United News of Bangladesh

The United States has suspended its airstrikes on Iran after nearly two weeks of escalating military operations, while diplomatic efforts have intensified in an attempt to prevent the conflict from returning to full-scale war. It remains uncertain, however, whether Washington and Tehran are moving toward a lasting breakthrough as the conflict approaches its fifth month on Tuesday. President Donald Trump has sent mixed signals, warning that further military action remains an option while also saying negotiations with Iran are continuing. He has dismissed concerns that rising fuel prices linked to the conflict could hurt Republicans in November's midterm elections. The situation is further complicated by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's planned visit to Washington next week. Israel, which joined the United States in launching military operations against Iran on Feb. 28, has so far stayed out of the latest U.S. strikes following Iran's effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which about one-fifth of global oil supplies normally pass. Analysts say Israel's absence from the latest phase of the conflict could signal either a desire to avoid widening the war or leave open the possibility of greater military pressure if diplomacy fails. Regional mediation efforts are continuing, with officials involved in the talks describing the pause in military operations as a positive development that could help reduce tensions. According to a regional official familiar with the negotiations, discussions are focused on restoring an interim ceasefire while reaching a compromise over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The proposal under discussion would allow Iran to oversee vessel transit with fewer restrictions on commercial shipping. Iran tightened control over the strategic waterway after the conflict began by targeting commercial vessels, contributing to sharp increases in global oil prices. The disruption has raised economic concerns in the United States, where higher fuel costs have become a political issue ahead of the congressional elections. The U.S. military has expanded its operations in recent weeks, targeting Iran's coastal defenses, transport infrastructure and military positions in an effort to weaken Tehran's ability to threaten shipping in the Gulf. Analysts believe the military campaign is intended to pressure Iran into returning to negotiations. However, they note that Iran's divided political leadership may complicate diplomatic progress, as some factions could view concessions to Washington as a sign of weakness. Despite their differences, both countries have strong economic incentives to restore normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, although they remain divided over how the waterway should be managed. Regional tensions remain high despite the pause in direct U.S.-Iran fighting. Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels said Saturday they launched missiles and drones at Saudi Arabia in response to Saudi airstrikes on the Red Sea port city of Hodeida. The group also claimed it had closed the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, another strategically important shipping route. Meanwhile, the U.S. military said it continues enforcing its naval blockade of Iranian ports and disabled a Mozambique-flagged vessel in the Gulf of Oman after it allegedly attempted to breach the blockade. Trump said Friday that Washington has two options: continue military operations or pursue diplomacy. "We can keep doing exactly what we're doing... or we can negotiate with them, which we're also doing right now," he told reporters. While saying he does not believe Iran is yet ready to reach an agreement, Trump added that Tehran appears to be taking negotiations more seriously as the conflict continues. The president also met senior national security advisers on Friday to review U.S. strategy toward Iran, including whether to maintain the current approach or expand military operations. No American airstrikes were reported overnight, ending a streak of 13 consecutive nights of attacks. Trump insisted he is not rushing to end the conflict because of domestic political considerations, saying his administration's priority is to "do it right" rather than focus on the approaching elections.

