United News of Bangladesh

US President Donald Trump has urged Israel and Iran to cease hostilities immediately amid growing concerns that renewed exchanges of fire could undermine efforts to secure a lasting peace agreement. “Israel and Iran must immediately stop ‘shooting,’” Trump wrote in a brief message on his Truth Social platform, reports AL Jazeera . The appeal came as Iran's armed forces announced the suspension of their military operations against Israel, while warning that any future Israeli attacks, particularly in Lebanon, would trigger a much stronger response, according to Iran's semi-official Fars News Agency. In a statement carried by the agency, Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said the country's armed forces had delivered a “painful response” to Israel following what it described as Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon and Beirut's Dahieh district, allegedly backed by the United States. The statement followed a series of attacks between Israel and Iran that threatened to derail diplomatic efforts aimed at ending a conflict that has weighed heavily on regional stability and the global economy. Israel did not immediately respond to Iran's announcement. However, an Israeli military official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters that Israel remained prepared for various scenarios in Iran and was ready to continue operations for as long as necessary. The latest developments have intensified concerns about a possible resurgence of broader regional hostilities despite ongoing international efforts to preserve the fragile ceasefire.

US President Donald Trump has rejected criticism that the ongoing conflict with Iran contradicts his campaign promise of “no new wars,” arguing that he never guaranteed his presidency would be free of military conflicts. In an interview aired Sunday on NBC’s Meet the Press, Trump said he had not promised there would be no wars if he returned to office. “First of all, I didn’t guarantee no war. Why would I have built the strongest military in the world?” Trump said. The president also defended a now-abandoned $1.8 billion fund that was intended to compensate political allies and repeated his unsubstantiated claims of widespread voter fraud in California’s prolonged vote-counting process following last week’s primary election. Trump, who campaigned in 2024 portraying himself as a leader who started “no new wars” and accusing Democratic rivals of being warmongers, maintained that the conflict with Iran does not amount to an extended military engagement. “I don’t like these endless wars. This is not an endless war. We’ve been doing this for three months,” he said, referring to the conflict with Iran that began on February 28. He argued that US actions were necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, saying he was “doing the world a service” and “doing our country a service.” At the same time, Trump reiterated his claim that US strikes last year had “obliterated” Iranian nuclear facilities, despite also citing the need to stop Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. Trump further defended his decision during his first term to withdraw from the nuclear agreement negotiated under former President Barack Obama, a deal he has long criticized while promising to secure a better alternative. “It takes years to do these things,” Trump said.

US President Donald Trump reportedly engaged in a tense phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Israel’s recent military actions in Lebanon, amid concerns that the escalation could undermine diplomatic efforts involving Iran. According to a report by Axios citing US officials familiar with the discussion, Trump strongly criticized Netanyahu's handling of the situation and expressed concern that continued Israeli operations could further damage Israel’s international standing, reports NDTV. Sources said Trump was particularly frustrated that Israeli military actions in Lebanon were threatening ongoing negotiations aimed at reducing tensions across the region. He reportedly argued that expanding strikes, particularly around Beirut, could isolate Israel diplomatically and complicate efforts to secure broader regional stability. US officials told Axios that Trump believed Israel’s response had become disproportionate despite Hezbollah's attacks on Israeli territory. He was also said to be concerned about civilian casualties in Lebanon and opposed military operations that could result in extensive destruction while targeting individual Hezbollah figures. Following the conversation, Israeli officials reportedly signaled that plans for strikes in Beirut had been reconsidered. Although Trump later publicly described the call as productive, sources characterized the private exchange as one of the most difficult discussions between the two leaders since Trump returned to office. The two leaders have maintained a long and often complicated relationship, marked by both close cooperation and periodic disagreements, particularly on issues involving regional security and Iran. After the call, Trump announced that Israeli troops would not advance into Beirut and said he had also communicated indirectly with Hezbollah representatives, who had indicated a willingness to halt attacks on Israel. He expressed hope that both sides would refrain from further hostilities. In a statement, Netanyahu confirmed speaking with Trump but stressed that Israel would continue taking action against Hezbollah if attacks on Israeli communities persist. He added that Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon would proceed as planned. The latest tensions come despite a ceasefire that has largely been in place since April. Hostilities resumed after exchanges of fire between Israel and Hezbollah, raising concerns about the stability of the truce and its impact on wider diplomatic efforts involving Iran. Iran has reportedly insisted that any broader ceasefire arrangement should also cover developments in Lebanon. Meanwhile, Lebanese officials said efforts are continuing to preserve the ceasefire, including proposals aimed at preventing attacks on Beirut's southern suburbs and northern Israel.  

