United News of Bangladesh

At least 6,668 civilian sites have been hit in US-Israeli attacks since the war began on February 28, according to statistics from the Iranian Red Crescent Society cited by the Fars news agency. The report detailed that the strikes damaged 5,535 residential units, 1,041 commercial properties, 14 medical centres, 65 schools, and 13 facilities linked to the Iranian Red Crescent Society, reports Al Jazeera. Several rescue and relief vehicles were also damaged, and multiple Red Crescent personnel were injured while conducting emergency operations, the report added.    

Bangladesh Imamia Ulama Society on Tuesday brought out a protest procession in front of Jatiya Press Club protesting the recent US and Israeli attacks on Iran. Bangladesh Imamia Ulama Society also formed a human chain in front of the Jatiya Press Club. Speakers at the rally alleged that the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in what they described as a ‘barbaric attack’ constitutes a clear violation of international law. Jamaat condemns Khamenei’s killing, holds protest rally in Dhaka They said the strikes by the United States and Israel, carried out in violation of Iran’s sovereignty and the authority of its people, pose a serious threat to global peace and stability. The ongoing spread of conflict across the Middle East could lead to devastating consequences, they said. The speakers also criticised the timing of the attacks during the holy month of Ramadan, alleging that the actions once again exposed what they termed the ‘terrorist nature’ of Israel and the United States. They described the strikes as a direct violation of international law, the UN Charter and the fundamental principles of sovereignty of independent states. The protesters urged the United Nations and other international forums to play an active role in safeguarding Iran’s sovereignty and to take immediate steps to stop the war. Later, a procession was brought out from the Jatiya Press Club which ended at Paltan.

Crude oil prices surged sharply while global stocks fell, as investors reacted to the fallout from the US-Israeli attacks on Iran. Brent crude climbed as much as 13 percent in Asia on Monday morning before easing slightly, with the international benchmark trading around $76.48 per barrel by midday Tokyo time, up about 5 percent. Asian equities opened lower, with Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index down roughly 2 percent and Japan’s Nikkei 225 falling about 1.5 percent. In the US, stock futures—which trade outside regular market hours—showed notable declines, pointing to a volatile session ahead on Wall Street. Futures tracking the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite both fell roughly 0.7 percent. Iran continues to strike US assets across the Gulf after the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and up to 40 top Iranian officials. The attacks have killed one person in Bahrain, with Iraq and Kuwait reporting more Iranian raids. Israel says it is striking at the ‘heart of Tehran’ and is launching attacks on Lebanon after Hezbollah fired a barrage of rockets at northern Israel. Iranian state media says Israeli attacks have killed at least 20 people in Tehran’s Niloofar Square and caused damage to the Gandhi Hospital and a police building.” Iran’s retaliatory strikes on Israel have hit the cities of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, and killed at least nine people in the central city of Beit Shemesh. US President Donald Trump has warned that attacks on Iran will continue until all of Washington’s objectives are achieved, and has promised to avenge the deaths of three American soldiers. Source: Al jazeera

Global leaders have voiced deep concern following military strikes by Israel and the United States on Iran, and Tehran’s subsequent retaliation, warning of the risk of a wider regional conflict across the Middle East. The United Nations Human Rights Chief, Volker Türk, called for “restraint” and urged all parties to “see reason, to de-escalate, and for a return to the negotiating table.” “I deplore the military strikes across Iran this morning by Israel and the United States of America, and the subsequent retaliatory strikes by Iran,” he said, stressing that civilians ultimately bear the brunt of armed conflict. He reminded those involved that protecting civilians is “paramount” under international law. At least 51 students killed as US-Israel strikes on Iran escalate into regional crisis The European Union’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, described the latest developments as “perilous.” In a statement on X, she noted that the European Union has imposed strong sanctions on Iran and supported diplomatic solutions, including on the nuclear issue. She added that she had spoken to Israel’s and other regional foreign ministers, underscoring that the protection of civilians and adherence to international humanitarian law remain a priority. A spokesperson for the Government of the United Kingdom said London does not want to see “further escalation into a wider regional conflict.” The statement emphasised that the immediate priority is the safety of UK nationals in the region, adding that Britain stands ready to protect its interests. Tehran hits back across region after US and Israel attack Iran Prime Minister Keir Starmer chaired a meeting of the government’s emergency Cobra committee and is expected to hold a series of calls with allies. The BBC reported that the UK was not involved in the US-Israeli strikes. Germany said it had been informed of the attack in advance, with Chancellor Friedrich Merz consulting relevant security ministers. In Rome, the office of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she had held a conference call with ministers and intelligence chiefs and would consult allies and regional leaders to support efforts aimed at easing tensions. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his country supported the US in acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and from continuing to threaten international peace and security. Meanwhile, Russia condemned the US-Israeli strikes, calling them a “reckless move.” The Russian foreign ministry said it was “condemnable” that the attacks were being carried out under what it described as the guise of renewed negotiations, referring to recent US-Iran nuclear talks. Moscow also urged the international community to assess what it termed “irresponsible actions aimed at undermining peace, stability, and security” in the region. As diplomatic activity intensifies, world leaders continue to call for restraint, warning that any further escalation could destabilise an already volatile Middle East.