United News of Bangladesh

Large images of Donald Trump have appeared on auto-rickshaws across New Delhi as part of a US campaign to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence. The posters feature Trump’s portrait alongside the Statue of Liberty and the slogan “Happy Birthday America!” Around 100 auto-rickshaws carrying the posters have been seen on the streets of the Indian capital in recent weeks, turning the city’s three-wheelers into mobile advertisements for the US celebration. The campaign was launched last month by Sergio Gor, the US ambassador to India. In a social media post, the United States Embassy in India described the initiative by saying, “Freedom is on the move … literally!” and encouraged residents to look out for the vehicles across Delhi. The campaign comes as Washington seeks to strengthen ties with India after tensions over Trump’s tariff policies, which increased duties on several Indian exports. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is also expected to visit New Delhi this weekend. For many rickshaw drivers, however, the campaign has little personal significance. Driver Ganesh Kumar said he initially declined to place the poster on his vehicle but later agreed after organisers offered him a packet of tea. Another driver, Pradeep Kumar, said he accepted the poster mainly because it helped cover a torn canopy on his auto-rickshaw. Asked about the image, he said he recognised Trump but knew little else about him.

U.S. President Donald Trump said he has decided to hold off on a planned military strike against Iran, citing ongoing negotiations that could potentially end the conflict. Speaking at the White House on Monday, Trump said a “very major attack” scheduled for Tuesday had been postponed to allow time for diplomatic efforts. “There seems to be a very good chance that they can work something out. If we can do that without bombing the hell out of them, I’d be very happy,” he said, after first announcing the decision on social media. Trump added that the delay came at the request of key Gulf allies, who believe a deal with Iran could be reached within days. He said leaders from Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates had urged him to give negotiations more time. Despite pausing the strike, Trump warned that the U.S. military remains prepared for a large-scale operation if talks fail. “I have instructed the military to be ready to move forward with a full assault on a moment’s notice if an acceptable deal is not reached,” he said. Trump has repeatedly warned that the fragile ceasefire reached in mid-April could collapse if Iran fails to reach an agreement. Over the weekend, he cautioned Tehran that time was running out to act. While expressing optimism about current negotiations, Trump acknowledged that past efforts to reach a deal had faltered. “This is a very positive development,” he said, adding, “there were times before when it looked like a deal was close, but nothing happened. This is a little bit different.” The president has previously delayed or reversed decisions on military action to allow diplomacy to proceed, although strikes were eventually launched earlier in the conflict after initial hesitation. Meanwhile, tensions remain high across the region, with Iran and allied groups accused of launching drone attacks targeting Gulf states. Trump has also held recent discussions on the situation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

US President Donald Trump said American and Nigerian forces have killed a senior leader of the Islamic State group in Nigeria during a joint mission carried out Friday. In a late-night social media post, Trump said Abu Bakr al-Mainuki, whom he described as the group’s second-in-command globally, was killed while hiding in Africa. He claimed al-Mainuki was closely tracked through intelligence sources. An official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said al-Mainuki played a key role in IS operations and financing and had been plotting attacks against the United States and its interests. Trump’s trip to China: Taiwan, a new framework for relationship and flattery for Xi Nigerian President Bola Tinubu confirmed the strike, saying al-Mainuki and several lieutenants were killed at a compound in the Lake Chad Basin. Military spokesperson Sani Uba described the raid as a complex air-land operation conducted over three hours without casualties. He called it the most significant counterterrorism success in the region since 2015. Born in Borno in 1982, al-Mainuki later led IS’s West Africa branch. Analysts say his global rank remains unverified, though some believe he rose within IS leadership this year. But He was sanctioned by the U.S. in 2023. The operation follows a US-Nigeria security partnership launched last year to tackle militancy in the region.

US President Donald Trump on Monday said the ceasefire with Iran is “on life support,” rejecting Tehran’s latest proposal to end the conflict and describing it as “totally unacceptable.” Speaking at an unrelated White House event, Trump also termed Iran’s response to a US-backed peace plan as “stupid” and “unbelievably weak,” though he noted that a diplomatic resolution remains “very possible.” Iranian officials, however, pushed back against Washington’s position. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the US had made “unreasonable demands,” while Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that Tehran is prepared to respond to “any aggression.” Ghalibaf said the US should accept Iran’s proposal, cautioning that any alternative approach would be “inconclusive” and could impose greater costs on American taxpayers if delays continue. Amid the diplomatic tensions, the US and the UK have imposed new sanctions targeting Iranian individuals and entities. Meanwhile, violence continues elsewhere in the region. Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon reportedly killed four people in Nabatieh, including a 78-year-old woman and her 11-year-old grandson. The Israeli military says it is targeting positions linked to Hezbollah, which in turn claimed to have carried out 20 attacks against Israel. UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher expressed concern over the escalating impact on civilians, citing more than 100 Israeli strikes within 24 hours. With tensions persisting on multiple fronts, the already fragile ceasefire between Washington and Tehran appears increasingly uncertain. Source: Al Jazeera  

