United News of Bangladesh

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his UAE counterpart Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan held a telephone conversation to discuss regional developments amid the US-Israel war on Iran, according to a statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry. The ministry said the discussions focused on the situation surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, including deliberations on the issue at the United Nations. It added that the Russian side emphasised the importance of supporting ongoing negotiation efforts between Iran and the United States. US disables two more Iranian tankers as Strait of Hormuz tensions escalate Moscow also reaffirmed its position that prospects for stabilisation should not be undermined by a renewed outbreak of hostilities, which could lead to civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure in Iran as well as neighbouring countries. The statement further said both foreign ministers agreed to remain in contact and work towards aligning the approaches of all parties involved in seeking a long-term and sustainable settlement. Source: Al Jazeera

Suvendu Adhikari on Saturday took oath as the Chief Minister of West Bengal after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured victory in the state assembly election, marking its first-ever win in the eastern state’s turbulent electoral history that has seen shifts from Communist rule to the 15-year tenure of Mamata Banerjee. Adhikari, who once served as a close aide to Banerjee during her tenure as Chief Minister while leading the All India Trinamool Congress government, now occupies the same top post he once worked under her leadership. Bengal Assembly dissolved after Mamata Banerjee refuses to resign His political journey is widely seen as one of the most dramatic transformations in West Bengal politics, rising from a key Trinamool leader and aide to Banerjee to a central figure in the BJP’s campaign and a prominent leader in constituencies such as Nandigram and Bhabanipur. The oath-taking ceremony marked a significant political development, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah in attendance, underscoring the importance of the BJP’s electoral victory in the state. Adhikari’s new council of ministers includes several prominent leaders, among them Dilip Ghosh, Agnimitra Paul, Nishit Pramanik, Kshudiram Tudu and Ashok Kirtania, all of whom took oath during the ceremony. Source: NDTV

US President Donald Trump announced Friday that Russia and Ukraine have accepted his proposal for a three-day ceasefire along with a large-scale prisoner exchange, describing the move as a possible turning point in the ongoing war. Both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Yuri Ushakov, a senior foreign policy adviser to Russian President Vladimir Putin, confirmed the agreement. Speaking before departing the White House, Trump said both leaders quickly agreed to the temporary pause in fighting. He called the halt in violence an encouraging step and expressed hope that it could mark the beginning of the end of the conflict. Earlier in the day, Trump revealed on social media that the ceasefire would take place from Saturday through Monday. The timing coincides with Russia’s Victory Day celebrations, which honor the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany during World War II. According to Trump, the agreement includes a full suspension of military operations and a prisoner exchange involving 1,000 detainees from each side. Russia had already announced a separate ceasefire for Friday and Saturday, but clashes reportedly continued, with Moscow and Kyiv each accusing the other of violating the truce. Similar accusations followed Ukraine’s earlier unilateral ceasefire attempt earlier in the week. Trump said he personally requested the ceasefire from both Putin and Zelenskyy and added that ongoing negotiations to end the war, which began in February 2022, are making gradual progress. Zelenskyy explained that Ukraine’s willingness to participate in the discussions was strongly influenced by the opportunity to secure the return of Ukrainian prisoners of war, an issue Kyiv has consistently prioritized throughout the conflict. In a message posted on Telegram, Zelenskyy said the lives of Ukrainian prisoners were more important than events taking place in Moscow’s Red Square, where Russia traditionally hosts its annual Victory Day military parade. He later signed a presidential decree formally allowing Russia to hold the parade without fear of Ukrainian strikes during the ceasefire period. The move appeared intended to emphasize Ukraine’s ability to target the Russian capital while demonstrating restraint under the terms of the agreement. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed the decree as meaningless, insisting Russia did not require permission to celebrate Victory Day. Zelenskyy credited U.S.-led diplomacy for helping secure the agreement and thanked Trump and the American negotiating team for their efforts. He also said Ukraine expects Washington to ensure Russia follows through on its commitments. The Ukrainian leader added that officials had already begun preparing for the prisoner exchange process. Trump’s optimistic remarks contrasted with comments made earlier Friday by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who acknowledged that diplomatic efforts to end the war had so far failed to produce major progress. Speaking in Rome after meetings at the Vatican, Rubio said negotiations had stalled but stressed that the United States remains ready to assist if conditions improve.   

