United News of Bangladesh

Iran said it has reached an understanding with the United States on key guiding principles aimed at resolving the long-running dispute over Tehran’s nuclear programme following indirect talks in Geneva. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said some work still remains, while Washington acknowledged that progress was made during the discussions. Oman, which is mediating the talks, said the negotiations ended with good progress toward identifying shared goals and technical issues. Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi described the outcome as constructive. The meeting came amid heightened tensions, including repeated US military warnings over Iran’s nuclear activities and its crackdown on protests. US President Donald Trump earlier said he believed Tehran was interested in reaching a deal. The US and its European allies have long accused Iran of seeking to develop nuclear weapons, a claim Tehran has consistently denied. Iran has said the talks focus on its nuclear programme and the possible lifting of US economic sanctions, while Washington has indicated interest in discussing other issues, including Iran’s missile programme. A US official said the sides would continue discussions, with Iran expected to return with detailed proposals in the coming weeks to narrow remaining gaps. US Vice President JD Vance said some US red lines were yet to be addressed. Trump, speaking earlier, said Iran wanted to avoid the consequences of failing to reach an agreement, referring to past US military action against Iranian nuclear sites. Iran has meanwhile warned against threats, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei saying attempts to predetermine the outcome of negotiations would be wrong. The latest round followed earlier indirect talks held in Oman, which both sides had described as a positive start.   With inputs from BBC

The United States and Iran are set to convene a second round of negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program on Tuesday in Geneva, amid heightened US military deployments in the Middle East and ongoing large-scale Iranian naval exercises. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly warned that Washington could resort to military action if Iran refuses to curb its nuclear activities. Tehran has responded that it would retaliate against any such move. Trump has also criticized Iran over its deadly suppression of recent nationwide protests. The initial round of discussions took place on Feb. 6 in Oman and were conducted indirectly. Vehicles bearing US flags entered the palace venue only after Iranian officials had apparently departed. Details about the format of Tuesday’s meeting have not been disclosed. Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are traveling for the talks. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking during a visit to Budapest, said Washington remains hopeful about reaching an agreement despite challenges. “I’m not going to prejudge these talks,” Rubio said, adding that the president prefers diplomatic solutions. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who is leading Tehran’s delegation, met Monday in Geneva with the head of the UN nuclear watchdog. Writing on X, Araghchi said he had arrived “with real ideas to achieve a fair and equitable deal,” while emphasizing that Iran would not yield to threats. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Washington, Trump said he would be involved in the negotiations indirectly and described them as crucial. He characterized Iran as a tough negotiating partner and expressed hope that Tehran would take a more reasonable approach, adding that he believes Iran wants to avoid the consequences of failing to secure a deal. Meanwhile, the US is also hosting discussions in Geneva between Russian and Ukrainian envoys ahead of the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Protest crackdown anniversary Iran is marking 40 days since one of the deadliest episodes in last month’s protest crackdown, in line with the traditional Muslim mourning period. Activists say at least 7,015 people were killed, many during a violent overnight operation between Jan. 8 and 9. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported the latest figures, though The Associated Press has been unable to independently verify the toll due to internet and communication restrictions in Iran. State media said authorities would hold a memorial ceremony at the Grand Mosalla mosque in Tehran and blamed the unrest on armed groups allegedly backed by foreign intelligence services. Naval drills amid US buildup Iran said its paramilitary Revolutionary Guard launched exercises early Monday in the Strait of Hormuz, the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman — key global shipping routes through which about 20% of the world’s oil supply passes. Security firm EOS Risk Group reported that mariners received warnings about a potential live-fire drill in Iranian waters of the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday. Iranian state television did not confirm the live-fire element. Last week, Trump announced that the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier would be redeployed to the Middle East, joining the USS Abraham Lincoln and accompanying destroyers already stationed there. US forces recently shot down an Iranian drone that approached the Lincoln, on the same day Iran attempted to halt a US-flagged vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. Gulf Arab states have cautioned that any escalation could trigger a broader regional conflict, as tensions remain high following the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Sanctions relief key for Tehran The Trump administration is seeking to limit Iran’s nuclear activities and ensure it does not develop nuclear weapons. Tehran maintains its program is peaceful and has resisted calls to halt uranium enrichment or surrender its uranium stockpile. Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi indicated Tehran may consider compromise but stressed that any agreement must include relief from US-led sanctions. “The ball is in America’s court,” he told the BBC, saying progress would depend on Washington demonstrating sincerity. Earlier negotiations were derailed in June after Israel launched a 12-day war against Iran. During the conflict, the US targeted Iranian nuclear facilities, likely damaging centrifuges enriching uranium to near weapons-grade levels, while Israeli strikes weakened Iran’s air defenses and missile capabilities. Before the June conflict, Iran had enriched uranium to 60% purity, a level close to weapons-grade, though it continues to insist its nuclear program is solely for civilian purposes.  

