United News of Bangladesh

A tanker caught fire early Tuesday after being hit by a projectile while sailing through the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Oman, according to the British military, in the latest attack on commercial shipping in the strategic waterway. The incident took place in the narrow entrance to the Persian Gulf, a key global shipping route through which about one-fifth of the world's traded oil and natural gas has traditionally passed during peacetime. Iranian state television reported that the liquefied natural gas tanker was attacked after it ignored warnings from Iranian authorities, but it stopped short of officially claiming responsibility. Iran has repeatedly said that only shipping routes approved by Tehran are safe for vessels using the strait. The country has also been suspected of carrying out previous attacks on ships that used an alternative route closer to Oman's coastline. The latest incident comes as the United States is seeking to continue negotiations with Iran aimed at fully reopening the Strait of Hormuz, curbing Tehran's disputed nuclear programme and securing a lasting end to the war that began on Feb. 28. However, earlier attacks in the waterway have triggered U.S. retaliatory strikes, followed by Iranian attacks on Gulf Arab states, raising fears of wider regional conflict. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said the tanker was struck near Limah, Oman, while heading south through the strait toward the Gulf of Oman. According to the agency, the projectile hit the vessel's port side. UKMTO said there was no environmental damage from the attack and that authorities were investigating the incident. Iranian state television, citing unnamed sources, suggested that Iran was behind the strike on what it described as a tanker carrying natural gas from Qatar. However, the Iranian government has not officially claimed responsibility. Last Thursday, Iran's joint military command warned that all oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz must use routes approved by Tehran. It also cautioned that any interference by U.S. forces in the waterway would face a "rapid and decisive reaction." Speaking at the White House on Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran to reach an agreement with Washington. "We'd rather make a deal because I don't want to affect 91 million people," Trump said. "We can knock down their bridges in one hour. We can knock out their energy supply." Under an interim agreement, Iran and the United States had agreed to allow ships to pass through the strait without fees for 60 days. However, Tehran later insisted it should control shipping routes and eventually collect transit fees, challenging long-standing international practice. The United States and several Gulf Arab countries have rejected Iran's proposal to charge vessels for using the strait. Earlier efforts by Oman and a United Nations agency to establish an alternative route near Oman's coast also triggered attacks across the Middle East, underscoring tensions in the region. According to shipping data firm Kpler, at least 108 vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend using different routes. Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of mourners gathered Tuesday near the Jamkaran Mosque south of Qom for funeral ceremonies for Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to live footage broadcast by Iranian state television. The mosque holds special religious significance for Shiite Muslims, who believe it was once visited by Muhammad al-Mahdi, the 12th and last Shiite imam, who disappeared in the ninth century and is expected to return one day to establish justice. Images of Khamenei and his son, Iran's new Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, were displayed on banners carried by mourners. Mojtaba Khamenei has not appeared publicly during the multi-day funeral ceremonies and is believed to be in hiding after reportedly being wounded in the airstrike that killed his father. Before the April ceasefire, Israel targeted several senior Iranian leaders during the conflict, in some cases reportedly using their public appearances to identify their locations. Israel has also threatened to target Mojtaba Khamenei. Iranian authorities have closed roads, restricted airspace and suspended normal daily activities during the mourning period, which began on Saturday and will continue until Thursday. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who died at the age of 86, will be buried at the Imam Reza shrine in his birthplace of Mashhad.

