United News of Bangladesh

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday he has agreed to join US President Donald Trump’s newly formed Board of Peace, reversing earlier concerns raised by his office over the composition of the board’s executive committee, which includes regional rival Turkey. In a statement, Netanyahu’s office confirmed he had accepted Trump’s invitation. Initially conceived as a small group of leaders to oversee a Gaza ceasefire framework, the Board of Peace has since expanded significantly. The Trump administration has broadened its scope, inviting dozens of countries and suggesting the body could play a role in mediating global conflicts, resembling an informal UN Security Council. Further details are expected Thursday, when Trump is scheduled to make an announcement about the initiative at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Although the board’s charter has not been officially released, a draft obtained by The Associated Press suggests substantial authority would rest with Trump. According to the draft, a $1 billion contribution would guarantee permanent membership. Read More: Israel hits multiple targets in Lebanon ahead of key Hezbollah disarmament talks At least eight countries- Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Hungary, Argentina and Belarus have agreed to participate. Invitations have also been sent to leaders in Paraguay, Canada, Egypt and Turkey, while Russia, India, Slovenia, Thailand and the European Union’s executive arm have confirmed receiving invitations. The Kremlin said it is reviewing the proposal. Trump has confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin was invited. The executive board includes senior US officials and international figures, while a separate Gaza Executive Board will oversee implementation of the ceasefire’s second phase, including security deployment, Hamas disarmament and reconstruction efforts.

Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez said Wednesday her government would continue releasing prisoners detained under former president Nicolás Maduro, describing the move as part of a “new political moment” following his removal by the United States earlier this month. Speaking at her first press briefing since Maduro was captured by US forces and flown to New York on Jan 3 to face drug trafficking charges, Rodríguez said the process of freeing detainees “has not yet concluded” and signaled that more releases were planned. Addressing reporters at the presidential palace in Caracas, she struck a conciliatory tone, promising a Venezuela that would allow political and ideological diversity while insisting that the rule of law would be strictly enforced. A leading Venezuelan human rights group estimates that about 800 political prisoners remain behind bars, including politicians, soldiers, lawyers and civil society activists. Rodríguez’s comments came after US President Donald Trump said he had held a “great conversation” with her, their first direct contact since Maduro’s arrest. “We had a long call. We discussed a lot of things, and I think we’re getting along very well with Venezuela,” Trump said at the White House. Unlike previous speeches that echoed Maduro’s anti-US rhetoric, Rodríguez avoided mentioning Washington directly, even as relations between the two countries shift rapidly. She acknowledged that prisoner releases were under way, a move widely seen as encouraged by the Trump administration, but insisted that the process had begun under Maduro in December as a gesture toward dialogue and tolerance. “Crimes related to the constitutional order are being evaluated,” she said, referring to detainees held on charges that human rights groups say are politically motivated. “Messages of hatred, intolerance and acts of violence will not be permitted.” Flanked by National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez and Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, she took no questions and said Cabello was overseeing the release process, which critics say has been slow and opaque. Venezuela’s leading prisoners’ rights group, Foro Penal, confirmed that at least 72 detainees have been freed so far, including political activist Nicmer Evans, journalist Roland Carreño and two campaign aides of opposition leader María Corina Machado. However, Foro Penal says more than 800 prisoners remain in custody on political grounds and has criticised the government for a lack of transparency. Rodríguez rejected such claims, accusing what she called “self-proclaimed nongovernmental organizations” of spreading falsehoods about Venezuela. “There will always be those who want to fish in troubled waters,” she said, adding that her government was committed to letting “the truth be reported.”

US President Donald Trump has warned that the United States will take ‘very strong action’ against Iran if it carries out executions of protesters, after earlier assuring Iranians that “help is on the way.” The warning comes as relatives of 26-year-old Erfan Soltani, detained last week, told BBC Persian that he is scheduled for execution today. A US-based rights group says more than 2,400 anti-government demonstrators have been killed in a violent crackdown by Iranian authorities. Trump has been considering military and other measures in response, having already imposed 25% tariffs on any country trading with Iran. Read More: Donald Trump halts all new student visa interviews Meanwhile, Iran’s government accused the US of trying to “manufacture a pretext for military intervention,” noting that “this playbook has failed before.” Although some Iranians are now able to make phone calls abroad, an ongoing internet blackout is hindering verification of information from inside the country.

