United News of Bangladesh

A US strike on Iran’s Kharg Island has significantly raised tensions in the ongoing confrontation between Tehran on one side and the United States and Israel on the other, according to media reports. Kharg Island, located in the northern Gulf, is considered a crucial part of Iran’s oil export system and serves as the terminal for nearly 90 percent of the country’s crude shipments. Its deep waters allow Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) to load oil for export. Analysts say targeting the island is effectively aimed at the core of Iran’s economy because of its central role in oil exports. If US President Donald Trump decides to go further and target the island’s oil facilities rather than only the Iranian troops stationed there, it could push global oil prices even higher. Observers are also concerned about Iran’s potential response. Despite the ongoing conflict, Iran still has the capacity to launch large numbers of low-cost explosive drones targeting Gulf Arab countries and shipping routes. There are also fears that Iran could expand its targets to include key infrastructure in the region, such as desalination plants that supply drinking water to millions of people.   With inputs from BBC

The United States has asked Ukraine to help Gulf allies defend against Iranian drones, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said, as tensions in the Middle East raise concerns about wider security risks. Zelensky said several partners have contacted Kyiv seeking support, including requests from the American side. The Pentagon has not commented on the claim. He said Ukraine is willing to assist but only if the support does not weaken its own defence against Russia. Zelensky also suggested a possible exchange in which Ukraine could provide interceptor drones in return for more US Patriot air defence systems to counter Russian ballistic missiles. The Middle East conflict has raised fears that Ukraine could face reduced attention and support from allies if global focus shifts to the new crisis. There are also concerns that the war could increase oil prices, which would benefit Russia by boosting revenues that fund its military operations. Despite these risks, Zelensky appears eager to use the situation to strengthen Ukraine’s diplomatic and military position. He said Kyiv has been in contact with leaders in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait about helping defend their military bases and civilian infrastructure from drone attacks. Ukraine has extensive experience dealing with Iranian-designed Shahed drones used by Russian forces. These one way attack drones are difficult to intercept without proper equipment and training. “It is clear what their main request to Ukraine is,” Zelensky said on social media, noting that countries facing Iranian drone attacks need expertise and effective defence systems. Ukraine may hope that helping US partners in the Gulf will improve relations with Washington and build stronger ties with Arab states, some of which have maintained close relations with Russia. Delegations from several Gulf countries have already arrived in Kyiv for discussions on possible cooperation. Zelensky also warned that the Middle East conflict has led to heavy use of Patriot interceptor missiles. He said around 800 Patriot PAC-3 missiles had been used in recent days, more than Ukraine has received during the entire war. He suggested Ukraine could transfer some drone interceptors to partners if it receives additional Patriot missiles to fill its own shortages. Ukraine’s defence industry says it could increase production of interceptor drones to about 10,000 per month. However, officials say any decision to export such systems would require approval from the country’s top leadership. Experts also warn that providing equipment alone may not be enough, as foreign partners would require extensive training to use advanced air defence systems effectively.   With inputs from BBC