Spanish authorities are preparing to evacuate more than 140 passengers and crew members from a cruise ship affected by a hantavirus outbreak as it approaches the Canary Islands. The Dutch-flagged vessel, the MV Hondius, is expected to arrive in Tenerife on Sunday, where strict health and safety measures will be enforced during disembarkation. Spain’s emergency services chief, Virginia Barcones, said passengers would be moved to a fully isolated and secured area upon arrival. The United States and the United Kingdom have also arranged evacuation flights for their citizens onboard. Although three people have died since the outbreak began and five former passengers have tested positive for hantavirus, cruise operator Oceanwide Expeditions stated that no one currently onboard is showing symptoms. The World Health Organization has assessed the overall public risk as low. WHO officials also confirmed that a flight attendant who briefly came into contact with an infected passenger tested negative for the virus, easing concerns about possible wider transmission. WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier emphasized that the outbreak should not be compared to COVID-19, noting that hantavirus is generally difficult to spread between humans. Hantavirus is typically transmitted through exposure to infected rodent droppings. However, the Andes strain linked to this outbreak may rarely spread between people. Symptoms can appear anywhere from one to eight weeks after exposure. Health authorities across multiple continents are now tracing and monitoring dozens of passengers who left the ship before the outbreak was officially identified. Officials are also attempting to locate anyone who may have interacted with those passengers. Passengers remaining onboard said life on the ship has stayed relatively calm despite growing international concern. Some travelers are spending time bird-watching, reading, or attending lectures while following mask-wearing and distancing guidelines. However, several expressed anxiety about how they might be treated once they return home, fearing stigma connected to the outbreak. Spanish officials reassured residents in the Canary Islands that public exposure risk remains minimal. Once the ship reaches Tenerife, passengers will reportedly be transferred in small groups by boat to guarded buses after their repatriation flights are ready. Authorities also plan to isolate the airport areas used during the evacuation process. The outbreak became more concerning after more than two dozen passengers from at least 12 countries disembarked on April 24 before contact tracing measures were introduced. Hantavirus was not officially confirmed in a passenger until May 2. One infected Dutch passenger died in Johannesburg after becoming too ill to continue a flight from South Africa to Amsterdam. Dutch health officials are now tracing passengers and crew who may have been exposed during that journey. The UK has identified a third suspected hantavirus case involving a British passenger currently on the remote island of Tristan da Cunha. Two other British passengers have already tested positive and are receiving treatment in the Netherlands and South Africa. Spanish health authorities are also testing a woman in Alicante who developed symptoms consistent with hantavirus after traveling on the same flight as the Dutch passenger who died. Meanwhile, South African officials continue monitoring contacts linked to passengers who left the ship earlier in the voyage. In the United States, health authorities are observing several returning passengers and their contacts, though none have shown symptoms so far. The U.S. government is arranging a flight to evacuate approximately 17 Americans still onboard. They will undergo quarantine at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, which previously handled Ebola and early COVID-19 cases. British authorities are also chartering a separate evacuation flight for UK citizens on the ship. 

U.S. forces disabled two more Iranian oil tankers on Friday after an overnight exchange of fire with Iranian troops in the Strait of Hormuz, while the UAE reported fresh Iranian missile and drone attacks. The developments have raised further doubts about the fragile ceasefire that the U.S. says remains in place as Washington waits for Iran’s response to a proposed agreement aimed at ending the conflict, reopening the strait, and limiting Tehran’s nuclear activities. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he expects a “serious offer” from Iran soon. According to the U.S. military, the tankers were targeted because they allegedly attempted to break an American blockade on Iranian ports. Earlier, the military also claimed it had intercepted attacks on three U.S. Navy vessels and retaliated by striking Iranian military sites in the strait. Since the war began on Feb. 28 between Iran, the U.S., and Israel, Iran has largely obstructed the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global energy supplies and increasing fuel prices worldwide. In response, the U.S. has enforced its own blockade on Iranian ports. The UAE’s Defense Ministry reported that air defense systems intercepted two ballistic missiles and three drones launched by Iran, though it remains unclear whether every projectile was destroyed. Three people were injured in the incident. The U.S. military released footage showing American fighter jets striking the smokestacks of the two Iranian tankers. Earlier this week, another Iranian tanker reportedly had its rudder disabled by a U.S. jet after attempting to breach the blockade. Following the overnight clashes, the U.S. said it had successfully defended its Navy ships in the Strait of Hormuz and carried out retaliatory strikes without suffering any damage. Rubio warned that any threats against Americans would be met with force. Iran strongly criticized the U.S. military actions, calling them hostile and a violation of the ceasefire. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused Washington of choosing military escalation over diplomacy whenever negotiations appear possible. Meanwhile, an overnight U.S. strike reportedly killed one sailor and injured 10 others aboard a cargo ship that caught fire, according to an Iranian judiciary-linked news outlet. It was unclear whether the ship was among the two tankers hit by U.S. forces. President Donald Trump maintained that the ceasefire is still holding but repeated warnings that the U.S. could resume heavy bombing if Iran refuses a deal to reopen the strait and curb its nuclear program. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Islamabad has been working continuously with both Tehran and Washington in an effort to preserve the ceasefire and secure a broader peace agreement. Satellite images reviewed by AP revealed what appears to be a significant oil spill near Iran’s Kharg Island export terminal in the Persian Gulf. Maritime intelligence analysts estimate around 80,000 barrels of oil may have leaked since Tuesday. The exact cause remains uncertain, with possibilities including technical failure or military strikes. Experts warned that the spill could spread toward the coasts of the UAE, Qatar, or Saudi Arabia within weeks, though Greenpeace researchers suggested the slick may disperse offshore without severely affecting land areas. The Pentagon declined to comment on whether it was monitoring the spill or if recent U.S. strikes had targeted Kharg Island. Rubio also criticized Iran’s reported creation of a new authority to regulate and tax ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, saying it was unacceptable for Iran to control such a crucial international waterway. Shipping concerns have intensified as hundreds of commercial vessels remain stuck in the Persian Gulf. Iran’s restrictions on the strait continue to disrupt global trade in oil, gas, and petroleum products, while the U.S. blockade has further increased tensions. China also expressed concern after a Chinese-crewed oil tanker near the strait was attacked. Despite the instability, China continues importing Iranian oil. South Korea, another country heavily reliant on the strait for crude oil imports, has introduced fuel price controls amid growing uncertainty in global energy markets.   