The Trump administration has been accused of repeatedly failing to comply with lower court rulings across a wide range of policy areas, including immigration, deportations, federal spending cuts and mass layoffs, according to a review of court records cited by The Associated Press (AP). The AP review found that in the first 15 months of President Donald Trump’s second term, federal district judges ruled the administration had violated court orders in at least 31 lawsuits. This represents roughly one in eight cases in which courts had temporarily blocked government actions. One such case involved a ruling last December in which a federal judge struck down a policy of holding immigrants without bond. Despite the decision, a senior Justice Department official reportedly argued the ruling was not binding, and detainees continued to be denied release. By February, US District Judge Sunshine Sykes expressed strong concern over the administration’s conduct. She accused officials of attempting “to erode any semblance of separation of powers,” adding that they could “only do so in a world where the Constitution does not exist.” The administration has also faced more than 250 additional findings of noncompliance in individual immigration-related cases, including failure to release detainees and return seized property. Legal experts and former judges said such levels of defiance are highly unusual compared to previous administrations. Ryan Goodman, a law professor at New York University, said, “What the court system is experiencing in the last year and a half is just qualitatively completely different from anything that’s preceded it.” Georgetown University constitutional law scholar David Super warned that weakening adherence to court rulings could have wider consequences, saying, “The federal government should be the institution most devoted to the rule of law in this country. When it ceases to feel itself bound, respect for the rule of law is likely to break down across the country.” According to the AP review, higher courts, including the Supreme Court, have overturned or limited lower court rulings in nearly half of the cases, a factor critics say may be encouraging the administration’s stance. White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson defended the administration, stating that higher courts had overturned “unlawful district court rulings.” She added, “The administration will continue to comply with lawful court rulings.” Among disputed cases are alleged violations involving deportations to El Salvador, delays in restoring funding for Voice of America, and restrictions on foreign aid. Some judges have used strong language in their rulings. One described government actions as “ham-handed,” while another accused officials of “hallucinating new text” in legal interpretations. The Justice Department has rejected claims of widespread noncompliance, arguing in court filings that it has acted within legal limits and appealed unfavorable rulings. However, critics including advocacy groups tracking the cases argue that selective compliance undermines judicial authority and risks normalizing defiance of court orders. The dispute highlights growing tensions between the executive branch and the judiciary amid broader political and legal battles over presidential authority and the limits of executive power.

Iran has mocked US President Donald Trump with an AI-generated video after he extended a fragile ceasefire with Tehran, sparking a fresh wave of online trolling from Iranian accounts. The video, shared by the Iranian consulate in Hyderabad on X, satirises Trump’s decision to extend the ceasefire at what he described as Pakistan’s request. The post captioned the clip saying, “How was the ceasefire extended? The video is getting viral in Iran.” In the 45-second AI clip, a digital version of Trump, along with Vice President JD Vance and others, is shown waiting at a negotiation table while Iran’s delegation never arrives. The AI Trump is seen posting on a social media platform, saying, “We are having very great negotiations with Iran.” The video then shifts to a meme-style sequence inspired by SpongeBob SquarePants, showing a “2,000 years later” time jump as the characters continue waiting. Later, the AI Trump appears frustrated and tells the empty seats that if Iran does not come to talks, the United States would bomb them. He then asks, “So where are the Iranians?” An aide then hands him a note that reads, “Shut up, Trump.” The clip ends with the AI Trump saying he will extend the ceasefire at Pakistan’s request before leaving the room, drawing laughter in the video. In reality, Trump has said he extended the ceasefire indefinitely following a request from Pakistan, arguing it would give Iran more time to prepare a unified proposal to end the conflict. Iran, however, has said it is still undecided about returning to talks expected later this week in Pakistan’s capital. Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei, quoted by state media, said Tehran entered negotiations in good faith but accused the United States of lacking seriousness. Iran has also said it has not yet decided whether it will attend the next round of talks with Washington. With inputs from NDTV