US President Donald Trump has called on Iranians to continue protesting against their government, saying “help is on its way.” He urged protesters to take note of the names of those responsible for killings and abuses. Trump cancelled meetings with Iranian officials until the violent crackdown on protesters stops. Thousands of people are feared dead after weeks of anti-government protests. Human rights groups estimate around 1,847 protesters have died, including children and security personnel. Iranian authorities have sentenced some protesters to death. One, 26-year-old Erfan Soltani, is reportedly due to be executed on Jan 14. Families say the process is fast, raising fears of execution without notice. Iranian security forces also seized a large shipment of Starlink satellite internet kits, alleging they were intended for espionage and sabotage. Use of Starlink devices is illegal in Iran, and internet blackouts are ongoing. Meanwhile, the UK government has summoned the Iranian ambassador over the crackdown. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper called the violence “the most brutal and bloody repression against public protests in Iran for at least 13 years” and said the UK plans to push for further sanctions in coordination with the EU and the UN. Trump’s threats have drawn criticism from Iran’s officials and Russia. Ali Larijani, adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader, blamed Trump for protest deaths. Russia’s foreign ministry called US threats of strikes “categorically unacceptable” and warned of serious consequences in the Middle East. The White House said Trump’s national security team is discussing possible options for intervention in Iran. It is unclear what kind of “help” the president intends or when it might come. Economic sanctions are also escalating. Trump announced a 25% US tariff on trade with Iran’s partners. Analysts warn enforcement may be difficult, and secondary sanctions could further harm Iran’s struggling economy, already affected by inflation, reduced oil exports, and trade restrictions. Internet blackouts and censorship continue to make verification of events inside Iran difficult. Human rights groups say the shutdowns violate international law and limit the ability to document abuses. The protests and international response highlight growing tension over Iran’s human rights record, economic crisis, and geopolitical position.   With inputs from BBC

Bangladesh expects a tariff deal with the United States which will be a win-win position for both the countries, Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said on Tuesday following US President Donald Trump's letter to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. "Dhaka is looking forward to a tariff deal with Washington DC, which, we hope, will be a win-win one for both countries," he said, adding that another round of talks with the US is scheduled for July 9. Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin is in Washington DC, leading the country's trade talks with the United States. National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman is also part of the team. Alam said Bangladesh has received a letter from President Donald Trump on Monday declaring that the US would impose 35 percent tariffs on Bangladeshi goods from August 1. "The Bangladesh team has held several rounds of discussion with their American counterparts," said the Press Secretary, noting that Sk Bashir Uddin will lead the Bangladesh side during the discussion on July 9. President Trump in his letter said, "We look forward to working with you as your trading partner for many years to come. If you wish to open your heretofore closed trading markets to the United States, and eliminate your tariff, and non-tariff, policies and trade barriers, we will, perhaps, consider an adjustment to this letter." Trump said these tariffs may be modified, upward or downward, depending on their relationship with Bangladesh. "You will never be disappointed with the United States of America," President Trump wrote to Prof Yunus. Starting on August 1, 2025, the US President said they will charge Bangladesh a tariff of only 35% on any and all Bangladeshi products sent into the United States, separate from all sectoral tariffs. "Please understand that the 35% number is far less than what is needed to eliminate the trade deficit disparity we have with your country. As you are aware, there will be no tariff if Bangladesh, or companies within your country, decide to build or manufacture products within the United States and, in fact, we will do everything possible to get approvals quickly, professionally, and routinely - In other words, in a matter of weeks," Trump said. Challenges Ahead Talking to UNB, Mohiuddin Rubel, a leading exporter and former director of the BGMEA, raised concerns about its economic stability, especially in light of its current trade deficit as Bangladesh is home to a major ready-made garment industry. “That (if 35pc tariff imposed) could harm its economy, especially given its current trade deficit,” he said. In contrast, Vietnam, despite having a larger trade deficit, secured a lower 20% tariff, highlighting how Bangladesh’s existing trade barriers may have negatively influenced its position in global trade negotiations, Rubel said. The new tariffs pose a significant threat to employment in Bangladesh, as the United States remains its largest export destination, said the exporter. “The new tariffs raise worries about job losses in Bangladesh as the US is its main export market. Bangladesh needs to act quickly by engaging US importers to push for policy changes, resuming high-level trade talks, and highlighting the importance of its products,” Rubel told UNB, adding that strategic planning and partnerships are crucial to address the challenges. Best Trade Negotiator The White House in its fact sheets said President Trump is the best trade negotiator in history. “His strategy has focused on addressing systemic imbalances in our tariff rates that have tilted the playing field in favor of our trading partners for decades.” The White House said countries that are not serious about addressing the tariff and non-tariff trade barriers that impede American exports and harm American workers, farmers and businesses are facing the consequences. On July 7, President Trump signed an Executive Order determining that certain tariff rates, which were initially set to expire on July 9, will expire on August 1, 2025. President Trump also sent tariff letters to many countries informing them of their new reciprocal tariff rates, which will take effect on August 1. The US President may send more letters in the coming days and weeks. The countries he sent letters include: Bangladesh (35%), Japan (25%), Korea (25%), South Africa (30%), Kazakhstan (25%), Laos (40%), Malaysia (25%), Myanmar (40%), Tunisia (25%), Bosnia and Herzegovina (30%), Indonesia (32%), Serbia (35%), Cambodia (36%) and Thailand (36%).

