United News of Bangladesh

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday that Washington is evaluating “strong options” in response to ongoing protests in Iran, including potential military action. “We’re looking at it very seriously. The military is looking at it, and we’re looking at some very strong options. We’ll make a determination,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One late Sunday while traveling from Florida to Washington. Trump added that Iran had reached out following his threats, seeking to negotiate, and that a “meeting is being set up.” However, he cautioned that the United States might have to act before any meeting takes place. His remarks came as Iranian leaders issued stern warnings against foreign intervention. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said, “In the case of an attack on Iran, the occupied territories [Israel], as well as all U.S. bases and ships, will be our legitimate target.” The unrest in Iran began on December 28 when merchants at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar closed their shops following a steep fall in the Iranian rial. The demonstrations rapidly spread nationwide, initially fueled by economic grievances over rising living costs and quickly evolving into broader opposition against the clerical establishment that has governed Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Iranian state media reported that at least 109 security personnel have been killed during the unrest. Authorities have not confirmed the number of civilian casualties, though opposition activists abroad estimate that hundreds of protesters may have died. A nationwide internet blackout has persisted for more than 72 hours, according to monitoring organizations, making independent verification of events increasingly difficult. The unrest coincides with Trump’s assertive foreign policy moves, including the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and discussions over acquiring Greenland through purchase or force. A U.S. official told Reuters that Trump is scheduled to meet with senior advisers on Tuesday to discuss the country’s options in Iran. Reports in the Wall Street Journal indicated that measures under consideration include targeted military strikes, deployment of secret cyber capabilities, expansion of sanctions, and provision of online support to antigovernment groups. Trump also said he plans to engage with billionaire Elon Musk to explore restoring internet services in Iran. “He’s very good at that kind of thing, he’s got a very good company,” Trump told reporters, referring to Musk’s SpaceX, which operates the Starlink satellite internet system currently used in Iran. In addition to Iran, Trump addressed his administration’s plans for Greenland and Venezuela. On Greenland, he urged the Danish Arctic territory to “make a deal” and stated, “we are talking about acquiring it, not making a short-term deal.” Regarding Venezuela, Trump confirmed a scheduled meeting with opposition leader María Corina Machado on Tuesday or Wednesday.   With inputs from ALJAZEERA

The Taliban government on Sunday dismissed U.S. President Donald Trump’s suggestion that Washington could retake Bagram Air Base, four years after America’s withdrawal handed the facility over to Taliban control. Trump recently hinted that the Taliban, facing economic woes, a lack of international recognition, internal tensions and threats from rival militant groups, might allow the U.S. military back into Afghanistan. However, Taliban chief spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid rejected the claim, urging the U.S. to act with “realism and rationality.” Posting on X, Mujahid said Afghanistan was pursuing an economy-driven foreign policy and sought constructive ties with all countries on the basis of mutual interests. He stressed that Afghanistan’s independence and territorial integrity had been repeatedly emphasized in all negotiations with the U.S. Mujahid also reminded Washington of its commitment under the 2020 Doha Agreement not to use or threaten force against Afghanistan or interfere in its internal affairs. “The United States must remain faithful to its commitments,” he said. Mujahid did not respond to AP questions about whether any discussions on Bagram had taken place with the Trump administration or why Trump believed such a move was possible. In August 2024, the Taliban marked the third anniversary of their return to power with a military display at Bagram, showcasing abandoned U.S. equipment. Trump has since repeatedly criticized his predecessor Joe Biden for what he called “gross incompetence” during the chaotic 2021 withdrawal that ended America’s longest war.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump welcomed Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to his Mar-a-Lago resort on Saturday. Meloni's visit follows that of Argentine President Javier Milei, who was the first international leader to meet Trump at Mar-a-Lago after his November election win. Other leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, have also traveled to Florida to meet the incoming president. Trump attended a documentary screening focused on challenges faced by conservative lawyers within the legal system. He entered the grand ballroom at approximately 7 p.m. and returned after two hours, following dinner. Expressing enthusiasm, Trump introduced Meloni to the audience, stating, “This is very exciting. I’m here with a fantastic woman, the prime minister of Italy. She has made waves in Europe and beyond, and we’re just having dinner tonight.” Washington Post cartoonist quits after paper rejects sketch of Bezos bowing to Trump Meloni watched the documentary alongside Trump and several key figures expected to join his administration, including Florida Senator Marco Rubio, Trump's nominee for secretary of state; Florida Representative Mike Waltz, his pick for national security adviser; and Scott Bessent, his nominee for Treasury secretary. Meloni's visit coincides with rising tensions between Italy and Iran. Late last month, Iranian authorities detained Italian journalist Cecilia Sala in Tehran. Italy has called for her release, while Iran seeks the extradition of an Iranian businessman arrested in Milan on a U.S. warrant for alleged involvement in a drone strike in Jordan that killed three American soldiers. Meanwhile, U.S. President Joe Biden is preparing for a visit to Rome, where he will meet Meloni and Pope Francis starting Thursday. The White House announced that Biden's meeting with Meloni aims to underscore the strong U.S.-Italy alliance and acknowledge her leadership during Italy's G7 presidency last year.  

The Trump Baby Blimp will live on long after its namesake has left the White House.

The United States on Wednesday formally left the Paris Agreement, a global pact forged five years ago to avert the threat of catastrophic climate change.