The United States has carried out another wave of military strikes against Iran, with President Donald Trump pledging retaliation following the deaths of three American service members in recent attacks blamed on Tehran. The latest operation marked the 10th consecutive night of US strikes targeting what the military described as Iranian capabilities that could threaten shipping in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the strikes targeted military command centres, missile and drone launch sites, maritime assets and air defence systems in an effort to further weaken Iran’s offensive capabilities. Trump said Iran had been hit “very hard” during the previous night’s attacks, describing the operation as a response carried out in honour of three US soldiers killed in recent incidents in Jordan and Iraq. Iran, meanwhile, claimed it had retaliated by attacking two oil tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz and striking US military assets in Bahrain and Kuwait, according to the state-run Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA). Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the country was now engaged in a “full-scale war” with the United States. Despite the escalating conflict, Iranian officials said indirect diplomatic contacts between Tehran and Washington were continuing through intermediaries, even after the collapse of a ceasefire. CENTCOM said commercial shipping was continuing through the Strait of Hormuz despite the latest military exchanges. Iranian authorities said rescue teams were evacuating the crews of the two damaged oil tankers after the attacks. Separately, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz had reported being struck by an unidentified projectile, forcing its crew to abandon the vessel and take to lifeboats. It was not immediately clear whether the ship was one of the two vessels cited by Iran. The US Department of Defense identified two of the three American service members killed in an Iranian strike on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan as Private Isabella Gonzales, 19, of Texas, and Lieutenant Tyler James Feehan, 25, of Hawaii. CENTCOM said another service member had initially been reported missing after the attack, with unidentified remains later recovered from the area. Regional tensions also spread beyond the Gulf. Jordan’s military said it intercepted three Iranian missiles after air raid sirens warned of incoming attacks, while Kuwait’s armed forces reported shooting down Iranian drones. Bahrain said Iranian drones targeted its air navigation systems, although authorities said air traffic operations were not disrupted. Iranian media reported that several cities, including Tabriz, Chabahar, Konarak, Bandar Mahshahr and Bandar Imam Khomeini, were hit during overnight US strikes. State media also reported explosions involving two oil tankers attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed the vessels had been using what it described as an “unsafe and hazardous” southern route through the waterway and said they exploded before coming to a halt. The US military disputed that account, maintaining that its operations were directed at military targets rather than commercial shipping.  Source: BBC  

Belgium cruised into the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a commanding 4-1 victory over co-hosts the United States on Monday, capitalizing on a series of defensive mistakes to end the Americans' hopes of a deep run on home soil. Charles De Ketelaere starred for the Red Devils with two goals and an assist, while Hans Vanaken and substitute Romelu Lukaku also found the net to extend Belgium's unbeaten run to 18 matches. Belgium took the lead in the eighth minute when De Ketelaere finished off a well-worked move after the U.S. defense failed to clear the danger. The hosts responded in the 31st minute as Malik Tillman curled home his second direct free-kick goal of the tournament. However, Belgium restored its advantage just 61 seconds after the restart, with De Ketelaere heading in his second goal of the night from a Leandro Trossard cross. The Red Devils widened the margin in the 57th minute after a costly mistake by U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese. His hesitation while trying to control a long ball allowed Belgium to regain possession, and Vanaken's long-range effort found the net after taking a deflection. Substitute Romelu Lukaku completed the scoring in stoppage time after Belgium won the ball high up the pitch. The United States welcomed back striker Folarin Balogun after FIFA overturned his one-match suspension, but the boost was overshadowed by defensive lapses and an injury to captain Christian Pulisic, who was forced off in the second half after hurting his right foot. The defeat ended the Americans' bid to reach the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 2002. It was also their second Round-of-16 elimination by Belgium in the past 12 years and their seventh consecutive loss to the European side. Belgium will face Spain in the quarterfinals on Friday in Inglewood, California, with a place in the semifinals against either France or Morocco at stake. The result also confirmed the elimination of all six CONCACAF teams from the tournament, with co-hosts the United States, Mexico and Canada all exiting in the Round of 16.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard navy warned  it would launch a “heavy assault” on U.S. bases and vessels in the region if Iranian oil tankers or commercial ships come under attack, even as a fragile ceasefire between Tehran and Washington appears to be holding. The warning, reported by Iranian state media on Saturday, came a day after the United States struck two Iranian oil tankers, raising fresh concerns over the stability of the month-long ceasefire. The U.S. military said the vessels were attempting to breach its blockade of Iranian ports. Meanwhile, Bahrain, host to the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet, said it had arrested 41 individuals allegedly linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. Authorities claimed the group had been in contact with the Guard and collected funds intended to support what they described as “terrorist operations.” Iran cautioned Bahrain against aligning with the U.S., warning of “severe consequences” and highlighting the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy route that has largely been blocked since the conflict began on Feb. 28. The ongoing blockade of the strait has disrupted global oil supplies, driven up fuel prices and unsettled international markets. The U.S. Central Command said its forces have turned back dozens of vessels and disabled several since enforcing the blockade in April. Amid rising tensions, Britain announced it was deploying a warship to the Middle East in preparation for a possible multinational mission to safeguard commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz once hostilities subside. France has also moved its aircraft carrier group into the Red Sea as part of preparations. Diplomatic efforts to end the conflict continue, with the United States awaiting Iran’s response to a proposed agreement aimed at reopening the strait and curbing Tehran’s nuclear programme. U.S. President Donald Trump has reiterated threats of intensified military action if Iran does not agree to the deal. Pakistan said it has been engaged in continuous diplomatic contacts with both Washington and Tehran to help sustain the ceasefire and reach a broader peace agreement. Russia and Saudi Arabia have also called for a long-term diplomatic solution. Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow’s proposal to take custody of Iran’s enriched uranium remains under consideration as part of potential negotiations, suggesting it could be placed under international monitoring. Despite ongoing diplomacy, uncertainty remains over Iran’s leadership, with its new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei yet to make a public appearance since the conflict began. However, Iranian officials have said he is in good health. Officials from Egypt and Qatar have also emphasized that dialogue remains the only viable path to resolving the crisis.

