United News of Bangladesh

Iran’ s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday made his first public appearance since the 12-day war between Israel and Iran began, attending a mourning ceremony on the eve of Ashoura. State television broadcast footage on Saturday showing Khamenei greeting worshippers at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Mosque during a ceremony held ahead of Ashura, the significant Shia religious observance. Khamenei’s last appearance had been via pre-recorded speeches aired during the Iran-Israel conflict, which began on June 13 and saw the killing of several senior Iranian military commanders and nuclear scientists. The war began after Israel launched a surprise assault targeting Iranian nuclear and military sites. In retaliation, Iran carried out aerial strikes on Israel. The conflict lasted 12 days, during which Khamenei delivered three video messages, fueling speculation that he had gone into hiding in a secure bunker. Iranian media extensively covered Khamenei’s public appearance on Saturday, with state TV airing footage of jubilant supporters reacting to his presence. In the video, Khamenei is seen turning to senior cleric Mahmoud Karimi, urging him to perform the patriotic song "O Iran," which has gained renewed popularity amid the recent conflict. Israeli airstrikes kill 14 Palestinians in Gaza, another 10 people die seeking food The event took place at the Imam Khomeini Mosque, named after the founder of the Islamic Republic. State television also invited citizens to submit videos sharing their reactions to Khamenei’s reappearance in public. The supreme leader's appearance comes as Iran observes Muharram, a month of mourning in the Shia Muslim calendar. Ashura, which falls on July 6 this year, marks the martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, Imam Hossein, and is traditionally attended by the country’s top religious leaders. Russia becomes first state to recognise Afghanistan's Taliban government On June 26, in a previously recorded speech broadcast on state TV, Khamenei declared that Iran would not surrender to Israel, despite US President Donald Trump’s demands. The United States entered the conflict on June 22 by launching airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites. The American operation involved 125 military aircraft targeting key facilities in Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. Iran’s judiciary later reported that the 12-day conflict resulted in over 900 deaths. #With inputs from Agencies  

 A group of 28 Bangladeshis, who had been stranded in Iran due to the ongoing conflict with Israel, safely returned home on Tuesday. According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), a flight carrying the returnees from Dubai landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka around 7:30am. The return journey began on June 25, when the group left Tehran by road and crossed into Pakistan through the Taftan border in Balochistan. They later reached Karachi, departed for Dubai on Monday night, and finally boarded their flight to Dhaka. Airport authority enhances security measures at Shahjalal Most of the returnees were women and children who had travelled to Iran for medical treatment. Diplomatic sources said the situation in Tehran is gradually improving. Once international flights resume regular operations, the remaining stranded Bangladeshis are expected to return home. According to official records, around 250 Bangladeshis have registered with the Bangladesh Embassy in Tehran.

A ceasefire between Israel and Iran is ‘now in effect’, US President Donald Trump has announced, urging both nations to honour the agreement. “Please do not violate it!” Trump stated emphatically on Tuesday, following a period of heightened conflict that rattled the region. 3 dead in Iranian missile attack after Trump’s ceasefire announcement The ceasefire, announced by Trump several hours ago, has yet to receive an official response from Israel. Iran, on the other hand, has said it will only halt its attacks if Israel does the same. The fragile truce follows days of cross-border strikes and retaliatory missile launches. Overnight, Israel reported the deaths of four people as a result of attacks launched from Iran. Meanwhile, Tehran-based state media claimed a "last round of missiles" was fired just before the ceasefire came into force. Tehran itself was not spared in the overnight escalation. A reporter on the ground described the situation as harrowing, with residents visibly shaken. “I feel traumatised,” said one local, reflecting the emotional toll of the recent attacks. According to Iranian state media, the ceasefire was "imposed" on Israel following what they described as a "successful" Iranian missile attack on a US base in Qatar on Monday. Iran has framed this action as a direct response to strikes on its nuclear facilities over the weekend. Qatar, which hosts the targeted US base, confirmed that all missiles launched towards it had been intercepted. The situation remains tense despite the ceasefire announcement, with international observers urging restraint from all parties involved. # With inputs from BBC  

