United News of Bangladesh

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.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) on Friday responded to remarks made by Opposition Leader in Parliament Dr Shafiqur Rahman, stressing that Bangladesh’s stance on the ongoing conflict in the West Asia region has been widely appreciated across the region. In his speech at the Jatiya Sangsad on April 30, the Opposition Leader questioned why a friendly country appeared to suggest that Bangladesh had not stood by them during a difficult time. The MoFA, in a statement however, said Bangladesh’s balanced and constructive policy has received positive recognition from regional countries. As an example, the ministry cited a recent statement from the Iranian Embassy in Dhaka, which commended Bangladesh’s approach.  The embassy also expressed concern over what it described as selective and fragmented reporting of its remarks in certain media outlets. On April 23, at a ceremony held at the Iranian Embassy marking the handover of emergency medical assistance from Bangladesh to Iran, Ambassador Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi underscored the deep and friendly ties between the two countries. He also conveyed appreciation for Bangladesh’s compassion and sincere support for the Iranian people during this challenging period.On April 21, the Iranian Embassy in Dhaka welcomed the meeting held between Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and Deputy Foreign Minister of Iran Dr. Khatibzadeh on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum. The Embassy said they will earnestly pursue the constructive and fruitful engagements and initiatives between the officials of the two countries and underscores the importance of further expanding bilateral relations across all areas of mutual interest. Iran appreciated the balanced and constructive position of the government of Bangladesh in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East through dialogue and diplomacy, which remain essential for the region and the wider international community. The Embassy also expressed its sincere appreciation for the messages of condolence conveyed by the government of Bangladesh following the martyrdom of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, the Leader of the Ummah and the great Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Grand Ayatollah Khamenei. Particular appreciation is extended for the adoption of a condolence motion at the opening session of the 13th Parliament, which constitutes a notable and exceptional gesture. The Embassy further expressed its gratitude for the presence of a senior official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh at the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Dhaka to sign the condolence book. Iran also appreciated the decision of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to send emergency medical assistance to the Islamic Republic of Iran through the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society. The Islamic Republic of Iran, while appreciating the support of the government and people of Bangladesh, expressed its heartfelt condolences over the loss of Bangladeshi nationals resulting from the war ‘initiated by the United States and the Zionist regime and their unlawful aggression’ against the Islamic Republic of Iran, and wished a speedy recovery to those injured in these unfortunate incidents.  It will continue its efforts to facilitate the safe passage of Bangladeshi vessels through the Strait of Hormuz and has also facilitated the safe evacuation of 186 Bangladeshi nationals from Iran via Azerbaijan. The Embassy, in a press statement, called upon all concerned to refrain from any actions or statements that may create misperceptions, and to uphold the spirit of mutual respect that governs the enduring ties between the two brotherly nations. Iran reiterates its firm commitment to strengthening the close and amicable relations between the two nations. The Embassy expressed its dissatisfaction with the selective dissemination of excerpts from recent media interviews concerning developments in the Middle East, which have been republished by certain media outlets and social media platforms. “Such actions are deemed inconsistent with the friendly and brotherly relations between the two countries,” said the Embassy, noting that these inaccurate and selective representations are regrettable and contrary to the principles of responsible media conduct. The Islamic Republic of Iran and the People's Republic of Bangladesh enjoy longstanding, friendly, and brotherly relations founded upon mutual respect and shared values. Iran reaffirmed its firm commitment to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.  

Iran’s supreme leader defiantly vowed Thursday to protect the Islamic Republic’s nuclear and missile capabilities, which U.S. President Donald Trump has sought to curtail through airstrikes and as part of a wider deal to cement the war’s shaky ceasefire. In a statement read by a state television anchor, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei said the only place Americans belonged in the Persian Gulf is “at the bottom of its waters” and that a “new chapter” was being written in the region’s history. Khamenei has not been seen in public since taking over as supreme leader following the killing of his father in the war’s opening airstrikes. His remarks come as Iran’s economy is reeling and its oil industry is being squeezed by a U.S. Navy blockade halting its tankers from getting out to sea. The world economy is also under pressure as Iran maintains its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of all crude oil is transported. On Thursday, the global benchmark for oil, Brent crude, traded as high as $126 a barrel. That shock to oil supplies and prices is putting pressure on Trump, who is floating a new plan to reopen the critical passageway used by the U.S.'s Gulf allies to export their oil and gas. Under the plan, the U.S. would continue its blockade on Iranian ports, while coordinating with allies to impose higher costs on Iran’s attempts to subvert the free flow of energy, according to a senior administration official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment publicly. In a cable sent Tuesday, the U.S. State Department instructed American diplomats around the world — except those in Belarus, China, Cuba and Russia — to seek their host government’s support for the Trump administration’s call for assistance in establishing a “maritime freedom construct” that would ensure free and unimpeded access to shipping through the strait.