Iran has denied assertions by Donald Trump that it has agreed to hand over its enriched uranium stockpile. Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesman for Iran’s National Security Committee, said Tehran has made no such commitment and will not allow enriched uranium to be sent to the country. Speaking to Al Jazeera’s Mubasher, he stressed that Iran “categorically rejects” any proposal to eliminate enrichment or halt its peaceful nuclear programme, describing such demands as a strategic red line. Trump has repeatedly claimed that Iran would relinquish its stockpile, writing on Friday that “the USA will get all Nuclear ‘Dust’”. Esmaeil Baghaei also dismissed those claims. In remarks to Tasnim News Agency, he said, “Enriched uranium is as sacred to us as Iranian soil and will not be transferred anywhere under any circumstances.”  

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has said Tehran will take the management of the Strait of Hormuz “into a new phase,” as tensions persist over access to the critically important waterway despite a fragile ceasefire with the United States. In a statement broadcast by state media, Khamenei said Iran would “seek compensation for every single loss inflicted” and pursue damages for those injured in the war. While he did not clarify what the new phase of Hormuz management would entail, the remarks signal a potential shift in Tehran’s strategy over the vital global oil route. He stressed that Iran “never sought war and we’re not seeking war,” but warned it would “not back off from seeking our legitimate rights in any way,” including support for what he described as the “entire resistance front.” He also called on pro-Iran supporters to mobilise publicly, saying their voices could influence the outcome of ongoing negotiations. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said Israel would “scale back” strikes on Lebanon ahead of talks with Iran in Islamabad, expressing optimism about a potential deal. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the notion of a truce in Lebanon, declaring “there is no ceasefire” and vowing continued attacks against Hezbollah. Netanyahu says Israel to hold direct talks with Lebanon amid ceasefire dispute The conflicting positions have cast doubt on the durability of the two-week ceasefire, with disputes over Lebanon and the Strait of Hormuz emerging as key sticking points. Heavy Israeli strikes on Beirut shortly after the truce announcement further deepened uncertainty. Diplomatic efforts are set to continue, with Pakistan hosting talks in Islamabad involving senior officials from the US, Iran and Pakistan, as both sides test the possibility of a broader settlement. Pakistani officials have disclosed the names of key figures expected to attend the upcoming negotiations aimed at ending the conflict between Iran and the United States. The talks are tentatively scheduled for Saturday in Islamabad, though officials said details are still being finalised and the list of participants may change, reports Al Jazeera. From Pakistan, expected attendees include Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and National Security Adviser Asim Malik, who also heads the country’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The US delegation is likely to feature Vice President JD Vance, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, senior presidential adviser Jared Kushner, and Admiral Brad Cooper, head of the US Central Command (CENTCOM). Iran’s side is expected to be represented by Speaker of Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi. Officials emphasised that the final list of participants could be updated as preparations continue. The talks come amid a two-week ceasefire between Iran and the US, providing a window for diplomatic engagement. With inputs from BBC

A fragile ceasefire in the Iran war came under pressure on Thursday as disagreements over Lebanon, the Strait of Hormuz and other key issues cast doubt on whether the truce will hold. Just hours after the ceasefire was announced, confusion emerged over whether it covered fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. Soon after, Israel launched heavy airstrikes on Beirut, marking the deadliest day in Lebanon since the conflict began on Feb. 28. Iran and the United States, both claiming success after the truce, appeared to be increasing pressure on each other. Iranian semiofficial media suggested that forces may have planted sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil route, highlighting Tehran’s strategic leverage. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump warned that US forces would carry out stronger attacks if Iran fails to honour the deal. However, major questions remain unresolved. These include whether Lebanon is part of the ceasefire, the future of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, when normal shipping will resume through the strait, and limits on Iran’s missile capabilities. Iran’s nuclear chief Mohammad Eslami said protecting the country’s right to enrich uranium is essential for any agreement with Washington. Speaking in Tehran, he criticised the US for not recognising enrichment as part of Iran’s proposed plan for a lasting ceasefire. Talks between the US and Iran are expected to take place in Pakistan this weekend. Violence in Lebanon has further threatened the truce. At least 182 people were killed on Wednesday as Israel intensified strikes on Hezbollah positions in Beirut. Rescue teams continued searching through rubble for survivors. Israel said it killed Ali Yusuf Harshi, an aide to Hezbollah leader Naim Kassem, though Hezbollah has not commented. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi insisted that halting the war in Lebanon was part of the ceasefire, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Trump rejected that claim. A New York-based think tank warned the agreement is close to collapse, saying Israel’s large-scale strikes could be seen as escalating tensions, regardless of whether Lebanon is formally included. Lebanon’s state news agency reported that an Israeli strike killed at least seven people in the south overnight, though Israel has not confirmed it. Uncertainty over the Strait of Hormuz continues to push global oil prices higher. Iranian media published a map indicating a “danger zone” in the waterway, suggesting the presence of sea mines during the conflict. Shipping traffic through the strait has dropped sharply, with only a few vessels passing since the war began due to security concerns. Although prices briefly fell after the ceasefire announcement, they rose again as doubts grew. Brent crude stood at around $98 on Thursday, up about 35% since the conflict started. Iran has said it will allow ships to pass under international law once US military actions stop and Israel halts attacks in Lebanon. Trump said US forces would remain deployed near Iran until a “real agreement” is fully implemented, warning of stronger military action if commitments are not met. The White House said Vice President JD Vance will lead the US delegation in upcoming talks in Islamabad starting Saturday. Key sticking points include Iran’s plan to potentially charge ships using the strait, which would challenge its status as an international waterway, and the future of Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes. While the US wants Iran to abandon any ability to develop nuclear weapons and remove its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, Tehran maintains its programme is for peaceful purposes. Trump said the US may work with Iran to remove the uranium, though Tehran has not confirmed this. In its own version of the agreement, Iran indicated it would continue uranium enrichment.