A tough-on-crime outsider seen as supportive of US President Donald Trump has taken the lead in Colombia’s presidential election, while the ruling political camp has raised doubts over the first-round results, setting up a tense runoff vote. Aberaldo de la Espriella led the first round held on Sunday, securing about 44% of the vote, according to nearly complete official results. He will face progressive senator Iván Cepeda, who won around 41%, in a second round scheduled for June as no candidate crossed the 50% threshold. Cepeda, an ally of outgoing President Gustavo Petro, and Petro himself questioned the outcome, alleging without evidence that large-scale vote manipulation and foreign interference may have influenced the results. Electoral authorities have not confirmed any irregularities. Cepeda said he would wait for a full review before fully accepting the outcome, though he acknowledged a runoff was likely. “Only when the vote-counting commissions have fully clarified what happened will we comment on tonight’s results,” he said. De la Espriella, a political newcomer known as “El Tigre” (The Tiger), has campaigned on a hardline security agenda, promising a strong crackdown on armed groups and organized crime. He has also called for international observers, saying he wants US and democratic institutions to monitor the runoff. Cepeda, a left-leaning senator, has pledged to continue Petro’s peace-focused approach, including negotiating agreements with guerrilla groups and criminal networks under a “total peace” strategy. However, critics say the policy has struggled to reduce violence on the ground. The close results reflect a sharp political divide in Colombia over how to deal with long-running insecurity, with one side backing peace talks and reforms, and the other pushing for tougher security measures. De la Espriella is expected to benefit in the runoff from voters who supported other conservative candidates in the first round. The election is widely seen as a referendum on Petro’s presidency, coming a decade after Colombia’s landmark peace deal with the FARC rebel group. While the 2016 agreement raised hopes of ending decades of conflict, violence has resurfaced in several regions, with armed groups expanding their influence. In recent years, Colombia has also seen rising attacks, including drone strikes and political violence. The campaign period was marked by insecurity, including the killing of presidential hopeful Miguel Uribe Turbay at a rally last year. Across the country, voters remain divided. Some support a tougher military-style crackdown similar to policies seen under El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, which reduced crime but drew criticism over human rights concerns. Others warn such approaches could deepen cycles of violence and undo fragile peace efforts. Political analyst Juan Acevedo said the vote carries wider regional significance. “Whoever wins here will suggest to the region if progressive policies will continue or if things are going to return to the right,” he said.

