United News of Bangladesh

Pakistan's interior minister arrived in Tehran on Sunday in a renewed effort to help revive talks between Iran and the United States, as the US military said it shot down two more Iranian drones over the Strait of Hormuz after they posed a threat to international shipping. The latest development comes as Washington continues to push Tehran toward an agreement aimed at ending the ongoing Middle East conflict, which has put pressure on the global economy and raised concerns about worsening hunger in some of the world's most vulnerable countries. Although the most intense phase of the fighting ended with a preliminary ceasefire on April 8, the parties have yet to reach a lasting agreement to formally end the conflict. At the same time, clashes between Israel and the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah continued despite the extension of a US-brokered ceasefire announced last week. Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi is visiting Tehran to deliver a message from Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, according to Iran's state news agency IRNA. Khamenei has not appeared in public since becoming Iran's leader after the death of his father during the opening day of the war on Feb. 28, when the United States and Israel launched a major bombardment campaign against Iran. Naqvi met Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni on Saturday and held talks with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Sunday, Iranian media reported. Officials did not disclose details of the message. Pakistan has previously said it is working with regional countries including Qatar, Turkey and Egypt to help narrow differences between Washington and Tehran, reduce tensions and support efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, hopes for a sustained ceasefire in Lebanon appeared uncertain. Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran, has rejected the US-mediated proposal and instead supports Tehran's position that any agreement to end the broader conflict should also include Lebanon. Israel said it carried out strikes on more than 150 Hezbollah targets across southern Lebanon over the weekend, including rocket launchers and command centres. On Sunday, the Israeli military said at least five projectiles were fired from Lebanon toward northern Israel. The projectiles were either intercepted or landed in open areas. Hezbollah did not immediately claim responsibility but said it had attacked Israeli troops in southern Lebanon. The Israeli military said two soldiers were killed during fighting in southern Lebanon on Saturday. The ongoing violence in Lebanon threatens efforts to secure a broader regional truce and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil and gas supplies. Disruptions in the waterway have already shaken international energy markets. Iran insists that any long-term ceasefire must also cover Lebanon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated that military operations will continue until Israel believes Hezbollah no longer poses a security threat. In a related development, Lebanese Army Commander Gen. Rodolphe Haikal travelled to Pakistan on Saturday at the invitation of Pakistan's army chief. Lebanese authorities did not provide further details about the visit. The US military said on Saturday it intercepted several Iranian missiles and drones heading toward the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf Arab states, and later struck Iranian coastal radar sites used for surveillance. US Central Command said the drones posed an immediate threat to maritime traffic in the region. Iran's Revolutionary Guard said it had targeted the Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, where US forces are stationed, as well as the US Navy's Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain, according to IRNA. The US military said there were no reports of casualties among American personnel. Earlier this month, Iranian drone attacks heavily damaged a passenger terminal at Kuwait's main airport, killing one person and injuring dozens more. Washington has maintained its blockade of Iranian ports in response to Tehran's control over the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy exports. The conflict has driven up energy prices, creating political challenges for US President Donald Trump's Republican Party ahead of congressional midterm elections later this year.

President Donald Trump increasingly appears to be boxed in. U.S. and Iranian negotiators reached a tentative agreement a week ago to extend the ceasefire by 60 days and start a new round of talks on Iran’s nuclear program. Trump, however, has called for unspecified changes, and Iranian officials have shown no public sign of agreeing to the deal. The fighting in Lebanon, where Israeli forces have seized large swaths of the south while saying it targets the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militant group, also challenges efforts to end the Iran war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has demanded that any lasting truce extends to Lebanon. The Trump administration has touted the latest ceasefire agreed to earlier in the week by the Lebanese government and Israel after U.S.-brokered talks in Washington. However, Hezbollah has rejected the agreement. Meanwhile, Iran fired ballistic missiles and drones toward Bahrain and Kuwait that were intercepted early Saturday, Bahrain’s government said, and called on Tehran to halt attacks on Gulf neighbors that test a fragile ceasefire in the Middle East conflict. Iran said that it targeted American military assets in both countries, after the U.S. attacked surveillance facilities on Qeshm Island and near Sirik that Iran said were used to protect borders and “ensure the security of navigation in international waters.” Tehran called the attack a ceasefire violation. Later Saturday, U.S. Central Command said U.S. forces had shot down two Iranian attack drones over the Strait of Hormuz. The latest exchanges came as the Trump administration presses Iran to make a deal to end the war, which has strained the global economy and threatened a hunger crisis in some of the world’s most vulnerable countries.  

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.”