The United States has significantly increased its naval and air deployments in the Middle East, with satellite images confirming the presence of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln near Iran, as Washington continues to apply pressure over Tehran’s military programme and its recent crackdown on protests. BBC Verify said satellite imagery placed the carrier in the Arabian Sea, about 700 kilometres off the coast of Oman. The Lincoln, which leads a strike group of three guided-missile destroyers, carries about 90 aircraft including F-35 fighter jets and has a crew of nearly 5,700. It was reportedly deployed to the region in late January but had not been clearly visible until now. US and Iranian officials are scheduled to meet in Switzerland on Tuesday for a second round of discussions. Iran has said the talks will focus on its nuclear programme and the possible lifting of US economic sanctions, while Washington has signalled it wants broader issues on the agenda. The US has also reportedly sent the world’s largest warship, the USS Gerald R Ford, towards the Middle East, with reports suggesting it could reach the region within weeks. According to BBC Verify, the arrival of the Abraham Lincoln adds to a wider US military build-up in recent weeks. Satellite imagery has tracked at least 12 US naval vessels across the region, including destroyers and combat ships positioned in the Gulf, the eastern Mediterranean and the Red Sea. Several vessels are stationed at a naval base in Bahrain, while others have been seen near a US base at Souda Bay. US air activity has also increased. Analysts have observed more F-15 and EA-18 fighter jets at a military base in Jordan, along with a rise in US cargo, refuelling and communications aircraft moving from the US and Europe into the Middle East. Iran has responded with its own show of force. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps recently launched naval drills in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil shipping route through which around a fifth of the world’s oil and gas passes. Iranian media showed missiles being launched from naval vessels during the exercises. Military experts say the current US deployments appear broader and more sustainable than previous operations in the region, suggesting a posture designed not only for potential strikes but also for long-term deterrence. They note that the scale of naval assets, aircraft and existing US bases would allow Washington to sustain intensive operations while countering possible Iranian responses across the Middle East.   With inputs from BBC

The United States has congratulated the people of Bangladesh for holding a successful national election. In a Facebook post, the US embassy in Dhaka extended greetings to Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its leader Tarique Rahman on ‘historic victory’. “The United States looks forward to working with you to realize shared goals of prosperity and security for both our countries,” it added.

Iran’s security chief Ali Larijani has accused Israel of trying to derail ongoing nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington in order to trigger conflict in the region. Speaking to Al Jazeera during a visit to Qatar, Larijani said Iran is negotiating only with the United States and not with Israel. He alleged that Israel is attempting to interfere in the process and undermine talks that are at a sensitive stage. Larijani claimed Israel wants to destabilise the region and is using Iran as a pretext. He also referred to previous Israeli actions in the region as part of a broader strategy to create tension. His remarks came as Iran and the US recently held indirect talks in Oman aimed at resolving disputes over Tehran’s nuclear programme. A second round of negotiations is under discussion. Larijani said there is common ground between the two sides on the issue of Iran not developing nuclear weapons, which Tehran insists it is not pursuing. However, he stressed that Iran’s missile programme and uranium enrichment levels are not open for negotiation. He warned that Iran would respond if the US carried out any military strike against it. During his visit to Doha, Larijani also met Hamas officials to discuss regional developments.   With inputs from ALJAZEERA

