United News of Bangladesh

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it launched the 82nd wave of its operations against the US and Israel on Thursday, targeting Israel’s military command centres and nuclear-related industries south of the Dead Sea, according to Iran’s Tasnim news agency. The IRGC said the latest wave began at dawn and involved a broad assault using drones and missiles. Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported detecting another salvo of Iranian missiles heading toward the country, marking the fifth wave of attacks since early Thursday morning.  #From Al Jazeera  

Iran has rejected a US-backed proposal to pause the ongoing Middle East conflict, instead pressing its own conditions while continuing attacks across the region, including a strike that hit a fuel tank at Kuwait International Airport and triggered a fire. Tehran’s stance came as Israel carried out fresh airstrikes on the Iranian capital and the United States moved additional troops into the region, escalating tensions further. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on state television that Tehran has neither entered nor plans to enter negotiations to end the war. Iranian media earlier reported that the country had dismissed Washington’s ceasefire plan and outlined its own demands. According to officials familiar with the proposal transmitted via Pakistan, the US plan included sanctions relief, curbs on Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes, and reopening the Strait of Hormuz — a vital global oil shipping route. It also reportedly sought limits on Iran’s support for armed groups. US President Donald Trump, however, claimed Iran remains interested in reaching a deal but is reluctant to say so publicly. Iran has consistently ruled out negotiations over its missile programme and regional alliances, which it considers central to its security. Its control over access through the Strait of Hormuz remains a key strategic lever, especially as disruptions there have driven global oil prices sharply higher. Meanwhile, Washington is reinforcing its military presence in the region, with around 1,000 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division expected to deploy soon, alongside thousands of Marines and naval personnel. Despite the escalation, diplomatic efforts are ongoing. Mediators are exploring the possibility of direct US-Iran talks, potentially in Pakistan, though major obstacles remain over who in Tehran would engage and under what terms. Iranian state media outlined a five-point proposal that includes guarantees against future attacks, compensation for war damage, an end to hostilities, and recognition of Iran’s authority over the Strait of Hormuz — conditions likely to be rejected by the US. On the battlefield, Israel said it launched multiple waves of strikes on Tehran, while also coming under missile and rocket attacks from Iran and the Iran-backed Hezbollah group in Lebanon. Gulf states have also faced threats, with Saudi Arabia intercepting drones and Kuwait reporting multiple drone incidents. Casualties continue to mount across the region. Iran says more than 1,500 people have been killed, while Israel has reported 20 deaths. Additional fatalities have been recorded in Lebanon, Iraq, and among US forces. Oil prices, which surged earlier in the conflict, have eased slightly amid signs of potential negotiations, though they remain significantly higher than pre-war levels, raising concerns about broader economic impacts worldwide.

The Israeli military said it detected two separate waves of missiles fired from Iran toward Israel within the past hour, urging residents to immediately take shelter. Meanwhile, Israel’s emergency service, Magen David Adom, reported that two people in central Israel were receiving medical treatment following the attacks. #From BBC

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has warned of a growing crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, with around 2,000 vessels and 20,000 seafarers currently stranded, highlighting the severe challenges faced by the global shipping industry. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez told Al Jazeera that crews are under immense stress, facing fatigue and shortages of essential supplies as ships remain immobilized in the strategic waterway, reports Al Jazeera. “The longer that those ships stay there, the longer that the crews continue to suffer mentally, physically, and operationally,” he said. Dominguez also raised concerns over insurance coverage, noting that many companies have canceled contracts or imposed high premiums, leaving vessel operators vulnerable. He stressed that while a full humanitarian crisis has been averted so far due to international aid, the situation remains precarious. The IMO is pushing for the establishment of a humanitarian corridor to allow safe passage for stranded vessels. Dominguez also criticized the US plan to escort ships through the strait, describing it as “unsustainable” because it cannot guarantee the safety of merchant vessels or seafarers amid ongoing regional tensions. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for nearly a fifth of the world’s oil supply, has become a flashpoint amid escalating geopolitical conflict, affecting shipping, trade, and the livelihoods of thousands of seafarers.

The death toll from the ongoing Middle East war has reportedly surpassed 4,500, with Iran suffering the heaviest losses. Rights group HRANA estimates 3,291 people have died in Iran, including 1,455 civilians. In Lebanon, 1,072 people have been killed, mostly due to Israeli strikes against Hezbollah, according to the Lebanese health ministry. Iraqi authorities report at least 81 deaths, mainly members of the Hashed al-Shaabi forces linked to Iran. Israel has confirmed 18 deaths, including two soldiers in southern Lebanon. The US has lost 13 service members, six in a refuelling aircraft crash over Iraq. Other casualties include seven in Qatar from a helicopter accident, nine in the UAE, six in Kuwait, four each in Syria and the West Bank, and two each in Bahrain, Oman, and Saudi Arabia.   With inputs from BBC

The Pentagon has confirmed the deployment of US ground troops to the Middle East amid rising tensions with Iran. A spokesperson said elements of the 82nd Airborne Division headquarters, some division enablers, and the 1st Brigade Combat Team will be sent to the region. No further details were given for security reasons. The 82nd Airborne, based in North Carolina, is a rapid-deployment unit trained to parachute or helicopter into target areas. Analysts say the troops could be used to seize strategic locations, such as Kharg Island. The 1st Brigade Combat Team from New York is fully equipped for sustained combat operations, giving the US a broader range of military options in the region.   With inputs from BBC

