United News of Bangladesh

Iran’s president Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Pakistan on Tuesday for high-level talks as diplomatic efforts between Tehran and Washington continue to draft a potential agreement aimed at ending the ongoing Middle East conflict, even as fresh violence erupted in Lebanon and key disagreements surfaced over what has actually been agreed so far. Pezeshkian’s visit to Islamabad comes as technical-level negotiations continue following talks held in Switzerland on Monday, led by US Vice President JD Vance and Iran’s parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf. The discussions are part of a wider diplomatic push to finalise a long-term settlement to the war. However, gaps in the understanding between the two sides have already emerged. In Tehran, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said there are no planned visits by the UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to inspect Iranian nuclear sites that were bombed by the United States last year. This contradicts earlier US claims that an agreement had been reached to allow inspections. The IAEA has maintained limited access to Iran since the 2025 Israel–Iran war, but has not been permitted to enter the damaged enrichment facilities targeted by US strikes. At the same time, renewed violence in southern Lebanon has added fresh uncertainty to the fragile diplomatic process. Israeli forces opened fire in separate incidents, killing two people, according to Lebanese authorities, raising fears that the escalation could undermine ongoing negotiations. Iran has insisted that any comprehensive deal must include a full ceasefire in Lebanon, where fighting between Israel and Hezbollah has continued alongside broader regional tensions. Talks in Islamabad amid tight security Security was significantly heightened in Islamabad as Pezeshkian met Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. This is his first visit to Pakistan since the conflict began following US and Israeli strikes on Iran in February. Pezeshkian and Sharif are expected to hold a joint press conference after their talks. Diplomatic efforts are now entering a 60-day phase aimed at shaping a permanent agreement. Both sides have reportedly agreed in principle to establish a “de-confliction cell” to manage the Lebanon conflict and reduce risks of escalation between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah. US officials also said discussions included mechanisms to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, a critical global oil route that Iran had previously disrupted during the conflict. Ahead of the visit, Pezeshkian stressed that progress depends on strict adherence to commitments. “The effectiveness of the talks depends on full commitment to the agreed obligations and their precise implementation,” he wrote on X, adding that “statements outside the agreed text do not help advance the negotiations.” Sanctions, nuclear issues and disputed interpretations Iranian officials said the Switzerland talks led to the formation of several working groups covering sanctions relief, nuclear issues, reconstruction, and monitoring arrangements, according to state media IRNA. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, who is leading the technical talks, also said a coordination mechanism was created for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and for managing the Lebanon conflict. However, it remains unclear whether these arrangements will be enough to halt fighting on the ground, particularly between Israel and Hezbollah, which continues to operate in southern Lebanon. Dispute over use of frozen Iranian assets Another point of disagreement has emerged over Iran’s access to frozen funds. US Vice President JD Vance said any released Iranian assets would be used to purchase American agricultural products, including soy, corn and wheat, with oversight from the US and Qatar. Iran rejected that interpretation. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Baghaei said Tehran alone decides how to use its funds and would base import decisions on price and quality. He also criticised the US framing of the war’s outcome, saying it is ironic that a conflict “aimed at destroying Iran” has been turned into what he described as benefits for American farmers. Iran’s ambassador in Geneva, Ali Bahreini, also disputed claims of external control over the funds, saying Iran alone has authority over its assets. Lebanon ceasefire under strain Mediators Pakistan and Qatar said the proposed coordination cell would include the Lebanese government and aim to enforce a halt to military operations. But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has raised doubts, saying Israel will maintain “full freedom of action” to respond to threats. Neither Israel nor Hezbollah is part of the US–Iran negotiations. Netanyahu has vowed to continue military operations until threats in southern Lebanon are eliminated, while Hezbollah has said it will not stop attacks unless Israel withdraws. US President Donald Trump said he would review the situation, adding that he expects the crisis to be resolved. “I’m a problem solver, I get problems solved real fast,” he said. The latest deadly incidents in Lebanon came after a brief lull following a ceasefire brokered on Saturday. While no airstrikes were reported for two days, tensions remain high, and both sides have continued to accuse each other of violations. Separately, Lebanon and Israel are expected to hold another round of indirect talks in Washington focused on a possible Israeli withdrawal plan.