Canada and France are set to open diplomatic consulates in Greenland on Friday, marking a historic expansion of foreign engagement in the Arctic territory, officials said. A Canadian delegation led by Governor General Mary Simon and Foreign Minister Anita Anand will formally inaugurate Canada’s first diplomatic outpost in Nuuk, accompanied by a Canadian Coast Guard vessel. French officials are scheduled to open their consulate on the same day. Governor General Simon, Canada’s Crown representative, said in a pre-trip statement that Canada “stands firmly in support of the people of Greenland who will determine their own future.” The visit also underscores the cultural and ethnic connections between Canadian Inuit and Greenlandic Inuit, Simon’s own Inuk heritage highlighting these longstanding ties. Until this week, only Iceland and the United States maintained formal diplomatic missions in Greenland. The opening of Canadian and French consulates is viewed as a strategic move amid former US President Donald Trump’s prior remarks suggesting the US should “own” Greenland for national security purposes. Trump later softened his stance, citing ongoing discussions with Denmark, European allies, and Canada. The Canadian consulate had been planned since early 2024 under Ottawa’s review of its Arctic policy but was delayed due to weather. The opening now comes amid increasing focus on Arctic security and infrastructure, with Canadian officials noting the proximity of Nuuk to Iqaluit in Nunavut, and the broader significance for regional cooperation. Inuit leaders, including Natan Obed of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, said the consulate represents years of advocacy to strengthen ties with Greenland and emphasized concern over US threats, given historical colonization and recent geopolitical tensions. Approximately 50 Canadian Inuit are expected to attend the inauguration ceremony. Foreign Minister Anand described Arctic defence as “an unquestionable national security priority,” highlighting Canada’s ongoing investments in northern infrastructure and a year-round military presence. During the visit, Anand will meet with Greenland’s Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt, while Simon will meet Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen. The consulate openings signal continued NATO ally support for Greenland amid past US claims and reinforce Canada’s strategic presence in the Arctic.   With inputs from BBC

Senior officials from the United States and Iran met in Oman on Friday for talks aimed at easing tensions that have raised fears of a direct military confrontation between the two countries. The discussions follow a US military build-up in the Middle East, prompted by Iran’s violent crackdown on nationwide anti-government protests last month, which human rights groups say left thousands dead. The exact scope of the talks, believed to be indirect, remained unclear, with both sides far apart in their positions amid mutual distrust. US negotiators were led by special envoy Steve Witkoff, while Iran’s delegation was headed by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Oman’s foreign minister held separate meetings with Witkoff, Araghchi, and US envoy Jared Kushner, focusing on creating conditions to resume diplomatic and technical negotiations. The US has demanded that Iran freeze its nuclear programme, surrender its stockpile of enriched uranium, address its ballistic missile programme, halt support for regional armed groups, and improve its treatment of citizens. Iran, however, has insisted that discussions will be limited to its nuclear programme, and it remains unclear if the two sides have resolved these differences. The last round of talks on Iran’s nuclear programme, scheduled for June 2025, collapsed after a surprise Israeli attack. In recent weeks, US President Donald Trump has threatened military action if a deal is not reached, sending thousands of troops and an “armada” of warships, fighter jets, and an aircraft carrier to the region. Iran has warned it would respond to any attack by targeting US military assets in the Middle East and Israel. For Iran’s leadership, analysts say the talks may be a last chance to avert US military action that could further destabilize the regime, which is under significant pressure following the brutal suppression of nationwide protests triggered by an economic crisis. The Human Rights Activists News Agency in Washington reported at least 6,883 deaths and more than 50,000 arrests during the demonstrations. The current crisis has revived concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme, a long-standing point of contention with the West. Iran maintains its programme is for peaceful purposes, while the US and Israel accuse it of pursuing nuclear weapons. Iran also insists on its right to enrich uranium domestically and has rejected demands to transfer its 400kg stockpile of highly enriched uranium abroad. Officials indicated that Iran could consider concessions, such as establishing a regional uranium enrichment consortium, similar to proposals in previous negotiations that collapsed after the Israeli attack. Tehran, however, has rejected US demands to limit its ballistic missile programme or stop supporting regional allies it calls the “Axis of Resistance,” including Hamas in Gaza, militias in Iraq, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the Houthis in Yemen, calling such demands a breach of its sovereignty. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Tuesday he instructed Araghchi to pursue “fair and equitable negotiations” with the US, provided a suitable environment exists. Iran is also expected to push for the lifting of sanctions that have severely impacted its economy. For the US, the Oman talks could provide a potential diplomatic alternative to military action. Regional countries have warned that a US strike could trigger a wider conflict and long-term instability in Iran, noting that air power alone would not topple the Iranian leadership. Trump, when asked if Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei should be worried, told NBC News, “I would say he should be very worried. Yeah, he should be.” US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that discussions must go beyond the nuclear issue to achieve meaningful results. The meeting, initially planned in Istanbul, was moved to Oman at Iran’s request. Oman also hosted similar discussions last year. The talks are being led by Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar as part of efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region.   With inputs from BBC