US forces disabled two Iranian oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz after overnight exchanges of fire with Iranian forces, as tensions continued to rise despite a fragile month-old ceasefire. The US military said Friday the tankers were attempting to breach an American blockade of Iranian ports. Earlier, Washington said it had thwarted attacks on three US Navy ships and struck Iranian military facilities in the strategic waterway. No American ships were hit. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates said three people were wounded after Iranian ballistic missiles and drones targeted the country. It remained unclear whether all projectiles were intercepted. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington was awaiting “a serious offer” from Tehran regarding a deal to end the conflict, reopen the strait and curb Iran’s nuclear programme. Iran condemned the US actions as “hostile” and accused Washington of violating the ceasefire. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the US was choosing “reckless military adventure” over diplomacy. Iran has largely blocked the vital shipping route since the war began on February 28, disrupting global energy supplies and increasing fuel prices worldwide. Satellite images also showed a large oil slick near Iran’s Kharg Island export terminal.

Actor-turned-politician Vijay has informed Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi Arlekar that he now has the support of 118 MLAs, with his swearing-in ceremony as chief minister expected to be held tomorrow at 11:00 am, according to sources.    Sources said last-minute and hectic negotiations by Vijay with the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) and an Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) MLA to secure their backing for the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) appear to have succeeded, helping the party reach the majority mark of 118. Bengal Assembly dissolved after Mamata Banerjee refuses to resign The actor-politician, who met Governor Arlekar on Friday evening for his third round of talks on government formation, is expected to be sworn in as the next chief minister of Tamil Nadu on Saturday. On Friday evening, after four days of uncertainty, slogans of “TVK, TVK” were heard outside Vijay’s residence in Chennai as indications emerged that he had secured the required support to form the government. Vijay’s TVK achieved a sweeping victory in last month’s assembly election, winning 108 of the 234 seats in its debut, breaking the 62-year dominance of Dravidian parties Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) in Tamil Nadu politics. However, the post-poll celebrations were short-lived after Governor Arlekar reportedly made it clear that he would not invite Vijay to form the government without confirmed majority support. Despite two meetings held on Wednesday and Thursday, the Governor maintained his stance, telling Vijay that he could not allow formation of a government with 113 MLAs when the majority mark stands at 118, and insisted on written letters of support from elected MLAs. Source: NDTV

The death toll from a massive explosion at a fireworks factory in central China has climbed to 37, state media reported Friday, as search and investigation efforts continue. Authorities said one person remains missing following the blast, according to the official Xinhua News Agency. The explosion occurred on Monday at a fireworks plant in Changsha, the capital of Hunan province. Officials said investigations are underway to determine the cause, while all fireworks production in the surrounding area has been suspended as a precaution. Earlier reports said more than 60 people were injured in the incident. State-run China Daily reported that the facility was operated by Huasheng Fireworks Manufacturing and Display Co., located in Liuyang, a county-level city under Changsha administration known as one of China’s main fireworks production hubs. Liuyang has a centuries-old tradition of fireworks manufacturing. The Guinness World Records notes that the earliest documented firecracker is linked to Li Tian, a monk believed to have lived near Liuyang during the Tang dynasty between 618 and 907 CE. China has seen similar deadly incidents in recent months. In February, separate explosions at fireworks shops around the Lunar New Year period left multiple people dead.

