United News of Bangladesh

Iran’s Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator in talks with the United States, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, has warned that Tehran could halt its dialogue with Washington if Israel continues its military operations in Lebanon. In a statement posted on X following a phone conversation with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri on Monday, Ghalibaf said he had stressed Iran’s position regarding the ongoing conflict. He said that if what he described as the “crimes of the Zionist regime” in Lebanon continue, Iran would not only suspend the negotiation process but would also take a firm stand against Israel. Ghalibaf reaffirmed Iran’s support for Lebanon and the resistance movement, expressing solidarity between the Iranian and Lebanese people. His remarks came amid heightened tensions in the region as Israeli military operations in Lebanon continue and diplomatic efforts involving Iran and the United States remain under way. Source: Al Jazeera

US President Donald Trump on Monday has said he urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to pull Israeli troops back from Lebanon’s capital Beirut and also held talks with Hezbollah representatives, claiming the group had agreed to stop firing at Israeli forces. In response, Netanyahu told Trump that Israel would continue strikes on Beirut if Hezbollah keeps launching attacks against Israeli cities and civilians, according to a statement from the Israeli prime minister’s office. The statement added that Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon would proceed as planned. Meanwhile, Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, warned that Tehran could take a tougher stance if Israeli attacks on Lebanon continue. During talks with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Ghalibaf said Iran would not only suspend its negotiation process with the United States but could also enter into direct confrontation with Israel if the conflict escalates further. Despite the warning from Tehran, Trump said negotiations between the United States and Iran were continuing rapidly. On the ground, hostilities persisted in Lebanon. The country’s National News Agency reported ongoing Israeli air strikes in southern Lebanon late Monday, with reports of casualties. According to Lebanon’s Health Ministry, Israeli military operations in Lebanon since March have killed 3,433 people and injured 10,395 others. Source: Al Jazeera

Soaring fuel prices and global disruptions linked to the Iran war are putting pressure on tourism-dependent economies across Southeast Asia, just as the region heads into its peak travel season. Countries such as Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia are facing weaker travel demand, higher airfares and flight disruptions driven by rising jet fuel costs and uncertainty over the conflict’s impact on global energy supplies. Tourism in Asia is still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, but officials say the new shock is hitting the sector before it fully stabilises. Higher transport and living costs are also prompting many families to cut back on travel. “With fuel prices going up and tourists declining, how can we earn?” said Siv Pech, a 58-year-old tuk-tuk driver near Cambodia’s famous Angkor Wat temple complex in Siem Reap. Tourism plays a key role in many Southeast Asian economies, accounting for nearly 13% of GDP in Thailand, around 9% in Vietnam, and supporting millions of jobs in Cambodia. It is also a major source of foreign currency for import-reliant countries such as the Philippines and Nepal. The conflict has pushed up global oil prices, raising transport costs across the region, particularly for countries dependent on fuel imports that previously relied on stable shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz. Industry experts warn that the combined impact of the pandemic and the war is creating a difficult environment for recovery. “This, coming within five years of the pandemic, is devastating for tourism,” said Jitsai Santaputra of energy consultancy The Lantau Group. Airlines cut flights as fuel costs surge Higher jet fuel prices and supply pressures have forced several airlines, including Vietnam Airlines, AirAsia and Cathay Pacific, to reduce flights or adjust schedules. Airspace restrictions in parts of the Persian Gulf and longer flight routes have also increased operating costs for carriers flying between Europe and Asia. As a result, ticket prices have risen sharply. Cathay Pacific, for example, has significantly increased fuel surcharges for both medium- and long-haul flights. Company officials say jet fuel costs remain elevated, adding further pressure on pricing. Travelers are also booking later than usual, reflecting uncertainty over travel conditions. Travel plans disrupted For many travellers, the rising costs are forcing difficult decisions. Freelance travel writer Sandra Awodele had planned a long-awaited trip to Thailand this summer but abandoned her plans after checking flight prices. “I looked at the fares and that was the end of it,” she said. Local workers feel the strain The impact is also being felt on the ground across Southeast Asia, where tourism supports millions of small businesses and informal workers. In Cambodia’s Siem Reap, tuk-tuk driver Siv Pech said his income has fallen sharply. He now earns as little as $5 a day, down from about $20 previously, with fuel costs taking up most of his earnings. “Some days I don’t earn anything at all,” he said. Restaurants and small businesses are also under pressure as rising gas and food prices squeeze profits. Weak outlook for regional tourism Tourism accounts for a significant share of economic activity across Southeast Asia, with the industry contributing nearly 11% of GDP in ASEAN countries before the pandemic. Economists warn the Iran conflict could slow growth across Asia-Pacific by reducing travel demand and increasing costs for businesses and consumers. “Higher prices and weaker demand will weigh on tourism and overall growth,” said Albert Park, chief economist at the Asian Development Bank. In Vietnam, hotel operators say travellers are increasingly choosing cheaper accommodation options or cutting back on trips altogether. “This will affect the entire tourism chain,” said hotel operator Le Tuyet Lan. Thailand sees drop in arrivals Thailand, one of the region’s top tourist destinations, has already recorded a decline in visitor numbers. Official data show an overall 7% drop in April, with sharp declines from Europe and the Middle East. In Cambodia, tourism officials also report a steep fall in arrivals to Siem Reap, home to the Angkor Wat temple complex. Business owners say rising energy and food costs are adding further pressure, making it harder to stay profitable. “We are worried about inflation and rising costs,” said restaurant owner Sokha Sambo, who employs 14 staff in Siem Reap.

