United News of Bangladesh

A senior Iranian military advisor on Monday warned that Iran’s armed forces will prevent any oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz. Ebrahim Jabbari, an advisor to the chief commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), made the remarks in an interview with state-run IRIB TV, saying the country’s forces would act against any oil tankers attempting to pass through the strait. Iran death toll hits 787 as Israeli, US strikes intensify He asserted that the Strait of Hormuz has been closed and that the naval forces of the IRGC and the Iranian army will set on fire any ship trying to transit the waterway. Jabbari also said Iran would target oil pipelines in the region, emphasizing, “we will not let oil be exported from the region.” He further stated that the United States relies heavily on oil from West Asia and warned that “not a single drop of oil will be supplied to them.”

The death toll from ongoing Israeli and US strikes on Iran has surged to 787, as attacks continue across multiple fronts, including a strike targeting Iran’s state broadcaster. Israeli forces have also stepped up air raids in Lebanon and launched a fresh ground incursion into the country’s southern region, further widening the conflict. In Saudi Arabia, authorities reported that two drones struck the United States Embassy in Riyadh, sparking a small fire and causing minor structural damage. Who leads Iran after Khamenei’s death? A senior official of Hezbollah said the latest wave of attacks leaves the group with “no option but to return to resistance.” Mahmoud Qmati declared that Israel had sought an open war and would now face one, adding that “the era of patience has ended.” Meanwhile, Israeli media reported that a missile equipped with a fragmentation warhead struck Petah Tikva in central Israel. According to Channel 12, the projectile hit the city, while The Times of Israel said fragments from an Iranian missile caused damage in the area. No injuries were immediately reported. Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry strongly condemned what it described as a “treacherous” Iranian attack on the US embassy in Riyadh. In a statement, the ministry reaffirmed the kingdom’s right to take all necessary measures to safeguard its security and interests, including responding to acts of aggression. Source: Al Jazeera

Following the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran has formed a three-member transitional council to manage state affairs. Ayatollah Alireza Arafi, a member of the country’s powerful constitutional watchdog, was appointed on Sunday to the interim council, which also includes President Masoud Pezeshkian and Supreme Court Chief Justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei. Under Article 111 of Iran’s constitution, the council will govern until the Assembly of Experts, an 88-member body, selects a new supreme leader. Khamenei’s nearly 37-year rule ended Saturday following a deadly U.S.-Israeli attack, reports Al Jazeera . The constitution mandates that the Assembly of Experts appoint a successor “as soon as possible” while the transitional council oversees the government.

A magnitude-4.3 earthquake struck the Gerash region in southern Iran on Tuesday, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) said, in a shallow seismic event that was felt locally. According to the USGS, the tremor occurred at a depth of about 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) beneath the Earth’s surface.   With inputs from ALJAZEERA

Hezbollah claimed it carried out attacks on three Israeli military sites, while the Israel Defense Forces confirmed launching simultaneous strikes on Tehran and Beirut, marking a sharp escalation in regional tensions. In separate statements posted on Telegram, Hezbollah said it targeted the Nafah base in the Golan Heights with what it described as a large missile salvo. The group also claimed it struck the Meron and Ramat David air bases in northern Israel using drones. Hezbollah said the attacks were conducted “in response to the criminal Israeli aggression that targeted dozens of Lebanese cities and towns.” The Israeli military has not commented on Hezbollah’s claimed attacks. Meanwhile, the IDF said it was conducting simultaneous targeted strikes against military targets in the Iranian capital, Tehran, and the Lebanese capital, Beirut. “The IDF is currently conducting simultaneous targeted strikes against military targets in Tehran and Beirut,” the military said in a statement. IDF Arabic-language spokesman Avichay Adraee said “a wave of extensive airstrikes” was underway. The strikes came about an hour after the Israeli military issued what it described as an urgent warning to residents of Beirut’s southern suburbs and dozens of villages, urging them to evacuate. The IDF said it was targeting Hezbollah command centres and storage facilities. #With Inputs from BBC