Britain’s Royal Navy is preparing for a possible mine-clearing operation in the Strait of Hormuz as tensions remain high over the conflict involving Iran, though deployment will depend on a peace agreement being finalized. Hundreds of British sailors aboard the RFA Lyme Bay, currently docked near Gibraltar, are on standby for the mission. The vessel is being loaded with ammunition and advanced mine-hunting sea drones equipped with sonar technology. The preparations come after US President Donald Trump criticized allies for not doing enough to support Washington’s military campaign linked to Iran. Tehran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz have disrupted global shipping and sharply increased energy prices. In March, Trump urged NATO allies to secure the strategic waterway themselves, saying they should “go get your own oil.” Britain’s Armed Forces Minister Al Carns told reporters during a visit to the ship that Britain and France are preparing for a possible international operation to reopen the vital shipping route once fighting ends. Trump said Saturday that a peace deal involving Iran had been “largely negotiated” following discussions with Israel and regional allies, though final details are still being worked out. The RFA Lyme Bay is expected to join the British destroyer HMS Dragon and other allied ships before heading through the Suez Canal toward the Persian Gulf. Carns defended Britain’s role after Trump questioned the strength of the British military and criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer. “Which other country can pull together 40 nations and come up with a solution to deal with a complex problem?” Carns said. According to British officials, around 6,000 ships have been unable to pass through the Strait of Hormuz since the conflict began. Royal Navy officials warned that Iran could have deployed several types of sea mines in the strait, including mines attached to cables, rocket-propelled devices, or mines hidden on the seabed and triggered by sound, movement or light. Commander Gemma Britton, head of the Royal Navy’s Mine and Threat Exploitation Group, said the navy is using autonomous underwater systems that can scan the seabed much faster and more safely than traditional crewed vessels. The drones use sonar to create images of underwater objects, helping crews identify possible mines. Some systems can operate remotely from smaller unmanned boats launched from the RFA Lyme Bay, reducing risks for sailors. Britton said the immediate goal would be to clear safe shipping lanes so stranded vessels could move through the strait again. However, fully clearing the entire waterway could take months or even years. Despite the preparations, British officials admitted it is still unclear whether mines are actually present in the strait or whether the international mission will ultimately be needed. Carns said commercial shipping companies and insurers require complete assurance that the route is safe before normal trade can resume. “We don’t know when the Americans, Iranians and Israelis are going to reach a suitable solution,” Carns said. Until then, he added, the RFA Lyme Bay and its crew will remain on standby and “really, really ready.”

US President Donald Trump has said a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at ending the US-Israel war with Iran has been “largely negotiated,” with only final details remaining to be resolved. Speaking on Saturday, Trump said the proposed agreement would include reopening the Strait of Hormuz, though it remains subject to final approval by US and Iranian negotiators as well as several other countries involved in the mediation efforts. The announcement came after Trump held a series of calls with leaders and officials from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Jordan, Egypt, Turkiye and Bahrain. He also spoke separately with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “Final aspects and details of the deal are currently being discussed, and will be announced shortly,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Islamabad would continue efforts to facilitate dialogue between Washington and Tehran and expressed hope that Pakistan could host future US-Iran talks soon. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed the reported progress, saying any agreement would help restore free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. In a separate statement, Egypt’s presidency urged all sides to take advantage of the diplomatic momentum and reach a settlement. The latest development follows a week of mixed signals from Trump, who earlier warned Iran that time was running out for a permanent ceasefire agreement. He later said he had been close to resuming attacks but paused military action following requests from Gulf countries. Trump has alternated between warning of escalation and expressing optimism about a deal. On Saturday, he also posted an image of Iran covered with a US flag on social media. The statement came shortly after Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, concluded what Pakistan’s military described as a “highly productive” visit to Iran, during which “encouraging progress” was reportedly made toward a final understanding. Iranian officials, however, have repeatedly expressed caution over negotiations with Washington, citing previous US military strikes on Iran during talks related to Tehran’s nuclear programme. The US and Israel launched the latest conflict on February 28. Although major fighting has largely remained paused since April 8, sporadic flare-ups have continued. The US has maintained restrictions on Iranian ports, while Iran has effectively kept the Strait of Hormuz closed. Major unresolved issues reportedly include the future of Iran’s nuclear programme, Tehran’s influence over the strategic waterway, the future US military presence in the region and access to frozen Iranian assets. Source: Al Jazeera