Kuwait said it came under a missile and drone attack on Thursday, raising fresh concerns over the already fragile ceasefire in the ongoing Iran conflict. The Kuwaiti military confirmed the attack but did not provide details about the targets or damage. Kuwait has been repeatedly targeted during the conflict, including earlier strikes by Iran and Iran-backed militias based in Iraq. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the latest attack. The incident comes at a tense time in the Middle East, where uncertainty remains over the ceasefire and ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran. Talks have yet to result in the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz a key global shipping route. The strait, which connects the Persian Gulf to the open sea, once carried about 20% of the world’s oil and natural gas supplies. Its closure has already triggered a global energy shortage, with experts warning the situation could worsen in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, Washington is pressuring Tehran to give up its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, while Iran is demanding relief from economic sanctions and access to frozen assets to help its struggling economy. Earlier on Thursday, US officials said American forces shot down four Iranian attack drones near the Strait of Hormuz. The US military also struck a drone control facility in Bandar Abbas that was preparing to launch another drone. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard later confirmed the strike near Bandar Abbas International Airport and said it had carried out a retaliatory attack on the base responsible. However, it did not give details, and it remains unclear whether the attack on Kuwait is directly linked to that retaliation.

US President Donald Trump is set to meet his Cabinet on Wednesday at a critical point in ongoing efforts to end the conflict with Iran. This comes just days after he claimed that a settlement had been “largely negotiated,” even though discussions remain unsettled. Ahead of the meeting, Trump has expressed confidence that a deal is close. He hopes the agreement will help reopen the Strait of Hormuz and allow him to argue that Iran’s nuclear capabilities have been reduced enough to declare success. The conflict has been politically unpopular among Republicans, adding pressure for a resolution. However, there are concerns that any deal reached may fall short of expectations. Key issues have been left for later negotiations, and critics  including some of Trump’s supporters  fear Iran could emerge weakened but more determined. The situation is becoming more sensitive as US midterm elections approach, with Republicans worried about rising fuel prices and growing public dissatisfaction. Tensions increased further after US forces carried out what the Pentagon described as “defensive” strikes on missile sites and boats in southern Iran earlier this week. While Washington said the action was restrained, Iran criticized it as a sign of bad faith. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said negotiations on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and extending the ceasefire would take a few more days. He added that Trump would either secure a strong agreement or walk away without a deal. Meanwhile, Trump complained on social media that even a full surrender by Iran might still be portrayed by the media as a victory for Tehran. Concerns among allies Despite Trump’s optimism, major differences remain between the US and Iran. Some Republican leaders, including Senators Roger Wicker, Lindsey Graham and Ted Cruz, have voiced concern that the proposed terms may favor Iran too much. They argue that parts of the deal resemble the nuclear agreement reached under former President Barack Obama — a deal Trump had previously scrapped. Under the proposed agreement, Iran would give up its stockpile of highly enriched uranium in exchange for relief from sanctions, according to officials familiar with the talks. However, details of how this would be done are still unclear and may be negotiated during a 60-day period. The International Atomic Energy Agency estimates that Iran currently possesses a significant amount of uranium enriched close to weapons-grade levels, though Tehran has not publicly agreed to surrender it. Trump recently suggested the uranium could be handed over to the US or destroyed under international supervision, signaling a softer stance compared to his earlier position. Impact on regional tensions Another unresolved issue is whether the ceasefire would include Israel’s ongoing operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Iran has insisted that Lebanon must be part of any broader agreement. The US proposal appears to allow flexibility, supporting a ceasefire while also recognizing Israel’s right to defend itself against threats. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated that military operations in Lebanon are continuing. Analysts warn that any sanctions relief could allow Iran to rebuild its military strength and support allied groups like Hezbollah and Hamas. Abraham Accords push faces hurdles Trump has also suggested expanding the Abraham Accords — agreements aimed at normalizing relations between Israel and several countries — as part of a broader deal. However, this proposal faces challenges. Key regional players like Saudi Arabia have said they would only consider such steps if there is clear progress toward establishing a Palestinian state, something Israel opposes. Reports suggest that Trump’s proposal received a muted response from some Middle Eastern leaders, although opinions appear divided. Despite concerns, US allies in the region continue to support efforts to end the conflict, seeing few alternatives to diplomacy.  