The conflict between Israel, the United States and Iran deepened on Tuesday as US and Israeli military operations expanded across the Middle East, including a confirmed strike on the US Embassy in Riyadh and actions that have effectively halted traffic through the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Saudi authorities reported that at least two drones struck the US Embassy compound in the Saudi capital, igniting a fire and causing minor damage, though there were no immediate reports of casualties. The kingdom’s defence forces later intercepted several additional drones travelling toward Riyadh and nearby cities. Meanwhile, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated that it has closed the Strait of Hormuz — a vital global shipping artery through which around one‑fifth of the world’s oil supplies typically transit — and would target any vessel attempting to transit the waterway in response to the strikes. The closure has triggered alarm in global markets, with oil prices rising sharply amid fears that prolonged disruption could choke energy supplies. Commercial shipping firms and insurers are reported to be avoiding the strait due to the heightened risk. The escalation follows joint US‑Israeli air and missile strikes on Iranian territory that targeted government and military infrastructure, part of what Washington described as efforts to thwart Tehran’s regional influence. These actions have drawn swift retaliation from Iranian forces, including missile and drone attacks against targets in Israel and Gulf states hosting US military bases. The widening confrontation has raised concerns among international leaders about a broader regional conflict with far‑reaching economic and security consequences, underscoring deepening instability in the Middle East. Analysts warn the situation remains highly volatile as diplomatic and military responses continue to unfold.   With inputsa from ALJAZEERA

Tehran has threatened to block and even “set fire” to vessels attempting to pass through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz as tensions escalate following large-scale US and Israeli strikes on Iran. An adviser to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned on state television that the waterway is effectively closed and ships entering the area would face a “serious response.” The Strait of Hormuz handles roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas supplies, making it one of the most critical global energy routes. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the “hardest hits” against Iran are “yet to come,” declining to disclose operational details. He described Saturday’s US action as “pre-emptive,” arguing Washington acted because it anticipated Israeli strikes would trigger Iranian retaliation against American forces. Rubio said the US objective is to destroy Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities and limit threats to global shipping posed by its navy. While he added that the US would welcome change led by the Iranian people, he insisted regime change was not the stated mission. President Donald Trump, speaking at the White House for the first time since the strikes, defended the decision to launch military action as the “last, best chance” to stop Iran’s leadership. He said the US is continuing “large-scale combat operations.” Meanwhile, Iran has fired missiles toward Israel, with the Israeli military saying its air defence systems were intercepting incoming threats. Israel has also intensified strikes in Tehran and targeted positions in Lebanon it described as linked to Hezbollah. Lebanese health authorities reported dozens killed and hundreds displaced in Beirut following Israeli bombardment. Saudi Arabia confirmed that two drones struck the US embassy compound in Riyadh, causing a limited fire and minor structural damage. Separately, an air base near Dubai used by Australian forces was hit by a drone over the weekend, though no Australian personnel were injured. The conflict is also rattling global markets. The cost of chartering a supertanker to transport oil from the Middle East to China has surged to a record high of more than $400,000 per day, nearly double last week’s rate, according to financial data providers. In Tehran, damage was reported at the historic Golestan Palace, a UNESCO-listed royal complex dating back to the Qajar era. Iranian media said nearby explosions affected the site, prompting concern over cultural heritage protection. The US State Department has urged American citizens across much of the Middle East to depart via commercial means due to “serious safety risks.” An updated military briefing from US Central Command said six American service members have been killed so far in the conflict. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the UK’s decision not to join the US-Israeli operation was “deliberate,” adding that his government does not support “regime change from the skies.” As missile exchanges and air strikes continue, fears are mounting that the conflict could further disrupt global energy supplies and draw more regional actors into a widening war.   With inputs from BBC