Iran is preparing for a dayslong funeral and burial ceremony for its late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, months after he was killed during the war involving Iran, the United States and Israel. The ceremonies, beginning Saturday in Tehran, are expected to draw large crowds as authorities seek to demonstrate public support for the country's leadership. Khamenei, who led Iran for nearly 40 years, was killed on Feb. 28 after the United States and Israel jointly launched military strikes. His funeral was postponed because of the ongoing conflict. The event is seen as a major test for Iran's leadership following months of unrest and a nationwide crackdown on anti-government protests. Officials are expected to encourage government workers, supporters and paramilitary groups to participate in the funeral processions. However, large crowds also raise concerns about possible stampedes, similar to deadly incidents during previous state funerals in Iran. The ceremonies will also take place during a fragile ceasefire and an interim agreement between Iran and the United States, which has reduced tensions enough for senior Iranian officials to appear publicly. It remains unclear whether Iran's new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, the late leader's son, will attend the ceremonies. He is believed to have been injured in the attack that killed his father and has not appeared in public since. Khamenei's body will lie in state at Tehran's Grand Mosalla on Saturday and Sunday. On Monday, it will be carried through the streets of Tehran before being taken to the holy city of Qom, about 120 kilometers south of the capital, where ceremonies will continue on Tuesday. On Wednesday, the body will be taken to Karbala in neighboring Iraq, home to the shrine of Imam Hussein, an important religious site for Shiite Muslims. The same day also marks the anniversary of the nationwide protests against Khamenei's rule, during which thousands of people were reportedly killed in a security crackdown. The final stop will be Mashhad, Iran's second-largest city, where Khamenei will be buried at the Imam Reza shrine. The shrine, dedicated to Imam Reza, the eighth imam in Shiite Islam, is one of the religion's holiest sites and attracts millions of pilgrims every year. Several prominent Shiite clerics, including former Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash in 2024, are also buried there. Authorities are taking precautions to avoid a repeat of deadly crowd crushes seen at previous high-profile funerals. During the funeral of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, founder of the Islamic Republic, in 1989, millions gathered in Tehran. The crowd overwhelmed security, causing Khomeini's coffin to fall into the crowd. Reports at the time said at least eight people were killed and around 11,000 were injured. A similar tragedy occurred during the funeral of Revolutionary Guard General Qassem Soleimani in 2020, when a stampede killed at least 56 people and injured more than 2,000. Meanwhile, efforts to reach a permanent agreement to end the Iran war continue. An interim deal reached in June opened a 60-day period for negotiations covering Iran's nuclear programme and the future of the Strait of Hormuz. Technical-level talks began in Qatar this week, but progress has been slowed by major differences between the two sides and renewed exchanges of fire involving Iran and the United States over the strategic waterway.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Sunday that the Strait of Hormuz remains under Tehran's full control for the next 30 days, warning that continued US military action would further aggravate the already fragile security situation in the region. His remarks came as the United States reportedly carried out a second day of airstrikes on Iranian targets, hitting Qeshm Island and the southern cities of Sirik and Bandar-e Lengeh following a drone attack on a commercial vessel near the strategic waterway. Iran said it had launched retaliatory strikes against US forces stationed in Bahrain and Kuwait in response to the attacks and warned of a "crushing response" if further military action is taken against the country. The latest escalation has raised fears of a broader regional conflict, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important oil shipping routes through which a significant share of global energy supplies passes. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump accused Iran of violating the memorandum of understanding reached between Washington and Tehran and threatened to "militarily complete the job" if Tehran continued its actions. There was no immediate independent confirmation of the reported strikes or casualties, and both sides appeared to be hardening their positions amid growing international concern over the rapidly deteriorating security situation in the Gulf region. Source: Al Jazeera

A Liberian-flagged oil tanker successfully sailed through the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday despite fresh warnings from Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard against vessels using a newly designated shipping route near Oman’s coastline. The passage of the Stoic Warrior comes amid growing tensions between Iran and the United States over the implementation of a recently signed interim agreement aimed at bringing a permanent end to the Iran war. Under the memorandum of understanding reached last week, Washington and Tehran have agreed to a 60-day period to resolve key issues, including maritime security and the future of Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. While negotiations continue behind closed doors, officials from both sides have also been publicly debating aspects of the deal, raising concerns about the stability of the fragile ceasefire. The situation has been further complicated by renewed violence in Lebanon. On Wednesday, an Israeli airstrike killed two people in southern Lebanon, according to the country’s state-run news agency. The strike marked Israel’s first attack on Lebanon since the latest ceasefire took effect on Saturday. The Stoic Warrior departed early Thursday and followed a route close to the coasts of the United Arab Emirates and Oman before rounding Oman’s Musandam Peninsula. The route was developed by Oman in coordination with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the UN agency responsible for maritime safety. The new route lies south of the long-established Traffic Separation Scheme, the main shipping lane through the Strait of Hormuz that handles roughly one-fifth of global oil and natural gas shipments. The alternative path has gained attention after reports that naval mines may have been placed in parts of the strait during the conflict that began on Feb. 28 with US and Israeli strikes on Iran. The Revolutionary Guard has previously claimed responsibility for mining the waterway, prompting safety concerns for commercial shipping. Responding to the new route, the Guard’s naval arm issued a warning on Thursday through Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency. “A few hours ago, without notice or coordination with the Islamic Republic of Iran, some authorities announced a new route for ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, which is unacceptable and completely dangerous,” the statement said. “It is hereby notified to all that the only authorized route for passing through the Strait of Hormuz is the one declared by the Islamic Republic of Iran,” it added, warning that vessels operating outside those routes would be violating regulations. The statement further cautioned that “violators will be dealt with,” though it did not specify what actions might be taken. Despite the warning, there were no immediate reports of disruptions or incidents as the Stoic Warrior completed its transit. Ship-tracking data showed several vessels following the same route. Meanwhile, senior Emirati diplomat Anwar Gargash criticized any attempt by Iran to restrict navigation or impose fees on ships using the strategic waterway. Writing on X, Gargash said new geopolitical realities could not be forced upon Gulf Arab states and warned that such moves could fuel future tensions and instability in the region. At the same time, Lebanon remains a key point of contention in wider regional negotiations. Israel’s military said Thursday that one reservist soldier was killed and another wounded in southern Lebanon, where Israeli forces continue to hold positions. Since the latest conflict began, at least 37 Israeli soldiers and one civilian defense contractor have been killed, along with two civilians in northern Israel. Lebanese authorities say more than 4,000 people have been killed in Israeli attacks since the latest Israel-Hezbollah conflict erupted in March, shortly after the Iran war began. Iran has maintained that a lasting agreement with the United States will require an end to hostilities in Lebanon and a withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied areas. Israel, however, argues that it must retain freedom of action against Hezbollah as international pressure over its military operations continues to grow.