US President Donald Trump has said a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at ending the US-Israel war with Iran has been “largely negotiated,” with only final details remaining to be resolved. Speaking on Saturday, Trump said the proposed agreement would include reopening the Strait of Hormuz, though it remains subject to final approval by US and Iranian negotiators as well as several other countries involved in the mediation efforts. The announcement came after Trump held a series of calls with leaders and officials from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Jordan, Egypt, Turkiye and Bahrain. He also spoke separately with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “Final aspects and details of the deal are currently being discussed, and will be announced shortly,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Islamabad would continue efforts to facilitate dialogue between Washington and Tehran and expressed hope that Pakistan could host future US-Iran talks soon. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed the reported progress, saying any agreement would help restore free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. In a separate statement, Egypt’s presidency urged all sides to take advantage of the diplomatic momentum and reach a settlement. The latest development follows a week of mixed signals from Trump, who earlier warned Iran that time was running out for a permanent ceasefire agreement. He later said he had been close to resuming attacks but paused military action following requests from Gulf countries. Trump has alternated between warning of escalation and expressing optimism about a deal. On Saturday, he also posted an image of Iran covered with a US flag on social media. The statement came shortly after Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, concluded what Pakistan’s military described as a “highly productive” visit to Iran, during which “encouraging progress” was reportedly made toward a final understanding. Iranian officials, however, have repeatedly expressed caution over negotiations with Washington, citing previous US military strikes on Iran during talks related to Tehran’s nuclear programme. The US and Israel launched the latest conflict on February 28. Although major fighting has largely remained paused since April 8, sporadic flare-ups have continued. The US has maintained restrictions on Iranian ports, while Iran has effectively kept the Strait of Hormuz closed. Major unresolved issues reportedly include the future of Iran’s nuclear programme, Tehran’s influence over the strategic waterway, the future US military presence in the region and access to frozen Iranian assets. Source: Al Jazeera

The ongoing Iran war is putting the United Arab Emirates’ long-standing reputation as a safe haven for business and tourism under growing pressure. For decades, the UAE has promoted itself as a stable destination for international companies and investors in a region often marked by conflict. But the war has brought missile and drone attacks, disrupted oil exports and sharply reduced tourism, raising concerns about the resilience of its economic model. The UAE, a close ally of the United States and Israel, has faced more Iranian missile and drone attacks than any other country during the conflict. Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global energy shipments, has significantly reduced the Emirates’ crude oil and natural gas exports. The Gulf nation has responded by accelerating plans to build a second pipeline to bypass the strait and recently decided to leave the OPEC oil alliance to allow greater long-term production. Although the United States and Israel launched the war, the UAE has become deeply involved because of its strategic location across the Gulf from Iran. A drone strike on Sunday targeted the Barakah nuclear power plant in western Abu Dhabi, highlighting the security risks the country continues to face. Officials said there was no radiation leak and the plant remains operational. Despite these challenges, the UAE’s large financial reserves have helped prevent major job losses and discouraged foreign companies from leaving. However, analysts warn that a prolonged conflict could damage the country’s carefully built image as a stable and reliable place to do business. The UAE has taken an increasingly tough stance against Iran, accusing it of threatening regional security and warning that it reserves the right to respond diplomatically or militarily. “The UAE will not tolerate any threat to its security and sovereignty,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Sunday. The country’s foreign policy has become more assertive in recent years under President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, whose leadership has shaped the UAE’s growing role in regional conflicts, including in Yemen. The war has also hurt sectors beyond energy. Tourism and business events, which account for more than 12% of the UAE’s economy, have been hit hard. More than 70 scheduled events have been postponed or cancelled since the conflict began in February, according to Northbourne Advisory, a Qatar-based communications firm. Hotel occupancy in Dubai has fallen sharply, with some estimates suggesting rates could drop to as low as 10% in the second quarter, compared with about 80% before the war. Dubai International Airport, one of the world’s busiest for international travel, has restored most of its flight schedule, but recurring missile and drone alerts continue to unsettle businesses and travelers. Even so, Dubai is trying to project a sense of normalcy. The city hosted a shortened version of its annual Art Dubai exhibition over the weekend, where artists said cultural events remain important despite the surrounding conflict. “Life doesn’t stop in a world war,” Beirut-based artist Alfred Tarazi said. “We can only counter a narrative of violence with culture.”