Iran's foreign minister said early Tuesday that there is currently “no agreement” on a ceasefire between Iran and Israel. “As Iran has repeatedly stated, it was Israel that initiated this war, not Iran. At this moment, there is NO ‘agreement’ on any ceasefire or halt to military operations,” Abbas Araghchi posted on X. His comments followed US President Donald Trump’s announcement that Iran and Israel had reached a “complete and total” ceasefire amid escalating tensions in the region. “However, if the Israeli regime halts its unlawful aggression against the Iranian people by no later than 4 am Tehran time, we do not intend to continue our military response,” Araghchi added. He further said that Iran’s military operations to “punish Israel for its aggression” continued until the final moment, 4 am local time (0030 GMT). Trump announces Israel-Iran truce after attack on US base in Qatar “Alongside all Iranians, I express gratitude to our courageous Armed Forces, who stand ready to defend our beloved nation to their last drop of blood and who responded to every enemy attack until the very last minute,” he stated. On Monday, Iran launched a wave of missiles at the US military’s Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, marking a major escalation after the US struck three Iranian nuclear sites on Sunday. The US strikes were part of the broader Israeli military offensive against Iran, which began on June 13 with Washington’s backing, triggering Tehran’s retaliatory attacks on Israel. Source: With inputs from Andolu 

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday declared that the U.S. knows the whereabouts of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei but has chosen not to target him “for now.” He called for Iran’s “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER” amid the intensifying Israel-Iran conflict, now entering its fifth day. “We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding,” Trump posted on social media. “He’s an easy target, but we won’t take him out—at least not yet. But missile attacks on civilians and U.S. troops must stop. Our patience is running out.” Returning early from the G7 summit, Trump said he was seeking a “real end” to the conflict and total abandonment of Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Speaking aboard Air Force One, he criticized Iran’s leaders for not agreeing to a deal, saying he was “not in the mood to negotiate.” Despite U.S. intelligence maintaining that Iran isn’t actively building a nuclear bomb, Trump dismissed those assessments, insisting Tehran was close. He also rejected a proposed Israeli plan to assassinate Khamenei, though he appeared to be edging toward deeper American involvement as U.S. military assets reposition in the region. US intelligence says Iran isn’t building nuclear weapons, but Trump rejects their assessment Israel claims its strikes have devastated Iran’s air defenses and is seeking U.S. support—including bunker-busting bombs—to destroy key nuclear facilities like Fordo, which lies deep underground. While Trump has not ruled out diplomacy, he signaled a harder stance, calling for immediate evacuations in Tehran and warning that “IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON.” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth appeared on Fox News to reaffirm that the U.S. remains “postured defensively” in the region, as Trump’s MAGA base grows divided over potential U.S. military escalation. Some Trump-aligned voices, such as Tucker Carlson and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, have expressed concern, while allies like Sen. Lindsey Graham are urging a more aggressive approach. Source: With inputs from agency 

US President Donald Trump reportedly rejected an Israeli proposal to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to multiple media outlets. Reuters, citing two unnamed US officials, reported that Israeli authorities recently informed the Trump administration of an opportunity to carry out the assassination, but Trump declined to approve the operation. Trump believes Israel-Iran may come to deal 'soon' Reuters quoted an unnamed Trump administration official as saying that officials were “not even talking about going after the political leadership” until such time as Iran had killed an American citizen. Major outlets including CNN, the Associated Press, CBS News, and NBC News have also confirmed the existence of the plan and Trump’s decision to block it. Source: Al Jazeera  

Israel has confirmed carrying out airstrikes on nuclear facilities in Iran as part of a military operation it has dubbed Operation Rising Lion, amid soaring regional tensions. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the strikes targeted multiple nuclear sites across Iran.  Explosions were reported in several parts of Tehran, with residents describing loud blasts and power disruptions in parts of the capital. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the operation was a necessary response to what he described as an "imminent threat to Israel's very survival" posed by Iran’s nuclear ambitions.  The offensive marks one of the most direct and dramatic escalations between the two longtime adversaries. Israel has since declared a nationwide state of emergency, with authorities stating they expect retaliatory strikes "in the immediate future". Iranian state media reported that residential areas in Tehran were struck, with children among the casualties. These reports have not been independently verified. Death toll from Israeli attacks in Palestine exceeds 55, 000 In a separate claim, Iranian broadcasters said Major General Hossein Salami, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, was killed during the strikes.  No official confirmation has been issued by Iranian authorities. The United States has denied any role in the attack. Speaking at a press briefing, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stressed that the US had “no involvement or assistance in the Israeli operation”. International responses have started to emerge, with Australia expressing deep concern.  "We are alarmed by the sharp escalation and call for restraint from all sides," a spokesperson for Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs said. UK and alies sanction two far-right Israeli ministers over ‘Extremist Violence’ remarks The situation remains fluid as global powers monitor the fallout from the strikes and potential Iranian retaliation.  UN Secretary-General António Guterres has reportedly called for an emergency Security Council meeting. Source: With inputs from BBC 

US President Donald Trump has suggested there may soon be encouraging developments regarding the situation in Gaza, alongside progress in nuclear negotiations with Iran. “I think we could have some good news on the Iran front, likewise with Hamas on Gaza,” he told reporters before he boarded Air Force One in New Jersey. Israel's latest strikes in Gaza kill 38 people including children “We want to see if we can stop that, and Israel. We’ve been talking to them and we want to see if we can stop that whole situation,” he added. Source: Al Jazeera