More than 1,200 cargo ships carrying goods worth an estimated $125 billion remain stranded following the closure of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday, citing a report by insurance company Allianz. According to the report, the disruption has significantly altered how insurers assess risks in major maritime chokepoints. “We used to discuss possible disaster scenarios, but now we are dealing with a real one,” Justus Heinrich, Allianz’s head of marine underwriting, told the newspaper. Shipping activity has started to recover after the United States and Iran announced an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's busiest oil and trade routes. Data from Lloyd’s List Intelligence showed that 69 vessels departed the Gulf during the week ending June 21, compared with just 24 ships the previous week. It was the highest weekly shipping volume since the US-Iran conflict began in February. The conflict has also taken a heavy human and economic toll. The International Maritime Organization said at least 14 seafarers have been killed and more than 40 vessels, most of them oil tankers, have come under missile attack since the fighting erupted. Despite signs of improvement in shipping traffic, industry experts warn that the impact of the crisis on global trade, maritime security and crew safety could continue for some time.

The Iranian central military command announced on Saturday that it was closing the strategic Strait of Hormuz in response to Israel's deadly attacks in Lebanon, while the death toll from Israeli strikes across the country climbed to at least 32 amid renewed hostilities. In a statement carried by Iranian state television, the Khatam-al Anbiya Central Headquarters said the closure of the Strait of Hormuz was a response to what it described as Israel's violation of commitments under Iran's agreement with the United States. "It is hereby announced that the Strait of Hormuz will be closed to vessel traffic," the statement said, warning that further measures could follow if the attacks continued. The latest development came as Israel continued airstrikes across Lebanon despite international efforts to secure a ceasefire. According to Lebanon's National News Agency, an Israeli strike hit a house in Sohmor in the western Bekaa Valley, killing four members of a family and injuring another person. Rescue teams were continuing efforts to rescue a child trapped beneath the rubble. Lebanon's Health Emergency Operations Centre said another Israeli strike on Qanarit, in the Sidon district, killed at least seven people and wounded 13 others in a preliminary toll. The overall death toll from Israeli attacks across Lebanon since dawn has risen to at least 32, according to Lebanese authorities. Meanwhile, the Israeli military said Hezbollah had fired more than 50 projectiles overnight toward Israeli forces operating in southern Lebanon. The military also said its forces had struck dozens of Hezbollah targets, including rocket-launch positions, weapons storage sites and command centres in southern Lebanon. The renewed violence has heightened fears of a broader regional escalation and raised fresh concerns over the implementation of the recently signed US-Iran agreement aimed at ending hostilities across the region. Source: Al Jazeera

