United News of Bangladesh

US President Donald Trump has warned that the United States will strike Iran “very hard” as tensions escalate in the Middle East following ongoing military exchanges involving Iran, Israel and regional actors. Speaking in Miami, Trump said the US military was considering additional targets inside Iran and claimed American forces had already destroyed 42 Iranian navy ships over the past three days. He said the United States was performing “very well” in the operation and suggested that Iran’s military capabilities had been significantly weakened. The developments come as Israel announced a new “broad wave” of airstrikes inside Iran and additional attacks against the Iran backed group Hezbollah in Lebanon. Meanwhile, Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian apologised to neighbouring Gulf countries and said Tehran would not attack them unless it was attacked first. Despite the statement, regional tensions remain high as several countries reported security threats. Authorities in the United Arab Emirates said air defence systems intercepted incoming missiles and drones launched from Iran. Video circulating online also appeared to show a drone strike near Dubai International Airport, though officials have not publicly confirmed the details of the incident. Flight operations at the airport were briefly suspended following the explosion before services resumed later. The conflict has also disrupted travel across the region, leaving many passengers stranded as airlines cancelled flights due to security risks. Satellite images analysed by intelligence firm Vantor showed damage to several Iranian military facilities, including buildings at the Parchin military complex near Tehran and the Barukh naval base in Bushehr province. Images also indicated that several aircraft were destroyed at Shiraz airbase. In Lebanon, Israeli strikes in the Bekaa Valley killed at least 41 people and injured dozens, according to the Lebanese health ministry. Residents described scenes of destruction with damaged buildings, vehicles and large craters in the ground following overnight bombardment. The Israeli military said its operations targeted Hezbollah infrastructure and also included a search for the remains of an Israeli navigator missing since the 1980s. Amid the widening conflict, the United Kingdom has increased its military readiness. Defence officials said the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales has been placed on advanced readiness to deploy if needed. British authorities also confirmed that US forces have used British bases for defensive operations aimed at preventing Iranian missile launches in the region. The Iranian ambassador to the UK warned London against deeper involvement in the conflict, saying Iran would defend itself if foreign forces took part in attacks. In Tehran, residents described growing fear as strikes continued in and around the capital. One resident told the BBC that daily life had shifted from political debate to basic survival, with people focusing on safety, food and protecting their families. Uncertainty about the future remains high as the conflict shows no sign of easing.   With inputs from BBC