Iran launched a limited missile attack Monday on a U.S. military base in Qatar, retaliating for the American bombing of its nuclear sites but indicating it was prepared to step back from escalating tensions in the volatile region. U.S. officials reported no casualties. Qatar condemned the attack on Al Udeid Air Base attack, but said it successfully intercepted the short- and medium-range ballistic missiles. Iran said the attack matched the number of bombs dropped by the United States on Iranian nuclear sites over the weekend. Iran also said it targeted the base because it was outside of populated areas. Those comments, made immediately after the attack, suggested Iran wanted to de-escalate with the United States, something President Donald Trump himself said after the strikes early Sunday on Iran. However, Israel’s war on Iran continues, with the Israeli military expanding its campaign Monday to target sites symbolic for the country’s theocracy. Iran announced the attack on state television as martial music played. A caption on screen called it “a mighty and successful response" to "America’s aggression.” Iraqis said they were informed by U.S. officials that missiles were launched toward the the Ain al-Assad base housing U.S. troops in western Iraq, but the missiles never arrived, an Iraqi security official who was not authorized to comment publicly told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. A U.S. military official said there was no confirmed attack on the base in Iraq. He also spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to comment. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said the attack by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards was “a flagrant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty, its airspace, and international law.” Al Udeid is also home to the Combined Air Operations Center, which provides command and control of air power across the region, as well as the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, the largest such wing in the world. Just before the explosions, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian wrote on the social platform X: “We neither initiated the war nor seeking it. But we will not leave invasion to the great Iran without answer.” The retaliation came a day after the U.S. launched a surprise attack Sunday morning on three of Iran’s nuclear sites. Israel expands war to include symbolic targets Earlier in the day, Israel struck the gate of a Tehran prison notorious for holding political activists and hitting the headquarters of the military force that suppressed recent protests. As plumes of thick smoke rose over Tehran, Israel was attacked with yet another barrage of Iranian missiles and drones. The persistent fire has become a reality for civilians in both countries since Israel started the war to target Tehran's rapidly advancing nuclear program. On the 11th day of the conflict, Israel said it attacked “regime targets and government repression bodies in the heart of Tehran,” but Israeli officials insisted they did not seek the overthrow of Iran's government, their archenemy since the country's 1979 Islamic Revolution. The Israeli military warned Iranians that it would continue to attack military sites around Tehran over “the coming days” as its focus has shifted to symbolic targets as well. The military issued the warning on the social platform X, though Iranians are struggling to access the outside world as an internet shutdown has crippled the country. The latest strikes unfolded only hours after Trump openly raised the possibility himself after just a day earlier inserting America into the war with its unprecedented stealth-bomber strike on three Iranian nuclear sites. “If the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a Regime change???” he asked on his Truth Social website. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt later described Trump as “simply raising a question.” However, suggestions of overthrowing the Iranian government drew new anger from Tehran, which insists it will not negotiate at this time. Tehran strikes open new chapter of war In the Tehran strikes, Israel blew open a gate at Evin prison. Iranian state television shared black-and-white surveillance footage of the strike at the facility known for holding dual nationals and Westerners often used by Iran as bargaining chips in negotiations with the West. Evin also has specialized units for political prisoners run by the paramilitary, all-volunteer Revolutionary Guard, which answers only to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The facility is the target of both U.S. and European Union sanctions. There were no immediate reports of casualties in Iran or significant damage, though the semiofficial Tasnim news agency said there had been a power cut reported outside of Tehran following the Israeli strikes. Iranian state television also aired footage it described as being shot inside Evin, with prisoners under control inside the facility. However, the Washington-based Abdorrahman Boroumand Center for Human Rights in Iran expressed worry about the condition of prisoners there. “Many families of current detainees have expressed deep concern about the safety and condition of their loved ones held inside the prison,” it said. Earlier Monday, Iranian Gen. Abdolrahim Mousavi, the chief of joint staff of armed forces, warned Washington that its strikes had given Iranian forces a “free hand “ to “act against U.S. interests and its army.” Tens of thousands of American troops are based in the Middle East. The Israeli military also confirmed it struck roads around Iran’s Fordo enrichment facility to obstruct access to the site. The underground site was one of those hit in Sunday’s attack by the United States on three nuclear facilities. The Israeli military did not elaborate. “The Iranian dictator will be punished with full force for attacking the Israeli home front,” Israel's Defense Ministry said. According to an Israeli official familiar with the government’s strategy, Israel is targeting these sites to put pressure on the Iranian administration but is not actively seeking to topple it. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal government deliberations. Nuclear fears mount after US strikes In Vienna, the head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog said he expected there to be heavy damage at the Fordo facility following Sunday's U.S. airstrike there with sophisticated bunker-buster bombs. With the strikes Sunday on Iranian nuclear sites, the United States inserted itself into Israel’s war, prompting fears of a wider regional conflict. Iran said the U.S. had crossed “a very big red line” with its risky gambit to strike the three sites with missiles and 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs. Several Iranian officials, including Atomic Energy Organization of Iran spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi, have claimed Iran removed nuclear material from targeted sites ahead of time. Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, told the agency's board of governors Monday that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi informed him on June 13 that Iran would “adopt special measures to protect nuclear equipment and materials.” “I indicated that any transfer of nuclear material from a safeguarded facility to another location in Iran must be declared,” Grossi said, without saying whether Iran had responded. Iran presses on attacking Israel Iran described its Monday attack on Israel as a new wave of its “Operation True Promise 3,” saying it was targeting the Israeli cities of Haifa and Tel Aviv, according to Iranian state television. Explosions were also heard in Jerusalem, possibly from air defense systems in action, and Israel's Magen David Adom emergency rescue service said there had been no reports of injuries. In Israel, at least 24 people have been killed and more than 1,000 wounded in the war. Israeli strikes on Iran have killed at least 950 people and wounded 3,450 others, according to the Washington-based group Human Rights Activists. The group, which has provided detailed casualty figures from Iranian unrest such as the protests surrounding the death of Masha Amini in 2022, said of those killed, it identified 380 civilians and 253 security force personnel. Russia is one of Iran’s closest allies and on Monday, President Vladimir Putin said after meeting in Moscow with Araghchi, the Iranian foreign minister, that they had explored “how we can get out of today’s situation.” Putin called the Israeli and American attacks on Iran an “absolutely unprovoked aggression.”