Brent crude oil prices climbed sharply to around $123 a barrel on Thursday as worries over the Iran war and stalled U.S.-Iran talks fuelled concerns about global supply disruptions and the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude for June delivery rose 4.1% to $122.88 after briefly crossing $125 per barrel, while July contracts gained 2.5% to $113.17. U.S. crude also increased 2% to $109.05 a barrel. Before the conflict began in late February, Brent was trading near $70. The war has blocked a clear path to peace, with continued U.S. restrictions on Iranian ports and the Strait of Hormuz remaining shut, keeping oil markets under pressure. New reports suggesting possible further escalation by U.S. President Donald Trump also weakened hopes for a quick resolution. Analysts said the breakdown in talks has dampened expectations of a restart in oil flows. “The breakdown of talks between the U.S. and Iran, along with President Trump reportedly rejecting Iran’s proposal for a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, has the market losing hope for any quick resumption in oil flows,” ING Bank strategists Warren Patterson and Ewa Manthey said in a note. Oil prices have also moved close to their highest levels since 2008, when Brent hit $147.50 a barrel during the global financial crisis. In currency markets, the U.S. dollar strengthened further, reaching 160.61 Japanese yen, its highest level in nearly two years. It later closed at 160.44 yen. The euro slipped slightly to $1.1671. The dollar has benefited from its safe-haven status during global uncertainty and from relatively high U.S. interest rates. The Federal Reserve’s decision to keep rates unchanged on Wednesday also supported the currency. Analysts said Japanese authorities could step in if the yen weakens further. Global stock markets also declined. In Asia, Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 1% to 59,284.92, South Korea’s Kospi dropped 1.4% to 6,598.87, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng lost 1.1% to 25,816.80. Shanghai’s Composite index edged up 0.2% to 4,113.88. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 slipped 0.2%, while Taiwan’s Taiex and India’s Sensex each fell about 1%. On Wall Street, U.S. futures and shares were mostly lower after a mixed session on Wednesday. The S&P 500 edged down less than 0.1%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.6%, while the Nasdaq posted a slight gain. Despite the broader weakness, some companies posted strong gains, with Starbucks rising 8.4% and Visa up 8.3% after better-than-expected earnings.

