United News of Bangladesh

Israeli airstrikes struck the outskirts of Kfar Hamam town and areas near Qatrani farm in southern Lebanon, according to local sources. The attacks occurred amid continuing cross-border hostilities. Israeli media reported that a missile launched from Lebanon landed in Nahariya, northern Israel. Hezbollah said it targeted an Israeli troop gathering for a second time with rockets near the Kfar Yuval settlement. #From Al Jazeera

US lawmakers are increasingly pressing President Donald Trump for a clear exit strategy as the war with Iran enters its third week, raising concerns over its duration, costs and objectives. The conflict, launched without formal congressional approval, has already resulted in the deaths of at least 13 US service members, with more than 230 injured. Meanwhile, the Pentagon has requested about $200 billion in additional funding, as oil prices rise, US allies come under attack and thousands of American troops are deployed to the Middle East without a defined endgame. Republican Sen. Thom Tillis questioned the administration’s long-term goals, saying there needs to be a clearer articulation of strategy despite his general support for targeting Iran’s leadership. Trump said Friday he is considering “winding down” operations, even as he continues to outline shifting objectives. Congress divided, but pressure buildsThe war is testing Congress, particularly Republicans who largely back the president but may soon face tougher decisions. Under the War Powers Act, the president can carry out military action for up to 60 days without congressional approval. So far, Republican lawmakers have blocked Democratic efforts to halt the campaign. However, pressure is mounting on the administration to present a coherent strategy, especially as lawmakers weigh approving billions in new funding. Democratic Sen. Mark Warner criticized Trump’s remark that the war would end “when I feel it in my bones,” calling it alarming and lacking strategic clarity. Mixed signals on progressHouse Speaker Mike Johnson suggested the mission is nearly complete, saying key objectives such as weakening Iran’s missile capabilities and naval strength have largely been achieved. However, he acknowledged ongoing tensions, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, and limited support from US allies. Lawmakers from both parties say the administration’s goals — including curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions and missile programs — remain unclear and difficult to achieve without deeper military involvement. Funding concerns intensifyThe Pentagon’s request for $200 billion in additional war funding has drawn sharp criticism. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer described the figure as excessive. Sen. Mazie Hirono argued that domestic priorities such as healthcare and food assistance should take precedence over increased military spending. Many lawmakers have also recalled how President George W. Bush sought congressional authorization following the September 11 attacks before launching wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Tillis warned that while Trump currently has authority under the War Powers Act, the administration will soon need to either seek formal authorization or present a clear plan to end the conflict. “These are really the options the administration needs to be thinking about,” he said.

A Russian drone strike on the southeastern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia killed at least two civilians on Saturday morning, according to regional governor Ivan Fedorov, as Kyiv prepared for anticipated talks with the United States. Fedorov said a man and a woman died when a drone hit a private residence, while two children were injured in the attack. Ukrainian state media reported that a Ukrainian delegation was expected to hold meetings later in the day in Miami. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed earlier that Kyiv had dispatched officials to Washington to revive stalled U.S.-brokered negotiations aimed at ending Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. However, the White House has not confirmed any scheduled meeting. Zelenskyy said the delegation’s key objectives include resuming trilateral negotiations involving Moscow and ensuring the U.S. continues allowing NATO allies to purchase American weapons for Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov indicated that the pause in talks was likely temporary and expressed hope the trilateral format would soon resume. Western officials have repeatedly accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of delaying negotiations while advancing military gains; Russian forces currently control about 20% of Ukrainian territory. Global focus has shifted toward the Middle East conflict that erupted on Feb. 28, drawing attention away from Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russia has benefited from a temporary U.S. waiver on oil sanctions, while Ukraine continues to face severe financial strain and awaits a €90 billion loan pledged by the European Union.

Two buildings were damaged in northern Israel after rockets were launched from Lebanon, according to Israeli media and emergency services. Israel’s Channel 12 reported that around 10 rockets were fired toward the town of Metula. Some were intercepted by air defence systems, while others landed in open areas. Air raid sirens sounded across the Galilee region during the attack. The newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth said a building in Metula was damaged by debris from intercepted rockets. Israel’s emergency service, Magen David Adom, said the damage was confined to property and there were no immediate reports of casualties. It also confirmed that another building in the city of Safad was damaged as a result of the rocket fire from Lebanon. #From Al Jazeera