Israel has launched a fresh wave of attacks targeting "access routes" to Iran’s Fordo nuclear facility, escalating tensions just a day after the site reportedly sustained damage from US airstrikes. According to Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, the military is now striking Tehran with "unprecedented force". Iran’s judiciary confirmed that the capital’s notorious Evin prison has been hit in the ongoing bombardment. The situation comes amid a flurry of remarks from US President Donald Trump, who has floated the possibility of a leadership change in Iran—despite earlier reassurances from his administration that regime change was not the goal of recent US strikes. Those weekend attacks, Trump claimed, caused "monumental damage" to Iran's nuclear infrastructure. Iran has vowed a "decisive response", while the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has called for an immediate ceasefire to allow inspectors to assess the extent of the damage. Tensions surge as Trump hints at regime change in Iran Meanwhile, the European Union is urging Iran to refrain from blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping lane. The United States has also called on China to use its influence to pressure Tehran into de-escalation over the strategic waterway. As diplomatic channels scramble to regain control, the region remains on edge, with fears of further escalation looming large.

The head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog has issued a grave warning over the potential consequences of Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, citing the risk of nuclear contamination and long-term damage to global non-proliferation efforts. Speaking at an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council in New York, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi said the recent attacks have caused a "sharp degradation" in nuclear safety and security in Iran. While no radiological release has yet affected the public, Grossi warned that the risk remains dangerously high. In particular, he raised concerns about the Israeli strike on the Natanz nuclear site. Although radiation levels outside the facility remain within normal limits, there is confirmed radiological and chemical contamination inside. Life gradually returning to normal in Tehran despite tensions “The radiation, primarily consisting of alpha particles, poses a significant danger if inhaled or ingested,” said Grossi. “This risk can be effectively managed with appropriate protective measures, such as respiratory protection. However, the main concern inside the facility is chemical toxicity.” At the Esfahan nuclear site, where four buildings were damaged in the 13 June attack, there was no increase in off-site radiation, but similar concerns over chemical contamination persist. The IAEA reported no known damage at the Fordow enrichment facility, Iran’s main site for uranium enrichment to 60 per cent. Grossi issued a particularly strong warning about the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, which remains operational and contains thousands of kilograms of nuclear material. “In case of an attack on the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, a direct hit could result in a very high release of radioactivity to the environment,” he cautioned. He explained that even a strike that disables the plant’s two external power lines could lead to a meltdown of the reactor’s core, potentially requiring mass evacuations, sheltering measures, the distribution of stable iodine, and extensive food restrictions across areas spanning hundreds of kilometres. The IAEA chief also raised alarm over the potential consequences of any attack on the Tehran Nuclear Research Reactor, saying it could have “severe consequences, potentially for large areas of the city and its inhabitants.” “Armed attacks on nuclear facilities should never take place,” Grossi said, calling for restraint and a return to diplomacy. “Military escalation threatens lives and delays indispensable work toward a diplomatic solution for the long-term assurance that Iran does not acquire a nuclear weapon.” He reiterated that a diplomatic resolution remains possible. “Elements for an agreement have been discussed,” Grossi noted. “The IAEA can guarantee, through a watertight inspections system, that nuclear weapons will not be developed in Iran. This can form the basis of a durable agreement that brings peace and avoids a nuclear crisis in the Middle East,” Grossi said. Israel claims killing of Quds Palestinian Corps commander in Qom strike Grossi warned that failure to reach a political solution could have far-reaching consequences, including a protracted conflict and an erosion of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime. “The alternative,” he said, “is a looming threat of nuclear proliferation that would not only emanate from the Middle East but could unravel the Non-Proliferation Treaty itself.” # With inputs from agencies

Life in the Iranian capital is slowly returning to normal following days of heightened tension caused by Israel’s bombing campaign and a warning from former US President Donald Trump urging residents to flee the city. Although the recent strikes appear to have been limited in scale, Iran’s air defence systems remain active over Tehran, particularly during the night. The lingering threat has left many residents wary, but signs of recovery are becoming visible. The streets, while still noticeably quieter than usual, are seeing more movement. An increasing number of shops and even some restaurants have reopened. Traffic on the roads is also picking up, with the city witnessing its first traffic jam since mid-week. Sirens sound in Beersheba as Iranian missiles strike Despite concerns over potential shortages, there appears to be no disruption in the supply of essentials. Supermarkets are open and well stocked with food, and fuel stations across the city are operating normally with no queues reported at the pumps. The gradual return to routine comes as a sign of resilience among Tehran’s residents, even as the situation remains uncertain. # With inputs from CNN    

China has strongly condemned Israel’s recent strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, warning that such actions set a “dangerous precedent” with the potential for serious consequences. Fu Cong, China’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, issued the remarks during an emergency session of the UN Security Council, urging Israel to immediately cease its military operations to prevent further escalation in the already volatile Middle East. “The attacks on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure by Israel have set a highly dangerous precedent,” Fu said.  “Such moves risk spiralling out of control and could endanger not only regional stability but also global peace and security," he said.  Iran launches new missiles at Israel, Israel preparing public for ‘prolonged’ conflict Expressing deep concern over the growing conflict between Iran and Israel, Fu warned that escalating tensions between the two regional powers—particularly involving nuclear-related sites—could trigger a much broader and more devastating confrontation. He called on the international community to act swiftly and responsibly, reaffirming China’s commitment to peaceful resolution through diplomacy and multilateral dialogue.  Fu also reiterated Beijing’s support for the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter and the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). The Chinese envoy further cautioned that ongoing military activities near or targeting sensitive nuclear installations could undermine global non-proliferation efforts and erode confidence in international mechanisms designed to prevent the spread of nuclear arms. Fu’s comments came during a Security Council meeting convened in response to the latest escalation, including reported Israeli airstrikes on several Iranian sites—among them, the Khondab Heavy Water Research Reactor. Several UN member states echoed China’s concerns during the session, calling for urgent de-escalation, restraint, and a return to diplomatic efforts. END/UNB/JS/SAM