Israel's military said on Friday that its forces carried out overnight strikes on targets across southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah reported heavy fighting in the area. The latest clashes came as planned talks between the United States and Iran in Switzerland, aimed at finding a lasting solution to the Iran conflict, were postponed. Israel's presence in southern Lebanon and its continued military operations against the Iran-backed Shiite group Hezbollah have been among the key issues under discussion. Israeli officials have argued that the military must maintain control of the area and continue operations against Hezbollah, accusing the group of launching attacks into northern Israel. The delay in the talks followed a report by pan-Arab satellite channel Al-Mayadeen, which is politically aligned with Hezbollah, saying that Iran had postponed sending its delegation to Switzerland because of Israel's ongoing military campaign in Lebanon.

Five people were killed in an Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon on Friday as Israeli attacks continued despite a US-brokered ceasefire and ongoing diplomatic efforts to end regional hostilities. Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA) reported that the victim was killed in an air raid targeting the municipality of Maarakeh in the Tyre district. Israeli warplanes also carried out strikes on several towns and villages in southern Lebanon, including areas located north of the so-called “Yellow Line,” a zone Israel has sought to control in recent months. The renewed attacks came amid reports that the United States and Iran have reached preliminary agreement on the wording of a deal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Friday that mediators were working with both sides to finalize the agreement. According to Iranian media reports, the proposed deal would include an end to hostilities “on all fronts, including Lebanon.” The continued Israeli strikes have raised concerns that violence in Lebanon could undermine efforts to secure a broader regional agreement, particularly as Israel is not directly involved in the negotiations between Washington and Tehran. Israeli leaders have also indicated they do not intend to withdraw from Lebanese territory, adding to uncertainty over the prospects for lasting peace. The attacks occurred despite a ceasefire agreement reached earlier this month between Israeli and Lebanese officials, which called for a complete cessation of hostilities, particularly by Hezbollah. However, sporadic clashes and airstrikes have continued since the agreement was announced. A new round of talks between Israel and Lebanon is expected on June 22 as both sides seek to reach a more comprehensive arrangement aimed at ending cross-border hostilities. Source: Al Jazeera

Saudi Arabia has lifted a five-year ban on imports from Lebanon, a move widely seen as a significant step toward restoring relations between Lebanon and Gulf countries and providing a boost to Lebanon’s struggling economy. The Saudi Foreign Ministry announced on Wednesday that the decision was made at the direction of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and followed what it described as “positive steps taken by the Lebanese state.” Saudi Arabia first banned imports of Lebanese fruits and vegetables in 2021, accusing exporters of using shipments to smuggle drugs into the kingdom. In one high-profile case, Saudi authorities said they seized more than five million Captagon pills hidden inside a consignment of pomegranates from Lebanon. Later that year, Riyadh expanded the restrictions to cover all Lebanese imports after then-Lebanese Information Minister George Kordahi criticized the Saudi-led military campaign against Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. The diplomatic fallout was also linked to Saudi Arabia’s longstanding concerns over the influence of the Iran-backed Hezbollah group in Lebanon. The ban came at a time when Lebanon was already grappling with a severe economic crisis and a sharp depreciation of its national currency. While the Saudi statement did not specify the measures that led to the lifting of the ban, Lebanon has recently announced plans to disarm all non-state armed groups, including Hezbollah. Lebanese authorities have also pledged reforms aimed at strengthening state institutions. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun welcomed the decision and thanked Crown Prince Mohammed, saying the move would help revive the national economy and support Lebanese producers and exporters. Lebanon’s current government, which took office last year on a reform agenda, has been seeking to strengthen relations with Gulf states. Prior to the outbreak of the latest conflict involving Hezbollah and Israel, Lebanese officials had been working to attract Gulf tourists back to the country, while several Gulf nations had eased travel restrictions on visits to Lebanon. The latest Saudi decision is expected to improve trade opportunities for Lebanese businesses and further support efforts to rebuild ties between Beirut and Gulf capitals.