An internal Vietnamese military document has revealed deep concerns within Hanoi’s defense establishment about a potential American “war of aggression,” even as Vietnam maintains its highest-ever level of diplomatic relations with Washington. The document, prepared by Vietnam’s Ministry of Defense in August 2024 and titled “The 2nd U.S. Invasion Plan,” portrays the United States as a “belligerent” power and urges vigilance against what it describes as possible US-led attempts to destabilise Vietnam’s socialist system, according to a report released on Tuesday by The 88 Project, a human rights organisation focused on Vietnam. The disclosure comes roughly a year after Vietnam and the United States elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, placing Washington on par with Hanoi’s ties to China and Russia. The internal assessment highlights what analysts describe as a dual-track approach in Vietnam’s foreign policy: outward diplomatic engagement alongside persistent internal suspicion. Beyond fears of direct military conflict, the document underscores a long-standing anxiety within Vietnam’s Communist leadership about so-called “color revolutions,” mass uprisings that have toppled governments elsewhere, including Ukraine’s Orange Revolution in 2004 and the Philippines’ People Power movement in 1986. Vietnamese planners warn that external forces could exploit issues such as democracy, human rights, ethnicity and religion to engineer political change. According to the document, while the risk of an immediate war against Vietnam is considered low, the US and its allies are seen as willing to use unconventional warfare or manufacture pretexts for intervention against countries that fall outside Washington’s strategic orbit, particularly as part of efforts to counter China’s influence in Asia. Ben Swanton, co-director of The 88 Project and author of the analysis, said the concerns outlined in the document reflect a broad consensus within Vietnam’s government rather than the views of a marginal faction. He noted that Hanoi does not see the US as a true strategic partner and has no intention of joining any anti-China alliance. Vietnam’s Foreign Ministry did not respond to requests for comment on the report or the document. The US State Department declined to address the contents directly but reiterated that the bilateral partnership is intended to promote shared prosperity and regional stability. Analysts say the document offers rare insight into internal debates within Vietnam’s leadership, particularly tensions between reform-minded officials and more conservative, military-aligned figures who remain deeply shaped by memories of the Vietnam War and wary of foreign interference. While Western diplomats often view China as Hanoi’s primary security concern, the document suggests that regime stability and the threat of internal unrest remain paramount. The assessment also reflects Vietnam’s delicate balancing act. China remains its largest overall trading partner, while the United States is its biggest export market, binding Hanoi economically to both powers even as strategic mistrust persists. Observers say the return of US President Donald Trump for a second term has both eased and complicated Vietnamese concerns. While Washington has softened its emphasis on democracy and human rights, recent US actions abroad have reinforced fears among Vietnamese conservatives about American willingness to violate national sovereignty. Overall, analysts suggest Vietnam’s leadership continues to engage the United States pragmatically, but with enduring caution rooted in history, ideology and fears of political destabilisation.

