United News of Bangladesh

US officials on Wednesday claimed progress in their military campaign against Iran, vowing to crush Tehran’s government “without mercy” even as reports of civilian casualties continue to rise. Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth said the US military is operating with “little restraint,” asserting that Iranian leaders face constant airstrikes from US and Israeli forces, according to Al Jazeera report. “We are punching them while they’re down, which is exactly how it should be,” he said, describing jets “bringing death and destruction from the sky all day long.” White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt echoed Hegseth, stating that the US will continue “raining missiles and weapons down on Iran” to hit targets deemed crucial by the Department of War. Iranian officials condemned the remarks, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei calling them an admission of war crimes and crimes against humanity. He detailed strikes on schools, hospitals, residential buildings, street markets and medical centres, including a February 28 attack on a girls’ school in Minab that killed 165 people. US Senate backs Trump on expanding Iran war Leavitt said the Pentagon is investigating the Minab incident and maintained that US forces “do not target civilians.” Despite the strikes, the Iranian leadership, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, has been largely neutralised, yet the Islamic Republic system remains intact. The war has sparked regional tensions, with missiles and drones reportedly targeting Gulf civilian infrastructure. President Donald Trump hailed the campaign, rating its success “about 15” on a scale of 10, signalling continued US support for military operations in the region.

The escalating Middle East conflict is affecting nearly every country in the region, causing casualties, property damage, and major disruptions to airspace, shipping routes, and diplomatic operations. Governments are urging citizens to leave as commercial flights are canceled, Gulf airspace closes, and ports such as the Strait of Hormuz are disrupted. The U.S. has evacuated personnel from six nations, including the UAE, and advised citizens from 14 countries to leave. Iran: The country has suffered the highest casualties, with at least 787 killed, including over 160 in a strike on an elementary school in Minab. U.S.-Israeli operations have targeted nuclear facilities, missile launchers, government buildings in Tehran, and leadership compounds, reportedly killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and senior military officials. Airspace is closed. Israel and Palestinian Territories: Iranian missile attacks have killed 11 people. The extent of damage to military installations remains undisclosed. Commercial airspace is closed. Lebanon: Israeli airstrikes targeted Hezbollah sites in Beirut following missile and drone attacks. At least 52 people were killed and 154 wounded. The U.S. Embassy has closed temporarily, though flights are partially operational. Saudi Arabia: Iranian drones targeted the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh and Ras Tanura oil refinery, causing minor damage. Airspace is partially closed. Kuwait: U.S. Embassy attacks and Iranian strikes killed several personnel, including six U.S. soldiers. Civilian casualties include one dead and 32 injured migrant workers. Airspace is closed. United Arab Emirates: Three foreign workers were killed in strikes. Dubai’s airport and hotels along the coast sustained damage, and Iranian drones hit two Amazon data centers. Airspace is closed. Egypt: Shipping disruptions through the Suez Canal are impacting the economy. Commercial flights operate with some cancellations. Jordan: Intercepted Iranian projectiles injured five people. Airspace is restricted at night. Qatar: Iranian attacks targeted energy facilities. Airspace is closed. Senators to vote on limiting Trump’s military authority after Iran strikes Iraq: U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iranian proxy sites killed militia members. Drone and missile attacks targeted U.S. bases in Irbil. Oil production at Rumaila fields halted due to shipping disruptions. Airspace is closed. Bahrain: A strike killed one Asian worker and injured two others; drone debris impacted an Amazon data center. Airspace is closed. Syria: Iranian missile debris caused minor injuries in southern provinces. Airspace is closed. Oman: Drone attacks struck major ports at Salalah and Duqm, and at least one vessel was hit offshore. Airspace remains open, though many flights are canceled. The conflict continues to escalate, with civilian casualties mounting and regional economies and travel networks under severe strain.

The United States and Israel have launched co‑ordinated military strikes on the Islamic Republic of Iran in a dramatic escalation of Middle Eastern tensions, with President Donald Trump describing the action as a “massive and ongoing” campaign that could continue for several days. Early on Saturday, explosions were reported in the Iranian capital, Tehran, and other cities as US and Israeli forces targeted a range of military and governmental sites across the country. Israel characterised its role as necessary to counter what it sees as an imminent threat from Tehran, while Washington said it was acting to degrade Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities. Iran vows to press on with missile campaign until enemies are defeated President Trump warned that American lives may be lost during the campaign and urged the Iranian people to “take over your government,” calling for a change of regime. He also accused Tehran of seeking to rebuild its nuclear programme despite earlier strikes on Iranian facilities that he previously claimed had destroyed them. The strikes appear to have been months in the making. The Israeli military stated they followed “close and joint planning” with the US armed forces, aimed at dozens of military targets across Iran. Iran’s Retaliation and Regional Impact In response to the strikes, Iran launched what officials described as an unprecedented wave of retaliatory missiles and drones towards Israel and United States military installations across the Gulf region. New wave of Iranian missiles launched toward Israel, army says Sirens and reports of explosions were heard in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, with airspace closures and air‑defence systems scrambled as countries braced for further attacks. At least one person was reported killed in the UAE after missiles were intercepted. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have said they view all US and Israeli assets in the Middle East as “legitimate targets with no red lines,” signalling a further broadening of the conflict. Wider Tensions and International Reaction The conflict comes amid a backdrop of failed nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran, and follows earlier clashes in 2025 that saw missile exchanges between Iran and Israel. International reaction has been mixed. While some US allies emphasise the need for regional security, others have expressed grave concern over the escalation and called for immediate de‑escalation to prevent a broader war. At this stage, the situation remains highly volatile, with the potential for further military action across the Middle East as both sides prepare for an intensification of hostilities. Source: Agencies

