trump for his support. Earlier this week, FIFA World Cup chief operating officer ‘Heimo Schirgi’ said the tournament is too significant to be postponed because of the global tensions linked to the ongoing US and Israeli war against Iran. Schirgi said FIFA is closely monitoring developments in the conflict but remains confident that the tournament will proceed as planned. “We are taking it day by day and hope there will be a resolution,” he said. “The World Cup is too big, and we hope all teams that have qualified will be able to participate.”