Israeli forces carried out airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs on Sunday, just days after a ceasefire agreement brokered in Washington came into effect, according to Lebanese and Israeli officials. Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported that at least two people were killed and 11 others injured in the strikes, based on preliminary figures. The attack came despite reported US efforts to prevent strikes on the Lebanese capital and amid renewed diplomatic efforts to revive talks between Iran and the United States. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the strikes were launched in response to alleged rocket fire from the Iran-backed Hezbollah group into northern Israel earlier in the day. In a statement, Netanyahu’s office said the attacks targeted Hezbollah “command centers” in the densely populated southern suburbs of Beirut. “We are striking them very hard, and we know that Hezbollah is on the run,” Netanyahu told his cabinet. Hezbollah did not immediately claim responsibility for the reported attacks on northern Israel. The latest escalation occurred only days after Lebanese and Israeli officials met in Washington and renewed discussions aimed at maintaining a ceasefire and ending months of hostilities. Despite previous ceasefire understandings, Israeli forces have continued near-daily strikes in southern Lebanon, while ground troops remain deployed in parts of the country following military operations against Hezbollah. Earlier this week, Israel had threatened to strike Beirut’s southern suburbs after Hezbollah claimed attacks on northern Israel. However, urgent diplomatic contacts mediated through Washington reportedly helped avert those strikes after Hezbollah agreed to halt attacks on Israeli border communities. According to local reports, Sunday’s strike hit a residential building, damaging four of its seven floors. The Lebanese military later cordoned off the area after an unexploded munition was discovered in the rubble. The latest developments have raised concerns over the stability of the ceasefire and the broader regional security situation.

The bodies of two Bangladeshi expatriates killed in an Israeli drone strike in Lebanon arrived at their homes in Satkhira district on Sunday. The bodies of Shafiqul Islam, 43, of Purbapara village in Sadar upazila and Nahidul Islam, 22, of Kadakathi village in Ashashuni upazil, reached their respective villages at around 10:00 am, where relatives, neighbors, and well-wishers gathered to pay their final respects. The arrival of the coffins plunged the entire communities into sorrow. A flight of Qatar Airways QR-0642 carrying the bodies arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport early Sunday, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. After receiving the bodies at the airport, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam handed them over to the family members of the victims and expressed deep sorrow over their untimely and tragic deaths. The Bangladesh Embassy in Beirut made all necessary arrangements for the repatriation of the bodies. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the embassy maintained close coordination with the Lebanese authorities to obtain certified police reports, repatriation permits and other required documentation to facilitate the return of the bodies. The government is closely monitoring the situation of Bangladeshi nationals working in Lebanon through the Bangladesh Embassy in Beirut and will continue to provide necessary support to ensure their safety and welfare, the ministry said. The two Bangladeshis were killed on May 11 in an Israeli drone strike in southern Lebanon. Their bodies were brought back home after completion of all required formalities. Family members said both the deceased went to Lebanon only a few months ago in search of better livelihoods and were working hard to support their families. Khaledur Rahman, assistant director of the Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Khulna office , visited the bereaved families and said the families of the deceased received cheques worth Tk 35,000 and Tk 50,000 as emergency support at the airport. Besides, the Ministry will later provide Tk 10 lakh in financial assistance, while the state-run Jiban Bima Corporation will extend an additional Tk 3,00,000 to each famiy.