President Donald Trump’s hardline approach toward Iran is facing a major setback as diplomatic efforts and military pressure fail to shift Tehran’s long-standing positions, while tensions remain high over the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Trump, who often presents himself as a strong dealmaker, has alternated between threats of military action and claims that a breakthrough with Iran is close. His aides have suggested the United States is gaining the upper hand and that a deal is within reach amid fragile ceasefire conditions and rising pressure on Tehran. However, Trump on Monday said he had paused plans for an imminent resumption of strikes after requests from Gulf Arab allies, who said serious negotiations were underway. He added that a potential agreement would benefit the United States and countries across the Middle East. Despite that pause, Trump warned he had instructed military officials to be ready for a “large scale assault” if talks fail, underscoring his repeated pattern of setting deadlines for Iran and then stepping back from immediate action. There is little sign that Iran is ready to meet US demands, which include ending its nuclear programme, scaling back ballistic missile development and cutting support for allied groups in Gaza, Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen. Iranian officials have largely maintained their positions despite economic pressure and internal challenges. The White House defended Trump’s strategy, saying he prioritises diplomacy but will only accept a deal that serves US interests. A spokesperson said the president “holds all the cards” and is keeping all options open to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. A key factor in the standoff is Iran’s influence over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route. Even amid US pressure, Tehran’s leverage over the waterway has contributed to volatility in global energy markets and higher fuel prices, adding political pressure on Trump domestically. The economic impact has also affected Trump’s standing at home, with recent polling showing weaker approval on economic issues as rising energy costs concern voters ahead of upcoming elections. Analysts say Trump’s pressure strategy, which has worked in other countries, has not produced similar results with Iran. Tehran continues to resist concessions beyond what was discussed in earlier nuclear negotiations during the Obama administration, from which Trump withdrew in 2018, calling it a flawed agreement. Since a fragile ceasefire took effect last month, Trump has repeatedly criticised the pace of negotiations. Iran, meanwhile, has responded by insisting its military remains prepared while diplomacy continues. Experts say both sides appear locked in a stalemate, with neither believing it is close to defeat and both hoping time will strengthen their position. Some analysts note that ongoing pressure in the Strait of Hormuz is increasing costs for both Washington and Tehran while delaying a resolution. Former US officials and policy experts remain divided, with some describing the situation as a deadlock and others arguing that Trump still holds strategic leverage despite market instability and regional concerns.

U.S. forces disabled two more Iranian oil tankers on Friday after an overnight exchange of fire with Iranian troops in the Strait of Hormuz, while the UAE reported fresh Iranian missile and drone attacks. The developments have raised further doubts about the fragile ceasefire that the U.S. says remains in place as Washington waits for Iran’s response to a proposed agreement aimed at ending the conflict, reopening the strait, and limiting Tehran’s nuclear activities. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he expects a “serious offer” from Iran soon. According to the U.S. military, the tankers were targeted because they allegedly attempted to break an American blockade on Iranian ports. Earlier, the military also claimed it had intercepted attacks on three U.S. Navy vessels and retaliated by striking Iranian military sites in the strait. Since the war began on Feb. 28 between Iran, the U.S., and Israel, Iran has largely obstructed the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global energy supplies and increasing fuel prices worldwide. In response, the U.S. has enforced its own blockade on Iranian ports. The UAE’s Defense Ministry reported that air defense systems intercepted two ballistic missiles and three drones launched by Iran, though it remains unclear whether every projectile was destroyed. Three people were injured in the incident. The U.S. military released footage showing American fighter jets striking the smokestacks of the two Iranian tankers. Earlier this week, another Iranian tanker reportedly had its rudder disabled by a U.S. jet after attempting to breach the blockade. Following the overnight clashes, the U.S. said it had successfully defended its Navy ships in the Strait of Hormuz and carried out retaliatory strikes without suffering any damage. Rubio warned that any threats against Americans would be met with force. Iran strongly criticized the U.S. military actions, calling them hostile and a violation of the ceasefire. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused Washington of choosing military escalation over diplomacy whenever negotiations appear possible. Meanwhile, an overnight U.S. strike reportedly killed one sailor and injured 10 others aboard a cargo ship that caught fire, according to an Iranian judiciary-linked news outlet. It was unclear whether the ship was among the two tankers hit by U.S. forces. President Donald Trump maintained that the ceasefire is still holding but repeated warnings that the U.S. could resume heavy bombing if Iran refuses a deal to reopen the strait and curb its nuclear program. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Islamabad has been working continuously with both Tehran and Washington in an effort to preserve the ceasefire and secure a broader peace agreement. Satellite images reviewed by AP revealed what appears to be a significant oil spill near Iran’s Kharg Island export terminal in the Persian Gulf. Maritime intelligence analysts estimate around 80,000 barrels of oil may have leaked since Tuesday. The exact cause remains uncertain, with possibilities including technical failure or military strikes. Experts warned that the spill could spread toward the coasts of the UAE, Qatar, or Saudi Arabia within weeks, though Greenpeace researchers suggested the slick may disperse offshore without severely affecting land areas. The Pentagon declined to comment on whether it was monitoring the spill or if recent U.S. strikes had targeted Kharg Island. Rubio also criticized Iran’s reported creation of a new authority to regulate and tax ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, saying it was unacceptable for Iran to control such a crucial international waterway. Shipping concerns have intensified as hundreds of commercial vessels remain stuck in the Persian Gulf. Iran’s restrictions on the strait continue to disrupt global trade in oil, gas, and petroleum products, while the U.S. blockade has further increased tensions. China also expressed concern after a Chinese-crewed oil tanker near the strait was attacked. Despite the instability, China continues importing Iranian oil. South Korea, another country heavily reliant on the strait for crude oil imports, has introduced fuel price controls amid growing uncertainty in global energy markets.   

