United News of Bangladesh

US President Donald Trump’s proposed Board of Peace, initially conceived as a small group of world leaders to oversee the Gaza ceasefire, is rapidly expanding into a far more ambitious international body that Trump says could one day broker global conflicts and rival the United Nations Security Council. Trump is due to travel to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where more details about the initiative are expected. Ahead of the trip, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday that he had agreed to join the board, reversing his earlier criticism of its Gaza oversight committee. Although the board’s charter has not yet been officially released, a draft obtained by the Associated Press suggests that sweeping authority would be concentrated in Trump’s hands. The document says countries that contribute $1 billion in cash during their first year would be granted permanent membership. A far broader mission than Gaza The Trump administration now appears to be positioning the Board of Peace as a global conflict-resolution body, far beyond its original focus on Gaza. In invitation letters sent to world leaders last Friday, Trump said the board would “embark on a bold new approach to resolving global conflict,” language that signals an ambition to operate as a rival to the UN Security Council. A draft charter, shared by a European diplomat and confirmed by a US official as accurate as of Monday, describes the need for a more “nimble and effective international peace-building body” and calls for departing from institutions that “have too often failed.” It says the board aims to “secure peace in places where it has for too long proven elusive.” Under the draft, the chairman — a role Trump says he will hold — would have the authority to invite member states, break tie votes, determine how often the board meets and create or dissolve subsidiary bodies. Member states would serve three-year terms and fund the board’s operations. Those paying more than $1 billion in cash during their first year could secure a permanent seat. US officials cautioned that the charter remains under constant revision and is not final. Countries invited and confirmed So far, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Hungary, Argentina and Belarus have agreed to participate. Netanyahu’s decision marks a change in position. His office had earlier objected to the Gaza executive committee, citing the inclusion of Turkey, a regional rival of Israel. Invitation letters have also been sent to Paraguayan President Santiago Peña, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Russia, India, Slovenia, Thailand and the European Union’s executive arm have confirmed receiving invitations. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia is reviewing the proposal and seeking clarification on its details. Trump confirmed on Monday night that Russian President Vladimir Putin had been invited. It remains unclear how many more countries will ultimately be asked to join. Some allies say no France has signalled it does not plan to join, amid tensions with Washington over Trump’s interest in taking over Greenland, a self-governing territory under NATO ally Denmark. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said Paris supports implementing Trump’s peace plan but opposes creating a new organisation that would replace the United Nations. Reacting to reports that French President Emmanuel Macron was unlikely to participate, Trump said, “Nobody wants him because he’s going to be out of office very soon,” and joked about imposing tariffs on French wine to pressure him to join. Other bodies linked to the Board of Peace The White House said an executive board will be formed to implement the Board of Peace’s vision. Its members include US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump envoy Steve Witkoff, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, former British prime minister Tony Blair, Apollo Global Management CEO Marc Rowan, World Bank President Ajay Banga and Trump’s deputy national security adviser Robert Gabriel. Another body, the Gaza Executive Board, will oversee the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal, including deploying an international security force, disarming Hamas and rebuilding the territory. Read More: Netanyahu confirms Israel’s participation in Trump’s proposed Board of Peace Former UN Mideast envoy Nickolay Mladenov will manage day-to-day operations. Other members include Witkoff, Kushner, Blair, Rowan, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Qatari diplomat Ali Al-Thawadi, Egypt’s intelligence chief Hassan Rashad, Emirati minister Reem Al-Hashimy, Israeli businessman Yakir Gabay and former Dutch deputy prime minister Sigrid Kaag.