Lebanon is preparing to introduce its largest amnesty in more than three decades, a move that could lead to the release of thousands of prisoners but has also triggered strong opposition from families of victims and exposed the country’s long-standing sectarian divisions. The draft law, expected to be approved by parliament and signed by the president in the coming weeks, would replace death sentences with reduced prison terms, shorten life sentences and eventually allow the release of convicted militants, drug offenders and thousands of long-term detainees. However, serious crimes including rape, human trafficking, corruption, financing terrorism and premeditated murder would not be covered by the amnesty. Those convicted of killing Lebanese soldiers could also receive reduced sentences. Among those opposed to the measure is Samira Bou Saab, whose son George, a Lebanese army first lieutenant, was killed in clashes with supporters of radical Sunni cleric Ahmed al-Assir in the southern city of Sidon in 2013. Bou Saab said she had hoped to see justice carried out against her son’s killer, who was sentenced to death but could now benefit from the proposed law. She questioned why those convicted of killing soldiers should be allowed to reunite with their families while the families of victims continue to suffer. Meanwhile, al-Assir’s wife, Amal Shamseddine, criticized the draft law from a different perspective, arguing that her husband is innocent and was targeted through a conspiracy involving Hezbollah. She said detainees such as her husband should have been released long ago. The proposed legislation comes as Lebanon struggles with overcrowded prisons. More than 3,000 of the country’s nearly 8,600 detainees could be freed, including inmates who have spent at least 14 years in prison without trial. Families of fallen soldiers have staged protests against the measure, placing dozens of empty military boots outside parliament in Beirut to symbolize their opposition. Lebanon’s last major amnesty was introduced in 1991 following the end of the country’s 1975-1990 civil war, which killed an estimated 150,000 people. The measure was intended to promote national reconciliation after years of conflict involving militias, Palestinian factions, Syria and Israel. The current proposal has once again highlighted Lebanon’s sectarian politics. Sunni lawmakers have pushed for the release of Islamist prisoners, Shiite politicians have advocated amnesty for drug-related offenders, while Christian lawmakers have sought leniency for Lebanese citizens who fled to Israel after Israeli forces withdrew from southern Lebanon in 2000. Lawmaker Nabil Badr, a supporter of the bill, said the legislation has become entangled in political bargaining, with different groups seeking benefits for their constituencies. One of those closely watching the debate is Maryam Younnes, who fled to Israel with her family as a child in 2000. She hopes the amnesty will allow her to return to Lebanon, visit her father’s grave and reunite with relatives. However, she said her return would depend on broader political changes, including peace between Lebanon and Israel and the removal of Hezbollah’s weapons. The draft law states that Lebanese citizens returning from Israel would be treated under a 2011 law requiring former members of the Israeli-backed South Lebanon Army to be detained and given a fair trial upon arrival. Despite the political and security challenges, Younnes said she remains hopeful that relations between Lebanon and Israel will eventually improve, allowing her to return home.

Israeli troops have captured a strategic hilltop in southern Lebanon crowned by the historic Beaufort Castle, marking their deepest military advance into the country in 26 years, the Israeli army said Sunday. The seizure of the Crusader-era fortress near Nabatiyeh came after days of heavy airstrikes and intense ground fighting with Hezbollah fighters in surrounding villages. The advance represents a significant escalation in the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah conflict, which has seen Israel launch a ground offensive into southern Lebanon and take control of multiple border-area towns, while Hezbollah has responded with rocket and drone attacks targeting Israeli forces and northern Israel. The Israeli military move came despite a ceasefire framework that has been in place since April 17 and ahead of planned indirect negotiations involving Lebanon and Israel in Washington. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held separate calls with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, proposing a new diplomatic framework to keep talks alive, according to a U.S. official. The proposal reportedly includes a halt to Hezbollah attacks on Israel in exchange for Israel avoiding further escalation in Beirut. Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, a Hezbollah ally, said the group is prepared to fully commit to a ceasefire, but questioned whether Israel would also halt its military operations. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot called for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, describing Israel’s expanded operations as “unacceptable” and warning against deeper occupation of Lebanese territory. Historic fortress with long military history The Israeli military said its forces raised the Israeli flag over Beaufort Castle, a site Israel previously held during its 1982 invasion before withdrawing in 2000. Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israel intends to maintain control of the area while continuing operations against what it describes as Hezbollah military infrastructure in southern Lebanon. Perched above the Litani River, Beaufort Castle has long been considered a key strategic position. Built during the Crusader period in the 12th century, it has been controlled over centuries by several empires and forces, including Muslim armies, the Ottomans and later regional groups. It was also a major stronghold during Israel’s earlier occupation of southern Lebanon. The site, known locally as Al-Shaqif, has also been given protective status by UNESCO during recent regional conflicts due to its cultural importance. Fighting expands deeper into Lebanon In recent days, Israeli forces have pushed beyond the Litani River, traditionally seen as a dividing line, and ordered evacuations in several areas of southern Lebanon. Prime Minister Netanyahu said the capture of Beaufort Castle marks a “major shift” in Israel’s military approach along its borders with Lebanon, Syria and Gaza, adding that Israel has killed thousands of Hezbollah fighters since the start of the conflict. Hezbollah has not confirmed its casualties. Israeli troops are now advancing toward areas close to Nabatiyeh and have also issued evacuation warnings for Tyre, a major coastal city in southern Lebanon. Lebanese officials and Hezbollah have not immediately commented on the latest advance. Analysts say the expanded Israeli presence could strengthen its position in upcoming negotiations in Washington. “We are at a turning point,” said Beirut-based analyst Joe Macaron, adding that territorial gains could shape future ceasefire terms. Continued cross-border fighting Despite diplomatic efforts, fighting has continued along the border. Lebanese health authorities reported casualties from recent Israeli strikes near Tyre and Nabatiyeh, while Hezbollah said it had carried out attacks on Israeli troops and military vehicles near the border and deeper inside northern Israel. The Israeli military said it has issued multiple alerts to civilians in northern Israel over drone and missile threats. Since the latest escalation began, more than 3,000 people have been killed in Lebanon and over 1 million displaced, according to Lebanese figures. Israel says dozens of its soldiers and civilians have also been killed in the conflict.