Russia on Saturday strongly condemned the joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, describing them as “a preplanned and unprovoked act of armed aggression against a sovereign and independent U.N. member state” and urged an immediate halt to the military operations and a return to diplomacy. In a statement on Telegram, the Russian Foreign Ministry accused “Washington and Tel Aviv” of using concerns over Iran’s nuclear program as a cover for pursuing regime change. It warned that the attacks could trigger a “humanitarian, economic, and possibly radiological catastrophe” in the region and said the actions risk plunging the Middle East into “an abyss of uncontrolled escalation.” Russia, a major trade partner and arms supplier to Iran, condemned the attacks but is expected to carefully assess its response, given recent warming ties with the United States. Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised U.S. President Donald Trump’s mediation efforts in Ukraine, and Moscow and Washington have been in talks to revive economic relations. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov spoke by phone with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who briefed him on Iran’s attempts to repel the attacks and said Tehran would seek to convene an urgent U.N. Security Council session. Lavrov reiterated Russia’s condemnation and Moscow’s readiness to help broker peace. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Putin discussed the situation with Russia’s Security Council via videoconference. The statement called the bombing of nuclear facilities under International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards “unacceptable” and placed full responsibility for the escalation on the U.S. and Israel. It said, “Responsibility for the negative consequences of this manmade crisis, including an unpredictable chain reaction and spiraling violence, lies entirely with them.” NATO chief says alliance won’t join war on Iran Russia also criticized what it called repeated destabilizing attacks by the U.S., accusing Washington of undermining the “international legal pillars of the world order.” Historically, Russia has balanced its Middle East relations carefully, maintaining warm ties with Israel while deepening economic and military cooperation with Iran. Last week, Iranian forces and Russian sailors conducted joint drills in the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean to enhance operational coordination and exchange military experience, according to Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency. In January last year, Putin and Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian signed a broad cooperation pact amid Western sanctions. The West alleges that Russia and Iran signed a $1.7 billion deal for Shahed drones in 2022, and the U.S. claims Iran transferred short-range missiles to Moscow, though neither side has confirmed these claims. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy voiced support for the strikes, calling Iran “an accomplice of Putin” for supplying drones and weapons technology during Russia’s war in Ukraine. Russia and Iran also backed Syrian President Bashar Assad during the civil war, though Assad ultimately fled to Russia following an opposition offensive. Some analysts in Moscow say the Israel-Iran confrontation could divert global attention from the war in Ukraine and potentially weaken Western support for Kyiv.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has praised the military actions of the United States and Israel against Iran but made it clear that the alliance has no plans to become involved in the Middle East conflict. Speaking to Germany’s ARD television from Brussels, Rutte said it is “really important” what the United States is doing “together with Israel” to degrade Iran’s ability to develop nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles. However, he stressed that NATO as an alliance will not participate. “There are absolutely no plans whatsoever for NATO to get dragged into this or to be part of it,” Rutte said, while noting that individual NATO allies may still choose to support US efforts. #From AlJazeera

Iran's leaders are scrambling to replace Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who ruled the country for 37 years before he was killed in the surprise U.S. and Israeli bombardment. It's only the second time since the 1979 Islamic Revolution that a new supreme leader is being chosen. Potential candidates range from hard-liners committed to confrontation with the West to reformists who seek diplomatic engagement. The supreme leader has the final say on all major decisions, including war, peace and the country's disputed nuclear program. In the meantime, a provisional governing council composed of President Masoud Pezeshkian, hard-line judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei and senior Shiite cleric Ayatollah Ali Reza Arafi is guiding the country through its biggest crisis in decades. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Sunday that a new supreme leader would be chosen early this week. The supreme leader is appointed by an 88-member panel called the Assembly of Experts, who by law are supposed to quickly name a successor. The panel consists of Shiite clerics who are popularly elected after their candidacies are approved by the Guardian Council, Iran’s constitutional watchdog. Khamenei had major influence over both clerical bodies, making it unlikely the next leader will mark a radical departure. Here are the top contenders. Mojtaba Khamenei The son of Khamenei, a mid-level Shiite cleric, is widely considered a potential successor. He has strong ties to Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard but has never held office. His selection could prove awkward, as the Islamic Republic has long criticized hereditary rule and cast itself as a more just alternative. Ayatollah Ali Reza Arafi Arafi is a member of the provisional government council. The senior Shiite cleric was handpicked by Khamenei to be a member of the Guardian Council in 2019, and three years later he was elected to the Assembly of Experts. He leads a network of seminaries. Hassan Rouhani Rouhani, a relative moderate, was president of Iran from 2013 to 2021 and reached the landmark nuclear agreement with the Obama administration that U.S. President Donald Trump scrapped during his first term. Rouhani served on the Assembly of Experts until 2024, when he said he was disqualified from running for reelection. Rouhani criticized it as an infringement on Iranians' political participation. Hassan Khomeini Khomeini is the most prominent grandson of the founder of the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. He is also seen as a relative moderate, but has never held government office. He currently works at his grandfather’s mausoleum in Tehran. Ayatollah Mohammed Mehdi Mirbagheri Mirbagheri is a senior cleric popular with hard-liners who serves on the Assembly of Experts. He was close to the late Ayatollah Mohammad Taghi Mesbah Yazdi, a fellow hard-liner who wrote that Iran should not deprive itself of the right to produce “special weapons,” a veiled reference to nuclear arms. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mirbagheri denounced the closure of schools as a “conspiracy.” He is currently the head of the Islamic Cultural Center in Qom, the main center for Islamic teaching in Iran.