Iran on Wednesday resisted pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump ahead of crucial talks in Geneva over Tehran’s nuclear program, alternating between condemning his statements as “big lies” and expressing cautious optimism for an agreement through “honorable diplomacy.” The comments by Iranian officials come as the U.S. has deployed its largest force of aircraft and warships to the Middle East in decades, part of Trump’s push for a deal amid growing domestic unrest in Iran following nationwide protests last month. Trump has repeatedly warned of military action if negotiations fail, raising fears of a wider regional conflict while the Israel-Hamas war continues. Tehran has already declared all U.S. bases in the region legitimate targets. Satellite imagery analyzed by The Associated Press shows U.S. warships normally stationed in Bahrain moving out to sea. Oman confirms fresh US-Iran nuclear talks in Geneva Responding to Trump’s State of the Union speech, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei compared the president to Hitler’s propaganda minister and accused Washington of spreading disinformation. Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf emphasized Iran’s readiness for diplomacy that respects its dignity, warning that any attack amid negotiations would provoke a “firm blow” from Iran’s defensive forces. The talks, mediated by Oman, mark the third round between the two nations. Uncertainty remains over the timing, objectives, and scope of potential U.S. military action, the status of Iran’s nuclear program, and the wider regional consequences. Oil prices have risen amid fears of escalation, while Tehran could retaliate against U.S.-allied nations in the Gulf or Israel.

A man stabbed four people to death in Washington state on Tuesday morning as sheriff’s deputies were on their way to serve him a domestic violence protection order, authorities said. The suspect was later shot dead by a deputy who arrived at the scene. According to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, deputies first received a call around 8:40 a.m. that a 32-year-old man was violating a no-contact order at a home on the Key Peninsula, northwest of Tacoma. After confirming the order had not yet been formally served, officers headed to the address to deliver it. While they were on the way, fresh reports came in around 9:30 a.m. that the man was stabbing people outside the home. The first deputy reached the location within minutes and shot the suspect, who died at the scene. Three victims were found dead there, while another died on the way to hospital. Court records show that the suspect’s mother, who lived at the home, had obtained a one-year protection order against her son last May, citing mental health and substance abuse issues, past physical aggression and repeated threats. She said he had been mentally and emotionally abusive, damaged property and hurt her cat, adding that she was an elderly disabled woman being taken advantage of. The order required him to stay away from his mother and not possess dangerous weapons, and to follow a mental health treatment plan. It remains unclear why the order had not yet been formally served. A nearby resident said he heard several gunshots echo through the area, followed by continuous sirens, before learning of the tragic incident.

US President Donald Trump’s new global tariffs have taken effect at 10%, lower than his earlier pledge of a higher rate, after the Supreme Court blocked many sweeping import taxes. Although Trump later mentioned a 15% rate, official documents show the 10% duty was implemented from Tuesday. The White House has been asked for comment. Carsten Brzeski of ING said the shifting policy added to “chaos and mess,” increasing uncertainty for businesses and raising the risk of retaliation from US trading partners and a possible escalation into a full trade war. Trump warns of higher tariffs after court blocks levies An executive order signed Friday said the temporary 10% duty aims to address international payments imbalances and rebalance trade to benefit American workers, farmers and manufacturers. The levy is imposed under Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act, allowing a 150-day tariff without congressional approval. Trump argues tariffs are needed to shrink the US trade deficit, which rose 2.1% from 2024 to about $1.2 trillion (£890bn). The US has already collected at least $130bn in tariffs under the 1977 IEEPA, recent data show. The court ruled Friday Trump exceeded authority using IEEPA, raising prospects of billions in refunds. FedEx has sued for a full refund, while campaign group We Pay The Tariffs says it represents 900 firms seeking automatic refunds. Experts doubt repayments, and Trump said the issue could be litigated for five years. Justice Brett Kavanaugh warned the refund process could be a “mess.” Greenland rejects Trump’s offer of US hospital ship Trump criticised the ruling as “ridiculous” and “anti-American” and warned countries “playing games” with trade deals could face higher tariffs. The United Kingdom said reciprocal action was possible if agreements are not honoured, though it stressed no one wants a trade war. The European Union paused ratification of a summer deal, with MEP Brando Benifei urging clarity and coordinated response. India also deferred talks to finalise a recent agreement.