Spanish authorities are preparing to evacuate more than 140 passengers and crew from a cruise ship affected by a hantavirus outbreak as it heads toward the Canary Islands, health officials said Friday. The vessel is expected to arrive near the island of Tenerife, off the northwest coast of Africa, on Saturday or Sunday. Authorities said passengers will be transferred in a strictly controlled and isolated area. “They will arrive at a completely isolated, cordoned-off area,” said Virginia Barcones, head of Spain’s emergency services. Spain is coordinating with multiple governments to arrange evacuation plans for their nationals on board. The United States has agreed to send an aircraft to repatriate 17 American citizens, while the United Kingdom will charter a plane to evacuate nearly two dozen British passengers. At least three people have died in the outbreak, while several others have fallen ill. The World Health Organization has assessed the risk to the general public as low, noting that hantavirus is mainly transmitted through contact with contaminated rodent droppings and is not easily spread between humans. Health officials said none of the remaining passengers or crew currently show symptoms. The cruise operator, Oceanwide Expeditions, confirmed the situation on Thursday. However, international health agencies are still tracing passengers who disembarked earlier, including more than two dozen people from at least 12 countries who left the ship without formal contact tracing after an April 24 stop. Some countries are now tracking potential secondary exposures. UK health authorities on Friday said a third British national is suspected of being infected while on Tristan da Cunha, a remote British territory in the South Atlantic. Two other British passengers have already tested positive, with one hospitalized in the Netherlands and another in South Africa. South African authorities are also tracking contacts linked to passengers who left the ship earlier, including travelers who passed through Johannesburg after disembarking in St. Helena. Officials continue to monitor the situation as evacuation preparations intensify in the Canary Islands.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was set to meet Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Friday as both countries seek to ease growing tensions over the Iran war and broader trans-Atlantic disputes. Rubio was also scheduled to hold talks with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani during his visit to Rome. Differences between Washington and its European allies have deepened in recent weeks over President Donald Trump’s tariff policies, his criticism of Europe’s limited support for the war effort and his remarks targeting Pope Leo XIV. Rubio began his visit on Thursday with a meeting with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, part of a wider US effort to calm tensions with European partners. Italian leaders are expected to use the meetings to preserve strong ties with Washington while resisting pressure from the US over the Iran conflict. Trump has criticized both the pope and Italy’s government for opposing the war. Meloni called the conflict “illegal” and described Trump’s comments about the pope as “unacceptable.” Trump later accused Meloni of lacking courage and being negative about supporting the US in the conflict. Although Meloni was once seen as one of Trump’s closest allies in Europe, relations between the two leaders have reportedly become strained. Italy has firmly maintained its opposition to involvement in the Iran war. The US recently announced plans to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany, while Trump has also threatened to reduce troop deployments in Italy and Spain because of their stance on the conflict. Italy serves as an important logistics hub for US and allied military operations in the Mediterranean, the Middle East and North Africa. Any reduction in troop numbers could affect NATO’s position in southern Europe. Defense ties were also tested in March when Italy refused to allow US bombers heading to the Middle East to use the Sigonella air base in Sicily without parliamentary approval. Under Italy’s constitution and international agreements, military bases can be used for logistics and NATO operations, but direct offensive missions generally require specific authorization. Meloni and Tajani have repeatedly said Italy does not want to join the Iran conflict. They also stressed that any US request to use Italian bases for offensive military operations would require approval from Parliament, where opposition to the war remains strong. The war is also creating economic pressure for Italy. Meloni warned that tensions around the Strait of Hormuz are increasing energy costs and hurting household spending, while concerns over possible US tariffs are threatening Italy’s export-driven economy. Meloni is also under pressure at home after suffering a referendum defeat in March, adding to the political challenges surrounding the war issue. Since taking office in 2022, Meloni has tried to present herself as a reliable US ally and a bridge between Washington and Europe. But disagreements over Iran and trade have exposed the limits of that role. At the Vatican on Thursday, Rubio held more than two hours of talks with Pope Leo XIV and Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin on efforts to secure lasting peace in the Middle East and other issues of mutual concern. The US State Department said the meetings reflected strong ties between the United States and the Vatican, with both sides emphasizing peace and human dignity.