The Pentagon has reached framework agreements with major defence companies, including BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin, and Honeywell Aerospace, to accelerate production of weapons systems and munitions as part of its shift to a “wartime footing.” Under the agreements, Honeywell Aerospace will “surge production of critical components for America’s munitions stockpile” through a $500 million multi-year investment, the Pentagon said, reports Al Jazeera. BAE Systems and Lockheed Martin will quadruple production of seekers for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptor, enhancing the U.S.’s missile defense capabilities. Additionally, a new framework agreement with Lockheed will speed up production of its Precision Strike Missile, further expanding the Pentagon’s arsenal. Pentagon officials said the agreements are intended to ensure that U.S. forces have adequate supplies of advanced systems and munitions as global tensions rise. The “wartime footing” initiative reflects a strategic effort to prepare for prolonged military operations while maintaining the country’s readiness and technological edge. The surge in production comes amid ongoing U.S.-led military operations in the Middle East, where troop deployments and escalating conflict have highlighted the need for rapid replenishment of critical defence resources.

Iran’s parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, has issued a stern warning to the United States, saying sending troops to the region will not fix what he described as failures by the U.S. and Israeli leadership. As the American military prepares to deploy at least 1,000 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East, Ghalibaf said the soldiers “could become victims to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's 'delusions'.” Writing on X, he added, “We are closely monitoring all US movements in the region, especially troop deployments. What the generals have broke, the soldiers can't fix; instead, they will fall victim to Netanyahu's delusions. Do not test our resolve to defend our land.” His remarks come amid skepticism in Tehran over claims of diplomatic progress with Washington. Lieutenant Colonel Ebrahim Zolfaghari, spokesperson for the Iranian military's Khatam Al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, dismissed US President Donald Trump's 15-point ceasefire plan, asserting that Tehran “will never come to terms with Washington.” The deployment of the 82nd Airborne, based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, adds elite troops trained to parachute into hostile or contested areas to secure key positions, including airfields. This comes as the Trump administration says it has begun negotiations with Iran, involving envoys Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Vice President JD Vance. Trump said, “We have a number of people doing it. And the other side, I can tell you, they'd like to make a deal.” While Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has held discussions with several counterparts this week, Ghalibaf denied direct talks with the U.S. and emphasized Iran’s stance: “Our first and last word has been the same from day one, and it will stay that way: Someone like us will never come to terms with someone like you. Not now, not ever.” An Iranian military spokesman also reaffirmed that Iran will continue fighting “until complete victory.” Source: NDTV

U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested that Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), has been encouraging American actions against Iran, describing him as “a warrior fighting with us.” The comments came after a New York Times report that said the prince views the U.S.-Israeli campaign as a historic chance to reshape the Middle East. Speaking at the Oval Office, Trump confirmed MBS’ support for certain U.S. measures targeting Tehran. The NYT report noted that MBS has emphasized the long-term threat Iran poses to the Gulf and suggested that only removing the government could neutralize it. Analysts say while Israel may tolerate a weakened Iranian state, Saudi Arabia fears that a collapsed regime could empower militias and destabilize the region. Saudi officials, however, maintain a cautious public stance. In an official statement, the kingdom reiterated its support for peaceful resolution and emphasized protecting civilian infrastructure amid ongoing Iranian attacks. The war has already disrupted Saudi oil exports, with Iranian drone and missile strikes impacting key facilities. Analysts familiar with Saudi thinking say MBS is concerned that a U.S. withdrawal could leave Gulf nations facing an “emboldened and furious” Iran alone. The strait of Hormuz, a vital route for a fifth of the world’s oil, has been largely blocked due to the conflict, affecting Saudi, Emirati, and Kuwaiti energy shipments. Meanwhile, the U.S. is reportedly preparing to deploy at least 1,000 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division to the region. Trump has sent mixed signals on the war’s future, indicating both possible escalation and discussions of a “complete and total resolution” with Iran, an idea disputed by Tehran. MBS, who has maintained close ties with Trump, has reportedly suggested seizing Iranian energy infrastructure to force regime change, underscoring Riyadh’s concern over regional security and the global oil supply. Source: NDTV

Humanitarian organizations are facing severe strain due to steep U.S. foreign aid cuts, struggling to respond to the escalating conflict in the Middle East that has displaced millions. The dissolution of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) last year forced aid groups to lay off tens of thousands of staff and close critical programs. The United Nations’ refugee agency, UNHCR, reports 3.2 million people displaced in Iran and 1 million in Lebanon since U.S. and Israeli strikes began Feb. 28. The agency, which reduced 30% of its staff last year, says it urgently needs $61 million to support 600,000 people in Lebanon over three months. The World Food Program (WFP), which saw its funding cut by a third, warned nearly 45 million more people could face acute hunger if the conflict persists and oil prices remain high. Aid experts criticize the prioritization of military spending over humanitarian needs; the Pentagon spent $11.3 billion in the first week of the war, nearly matching total global humanitarian aid in 2024. The U.S. State Department said it is providing $40 million in additional emergency aid to Lebanon and working with the UN and partners, urging other countries to contribute. It also highlighted plans to establish 12 regional hubs for global disaster response. Aid groups, including the International Rescue Committee, report that disrupted shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, rising food and fuel costs, and delayed deliveries of critical supplies are worsening the crisis. Governments including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and the UK have warned that a large-scale Israeli ground offensive in Lebanon could have devastating humanitarian consequences. Humanitarians stress that without prompt and flexible funding, millions already on the edge of starvation and displacement could face catastrophe.