Global stock markets traded mixed on Tuesday as uncertainty over the Iran war and its impact on oil supply continued to unsettle investors. European markets opened higher, with France’s CAC 40 rising 0.6% to 8,034.62, Germany’s DAX gaining 1.1% to 24,574.98 and Britain’s FTSE 100 up 0.6% at 10,384.15. In contrast, US futures pointed slightly lower, with the S&P 500 futures down 0.2% and Dow Jones futures slipping less than 0.1%. In Asia, Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 0.4% to close at 60,550.59, erasing earlier gains despite government data showing the economy expanded for a second straight quarter in January–March, driven mainly by stronger-than-expected consumer spending. South Korea’s Kospi dropped sharply, ending 3.3% lower at 7,271.66 after falling more than 4% earlier in the session. Major stocks were hit hard, with Hyundai Motor falling 8.9%, LG Electronics down 11.7%, Samsung Electronics losing 2% and SK Hynix declining 5.2%, tracking losses in US tech shares. Elsewhere in the region, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 rose 1.2% to 8,604.70, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng gained 0.5% to 25,797.85 and Shanghai Composite added 0.9% to 4,169.54. In energy markets, US crude oil fell 63 cents to $108.03 per barrel, while Brent crude dropped $1.59 to $110.51 per barrel. Prices have been volatile amid concerns that the Iran war could disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil transport. Brent crude had been trading near $70 before the conflict escalated. Prices briefly eased after US President Donald Trump signalled a pause on a planned military strike on Iran, saying “serious negotiations” were underway. On Wall Street overnight, the S&P 500 slipped 0.1%, the Dow gained 0.3% and the Nasdaq fell 0.5%. Investors are now awaiting earnings from major US companies, including Nvidia, Target, Home Depot and Walmart, due later this week. In currency trading, the US dollar rose to 159.08 yen from 158.84 yen, while the euro slipped to $1.1632 from $1.1657.

U.S. President Donald Trump said he has decided to hold off on a planned military strike against Iran, citing ongoing negotiations that could potentially end the conflict. Speaking at the White House on Monday, Trump said a “very major attack” scheduled for Tuesday had been postponed to allow time for diplomatic efforts. “There seems to be a very good chance that they can work something out. If we can do that without bombing the hell out of them, I’d be very happy,” he said, after first announcing the decision on social media. Trump added that the delay came at the request of key Gulf allies, who believe a deal with Iran could be reached within days. He said leaders from Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates had urged him to give negotiations more time. Despite pausing the strike, Trump warned that the U.S. military remains prepared for a large-scale operation if talks fail. “I have instructed the military to be ready to move forward with a full assault on a moment’s notice if an acceptable deal is not reached,” he said. Trump has repeatedly warned that the fragile ceasefire reached in mid-April could collapse if Iran fails to reach an agreement. Over the weekend, he cautioned Tehran that time was running out to act. While expressing optimism about current negotiations, Trump acknowledged that past efforts to reach a deal had faltered. “This is a very positive development,” he said, adding, “there were times before when it looked like a deal was close, but nothing happened. This is a little bit different.” The president has previously delayed or reversed decisions on military action to allow diplomacy to proceed, although strikes were eventually launched earlier in the conflict after initial hesitation. Meanwhile, tensions remain high across the region, with Iran and allied groups accused of launching drone attacks targeting Gulf states. Trump has also held recent discussions on the situation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

US President Donald Trump has said he is not willing to offer any concessions to Iran at this stage, expressing dissatisfaction over Tehran’s latest response to Washington on ending the conflict. In an interview with the media, Trump said Iran is aware of “what’s going to be happening soon,” indicating potential developments ahead. When asked about his earlier remarks on Friday suggesting openness to a 20-year pause in Iran’s nuclear programme, Trump said, “I’m not open to anything right now.” Irish president’s sister also detained after Israeli action on flotilla Meanwhile, former US special envoy to Iran Rob Malley criticised the approach taken by Trump, warning that it risks repeating mistakes similar to the Vietnam War. Speaking to Al Jazeera, Malley said measuring success by the number of Iranian leaders killed or military assets destroyed reflects the “wrong metric.” He stressed that the only viable way to end the conflict is through a negotiated settlement that takes into account the interests of both the United States and Iran. With inputs from Al Jazeera