Israeli drone strikes on multiple vehicles across Lebanon on Wednesday killed at least 12 people, including a woman and her two children, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. The ministry said seven separate strikes targeted vehicles, including three along a major highway south of Beirut. While it confirmed the overall death toll, it did not provide a detailed breakdown of casualties in each vehicle. According to Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency, two of the strikes hit a key highway linking Beirut to the southern port city of Sidon, while another targeted the town of Saadiyat near the busy route. These attacks alone left eight people dead, including the mother and her two children. Another strike near the northern entrance of Sidon in the early afternoon killed one person and injured another, the Health Ministry said. Three additional drone strikes on vehicles in southern Lebanon claimed three more lives. An Associated Press photographer reported seeing the bodies of three victims at strike sites near the coastal towns of Barja and Jiyeh. The Israeli military said it had targeted Hezbollah infrastructure in several areas of southern Lebanon, hours after warning residents of six villages to evacuate. The attacks come as Lebanon and Israel are set to hold another round of direct talks in Washington on Thursday, with the Trump administration seeking to ease tensions between the two sides, which have remained in a state of war since 1948. Meanwhile, cross-border hostilities have continued despite a US-brokered ceasefire reached on April 17. Hezbollah said it carried out further attacks on Israel, including drone strikes, as both sides continued to exchange fire. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) expressed growing concern over escalating clashes near its positions, warning that peacekeepers are increasingly at risk. UNIFIL said a suspected Hezbollah drone exploded داخل its headquarters in Naqoura on Tuesday, following similar incidents earlier in the week. No casualties were reported, though some facilities were damaged. The current Israel-Hezbollah conflict began on March 2, when the Lebanese group launched rockets into northern Israel shortly after US and Israeli strikes on Iran. Since the start of the conflict, Lebanon’s Health Ministry said 2,896 people have been killed and 8,824 injured.

At least 39 people were killed in a fresh wave of Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon, the country’s health ministry said, as hostilities between Israeli forces and Hezbollah persist despite a ceasefire announcement. One of the deadliest strikes hit the southern town of Saksakiyeh, where at least seven people, including a child, were killed and 15 others injured, among them three children, according to the ministry. The Israeli military said it targeted Hezbollah operatives using a structure for military purposes and acknowledged reports of civilian casualties. It added that precautions were taken to minimise harm to civilians, including the use of precision weapons and aerial surveillance, and that the incident is under review. Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported multiple Israeli strikes across southern regions on Saturday. In another incident, an Israeli drone strike in Nabatieh targeted a motorbike carrying a Syrian man and his 12-year-old daughter. The health ministry said the pair were hit in successive strikes, killing the father and critically injuring the girl, who was undergoing surgery. Hezbollah also launched a drone attack into northern Israel, wounding three Israeli soldiers, one of them seriously, according to the Israeli military. Clashes between Israel and Hezbollah have continued since a ceasefire deal announced on April 16. Israel says its strikes are aimed at Hezbollah-linked targets, while the group has responded with rocket and drone attacks. According to Lebanon’s health ministry, more than 120 people have been killed in Israeli attacks over the past week, including women and children, though it does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. Israeli forces continue to occupy parts of southern Lebanon along the border, aiming to establish what they describe as a Hezbollah-free buffer zone. Reports indicate widespread destruction in some villages, drawing concern from rights groups. Since early March, nearly 2,800 people have been killed in Lebanon, while Israeli authorities report 17 soldiers and three civilians killed in related violence on both sides of the border. Source: BBC