Australian actor Rose Byrne, fresh from winning a Golden Globe and earning an Oscar nomination for her lead role in “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You,” will be honored as the 2026 Woman of the Year by Harvard University’s Hasty Pudding Theatricals on Friday. Byrne, known for her roles in films such as “Bridesmaids,” “Neighbors,” “Insidious” and the TV series “Damages,” will join a celebratory parade through the streets of Cambridge, Massachusetts. She will later receive the traditional pudding pot award at a roast ceremony and attend a performance of the troupe’s 177th production, “Salooney Tunes.” In a review of the film, AP critic Jocelyn Noveck said Byrne was given “a chance to display versatility and grit in surely the toughest dramatic role of her career.” Sonam Kapoor hosts heartfelt Baby Shower, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Anil Kapoor among guests Actor Michael Keaton, famed for “Batman,” “Birdman,” “Beetlejuice” and “Spotlight,” was named the 2026 Man of the Year and received his pudding pot on Feb. 6. “We are thrilled to honor Rose Byrne as our Woman of the Year,” Hasty Pudding Theatricals President Daisy Nussbaum said in a statement, noting that her recent Golden Globe win and Oscar nomination made the recognition fitting. The Hasty Pudding Theatricals is the oldest theatrical organization in the United States and among the oldest globally. Since 1951, it has presented the annual award to leading actresses including Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Scarlett Johansson and Annette Bening. Last year’s recipient was “Wicked” star Cynthia Erivo. Byrne has also appeared in “Juliet, Naked,” “Get Him to the Greek” and “28 Weeks Later.” Her stage work includes productions at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, and she is set to star opposite Kelli O’Hara in the Broadway revival of “Fallen Angels” beginning in March. Ireland introduces world’s first permanent basic income scheme for artists

US officials and the family of Virginia Giuffre have intensified calls for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to testify in the United States regarding his ties to convicted financier Jeffrey Epstein. Democrat Congressman Ro Khanna told the BBC that the British Royal Family had “not been transparent,” while Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernandez urged King Charles III to direct his brother to appear before the US Oversight Committee. King Charles, through Buckingham Palace, said the Royal Family is “ready to support” police investigations and expressed “profound concern” over allegations against Andrew. Andrew, who reached an out-of-court settlement with Giuffre in 2022 without admitting liability, has denied any wrongdoing. Thames Valley Police said they are reviewing claims that the former prince shared confidential trade information with Epstein in 2010 and 2011. The latest release of Epstein-related US Department of Justice files indicates multiple attempts by authorities to obtain Andrew’s cooperation have been unsuccessful. While he cannot be compelled by subpoena to travel to the US, international pressure is mounting, including calls from Giuffre’s brother and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer. Prince Andrew recently moved out of his Windsor home and is currently residing at Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate. US lawmakers and advocates continue to demand full disclosure from him and the Royal Family, with calls for justice for Epstein’s victims.   With inputs from BBC

His bags were practically packed for Germany. His itinerary included a dream stop in Spain to watch Real Madrid play on February 15. He had even told the national team trainer not to disturb him. Yet, in a twist of fate that scripts are made of, Mohammed Siraj found himself not in a European stadium stand, but steaming in at the Wankhede, spearheading India’s World Cup attack just 24 hours later. The Indian pacer, who had originally planned to spend his time off with friends in Hyderabad and Europe, became the accidental hero in India's victory over the USA yesterday. The dramatic turnaround began when pacer Harshit Rana was ruled out of the tournament due to injury just a day before the World Cup commenced. Siraj, who hadn't played a T20 International since July 2024, received a call that he initially thought was a prank. “Suddenly Surya Bhai (Captain Suryakumar Yadav) called me. He said, ‘Get ready, pack your bags and come.” I said, 'Surya Bhai, don't joke, this isn't possible,’” Siraj recalled after the match. The gravity of the situation only sank in when national selector Pragyan Ojha called immediately after to confirm the summons. Pakistan survives collapse to beat Netherlands by 3 wickets in World Cup opener With Jasprit Bumrah sidelined due to fever, the pressure on the sudden replacement was immense. However, Siraj rose to the occasion, defending India's total of 161 by claiming 3 wickets for 29 runs in his 4 overs. Reflecting on the cancellation of his plans to watch Real Madrid on the 15th and the start of Ramadan, Siraj attributed the events to destiny. “What God has written, no one can change. I came, I played the match, it was all pre-written,” he said.

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen met Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Sunday and discussed issues of bilateral relations. Ambassador Christensen described the meeting with Adviser Hossain as ‘excellent and productive’. "Excellent meeting with the Adviser for Foreign Affairs Md. Touhid Hossain...we had a productive discussion on key elements of our bilateral relationship," said Ambassador Christensen after the meeting. Bangladesh and the United States are likely to sign a trade agreement on Monday. Dhaka eyes a reducing reciprocal tariff. Bangladesh has achieved an 'important step forward' towards strengthening its mutually beneficial trade relationship with the United States, opening the door to greater market access and new opportunities for its vital textile and apparel sector, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing last month. In response to a request from National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman who recently visited Washington DC, US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer has agreed to raise with US President Donald Trump the possibility of reducing Bangladesh’s current 20% reciprocal tariff rate, bringing it more in line with regional competitors.