United News of Bangladesh

Six hours have passed since U.S. President Donald Trump said negotiators would head to Pakistan on Monday for more talks with Iran, but neither Iran nor host Pakistan have confirmed it. Pakistan has kept up the diplomacy today, with its prime minister holding a 45-minute call with Iran’s president and Pakistan’s foreign minister speaking with his Iranian counterpart. But while authorities have begun tightening security in Islamabad, the only player that has openly committed to another round of talks is the Trump administration.

Diplomats worked through back channels on Tuesday to arrange a new round of talks between the United States and Iran, as Washington enforced its blockade of Iranian ports and Tehran warned of possible retaliation across the region. US President Donald Trump said a second round of talks could take place “over the next two days,” suggesting Islamabad as a possible venue. UN Secretary-General António Guterres also said it is “highly probable” negotiations will resume. The first round of talks held in Pakistan last weekend failed to produce a deal, with Iran’s nuclear programme remaining a key sticking point. A US official said discussions on fresh talks are ongoing but no schedule has been finalised. Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said efforts to mediate between the two sides are continuing, adding that “our leadership is not giving up.” The blockade, now in its first full day, is aimed at pressuring Iran, which has continued exporting oil—largely to Asia—since the conflict began on February 28. A US official said forces enforcing the blockade are operating in the Gulf of Oman, monitoring vessels leaving Iranian ports before intercepting them after they pass through the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command said no ships passed through the blockade in the first 24 hours, while six vessels complied with orders to turn back. The standoff over the vital waterway—through which about one-fifth of global oil flows in normal times—has raised fears of renewed hostilities and further economic fallout. Oil prices have surged as maritime traffic remains severely disrupted. Meanwhile, separate talks between Israeli and Lebanese envoys in Washington were described as “productive,” with both sides agreeing to pursue direct negotiations, though major differences remain over Hezbollah and the ongoing conflict in southern Lebanon. The war, now in its seventh week, has killed thousands across the region and displaced more than a million people, particularly in Lebanon, intensifying international calls for a broader ceasefire.

The five-star Serena Hotel in Islamabad — known for its luxury and tight security — has been selected as the venue for high-stakes talks between the United States and Iran, despite concerns given past attacks in the capital. At first glance, the choice may seem unusual, particularly as one of Islamabad’s deadliest militant attacks occurred in 2008 at the nearby Marriott Hotel. However, officials say Serena’s reputation for robust security and strategic location makes it a suitable option, reports Al Jazeera. Trump says US ‘clearing out’ Strait of Hormuz Behind its scenic gardens and distinctive Moorish-style architecture lies a carefully managed security system. Experts and former officials note that the hotel has long experience in hosting high-profile guests under strict protection. Former Islamabad police chief Tahir Alam Khan said many of the hotel’s security personnel are retired professionals, ensuring a high level of expertise. He added that the design — with entry and exit points set away from the main compound — strengthens safety. Its proximity to key government sites, including the prime minister’s residence and parliament, also adds to its appeal. According to a government source, the hotel’s expansive 6-hectare complex, featuring over 400 rooms, conference facilities and office spaces, can comfortably accommodate large delegations such as those from Washington and Tehran, each comprising over 150 members. Another former police chief, Kaleem Imam, highlighted the hotel’s layered security screening and strong coordination with state agencies as key factors behind its selection.

Iran has dismissed reports of renewed nuclear negotiations with the United States as Israeli strikes continue across Lebanon and Iran. Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s National Security Council, denied claims in US media that Tehran had made a fresh push for talks. He said Iran will not negotiate with the US at present as the country is defending itself and that its armed forces did not initiate the conflict. Trump, who a day earlier had encouraged Iranians to “take over” their government, signaled Sunday that he was open to dialogue with Iran’s new leadership, reports AP. A spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry told Al Jazeera that the country attempted diplomatic engagement twice: during the interrupted 2025 negotiations and again now, while facing renewed US-Israeli attacks. Iranian retaliatory strikes have hit Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Beit Shemesh, killing at least nine in central Israel. Israel announces ‘offensive campaign against Hezbollah’ The Israeli army’s chief of staff, Eyal Zamir, said in a meeting following Hezbollah rocket fire on Israel, “We have launched an offensive campaign against Hezbollah.” Lebanese authorities reported that Israeli air attacks on the country have so far killed at least 31 people and wounded 149 others. According to Lebanon’s National News Agency, Israeli air attacks hit the southern suburbs of Beirut and southern Lebanon, leaving 20 dead and 91 wounded in the capital’s suburbs and 11 dead and 58 wounded in the south. Israel launched the strikes after Hezbollah fired rockets at northern Israel, widening the conflict triggered by joint US-Israel attacks on Iran. Forced displacement threats from Israel have caused hundreds of thousands of people to flee their homes in southern Lebanon. Trump said US attacks on Iran will continue until all Washington’s objectives are achieved and vowed to avenge the deaths of three American soldiers. Iran has continued strikes on US assets across the Gulf, killing one person in Bahrain, with Iraq and Kuwait also reporting Iranian raids following the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and up to 40 top officials. US embassy in Kuwait warns of ongoing missile and drone threats The US embassy in Kuwait said there is a “continuing threat of missile and UAV attacks” over the country. “The US Embassy in Kuwait urges US citizens in Kuwait to shelter in place, review security plans in the event of an attack, and to stay alert in case of additional future attacks,” it said in a statement, adding that embassy personnel are sheltering in place. Two killed in US-Israeli attacks on Iran’s Sanandaj The Iranian Fars news agency reported that at least two people were killed in an “enemy attack” on the central city of Sanandaj. It said the city was targeted by enemy missiles, destroying several residential buildings near the police station. The Tasnim news agency said US and Israeli forces dropped six missiles on different parts of the city, including densely populated neighbourhoods. Footage verified by Al Jazeera showed fire and huge clouds of smoke in the sky during one attack. Trump has turned ‘America First’ to ‘Israel First’, Larijani says Larijani said in a post on X that Trump has plunged the Middle East into chaos with his “delusional fantasies and now fears more American casualties.” He added, “He turned his self-made ‘America First’ slogan into ‘Israel First’ and sacrificed American soldiers for Israel’s power-hungry ambitions.” He said it is American soldiers and their families who will pay the cost, adding that Iran will continue to defend itself. Oil prices soar, stock markets fall amid regional conflict Crude oil prices rose sharply while stocks fell as investors weighed the fallout from US-Israeli attacks on Iran. Brent crude rose as much as 13 percent in Asia on Monday morning before stabilising, with the international benchmark up by about 5 percent at $76.48 per barrel as of midday Tokyo time. Asian stock markets opened lower, with Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index and Japan’s Nikkei 225 down about 2 percent and 1.5 percent, respectively. In the US, stock futures fell significantly outside regular market hours, with futures tracking the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite both down about 0.7 percent, signalling a volatile day ahead on Wall Street.