Senior U.S. and Japanese officials usually avoid anything beyond carefully worded remarks about Japan’s 1941 surprise attack on U.S. forces at Pearl Harbor. However, discomfort, confusion and unease emerged in Japan after President Donald Trump casually invoked the World War II attack to justify his secrecy before launching a military strike on Iran.The unease deepened as Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi sat beside Trump when he made the comments during a summit in Washington. Japan’s cautious reaction is partly linked to the crucial security and economic role of the United States, its key ally in the region, and Tokyo’s need to maintain strong bilateral ties.The episode also highlighted how debates over Japan’s wartime role remain politically sensitive even eight decades after World War II. Some leaders, including Takaichi, have argued Japan has apologized sufficiently for its wartime actions, while her possible visit to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine continues to stir debate.Trump defended his decision not to inform allies ahead of the Iran strike by referring to Pearl Harbor, asking why Japan had not warned the United States in 1941. Japan’s liberal-leaning Asahi newspaper criticized the remark, saying it ignored lessons of history.The comments drew mixed reactions in Japan, with social media users and analysts calling them rude or historically insensitive, while others criticized Takaichi for not responding. Experts noted that both nations traditionally tread carefully on wartime history due to their deep security ties, including the U.S. military presence in Japan and Tokyo’s reliance on Washington’s nuclear deterrence.

U.K. authorities have not disclosed details about the attempted strike on the joint U.K.-U.S. airbase located on an island in the Indian Ocean, noting only that the attack was unsuccessful. It remains unclear how close the missiles came to the base, which lies roughly 2,500 miles (4,000 kilometres) from Iran. In a statement issued on Saturday, the U.K. Ministry of Defence said Iran’s actions-described as lashing out across the region and effectively holding the Strait of Hormuz hostage-pose a threat to British interests as well as to the country’s allies.

 Iran’s key nuclear enrichment site in Natanz has come under attack once again, escalating tensions in the region amid continued hostilities involving Israel and its allies. The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran confirmed that the Shahid Ahmadi Roshan enrichment facility was targeted on Saturday, describing the strike as part of “criminal attacks” carried out by the United States and Israel. Iranian authorities said the attack violates international obligations, including the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and established nuclear safety regulations. Located about 220 kilometres southeast of Tehran, the Natanz facility had previously been struck during the 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel in June 2025, with satellite imagery at the time showing damage to multiple structures. It was later targeted again by US forces. The latest developments come as the ongoing conflict shows little sign of easing. Israel reported that Iran launched fresh missile attacks early Saturday, while Saudi Arabia said it intercepted 20 drones within a few hours over its Eastern Region, a critical area for the country’s oil infrastructure. #From Al Jazeera 

The United States has partially relaxed sanctions on Iranian oil in a bid to stabilise global energy markets rattled by its ongoing war with Iran, officials said. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a limited, short-term authorisation allowing the sale of Iranian crude and petroleum products currently stranded at sea. The waiver will remain effective until April 19, according to the Treasury Department. The move marks a significant shift from Washington’s longstanding sanctions policy, as global oil and gas prices continue to climb due to disruptions in shipping and production linked to the conflict. Bessent said the measure could release around 140 million barrels of oil into the global market in the near term. Before the conflict, China was the primary buyer of Iranian oil, purchasing supplies at discounted rates due to existing sanctions. The US hopes the temporary waiver may redirect some of that supply to countries such as India, Japan and Malaysia, while compelling China to pay market rates. However, details on enforcement remain unclear, particularly regarding safeguards to prevent proceeds from reaching the Iranian government. Analysts have raised concerns over the policy shift. Some warned that allowing oil sales could indirectly fund Iran’s war effort, while others questioned the overall impact on global prices. Experts said the additional supply is unlikely to significantly alter market dynamics, noting that the scale of disruption caused by the war remains substantial. The US has already taken steps to boost supply, including releasing strategic reserves and easing certain restrictions on Russian oil exports, a move that drew criticism from European leaders. The conflict has severely disrupted shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil transport. Industry estimates suggest roughly 10 percent of global supply has been affected since hostilities began in late February. Concerns are also mounting over potential long-term damage to energy infrastructure, following exchanges of attacks on a major gas field jointly operated by Iran and Qatar. Officials indicated Washington is continuing efforts to secure additional oil supplies as global markets remain under pressure.