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman has said that international commerce and global trade channels should be free and open, stressing that everybody suffers if the free flow of international commerce is impeded. “It’s very important that the Strait of Hormuz is open for navigation. Not only the Strait of Hormuz, but international commerce should also be free and open. If they are not open and are impeded, everybody suffers. Global growth suffers, countries suffer. So it’s very important that these channels of global trade remain open,” he said. During an interview titled ADF Talks on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum recently, the Foreign Minister said the news that the Strait of Hormuz would remain open was very welcome. “You saw the impact on oil prices immediately.” He called for coordinated international action to contain the global energy crisis, warning that developing countries could face severe economic shocks if supply disruptions persist. Referring to past experiences, Dr Khalilur said they do not want a repetition of history, and it is very important that countries around the world work not only to bring peace but also to minimide the effects that the crisis might have on various countries, especially developing nations. He said the International Energy Agency has already indicated that the scope of the current crisis could be much larger than that of the 1970s. “So if the impact is very similar, then we have very rough days ahead. It is only through collective action that we will be able to withstand the negative effects emanating from the crisis and its impact on the energy market,” said the Foreign Minister. He said the world is currently facing a serious energy crisis and significant energy challenges and expressed hope that the situation would improve soon so that countries can return to normal economic activities. The 5th edition of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF 2026), hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye under the auspices of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, took place on April 17–19 in Antalya, Türkiye. In the face of geopolitical tensions, shifting balances of power, rising trade barriers and mounting pressure on multilateralism, the current global landscape is marked by increasing unpredictability. This year’s theme, “Mapping Tomorrow, Managing Uncertainties,” emphasized the importance of anticipating and addressing emerging issues in order to shape a better future. The theme underscored the need to stay ahead of future developments by identifying risks and opportunities, developing strategies, and turning insights into action. “Young nations and developing economies suffered deeply in the 1980s after earlier oil shocks. We do not want a repetition of history,” said the Foreign Minister.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is set to testify before Congress on Wednesday for the first time since the Trump administration launched its war against Iran, a move strongly criticised by Democrats as an expensive conflict carried out without congressional approval. The hearing, organised by the House Armed Services Committee, will mainly focus on the administration’s proposed 2027 military budget, which seeks to raise defense spending to a record $1.5 trillion. Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine are expected to underline the need for increased investment in drones, missile defence systems and naval forces. However, Democratic lawmakers are expected to shift attention to the growing cost of the Iran war, the depletion of key US weapons stockpiles and reports of civilian casualties, including children killed in a school bombing. Questions may also be raised about the military’s readiness to counter Iranian drone attacks, some of which reportedly breached US defenses and caused American casualties. Although a ceasefire is now in place, the US and Israel launched the conflict on Feb 28 without formal approval from Congress. Efforts by Democrats to pass resolutions requiring President Donald Trump to halt the war until authorised by lawmakers have so far failed. Republicans, while largely backing Trump’s leadership during the conflict, have also expressed concern about its duration. They cite Iran’s nuclear ambitions and the risks of withdrawing too soon, but some within the party are looking ahead to possible votes that could test support for the president if the war continues. Tensions have also affected global energy markets. Iran’s move to shut down the Strait of Hormuz has driven up fuel prices, adding political pressure on Republicans ahead of upcoming elections. In response, the US has imposed a naval blockade on Iranian shipping and increased its military presence in the region, deploying three aircraft carriers to the Middle East for the first time in over two decades. Despite ongoing tensions, both sides remain at an impasse. Trump is unlikely to accept Tehran’s proposal to reopen the strait in exchange for ending the war, lifting the blockade and delaying nuclear negotiations. Hegseth has so far avoided direct questioning from lawmakers, though he and Caine have held televised Pentagon briefings. His appearance before Congress this week, including another session with the Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday, is expected to be more challenging. Lawmakers are also likely to question recent leadership changes within the military. Hegseth has removed several senior officials, including Army chief Gen. Randy George, along with other top generals and defence figures. Republican Sen. Thom Tillis said the dismissals raised serious concerns, noting the importance of stability in key military positions during wartime. He admitted the developments have made him reconsider his earlier support for Hegseth. Meanwhile, Rep. Austin Scott also criticised the removal of Gen. George, calling it a reckless decision that undermined the US Army.

US President Donald Trump is reviewing a proposal from Iran aimed at ending its conflict with Israel, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and postponing nuclear negotiations until after the war. The White House said Trump met his national security advisers on Monday to assess the proposal. However, US media reports suggest he is not satisfied with the plan because it delays discussions on Iran’s nuclear programme. According to Reuters, citing a US official, Trump wants the nuclear issue to be addressed at the very beginning of any talks. CNN reported, quoting sources familiar with the matter, that he is unlikely to accept the proposal, as easing US restrictions on Iranian ports without resolving nuclear concerns could reduce Washington’s bargaining power. The proposal comes as uncertainty continues over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global trade route. Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has said Tehran will not enter negotiations while US restrictions on its ports remain in place. Washington and Tehran agreed to a temporary ceasefire on April 8 after more than a month of fighting triggered by joint US and Israeli strikes on Iran. The truce, mediated by Pakistan, is now under pressure due to disagreements over maritime access in the strait and US measures targeting Iranian ports. Ongoing tensions involving Israel and Lebanon have further complicated the situation. Meanwhile, Iran has signalled it is still open to diplomacy. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met Russian President Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg on Monday and said Tehran is considering a US request to resume talks. Araghchi welcomed high-level engagement with Russia during a period of regional instability, saying recent developments show the strength of ties between the two countries. He also expressed appreciation for Moscow’s support for diplomatic efforts. Iran has also been engaging with regional partners, including Pakistan and Oman, which has traditionally acted as a mediator. Officials say Tehran is keeping communication channels open and continues to signal readiness for dialogue. At the same time, pressure is growing internationally to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Many countries have called for urgent and unhindered access to the waterway, while UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned the situation could lead to a global food crisis. Diplomats at the UN Security Council have repeatedly urged de-escalation, highlighting disruptions caused by stranded cargo ships and thousands of maritime workers unable to pass through the strait. About 20 percent of the world’s oil and natural gas flows through the route, making the situation critical for global energy supplies. Bahrain, which requested the UN meeting with support from several affected countries, described the closure as a violation of international law and called for an end to attacks on ships. However, no action was taken, as an earlier resolution urging the reopening of the strait was blocked by China and Russia, with Moscow blaming the US and Israel for escalating the conflict. Source: Al Jazeera