World stock markets rose on Thursday amid growing optimism that a potential US–Iran agreement could reopen the Strait of Hormuz and allow oil shipments to resume, while Brent crude prices remained just above the $100 mark. Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 surged nearly 6% to a record high, with the index jumping more than 3,300 points to 63,086.00 after trading resumed following the “Golden Week” holiday. The rally was driven largely by strong gains in technology and semiconductor stocks. Elsewhere in Asia, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index rose 1.7%, while South Korea’s the kospi climbed 1.4% to another record close. Taiwan’s Taiex also advanced 1.9%, boosted by gains in major chipmaker TSMC. European markets showed mixed trends, with Germany’s DAX edging higher and France’s CAC 40 posting slight gains, while Britain’s FTSE 100 slipped. Investor sentiment improved after reports that Washington and Tehran are nearing a deal that could ease restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route. The prospect lifted Wall Street on Wednesday, with US stocks posting strong gains and oil prices falling sharply. However, crude oil remained volatile. Brent crude traded around $100 per barrel on Thursday after fluctuating in early Asian trading, reflecting continued uncertainty over supply disruptions linked to the conflict and US military pressure on Iran. The Strait of Hormuz, a key passage for global energy shipments, has been at the centre of tensions amid the ongoing war, which has disrupted tanker movement and contributed to inflationary pressure worldwide. US markets had previously rallied after comments suggesting the waterway could reopen under a potential agreement, while strong corporate earnings from major technology firms also supported investor confidence. Currency markets showed limited movement, with the US dollar trading slightly lower against the Japanese yen and the euro edging higher.  

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman has said that international commerce and global trade channels should be free and open, stressing that everybody suffers if the free flow of international commerce is impeded. “It’s very important that the Strait of Hormuz is open for navigation. Not only the Strait of Hormuz, but international commerce should also be free and open. If they are not open and are impeded, everybody suffers. Global growth suffers, countries suffer. So it’s very important that these channels of global trade remain open,” he said. During an interview titled ADF Talks on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum recently, the Foreign Minister said the news that the Strait of Hormuz would remain open was very welcome. “You saw the impact on oil prices immediately.” He called for coordinated international action to contain the global energy crisis, warning that developing countries could face severe economic shocks if supply disruptions persist. Referring to past experiences, Dr Khalilur said they do not want a repetition of history, and it is very important that countries around the world work not only to bring peace but also to minimide the effects that the crisis might have on various countries, especially developing nations. He said the International Energy Agency has already indicated that the scope of the current crisis could be much larger than that of the 1970s. “So if the impact is very similar, then we have very rough days ahead. It is only through collective action that we will be able to withstand the negative effects emanating from the crisis and its impact on the energy market,” said the Foreign Minister. He said the world is currently facing a serious energy crisis and significant energy challenges and expressed hope that the situation would improve soon so that countries can return to normal economic activities. The 5th edition of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF 2026), hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye under the auspices of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, took place on April 17–19 in Antalya, Türkiye. In the face of geopolitical tensions, shifting balances of power, rising trade barriers and mounting pressure on multilateralism, the current global landscape is marked by increasing unpredictability. This year’s theme, “Mapping Tomorrow, Managing Uncertainties,” emphasized the importance of anticipating and addressing emerging issues in order to shape a better future. The theme underscored the need to stay ahead of future developments by identifying risks and opportunities, developing strategies, and turning insights into action. “Young nations and developing economies suffered deeply in the 1980s after earlier oil shocks. We do not want a repetition of history,” said the Foreign Minister.