Iran launched a fresh wave of ballistic missile attacks on central Israel, igniting a major fire in the city of Holon as conflicts enter 9th day. Besides, Israeli attacks were reported at strategic sites in Iran including facilities near Isfahan, home to a key nuclear research center. In a televised address, Israel's military chief Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said the country must brace for a “prolonged campaign” against Iran, marking the ninth consecutive day of Israeli airstrikes. “This is a critical moment for national security,” Zamir stated. “We will not relent in neutralizing the threats posed by Iranian proxies and their command structures.” Amid the escalating hostilities, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi maintained that Iran’s nuclear programme remains peaceful and reaffirmed Tehran's openness to diplomacy. However, he insisted that Israel must halt its military actions first. “We do not seek war, but we will defend our sovereignty,” Araghchi said. Attack on Iran’s nuclear facility a ‘dangerous precedent’: China The Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) confirmed the latest assault, calling it their 18th strike on Israeli targets. According to Iranian state-affiliated media Tasnim, the IRGC said the operation focused on military installations and operational support centers, including areas near Ben Gurion International Airport.  The attack reportedly involved Shahed-136 drones and both solid- and liquid-fueled missiles. “The most advanced defence systems were unable to intercept them,” the IRGC claimed, vowing that such combined drone and missile operations “will continue continuously and purposefully.” Israeli military officials announced the killing of a second commander from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps’ unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) unit. Identified as Amin Pour Jodkhi, the commander was accused of overseeing the launch of hundreds of drones targeting Israeli positions from southwestern Iran. Israel claimed that Jodkhi had assumed leadership responsibilities after the June 13 assassination of Tahar Fur, another top drone commander. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) expressed grave concerns following reports of Israeli strikes on the Natanz nuclear facility. In a statement, the agency warned of potential “radiological and chemical contamination” within the site but noted no change in radioactivity levels outside the facility. Adding to the geopolitical rift, U.S. President Donald Trump publicly rebuked his intelligence chief, Tulsi Gabbard, after she told lawmakers that there was no solid evidence Iran was developing nuclear weapons. “She is wrong. We know what they’re doing,” Trump said during a press conference at the White House. As both sides harden their rhetoric and escalate military actions, international observers fear the conflict may spiral into a wider regional war. Diplomatic efforts by European and UN officials have so far failed to de-escalate the situation. The United Nations Security Council is expected to convene an emergency session to discuss the deteriorating situation and assess the potential for broader conflict in the region. Over the past week, Israeli air strikes have destroyed Iranian military facilities and weapons, and killed senior military commanders and nuclear scientists. Iran-Israel conflict escalates amid diplomatic talks in Geneva Iran's health ministry said on Sunday that at least 224 people had been killed, while a human rights group put the unofficial death toll at 639 on Thursday. Iran has launched hundreds of ballistic missiles at Israel in response to the air strikes. Source: Al Jazeera, BBC

The Israeli military reported detecting a new wave of missiles launched from Iran, with defense systems actively attempting to intercept the incoming threats. According to The Times of Israel, air raid sirens sounded in the southern city of Beersheba and nearby towns. The Quds News Network reported that a missile struck a building in Beersheba. Israel’s Yedioth Ahronoth news outlet cited confirmation from the Beersheba Municipality that the Iranian missile directly hit the target, rather than being debris from a missile intercepted in midair. Channel 12 news also reported that the Israeli military confirmed the Iranian missile was not successfully intercepted by air defense systems. Internet disruptions in Iran hinder communication with loved ones Several people were injured in the attack, the news outlets said. Fires and large plumes of black smoke erupted at the site of an Iranian missile strike in southern Israel. Israeli rescue service Magen David Adom shared a photo of the aftermath and reported no casualties so far, with teams being sent to the area.   With inputs from Al Jazeera.