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that any agreement aimed at ending the conflict between Iran and the United States must include the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, a condition that Israel has already rejected, casting uncertainty over the prospects of a lasting settlement. Speaking on Tuesday, Araghchi argued that the war could not be considered fully over while Israeli troops remained in territories occupied during the conflict. “Without the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territories they occupied during this war, the war has not fully come to an end,” he said. The proposed agreement, brokered primarily by Pakistan, has not been publicly released, and differing interpretations by officials from various sides have highlighted unresolved issues. Although Israel is not a direct party to the US-Iran negotiations, it has been deeply involved in the wider conflict after joining US strikes against Iran in late February and continuing military operations against the Iran-backed Hezbollah group in Lebanon. Pakistan, which has played a key mediating role, previously indicated that the agreement would bring an end to military operations across all fronts, including Lebanon. However, Araghchi’s insistence on an Israeli withdrawal introduces a new point of contention. A US official familiar with the negotiations has said the agreement does not require Israel to withdraw from Lebanon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also reiterated on Monday that Israeli forces would remain in Lebanon “as long as necessary.” The disagreement highlights the fragile nature of the proposed settlement ahead of a planned signing ceremony in Geneva on Friday. According to US and Pakistani officials, the framework agreement would involve the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the lifting of blockades affecting Iranian ports. It would also initiate a 60-day negotiation process focused on Iran’s nuclear programme and the possible easing of sanctions. The deal reportedly includes provisions for the release of frozen Iranian assets and the establishment of a potential $300 billion reconstruction fund for Iran, contingent on Tehran meeting agreed conditions. However, US President Donald Trump later said Washington would not directly invest funds in Iran. Regional officials familiar with the negotiations told media outlets that Iran had pushed in the final stages to include Lebanon in the agreement. They said Tehran seeks the withdrawal of Israeli forces from nearly all occupied Lebanese territory, except for a limited number of border positions. The officials also noted that the release of frozen Iranian funds would depend on Iran’s implementation of the agreement. Gulf Arab countries are also expected to provide substantial financial support to Iran’s economy under the broader framework. Another unresolved issue concerns Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. The agreement reportedly envisages discussions on reducing or removing the stockpile, although Iranian hardliners remain opposed to relinquishing it. Questions also remain over how compliance with any future nuclear arrangements would be verified and how highly enriched uranium stored at damaged nuclear facilities would be handled. The proposed deal comes as leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) nations gather in France, where the Middle East conflict and its economic repercussions are expected to feature prominently in discussions. European leaders have welcomed the diplomatic progress while stressing the need for rapid implementation of any agreement to restore stability and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global energy supplies. Trump acknowledged ongoing concerns about Israel’s military operations in Lebanon, saying prolonged fighting could undermine broader diplomatic efforts. “It just goes on forever,” he said. “And when that happens, it throws a negative light on the big deal. And that’s the deal with Iran.”

The United States and Iran have reportedly agreed on the wording of a draft agreement intended to end the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, according to Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Speaking on Friday, Sharif said both countries had reached consensus on a final text and that mediators are now working with Washington and Tehran to complete the remaining steps needed to formalize the deal. Pakistan has played a leading role in the mediation efforts. In a post on X, Sharif expressed optimism, saying that a peaceful resolution appears closer than ever. The development follows several days of military exchanges involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, raising fears of a broader regional conflict. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also suggested that an agreement was within reach, while U.S. President Donald Trump shared similar sentiments by reposting Araghchi’s remarks on social media. According to Araghchi, the proposed agreement would initially focus on ending hostilities across the region, including in Lebanon. Discussions concerning Iran’s nuclear program would continue for up to 60 days after the signing of the initial accord, with the possibility of extending that timeline if necessary. Iran’s nuclear activities remain one of the most contentious issues in the negotiations. The United States and Israel argue that Tehran’s program could eventually be used to develop nuclear weapons, while Iran maintains that its nuclear efforts are strictly peaceful. A senior U.S. official indicated that the draft agreement would begin the process of eliminating or removing Iran’s highly enriched uranium. The following 60-day period would be used to address technical details related to that process. The negotiations also address the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil and natural gas shipments. Disruptions in the waterway have contributed to higher energy costs worldwide. The proposed deal reportedly includes measures to reopen the strait and restore normal shipping operations. Iran has signaled that it wants to retain the right to charge transit fees for vessels using the strait, arguing that such payments would compensate for services provided during passage. Regional officials familiar with the discussions said the agreement is also expected to include a gradual easing of sanctions on Iran and the release of frozen Iranian assets. They believe a formal signing ceremony could take place within days, pending final approval from both governments. Although Israel is not directly involved in the negotiations, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz also emphasized that Israel expects its security concerns—including Iran’s missile capabilities and regional proxy networks—to be addressed. Katz added that Israel reserves the right to take independent action against Iran if necessary and indicated that Israeli forces would remain in certain areas of Lebanon, Syria, Gaza, and parts of the West Bank. Officials said the mediation effort has been led primarily by Pakistan, under the guidance of Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, with support from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar.

