United News of Bangladesh

The United States military is preparing for the possibility of weeks-long operations against Iran if President Donald Trump orders military action, according to two US officials, raising concerns of a more serious conflict between the longtime rivals. The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said planning is underway for a sustained campaign that could target Iranian state and security facilities beyond nuclear infrastructure. Such operations would carry greater risks for US forces and could trigger wider instability across the Middle East, reports Reuters. Diplomatic efforts are continuing alongside the military preparations. US and Iranian diplomats held talks in Oman last week aimed at reviving negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear programme. However, Trump said reaching a deal has been “difficult,” warning that the alternative to diplomacy could be “very traumatic.” The Pentagon has recently deployed additional military assets to the region, including an aircraft carrier, fighter jets, guided-missile destroyers and thousands of troops to strengthen offensive and defensive capabilities. US officials said Washington fully expects Iran to retaliate if strikes occur, potentially leading to prolonged exchanges of attacks. Experts warn that Iran’s large missile arsenal could threaten US forces and bases across the region. The White House said Trump is considering all options regarding Iran but will make a final decision based on US national security interests. The Pentagon declined to comment on the operational planning. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has warned that any strike on Iranian territory would be met with retaliation against US bases in the Middle East, including those in Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Tehran says it is open to negotiations on limits to its nuclear programme in return for sanctions relief, but it has ruled out linking the talks to its missile programme.

The Armed Forces of Bangladesh and the United States military will continue their “longstanding partnership” this summer through three joint exercises and the delivery of a new capability that will reinforce their common security interests. These efforts help to make the United States and Bangladesh stronger, and the region safer, said the US Embassy in Dhaka in a media note on Sunday.   Exercise Tiger Lightning For the fourth year in a row, the Bangladesh Army and U.S. Army Pacific will conduct Exercise Tiger Lightning.   Through realistic training, the soldiers will develop readiness for counterterrorism, peacekeeping, jungle operations, medical evacuations and countering improvised explosive devices (IEDs).     Exercise Tiger Shark 2025 Tiger Shark (part of the Flash Bengal series) is a joint training exercise where the two countries’ Special Forces practice combat tasks.  The exercise, ongoing since 2009, will feature patrol boat handling and small arms marksmanship that will strengthen Bangladesh's Special Warfare Diving and Salvage and the Para Commando Brigade ability to respond to crises.   One of the highlights of this combined exercise is the use of U.S. equipment by both countries.  Army refutes false claims of political transport support Exercise Pacific Angel   This will be the fourth iteration of Pacific Angel with Bangladesh.  It will highlight one of the hallmarks of the defense relationship, C-130 fleets, which are critical in disaster response airdrops and air mobility operations.  The exercise also focuses on Search and Rescue (SAR) and Aeromedical operations further developing Bangladesh’s ability to respond to humanitarian disasters.  RQ-21 Program Launch: The United States is working with Bangladesh’s Army and Navy to develop an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) capability for Bangladesh, said the Embassy.  A Bangladesh Regiment comprised of Army and Navy personnel will operate the new RQ-21 Blackjack system.  This joint effort will enable Bangladesh to monitor its maritime domain, secure its borders, and conduct peacekeeping missions.