Japan’s central bank on Tuesday kept its key interest rate unchanged at 0.75%, citing concerns that the ongoing Iran war could drive up oil and energy prices further. The decision by the Bank of Japan was widely expected, although the vote by its monetary policy board was split 6-3, indicating some disagreement among members. The central bank has been under pressure to slowly raise rates after maintaining near-zero levels for years to tackle deflation. The BOJ said the economy is still expanding at a moderate pace but warned that growth could slow in the coming months. “There are various risks to the outlook,” the bank said in a statement, adding that developments in the Middle East will need close monitoring. The ongoing conflict has effectively shut down the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route through which about one-fifth of the world’s traded oil and natural gas passes. With limited shipping, global energy supplies are tightening, pushing up prices of fuel, including gasoline and jet fuel, while shortages of cooking gas and other energy products are emerging in some regions. Japan, which relies heavily on Middle Eastern oil, is particularly vulnerable to such disruptions. Meanwhile, the U.S. Federal Reserve and several European central banks are also set to announce their interest rate decisions later this week. Following the BOJ’s announcement, Tokyo’s benchmark Nikkei 225 index fell by more than 1%.

Stock markets across Asia fell on Tuesday while oil prices climbed, as efforts to end the Iran war appeared to lose momentum again. Despite a fragile ceasefire, the Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed, disrupting a key route for global oil supplies. Many Asian economies, especially resource-dependent Japan, rely heavily on this passage for energy imports. Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 dropped 1.1% to 59,884.12 after the central bank kept its key interest rate unchanged at 0.75%. The Bank of Japan said the economy continues to grow at a moderate pace but warned of a likely slowdown as rising oil and commodity prices linked to the war increase costs. The decision by its policy board was split 6-3, reflecting differing views among members. Pressure has been building for Japan to gradually raise interest rates after years of keeping them near zero to tackle deflation. “There are various risks to the outlook,” the central bank said, noting that developments in the Middle East remain a key concern. Elsewhere in the region, South Korea’s Kospi rose 1% to 6,683.10. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng fell 0.7% to 25,751.04, while China’s Shanghai Composite declined 0.2% to 4,078.77. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 lost 0.6% to 8,717.80. Oil prices continued to rise. Brent crude for June delivery increased by $1.11 to $109.34 per barrel. The more actively traded July contract rose $1.08 to $102.77. Before the war, Brent was trading near $70 per barrel but has at times surged close to $120. U.S. benchmark crude also rose 96 cents to $97.33 per barrel. Investors are now awaiting interest rate decisions from the U.S. Federal Reserve, the European Central Bank and the Bank of England later this week. On Monday, U.S. markets showed modest gains. The S&P 500 edged up 0.1% to a record high of 7,137.91, following weeks of strong performance driven by solid corporate earnings and hopes that the global economy can withstand the impact of the war. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.1% to 49,167.79, while the Nasdaq composite rose 0.2%. Market attention is also focused on upcoming earnings reports from major tech companies, including Alphabet, Amazon, Meta Platforms, Microsoft and Apple. In the bond market, U.S. Treasury yields rose slightly alongside oil prices. The yield on the 10-year Treasury increased to 4.33% from 4.31% late Friday. In currency trading, the U.S. dollar weakened slightly to 159.04 Japanese yen from 159.42 yen, while the euro dipped to $1.1716 from $1.1720.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has met Pakistan’s Army chief Asim Munir in Islamabad, according to Iranian state media, amid ongoing diplomatic efforts. The meeting comes as Iran intensifies consultations with regional partners over evolving developments in the Middle East and stalled international negotiations, reports BBC. Following his engagements in Pakistan, Araghchi said he will travel to Oman and Russia, noting in a social media post that the visits aim to “coordinate with our partners on bilateral matters and consult on regional developments.” No further details of the discussions between the two sides were immediately disclosed. The visit is being closely watched as diplomatic activity increases around efforts to revive stalled US-Iran dialogue and address regional security concerns.