President Donald Trump delivered a rare, nearly two-hour-long appearance at a White House press briefing on Tuesday, using the platform to highlight what he described as his administration’s achievements, criticise the United Nations and double down on his push for the United States to take control of Greenland, a move that has drawn sharp resistance from America’s European allies. The extended briefing came on the anniversary of Trump’s inauguration and a day before he is scheduled to address global leaders, billionaires and policymakers at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. His trip comes at a time of rising tensions with NATO allies over his aggressive posture on Greenland and his threat to impose new retaliatory tariffs on several European countries. During the wide-ranging and often meandering session with reporters, Trump leafed through a thick packet of documents that he said listed hundreds of accomplishments from his first year back in office. He claimed his administration had achieved more than any previous government in a similar period and said it would take more than a week to read through the full list. At several points, Trump turned his focus to foreign policy, renewing his argument that the United States must take control of Greenland for national security reasons, citing concerns about growing strategic competition in the Arctic. While he struck a slightly more conciliatory tone near the end of the briefing, saying Washington and NATO would “work something out,” he repeated his view that U.S. control of the territory is necessary. Trump also took aim at the United Nations, saying the global body has failed to live up to its potential and has been ineffective in resolving conflicts. He promoted his idea of a Trump-led “Board of Peace,” initially conceived as a small group of world leaders to oversee the Gaza ceasefire plan, but now envisioned as a broader body that could help mediate international disputes. “The United Nations just hasn’t been very helpful,” Trump said, adding that while he believes the organisation should continue, his proposed board could one day play a major role in peacemaking efforts. The president’s remarks come as European leaders have warned that his threats to impose new tariffs on countries backing Denmark over Greenland could trigger a major trade dispute and strain long-standing trans-Atlantic ties. France and several other EU members have already signalled they are prepared to respond if Washington moves ahead with punitive measures. Trump said his speech in Davos on Wednesday would focus on what he called the “tremendous success” of his administration and would recap progress made over the past year. The White House has previously said his address would centre on his affordability agenda, particularly housing, in an effort to convince Americans that his policies can ease cost-of-living pressures. Speaking to reporters, Trump said other countries needed to hear his views on energy and immigration and suggested that his leadership had brought stability in several conflict zones, a claim that has been disputed by critics and fact-checkers. The marathon briefing, marked by frequent digressions and a mix of domestic and foreign policy topics, underscored Trump’s combative style and his willingness to use high-profile appearances to press his most controversial priorities. With European leaders already gathered in Davos and Greenland expected to dominate the agenda, Trump’s appearance at the forum is likely to be closely watched for signs of whether he will seek to defuse tensions or continue his hardline approach.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday threatened to impose 200% tariffs on French wines and champagne after reports suggested French President Emmanuel Macron was unwilling to join his “Board of Peace” on Gaza.  “Well, nobody wants him because he’s going to be out of office very soon,” Trump said. “So you know, that’s all right. What I’ll do is, if they feel like hostile, I’ll put a 200% tariff on his wines and champagnes, and he’ll join. But he doesn’t have to join.” Greenland, tariffs and Trump dominate Davos talks Macron’s five-year presidential term ends in May 2027, and under French law, he is ineligible for a third term. The Board of Peace, endorsed by the United Nations Security Council in November, is a global body tasked with overseeing the Israel-Hamas ceasefire. Invitations to world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have been sent. Trump also reiterated his plans regarding Greenland, saying, “I don’t think they’re going to push back too much. We have to have it ...They can’t protect it.” #With inputs from Agencies

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado said Thursday she presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to President Donald Trump at the White House, calling it a recognition of his “unique commitment with our freedom,” even as Trump has questioned her ability to lead Venezuela. Machado, who spent 11 months in hiding in Venezuela before attending the Nobel ceremony in Norway, said the gesture was symbolic. The Nobel Institute clarified that she could not legally transfer the prize. Trump later confirmed on social media that Machado had left the medal for him and called it an honor. The meeting lasted about two and a half hours and included a discussion of Venezuela’s political transition, though Trump provided no firm commitments on elections. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt described the discussion as “frank and positive” but stressed that it did not change Trump’s view of Machado, citing her lack of broad support within Venezuela. After leaving the White House, Machado greeted supporters outside and later met with a bipartisan group of U.S. senators. She urged progress toward a transition of power and elections, warning that interim President Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro’s former deputy, is “in many ways worse than Maduro.” The White House praised Machado as a “remarkable and brave voice” but maintained a cautious stance. Meanwhile, U.S. forces in the Caribbean seized another Venezuelan oil tanker as part of broader efforts to secure the country’s oil assets following the capture of Maduro and his wife less than two weeks ago. Machado, a longtime critic of Venezuela’s ruling party and co-founder of the NGO Súmate, led opposition efforts against Hugo Chávez and his successor Maduro, facing government reprisals over the years. Her visit to Washington highlights her symbolic role in Venezuela’s political opposition amid ongoing U.S. involvement in the country’s transition.