The United States may announce a reduction in the reciprocal tariffs imposed on Bangladesh by the end of this week or early next week, Chief Adviser’s Special Envoy on International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi said on Tuesday. Speaking at a press conference at the Foreign Service Academy, briefing the media on Bangladesh’s engagements and outcomes at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Lutfey said Washington is sincere about lowering tariffs on Bangladesh and an announcement is expected soon. He, however, said it is still unclear to what extent the current 20 percent tariff will be reduced. Lutfey Siddiqi said he discussed the issue with US Treasury Secretary and member of President Donald Trump’s Cabinet, Scott Bessent, on the sidelines of the Davos conference. “Many elements of the US non-tariff policies align with the reform agenda of Bangladesh’s interim government. Besides, the trade deficit of around USD 6 billion with the US has come down significantly. Considering these factors, the United States is showing sincerity in reducing trade barriers on Bangladesh. A better decision will come soon,” he said. On Bangladesh-EU trade relations, Lutfey said discussions were held with EU Commissioners Roxana Mînzatu and Jozef Síkela on a possible Free Trade Agreement (FTA). “We have clearly conveyed that Bangladesh wants an FTA with the EU, and they have shown interest. But their process is slow.” Trump hikes US tariffs on South Korean goods to 25 percent He said the EU is currently pursuing FTAs with India and may move towards Vietnam next, which could pose challenges for Bangladesh. “Still, there is no reason to panic. We must continue discussions. I will leave detailed notes on this for the next government.” Lutfey also pointed out that securing GSP Plus facilities in the EU market after Bangladesh’s graduation from LDC status will be challenging, and warned that excessive export concentration on a single product could risk losing GSP Plus benefits, noting that Bangladesh’s garment exports heavily dominate the EU market, which could create future vulnerabilities. Referring to talks with World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Lutfey said future trade policy issues were discussed, where the WTO chief advised Bangladesh to gradually move beyond multilateral trade reliance and focus more on bilateral trade agreements. In this context, Lutfey said productive discussions were held with Japan on an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Akazawa Ryosei informed that a formal agreement with Bangladesh could be signed within the next one or two weeks. Also Bangladesh will enjoy duty-free transit facilities in Japan for three years after LDC graduation, he said. “Talks on FTAs are ongoing with South Korea, while negotiations with Singapore are almost at the final stage. In the future global trade environment, surviving without FTAs or EPAs will be difficult,” Lutfey said. Lutfey Siddiqi said discussions with Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkewo covered potential Thai investment in Bangladesh’s food processing sector and the use of Thai ports to boost bilateral trade. Trump threatens 100% tariff on Canada over China deal On the Rohingya repatriation issue, Lutfey said the matter was discussed with UN Special Envoy on Myanmar Julie Bishop in Davos. “As days pass, global geopolitics surrounding Myanmar is becoming more complicated. Bangladesh must remain focused on its rightful demands.” Highlighting talks with IOM Director General Amy Pope, Lutfey said discussions focused on legal migration from Bangladesh. “There is a perception internationally that Bangladesh is not serious about illegal migration and is content as long as people go abroad. We are trying to change that perception.” He mentioned that 600 holders of fake passports were sent back from Singapore last month. “Previously, no action was taken against them. This time, with support from the CID, each individual will be brought under the law.” Stressing the need for changing Bangladesh’s diplomatic approach, Lutfey said symbolic gestures such as signing MoUs, handshakes and photo opportunities are no longer sufficient; Bangladesh must make itself more relevant globally. Corridor diplomacy and issue-based negotiations must be prioritised to clearly present our positions to the world, he said.  

A heavy winter storm sweeping across the United States has killed at least seven people and left more than 800,000 homes and businesses without electricity, triggering widespread disruptions to daily life. The storm brought heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain, forcing authorities to close schools and roads and cancel thousands of flights. The National Weather Service (NWS) warned that “life-threatening” conditions stretched from Texas to New England. Officials said two people died of hypothermia in Louisiana, while storm-related deaths were also reported in Texas, Tennessee and Kansas. In New York City, Mayor Zohran Mamdani said at least five people died on Saturday, although the exact causes were still being investigated. He noted that extreme cold remains a serious seasonal threat for residents. More than 800,000 customers were without power by Sunday afternoon, according to PowerOutage.us. Meanwhile, FlightAware reported that over 11,000 flights were cancelled nationwide. Meteorologists said the storm could last several days and affect about 180 million people  more than half of the US population. Freezing rain, which instantly turns into ice on contact with surfaces, was described as one of the most dangerous elements of the storm due to its ability to damage trees, down power lines and make roads extremely slippery. National Weather Service meteorologist Allison Santorelli said,“The snow and ice will melt very slowly and won’t go away anytime soon, which will hinder recovery efforts.” Read More: Winter storm leaves millions without power across US New York Governor Kathy Hochul urged residents to stay indoors, calling it the coldest and most severe winter storm the state has experienced in years. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said ,the state was seeing more ice than initially forecast, increasing the risk of accidents. Nearly half of US states have declared emergencies, while many schools cancelled classes through Monday. The US Senate also postponed a scheduled vote due to the severe weather. Massive US winter storm cancels thousands of flights The storm has also affected Canada, where heavy snowfall has led to hundreds of flight cancellations. Ontario is expected to receive between 15 and 30 centimetres of snow. Weather experts said the storm was caused by a weakened polar vortex, allowing Arctic air to move southward. The extreme cold is forecast to persist into early February.   With inputs from BBC