Kuwait suspended commercial flights on Wednesday after a drone attack attributed to Iran struck its international airport, injuring several people and damaging parts of the passenger terminal, officials said. The incident came hours after renewed missile exchanges between Iran and U.S. forces in the region, further escalating already high tensions in the Gulf. Kuwait’s Defence Ministry spokesperson Brig. Gen. Saud Abdulaziz Al-Otaibi said “a number of hostile drones” targeted Kuwait International Airport, causing significant damage to the passenger building and leaving several people injured. The airport had only recently resumed operations on June 1 after an earlier shutdown linked to regional conflict. Late Tuesday, the U.S. military said it carried out strikes on an Iranian military facility in retaliation for missile fire that it said originated from Iran and targeted Kuwait and Bahrain. According to the U.S., two Iranian missiles aimed at Kuwait disintegrated mid-air, while others targeting Bahrain were intercepted. U.S. Central Command also said it had shot down multiple drones directed at American forces stationed in Kuwait. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, however, said it had launched strikes targeting the headquarters of the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet in Bahrain and another location, though it did not name Kuwait. It said the attacks were in response to earlier U.S. military action against an Iranian oil tanker. “We had previously warned that any aggression would be met with a stronger response,” the Guard said in a statement. Central Command said it responded by striking an Iranian ground control facility on Qeshm Island near the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, Iranian semi-official news agencies reported that Tehran had paused communication with mediators over a possible ceasefire, as regional tensions also intensified in Lebanon involving Iran-backed Hezbollah. However, a regional official involved in the talks told The Associated Press that Iran had not responded to mediation efforts on Tuesday, despite earlier discussions on linking negotiations to a ceasefire in Lebanon. U.S. President Donald Trump rejected claims that talks had stalled, saying discussions were continuing daily. “The conversations between us have been going on continuously… Where they lead, one never knows, but it’s time for a deal,” Trump said in a social media post. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking at a congressional hearing, did not confirm any break in communication but expressed cautious optimism about nuclear-related negotiations, while noting that an agreement was not guaranteed.

Asian stock markets mostly fell on Monday while oil prices surged after US President Donald Trump warned that “the clock is ticking” for Iran as efforts to reach a lasting agreement to end the conflict remain stalled. US stock futures also moved lower, with major indexes losing more than 0.6 percent. Japan and South Korea pulled back further after recent record highs. Japan’s Nikkei 225 dropped 0.9 percent to 60,843.09, led by losses in technology shares. The index had touched a record intraday high above 63,000 last week. The yield on Japan’s 10-year government bond rose to 2.8 percent, its highest level since the late 1990s, as the Bank of Japan gradually raises interest rates and higher energy prices fuel inflation concerns. In South Korea, the Kospi gained 0.9 percent to 7,558.50 after recovering from earlier losses. The index had crossed 8,000 on Friday, driven by strong demand for technology stocks linked to the artificial intelligence boom, before easing on profit-taking. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index fell 1.6 percent to 25,543.32, while China’s Shanghai Composite slipped 0.1 percent to 4,132.24 after weaker-than-expected retail sales data for April. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 lost 1.4 percent to 8,508.40. Taiwan’s Taiex declined 1.1 percent, and India’s Sensex was down 0.6 percent. Oil prices climbed sharply after Trump said in a social media post that Iran should act quickly or “there won’t be anything left of them,” following a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Investors remain cautious because of uncertainty over the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil and gas shipments. The waterway remains largely closed, while the US has maintained a maritime blockade on Iranian ports since last month. Tensions increased further after a weekend drone attack on a nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates. Brent crude, the international benchmark, rose 1.9 percent to $111.31 per barrel. US benchmark crude gained 2.3 percent to $107.83 per barrel. Oil had been trading near $70 a barrel in late February before the conflict began. Analysts at ING Group said the risk of renewed escalation is increasing, despite some improvement in shipping activity around the Strait of Hormuz. The oil market is also reacting to the lack of progress following last week’s summit in Beijing between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The White House said both countries agreed that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open. Washington had hoped Beijing could use its close economic ties with Tehran to help broker a peace deal. In the bond market, the yield on the US 10-year Treasury note rose to about 4.63 percent, up from 4.47 percent last Thursday and nearly 4 percent before the conflict began. On Friday, the benchmark S&P 500 fell 1.2 percent from the record high it set a day earlier. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 1.1 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite lost 1.5 percent. In currency trading, the US dollar rose to 159.02 Japanese yen from 158.62 yen. The euro edged up to $1.1626 from $1.1622.