Iranian strikes on military bases used by the United States in the Middle East caused an estimated $800m in damage in the first two weeks of the war, according to a new analysis. The assessment by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, along with BBC analysis, suggests much of the damage occurred during Iran’s initial retaliatory attacks following US and Israeli operations. The full extent of the damage remains unclear, but the estimate indicates higher losses than previously reported. The strikes targeted key US assets including air defence and satellite communication systems across countries such as Jordan and the United Arab Emirates. A major portion of the damage is linked to a strike on a US radar system associated with a Thaad missile defence unit in Jordan, which alone is estimated to cost hundreds of millions of dollars. Additional damage, estimated at around $310m, affected buildings, facilities and infrastructure at bases used by US forces across the region. Satellite imagery reviewed by BBC Verify indicates that Iran struck several bases multiple times, including facilities in Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, suggesting a focus on specific military targets. Some of the attacks hit radar and surveillance systems, considered critical to military operations. US officials have not publicly commented on the findings. The United States Central Command declined to respond when approached. The analysis comes as the financial cost of the war continues to rise. US defence officials have indicated that the first 12 days of the conflict alone cost about $16.5bn, with further funding requests under consideration. US President Donald Trump has said the military campaign is progressing towards its objectives, including weakening Iran’s military capabilities. The conflict has also disrupted global energy markets, amid tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and concerns over further escalation.   With inputs from BBC

U.S. President Donald Trump said he was considering “winding down” military operations in the Middle East even as the United States is sending three more amphibious assault ships and roughly 2,500 additional Marines to the region. Trump’s post Friday on social media followed an Iranian threat to attack recreational and tourist sites worldwide and another day of the airstrikes and drone and missile attacks that have engulfed the region. The mixed messages from the United States came after another climb in oil prices plunged the U.S. stock market, and was followed by a Trump administration announcement it was lifting sanctions on Iranian oil already loaded on ships, a move aimed at wrangling soaring fuel prices. The 3-week-old war has shown no signs of abating, with Israel saying Iran continued to fire missiles at it early Saturday, while Saudi Arabia said it downed 20 drones in just a couple of hours in the country's eastern region, which is home to major oil installations. The attacks came a day after Israeli airstrikes hit in Tehran as Iranians celebrated the Persian New Year, known as Nowruz, a normally festive holiday that has been muted by the war. Trump says US near completion of its goals The U.S. and Israel have offered shifting rationales for the war, from hoping to foment an uprising that topples Iran’s leadership to eliminating its nuclear and missile programs. There have been no public signs of any such uprising and no end to the war in sight. On social media, Trump said, “We are getting very close to meeting our objectives as we consider winding down our great Military efforts in the Middle East.” That seemed at odds with his administration’s move to bolster its firepower in the region and request another $200 billion from Congress to fund the war. The United States is deploying three more amphibious assault ships and roughly 2,500 additional Marines to the Middle East, an official told The Associated Press. Two other U.S. officials confirmed that ships were deploying, without saying where they were headed. All three spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military operations. Days earlier the U.S. redirected another group of amphibious assault ships carrying another 2,500 Marines from the Pacific to the Middle East. The Marines will join more than 50,000 U.S. troops already in the region. Trump has said he has no plans to send ground forces into Iran but also has asserted that he retains all options. Iran threatens attacks beyond the Middle East Iran’s top military spokesperson, Gen. Abolfazl Shekarchi, warned Friday that “parks, recreational areas and tourist destinations” worldwide will not be safe for the country’s enemies. The threat renewed concerns that Tehran may revert to using militant attacks beyond the Middle East as a pressure tactic. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei praised Iranians’ steadfastness in the face of war in a written statement read on Iranian television to mark Nowruz. Khamenei has not been seen in public since he became supreme leader following Israeli strikes that killed his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and reportedly wounded him. With little information coming out of Iran, it was not clear how much damage its arms, nuclear or energy facilities have sustained in the punishing U.S. and Israeli strikes, which began Feb. 28 — or even who was truly in charge of the country. But Iran’s attacks are still choking off oil supplies and raising food and fuel prices far beyond the Middle East. Israel continues wave of strikes against Hezbollah militants The Israeli military said early Saturday that it began a wave of strikes targeting Iran-backed Hezbollah militants in Beirut’s southern suburbs. Smoke was seen rising, fires broke out and loud explosions were heard across parts of central Beirut, hours after the Israeli army renewed evacuation warnings for seven neighborhoods. Israeli strikes targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon have killed more than 1,000 people and displaced more than 1 million, according to the Lebanese government. More than 1,300 people have been killed in Iran during the war. In Israel, 15 people have been killed by Iranian missiles and four others have died in the occupied West Bank. At least 13 U.S. military members have been killed. US pauses sanctions on Iranian oil Brent crude oil, the international standard, has soared during the fighting and was around $106 per barrel, up from roughly $70 before the war. The newly announced U.S. pause in sanctions applies to Iranian oil loaded on ships as of Friday and is set to end April 19. The new move does not increase the flow of production, a central factor in the surging prices. Iran has managed to evade U.S. sanctions for years, suggesting that much of what it exports already reaches buyers. Looking for ways to boost global oil supplies during the Iran war, the Trump administration has previously paused sanctions on certain Russian oil shipments for 30 days, which critics said rewarded Moscow while having only a modest effect on markets.