US President Donald Trump is reviewing a proposal from Iran aimed at ending its conflict with Israel, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and postponing nuclear negotiations until after the war. The White House said Trump met his national security advisers on Monday to assess the proposal. However, US media reports suggest he is not satisfied with the plan because it delays discussions on Iran’s nuclear programme. According to Reuters, citing a US official, Trump wants the nuclear issue to be addressed at the very beginning of any talks. CNN reported, quoting sources familiar with the matter, that he is unlikely to accept the proposal, as easing US restrictions on Iranian ports without resolving nuclear concerns could reduce Washington’s bargaining power. The proposal comes as uncertainty continues over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global trade route. Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has said Tehran will not enter negotiations while US restrictions on its ports remain in place. Washington and Tehran agreed to a temporary ceasefire on April 8 after more than a month of fighting triggered by joint US and Israeli strikes on Iran. The truce, mediated by Pakistan, is now under pressure due to disagreements over maritime access in the strait and US measures targeting Iranian ports. Ongoing tensions involving Israel and Lebanon have further complicated the situation. Meanwhile, Iran has signalled it is still open to diplomacy. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met Russian President Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg on Monday and said Tehran is considering a US request to resume talks. Araghchi welcomed high-level engagement with Russia during a period of regional instability, saying recent developments show the strength of ties between the two countries. He also expressed appreciation for Moscow’s support for diplomatic efforts. Iran has also been engaging with regional partners, including Pakistan and Oman, which has traditionally acted as a mediator. Officials say Tehran is keeping communication channels open and continues to signal readiness for dialogue. At the same time, pressure is growing internationally to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Many countries have called for urgent and unhindered access to the waterway, while UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned the situation could lead to a global food crisis. Diplomats at the UN Security Council have repeatedly urged de-escalation, highlighting disruptions caused by stranded cargo ships and thousands of maritime workers unable to pass through the strait. About 20 percent of the world’s oil and natural gas flows through the route, making the situation critical for global energy supplies. Bahrain, which requested the UN meeting with support from several affected countries, described the closure as a violation of international law and called for an end to attacks on ships. However, no action was taken, as an earlier resolution urging the reopening of the strait was blocked by China and Russia, with Moscow blaming the US and Israel for escalating the conflict. Source: Al Jazeera

Stock markets across Asia fell on Tuesday while oil prices climbed, as efforts to end the Iran war appeared to lose momentum again. Despite a fragile ceasefire, the Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed, disrupting a key route for global oil supplies. Many Asian economies, especially resource-dependent Japan, rely heavily on this passage for energy imports. Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 dropped 1.1% to 59,884.12 after the central bank kept its key interest rate unchanged at 0.75%. The Bank of Japan said the economy continues to grow at a moderate pace but warned of a likely slowdown as rising oil and commodity prices linked to the war increase costs. The decision by its policy board was split 6-3, reflecting differing views among members. Pressure has been building for Japan to gradually raise interest rates after years of keeping them near zero to tackle deflation. “There are various risks to the outlook,” the central bank said, noting that developments in the Middle East remain a key concern. Elsewhere in the region, South Korea’s Kospi rose 1% to 6,683.10. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng fell 0.7% to 25,751.04, while China’s Shanghai Composite declined 0.2% to 4,078.77. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 lost 0.6% to 8,717.80. Oil prices continued to rise. Brent crude for June delivery increased by $1.11 to $109.34 per barrel. The more actively traded July contract rose $1.08 to $102.77. Before the war, Brent was trading near $70 per barrel but has at times surged close to $120. U.S. benchmark crude also rose 96 cents to $97.33 per barrel. Investors are now awaiting interest rate decisions from the U.S. Federal Reserve, the European Central Bank and the Bank of England later this week. On Monday, U.S. markets showed modest gains. The S&P 500 edged up 0.1% to a record high of 7,137.91, following weeks of strong performance driven by solid corporate earnings and hopes that the global economy can withstand the impact of the war. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.1% to 49,167.79, while the Nasdaq composite rose 0.2%. Market attention is also focused on upcoming earnings reports from major tech companies, including Alphabet, Amazon, Meta Platforms, Microsoft and Apple. In the bond market, U.S. Treasury yields rose slightly alongside oil prices. The yield on the 10-year Treasury increased to 4.33% from 4.31% late Friday. In currency trading, the U.S. dollar weakened slightly to 159.04 Japanese yen from 159.42 yen, while the euro dipped to $1.1716 from $1.1720.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Sunday said Bangladesh expects its vessels including MV Banglar Joyjatra to pass safely through the Strait of Hormuz. “We expect all ships, including MV Banglar Joyjatra, to pass safely through the Strait of Hormuz. The energy ministry (Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry) will know better,” she told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs while responding to a question. On April 21, the Iranian Embassy in Dhaka said it will continue its efforts to facilitate the safe passage of Bangladeshi vessels through the Strait of Hormuz and has also facilitate the safe evacuation of 186 Bangladeshi nationals from Iran via Azerbaijan. The Embassy, in a press statement, called upon all concerned to refrain from any actions or statements that may create misperceptions, and to uphold the spirit of mutual respect that governs the enduring ties between the two brotherly nations. Iran reiterates its firm commitment to strengthening the close and amicable relations between the two nations.