A Pakistani source involved in peace efforts told Reuters that the US and Iran are nearing a brief, one-page agreement aimed at ending the conflict. The source said, “We will close this very soon. We are getting close,” confirming an earlier Axios report. More details are expected as the situation develops. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has paused the military’s “Project Freedom” operation intended to secure the Strait of Hormuz, citing progress toward a broader agreement with Iran. He said the pause would last “for a short period” to assess whether a “complete and final agreement with the representatives of Iran” can be reached. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian responded that the US is applying “a policy of maximum pressure” and “expects Iran to submit to their unilateral demands”, calling that approach “impossible” for Tehran. Global oil prices fell further after Trump’s comments suggesting a potential peace deal. Brent crude dropped more than 6% to around $103 a barrel, while US crude slipped nearly 7% to about $95. Both benchmarks had already declined about 4% in the previous session. Traders are closely watching developments around the Strait of Hormuz following the pause in the “Project Freedom” operation aimed at supporting shipping through the waterway. Source: Al Jazeera

The United States said its forces engaged Iranian units and sank six small boats targeting civilian shipping as it sought to reopen the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, while the United Arab Emirates reported coming under attack for the first time since a ceasefire took effect in early April. The US military said two American-flagged merchant vessels successfully transited the strait under a new initiative to restore safe passage through the key waterway. The UAE Defence Ministry said its air defences intercepted 15 missiles and four drones launched from Iran. Authorities in Fujairah reported that one drone ignited a fire at a major oil facility, injuring three Indian nationals. The British military also reported two cargo ships ablaze off the UAE coast. Iran did not clearly confirm or deny the attacks. Early Tuesday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned on social media that both the US and the UAE should avoid being drawn back into a wider conflict. Earlier, Iranian state television quoted an unnamed official as saying Tehran had “no plan” to target the UAE or its oil facilities, blaming the incident on what it described as US military actions aimed at forcing an “illegal passage” through the strait. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global energy supplies, has been effectively restricted by Iran since late February, pushing up global fuel prices and heightening economic concerns. The US-led Joint Maritime Information Center said ships were being advised to use routes through Omani waters under enhanced security arrangements. US Central Command chief Adm. Brad Cooper said American forces had cleared a safe corridor free of Iranian mines and repelled multiple threats, including cruise missiles, drones and small boat attacks on vessels under US protection. President Donald Trump said efforts to block the strait would be met with force if necessary, describing the US initiative, dubbed “Project Freedom,” as aimed at assisting stranded commercial vessels in the Gulf. The UAE condemned what it termed “renewed treacherous Iranian aggression” and called for an immediate halt to attacks. Residents received multiple missile alerts on Monday — the first since the ceasefire began — while several inbound commercial flights to the UAE were diverted midair. In neighbouring Oman, authorities reported that a residential building near the strait was struck, injuring two foreign workers and damaging vehicles. Iran has warned that all vessels transiting the strait must coordinate with its forces, cautioning that any foreign military presence, particularly that of the US, could be targeted. Meanwhile, South Korea said a fire aboard a South Korean-operated vessel in the strait had been extinguished with no casualties among the 24 crew members. Earlier reports said the Panama-flagged ship experienced an explosion and engine fire while anchored near the UAE. The UAE also accused Iran of targeting an oil tanker linked to its national energy company with drones, though no injuries were reported. The ongoing disruption has strained energy-dependent economies in Europe and Asia, driving up oil and gas prices. The US has warned shipping companies against paying transit fees to Iran and has enforced a naval blockade on Iranian ports since mid-April, turning back dozens of commercial vessels. US officials hope the pressure will push Tehran to make concessions in negotiations over its nuclear programme and other disputes. However, little progress has been reported. Iran’s latest proposal calls for lifting US sanctions, ending the naval blockade, withdrawing foreign forces from the region and halting all hostilities, including Israeli operations in Lebanon. Iranian officials say the proposal does not address nuclear issues and aims to resolve other disputes within 30 days, rather than extend the current ceasefire. Trump has expressed doubts that the proposal will lead to a breakthrough.