The European Union has approved a tariff agreement with the United States that sets a 15% cap on most EU exports, helping to avoid a trade confrontation with US President Donald Trump ahead of a July 4 deadline. The decision came after heated discussions among the 27-member bloc’s leaders and lawmakers, with some warning that the deal could have been blocked in the European Parliament. The agreement governs one of the world’s largest trade relationships, covering goods and services across the Atlantic, at a time of global economic pressure linked in part to the ongoing war in Iran. The deal was originally reached last July between European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and President Donald Trump at his Turnberry golf course in Scotland, following months of negotiations triggered by earlier US tariff moves. Since then, further talks continued between Washington and Brussels as criticism grew within Europe, including concerns after Trump suggested taking control of Greenland, a self-governing territory of Denmark. He has since stepped back from that idea. The European Commission welcomed the approval, saying “a deal is a deal” and stressing that the EU stands by its commitments. EU lawmakers also pushed for safeguards in the agreement in case the United States changes its position later. Bernard Lange, head of the European Parliament’s trade committee, said the bloc would respond if problems arise. Under the agreement, tariffs on most EU exports to the US will be capped at 15%, while EU tariffs on US industrial goods will be reduced to zero. Although the arrangement raises costs compared to the previous average tariff level of 4.8%, supporters say it provides businesses with stability and predictability, helping the bloc avoid recession risks. Officials and business groups also argue the deal is important as global economic uncertainty rises, with ongoing tensions in the Middle East affecting energy prices and inflation across regions from Europe to the United States. The American Chamber of Commerce in Brussels welcomed the agreement, saying it allows both sides to move beyond tariffs and focus on issues such as supply chain stability. EU trade negotiator Maroš Šefčovič said the final approval followed an intense five-hour overnight round of talks between EU institutions, calling it a step that would strengthen stability in transatlantic trade. However, doubts remain over whether the United States can fully implement the deal. Legal challenges in US courts have questioned the authority used by Trump to impose tariffs, with some rulings saying certain measures were not properly authorized by law. This has raised uncertainty in Europe about whether Washington will follow through on the agreement. Bernard Lange said the situation remains unclear, noting that the EU is now waiting for a firm response from the US side.

US President Donald Trump has said he is not willing to offer any concessions to Iran at this stage, expressing dissatisfaction over Tehran’s latest response to Washington on ending the conflict. In an interview with the media, Trump said Iran is aware of “what’s going to be happening soon,” indicating potential developments ahead. When asked about his earlier remarks on Friday suggesting openness to a 20-year pause in Iran’s nuclear programme, Trump said, “I’m not open to anything right now.” Irish president’s sister also detained after Israeli action on flotilla Meanwhile, former US special envoy to Iran Rob Malley criticised the approach taken by Trump, warning that it risks repeating mistakes similar to the Vietnam War. Speaking to Al Jazeera, Malley said measuring success by the number of Iranian leaders killed or military assets destroyed reflects the “wrong metric.” He stressed that the only viable way to end the conflict is through a negotiated settlement that takes into account the interests of both the United States and Iran. With inputs from Al Jazeera

US President Donald Trump has said that the United States is closely monitoring Iranian enriched uranium reportedly buried under rubble, adding that the US Space Force is handling the issue. In an interview with independent journalist Sharyl Attkisson, recorded last week and aired on Sunday, Trump warned that if anyone attempts to approach the material, the United States would detect it and “blow them up.” He also claimed that US forces would need only two more weeks to strike “every single target” in Iran, which he described as already “militarily defeated.” Netanyahu says Iran war is ‘not over’; Trump rejects Tehran proposal “We could go in for two more weeks and do every single target. We have certain targets that we wanted to… And we’ve done probably 70 percent of them, but we have other targets that we could conceivably hit,” Trump said. Meanwhile, Iran’s latest response to a US-proposed text aimed at ending the war was sent on Sunday to mediator Pakistan, according to Iran’s official news agency IRNA. The report said the proposed framework suggests that negotiations at this stage would focus on ending the regional conflict. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said Iran must “make it clear” that it does not seek nuclear weapons, a condition Washington considers essential for any peace agreement.

US President Donald Trump has warned that Iran would be “blown off the face of the Earth” if it attacks American vessels involved in “Project Freedom” in the Strait of Hormuz. In an interview with media, Trump said he believes Iran has become “much more malleable” in ongoing peace negotiations, while stressing that the United States continues to expand its military presence in the region. “We have more weapons and ammunition at a much higher grade than we had before,” Trump told Fox News correspondent Trey Yingst. Trump says US holding ‘very positive discussions’ with Iran over war He added that the US possesses advanced equipment and maintains well-stocked military bases across the world, which could be deployed if necessary. Source: Al Jazeera