U.S. President ‘Donald Trump’said he has asked about seven countries to send warships to help keep the ‘Strait of Hormuz’ open as Iranian missile and drone attacks continued across Gulf countries on Monday. Trump said Washington is discussing the move with nations that heavily depend on Middle East oil, though he did not identify them. The narrow waterway normally carries around one-fifth of the world’s traded oil. Meanwhile, operations at ‘Dubai International Airport’, the world’s busiest airport for international travel, gradually resumed after a drone strike hit a fuel tank early Monday and sparked a fire. Authorities said the blaze was quickly controlled and no injuries were reported. Iran accused the United States without providing evidence of using facilities in the ‘United Arab Emirates’ to launch attacks on ‘Kharg Island’, a key terminal for Iran’s oil exports. The tensions pushed global oil prices higher, with ‘Brent crude oil’ trading close to $105 per barrel. Germany’s Foreign Minister ‘Johann Wadephul’ said the United States and ‘Israel’ should clarify when they believe their military objectives in the conflict have been achieved. He warned that Iran poses a serious threat to regional security, global trade and freedom of navigation, and said sanctions could be considered against those blocking the strait. The ‘United Kingdom’ announced £5 million ($6.6 million) in humanitarian assistance for ‘Lebanon’ to support more than 800,000 people displaced by Israeli operations against ‘Hezbollah’. Foreign Secretary ‘Yvette Cooper’expressed concern over the escalating crisis. The Israeli military said it has deployed additional ground troops into Lebanon for what it described as a “limited and targeted operation” to protect communities near its northern border. Military spokesman ‘Nadav Shoshani’ said Hezbollah had moved hundreds of elite fighters toward the frontier. In southern Lebanon, the state news agency reported that Israeli airstrikes killed three people, including two paramedics, in the village of ‘Kfar Sir’. Israel also claimed it had destroyed about 70% of Iran’s missile launchers during the first two weeks of the conflict and carried out roughly 7,600 strikes in Iran, damaging most of the country’s air defence systems and targeting several nuclear-related sites. Across the Gulf, several countries reported new attacks. ‘Bahrain’said its air defences intercepted four missiles and three drones, while ‘Saudi Arabia’ reported shooting down dozens of drones near ‘Riyadh’ and the kingdom’s oil-producing regions. A drone strike also caused a fire at an oil facility in ‘Fujairah Oil Industry Zone’, though no casualties were reported. In ‘Abu Dhabi’, authorities said a Palestinian civilian was killed when a missile struck a vehicle, raising the death toll in the UAE since the war began on Feb. 18 to seven. The ‘European Union’ is considering naval missions to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, according to foreign policy chief ‘Kaja Kallas’. Options include expanding the bloc’s ‘Operation Aspides’ or forming a coalition of willing member states. Trump also indicated he might delay his planned visit to ‘China’ if Beijing does not support efforts to stabilize shipping through the strait and calm oil markets. However, ‘Australia’ said it would not send a warship to the region, although it has provided surveillance aircraft and missiles to help the UAE defend against Iranian attacks.