Nahida Sultana Bristy, a Bangladeshi PhD student who went missing in Florida, United States, has also died, according to a claim made by her brother on social media, although authorities have yet to officially confirm her death. “Our sister is no longer with us. Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji'un,” her brother Zahid Hasan Pranto said in a Facebook post on Saturday. Bristy had gone missing in Florida along with another Bangladeshi student, Zamil Limon, whose body was recovered on Friday. Limon’s body was recovered on Friday morning from the Howard Frankland Bridge, which spans Tampa Bay, reports AP. An autopsy is underway to determine the cause and manner of Limon’s death. Limon’s roommate Hisham Saleh Abugharbeih, 26, was taken into custody at his family’s home nearby on preliminary charges that include unlawfully moving a dead body, failure to report a death, tampering with evidence, false imprisonment and battery. What is known about suspect Hisham in the killing of Bangladeshi student in Florida He was expected to make a first appearance in court Saturday morning. A family friend contacted authorities last Friday after being unable to contact either one, USF police said. Investigators spoke with Abugharbeih, who is a native-born U.S. citizen, on Thursday, Maurer said, but after initially talking, Abugharbeih chose to end the interview. He said Abugharbeih was speaking with detectives again after his arrest Friday morning. There are no other suspects in the investigation at this time, Maurer said. Limon was studying geography, environmental science and policy, and Bristy studying chemical engineering.

The body of a Bangladeshi doctoral student who went missing with his girlfriend from the University of South Florida was found on a bridge over Tampa Bay, and his roommate has been taken into custody, law enforcement authorities said Friday. Zamil Limon’s remains were found on the Howard Frankland bridge Friday morning, but Nahida Bristy is still missing, Hillsborough County Chief Deputy Joseph Maurer said. Limon’s roommate Hisham Saleh Abugharbeih, 26, was taken into custody at his family’s home nearby on preliminary charges that include unlawfully moving a dead body, failure to report a death, tampering with evidence, false imprisonment and battery. He was expected to make a first appearance in court Saturday morning. “We are still actively searching for Nahida,” Maurer said, appealing to the public to share any useful information. Law enforcement dive teams were searching the bay near the bridge as part of those efforts, the sheriff’s office said. Officers encountered Abugharbeih as they responded to a report of domestic violence at his family’s home, just north of the campus, and were able to move his relatives to safety. But then he barricaded himself inside and refused to come out. A SWAT team responded — along with a drone, a robot and crisis negotiators — before Abugarbeih came out with his hands up, apparently wearing nothing but a blue towel. Bangladeshi USF student found dead in Florida, compatriot still missing “This is a deeply disturbing case that has shaken our community and impacted many who were hoping for a safe resolution,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said. “While the discovery of Zamil Limon’s remains is heartbreaking, I want the public to know that our detectives worked and are working tirelessly and relentlessly to uncover the truth.” A family friend contacted authorities last Friday after being unable to contact either one, USF police said. Investigators spoke with Abugharbeih, who is a native-born U.S. citizen, on Thursday, Maurer said, but after initially talking, Abugharbeih chose to end the interview. He said Abugharbeih was speaking with detectives again after his arrest Friday morning. There are no other suspects in the investigation at this time, Maurer said. An autopsy is being done on the remains to determine the manner and cause of Limon’s death, and those results are expected Saturday morning, he said. Abugharbeih had been a USF student but was not currently enrolled. University records showed he had attended the school from Spring 2021 through Spring 2023, and had pursued a BS in Management, a university spokesperson said. Limon was studying geography, environmental science and policy, and Bristy is studying chemical engineering. Abugharbeih had several previous arrests, the sheriff’s office said. He was charged with battery and burglary of an unoccupied dwelling in September 2023, and with battery that May — both classified in court records as misdemeanors. Court records show Abugharbeih entered into a diversion program for first-time offenders charged with misdemeanors. He completed the program in 2024 and the charges were discontinued. A phone call to his lawyer in that case was not immediately returned. Hillsborough County Court records also showed two domestic violence petitions filed by a family member in 2023. A judge granted an injunction in one case and denied the other petition. He also was accused of traffic violations.