The Trump administration has labelled three Middle Eastern branches of the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organizations, imposing sanctions on the groups and their members. The U.S. Treasury and State departments announced Tuesday that the Lebanese, Jordanian, and Egyptian chapters pose a threat to American security and interests. The Lebanese branch was designated a foreign terrorist organization, while the Jordanian and Egyptian branches were listed as specially designated global terrorists for supporting Hamas. “These designations reflect a sustained effort to stop Muslim Brotherhood chapters from violence and destabilization,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent added that the administration will work to cut the group off from the financial system. The Muslim Brotherhood branches in Egypt and Lebanon rejected the U.S. decision. Egypt’s branch said it “categorically rejects this designation” and will challenge it legally. The Lebanese branch said it operates openly within the law and called the U.S. decision “without legal effect” in Lebanon. Trump’s executive order cited the Lebanese chapter’s role in launching rockets on Israel after Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack and Jordan’s support to Hamas. The Muslim Brotherhood was founded in Egypt in 1928 and banned there in 2013. Jordan banned the group in April 2025. Iran closes airspace for hours amid US tensions over crackdown on protests Egypt welcomed the designation, calling it a “significant step” against extremism. Experts said the move may please some U.S. allies like the UAE but could strain relations with countries where the Brotherhood is tolerated, including Qatar and Turkey. It may also affect visa and asylum decisions in the U.S., Europe, and Canada.

The United States has announced it will suspend the processing of immigrant visas for citizens of  75 countries including Bangladesh from January 21, citing concerns that applicants may rely on public assistance after entering the country. The US State Department, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, said on Wednesday that consular offices have been instructed to halt immigrant visa processing for nationals of the affected countries under an order tightening scrutiny of applicants who could become “public charges” in the United States. The move follows broader immigration restrictions introduced by the administration of President Donald Trump and expands earlier travel and visa limitations imposed on nearly 40 countries. Officials said the decision is aimed at preventing what they described as abuse of the US immigration system. “The Trump administration is bringing an end to the exploitation of America’s immigration framework by individuals who would draw on public welfare,” the State Department said, adding that visa processing would remain suspended while procedures are reassessed. The suspension will not apply to non-immigrant visas, including tourist and business visas, which account for most US visa applications. Read More: Bangladesh among 25 new countries under US costly visa bond rule Authorities expect demand for such temporary visas to rise ahead of major international events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games, both to be hosted by the United States. In a separate directive circulated to US embassies and consulates, officials were also instructed to more rigorously screen non-immigrant visa applicants for the likelihood that they may seek public benefits during their stay in the US. The guidance requires consular officers to conduct thorough evaluations of applicants’ financial stability, health, education, skills, family situation and English proficiency. Applicants suspected of potentially relying on public assistance may be asked to submit additional documentation to prove financial self-sufficiency. US officials said the measures build on existing laws requiring immigrants to demonstrate they will not depend on government benefits, but experts warn the expanded criteria could further narrow access to US visas, particularly for applicants from developing countries. Read More: Bangladesh issues special visa guidelines ahead of national election  The other countries affected by the suspension announced on Wednesday are: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Congo, Cuba, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan and Yemen.

The US State Department on Wednesday announced it will suspend the processing of immigrant visas for citizens of 75 countries whose nationals are considered likely to depend on public assistance while living in the United States. The department, headed by Secretary Marco Rubio, said consular officers have been instructed to halt immigrant visa applications from the affected countries under a broader order issued in November that tightened rules for prospective immigrants who may become “public charges” in the US. The suspension will take effect from January 21 and will not apply to non-immigrant visas, including temporary tourist or business visas. “The Trump administration is bringing an end to the abuse of America’s immigration system by those who would extract wealth from the American people,” the State Department said in a statement. “Immigrant visa processing from these 75 countries will be paused while the State Department reassess immigration procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who would take welfare and public benefits.” The list of affected countries includes Russia, Iran and Afghanistan, along with several nations in Africa, according to the department. The Trump administration has already imposed strict restrictions on immigrant and non-immigrant visa processing for citizens of dozens of countries, many of them in Africa.

More than half of US adults believe President Donald Trump has gone too far in using the American military to intervene in other countries, according to a new AP-NORC poll released this week. The survey, conducted from January 8 to 11 after the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, found that 56 percent of Americans think Trump has overstepped in his use of military force overseas. Majorities also disapprove of how the Republican president is handling foreign policy in general and the situation in Venezuela in particular. The findings come amid Trump’s increasingly assertive foreign policy, which has included US military action in Venezuela, calls for American control over Greenland, and warnings that Washington would come to the aid of protesters in Iran. While many respondents said the US intervention in Venezuela was a “good thing” for stopping the flow of illegal drugs into the United States and could benefit the Venezuelan people, fewer viewed it as positive for US national security or the American economy. Republicans largely back Trump’s approach, though few want him to go even further. The poll shows a sharp divide along party lines, with Democrats and independents driving the view that Trump has gone too far. About nine in ten Democrats and roughly six in ten independents said Trump has overstepped on military intervention, compared with only about two in ten Republicans. Among Republicans, 71 percent said Trump’s actions have been “about right,” while only around one in ten want him to take a more aggressive approach. Overall, 57 percent of Americans disapprove of how Trump is handling Venezuela, slightly lower than the 61 percent who disapprove of his foreign policy more broadly. Both figures are in line with his overall job approval rating, which has remained largely steady during his second term. Many Americans, however, see some benefits in the US action in Venezuela. About half believe the intervention will be mostly positive for stopping illegal drug trafficking into the US, while 44 percent think it will do more good than harm for the Venezuelan people, who lived under Maduro’s rule for more than a decade. Opinion is more divided on whether the intervention will help or hurt US economic and national security interests. The poll also found that most Americans do not want greater US involvement in global affairs. Nearly half said the country should take a less active role in world affairs, while about one-third said its current role is about right. Only around two in ten want the US to be more involved internationally. At least half of Democrats and independents now favour a less active US role abroad, marking a shift from just a few months ago. Republicans, meanwhile, have become more supportive of Trump’s level of global engagement, with 64 percent saying America’s current role in world affairs is about right.

US President Donald Trump has warned that the United States will take ‘very strong action’ against Iran if it carries out executions of protesters, after earlier assuring Iranians that “help is on the way.” The warning comes as relatives of 26-year-old Erfan Soltani, detained last week, told BBC Persian that he is scheduled for execution today. A US-based rights group says more than 2,400 anti-government demonstrators have been killed in a violent crackdown by Iranian authorities. Trump has been considering military and other measures in response, having already imposed 25% tariffs on any country trading with Iran. Read More: Donald Trump halts all new student visa interviews Meanwhile, Iran’s government accused the US of trying to “manufacture a pretext for military intervention,” noting that “this playbook has failed before.” Although some Iranians are now able to make phone calls abroad, an ongoing internet blackout is hindering verification of information from inside the country.

The virtual US Embassy for Iran warned American citizens on Monday to leave the country immediately as nationwide protests escalate, reports Anadolu Agency. “Leave Iran now,” the embassy said in a security alert, urging US nationals to plan their departure without assistance from the US government. “If you cannot leave, find a secure location within your residence or another safe building,” the advisory added. The warning also urged Americans in Iran to anticipate continued internet outages, plan alternative communications, and, “if safe to do so, consider departing Iran by land to Armenia or Türkiye.” Dual US-Iranian nationals must exit using Iranian passports, as Iran does not recognize dual citizenship. “Showing a U.S. passport or demonstrating connections to the United States can be reason enough for Iranian authorities to detain someone,” the embassy noted. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump imposed a 25% tariff on “any and all” countries doing business with Iran amid the ongoing government crackdown on protests. Trump has repeatedly threatened military action if Iranian authorities use lethal force but indicated he is also open to diplomacy. Reports indicate the US administration is weighing a wide range of military and covert options, including cyber operations and psychological campaigns targeting Iranian command structures and state media. “We’ll make a determination,” Trump said Sunday, adding that he receives hourly reports on Iran, without specifying when or how the US might act.