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has said Tehran will take the management of the Strait of Hormuz “into a new phase,” as tensions persist over access to the critically important waterway despite a fragile ceasefire with the United States. In a statement broadcast by state media, Khamenei said Iran would “seek compensation for every single loss inflicted” and pursue damages for those injured in the war. While he did not clarify what the new phase of Hormuz management would entail, the remarks signal a potential shift in Tehran’s strategy over the vital global oil route. He stressed that Iran “never sought war and we’re not seeking war,” but warned it would “not back off from seeking our legitimate rights in any way,” including support for what he described as the “entire resistance front.” He also called on pro-Iran supporters to mobilise publicly, saying their voices could influence the outcome of ongoing negotiations. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said Israel would “scale back” strikes on Lebanon ahead of talks with Iran in Islamabad, expressing optimism about a potential deal. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the notion of a truce in Lebanon, declaring “there is no ceasefire” and vowing continued attacks against Hezbollah. Netanyahu says Israel to hold direct talks with Lebanon amid ceasefire dispute The conflicting positions have cast doubt on the durability of the two-week ceasefire, with disputes over Lebanon and the Strait of Hormuz emerging as key sticking points. Heavy Israeli strikes on Beirut shortly after the truce announcement further deepened uncertainty. Diplomatic efforts are set to continue, with Pakistan hosting talks in Islamabad involving senior officials from the US, Iran and Pakistan, as both sides test the possibility of a broader settlement. Pakistani officials have disclosed the names of key figures expected to attend the upcoming negotiations aimed at ending the conflict between Iran and the United States. The talks are tentatively scheduled for Saturday in Islamabad, though officials said details are still being finalised and the list of participants may change, reports Al Jazeera. From Pakistan, expected attendees include Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and National Security Adviser Asim Malik, who also heads the country’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The US delegation is likely to feature Vice President JD Vance, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, senior presidential adviser Jared Kushner, and Admiral Brad Cooper, head of the US Central Command (CENTCOM). Iran’s side is expected to be represented by Speaker of Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi. Officials emphasised that the final list of participants could be updated as preparations continue. The talks come amid a two-week ceasefire between Iran and the US, providing a window for diplomatic engagement. With inputs from BBC

A senior vice president of and two associates have been charged in the United States with conspiring to smuggle billions of dollars’ worth of computer servers equipped with advanced chips to in violation of U.S. export control laws. Federal prosecutors said the defendants diverted large quantities of high-performance servers assembled in the U.S. to China between 2024 and 2025. Investigators allege they used fabricated documents, staged equipment to pass audits and relied on a pass-through company to conceal their activities and true customers. The accused include Yih-Shyan “Wally” Liaw, 71, a U.S. citizen and senior vice president and board member of Super Micro Computer; Ting-Wei “Willy” Sun, 44, a company contractor; and Ruei-Tsang “Steven” Chang, a Taiwan-based sales manager who remains at large. Liaw was arrested in California and released on bail, while Sun was held pending a bail hearing. According to court papers, Liaw and Chang directed a Southeast Asian firm to place about $2.5 billion in server orders from the California-based company, with at least $510 million later diverted to China. Super Micro said the alleged conduct violated company policies and that it is cooperating with investigators. Nvidia said it maintains strict compliance measures and does not support systems diverted in breach of export regulations.