United News of Bangladesh

US President Donald Trump said Washington will obtain all of Iran’s enriched uranium as part of an anticipated agreement, while maintaining that no financial exchange would be involved. In a post on social media, Trump referred to Iran’s enriched uranium as “nuclear dust” and said the United States would take possession of it, reports Al Jazeera. He added that no money would be exchanged “in any way, shape, or form” and that the arrangement would not be linked to developments in Lebanon. Iran, US say Strait of Hormuz is fully open to commercial vessels In a separate post, Trump said the Strait of Hormuz is “completely open and ready for business,” but noted that a US naval blockade on Iran would remain in place until a final deal is reached. “The naval blockade will remain in full force and effect as it pertains to Iran, only, until such time as our transaction with Iran is 100% complete,” he said, adding that the process “should go very quickly” as most key points have already been negotiated.

Iran and the United States on Friday said the Strait of Hormuz has been reopened and is fully operational for commercial shipping after nearly seven weeks of disruption that had affected global energy trade. “IRAN HAS JUST ANNOUNCED THAT THE STRAIT OF IRAN IS FULLY OPEN AND READY FOR FULL PASSAGE. THANK YOU!,” US President Donald Trump said on social media, using an unofficial name for the strategic waterway. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that commercial vessels would be allowed to pass in line with the ongoing ceasefire arrangement, reports South China Morning Post. Araghchi said ships would be required to follow designated routes set by Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organisation. The announcement comes alongside a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah, under which passage through the strait will remain open for the duration of the truce. Trump, however, said US naval blockade on Iranian vessels and supplies would remain in place until a final agreement is reached. The apparent breakthrough eased market concerns, with oil prices falling nearly 10 percent following the announcement.

US President Donald Trump has said Iran has agreed not to develop nuclear weapons, expressing optimism about ongoing negotiations and the prospects of a long-term deal. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said the agreement under discussion would extend “beyond 20 years” and described the outlook for a deal as “looking very good.” He added that the next round of talks with the Iranian delegation could take place over the weekend, reports Al Jazeera. Trump also said the recently announced ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon includes Hezbollah, indicating broader involvement in the truce arrangement. The US president further said he plans to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, though he did not specify a timeline for the meetings.

The United States is prepared to resume military operations if Iran refuses to agree to a deal, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Thursday. Speaking to reporters in Washington, DC, Hegseth warned that US forces remain on standby to restart combat if diplomatic efforts fail, reports Al Jazeera. He also claimed that the US Navy is currently controlling maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that Iran “does not have a navy any more”. Hegseth further said the United States would continue its naval blockade of Iran for “as long as it takes”, signalling no immediate plans to ease pressure on Tehran. Delivering a direct warning, he added that Washington is closely monitoring Iran’s military movements. “We are watching you,” Hegseth said, referring to Iranian activities and assets.

China’s economy picked up pace in the first quarter of the year, growing 5% compared to the same period last year, as it largely withstood the early effects of the Iran war, according to official data released . The January–March figures, which cover the period when the conflict began, came in stronger than economists had predicted and improved from the 4.5% growth recorded in the previous October–December quarter. On a quarterly basis, the economy expanded by 1.3% in the first three months, marking its fastest growth rate in a year. Experts say China, the world’s second-largest economy, is likely to manage the short-term impact of the war, now in its seventh week. However, rising energy prices driven by the conflict are adding to inflation pressures and weighing on global growth. Over time, weaker global demand could affect Chinese exports. The International Monetary Fund recently lowered its 2026 growth forecast for China to 4.4%, reflecting broader global economic concerns linked to the conflict. Chinese authorities had earlier set a growth target of 4.5% to 5% for this year, the lowest since 1991. “China can likely weather short term disruptions, but a prolonged war and sustained high energy prices could begin to slow growth in the second half of the year,” said Lynn Song. Separate data released showed China’s industrial output rose 5.7% in March from a year earlier, beating expectations as global demand for electronics, vehicles, semiconductors and robotics remained strong. However, retail sales increased by just 1.7%, falling short of forecasts and slowing from 2.8% growth in the first two months of the year, highlighting weak domestic consumer demand. China’s prolonged real estate downturn has continued to hurt consumer and investor confidence. Still, the country achieved around 5% growth last year, supported by strong exports that pushed its trade surplus to nearly $1.2 trillion, despite higher tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump. Economists say exports will remain a key driver of China’s economy this year, but heavy reliance on them could pose risks. “The lack of a quick resolution to the Iran war is likely to slow global growth, reducing other countries’ capacity to import Chinese goods,” said Eswar Prasad. He added that as countries focus on protecting their own economies from the impact of the conflict, demand for Chinese imports is likely to weaken. China reported earlier this week that exports grew 2.5% in March compared to a year earlier, a noticeable slowdown from the previous two months, partly due to seasonal factors. While economists believe China could still meet its annual growth target through policy support, concerns remain. Increased public investment may help sustain overall growth, but without stronger consumer demand, it could deepen deflation risks and further increase dependence on exports.

In an interview Sunday with Maria Bartiromo of Fox News, US President Donald Trump had said fuel prices could be the same or “maybe a little bit higher” by the November congressional elections. But in a separate interview with Bartiromo, which was taped on Tuesday at the White House and broadcast on Wednesday, Trump claimed he’d been misquoted and tried to overcome the blowback from his previous comments. He said he’s happy with oil costing about $92 per barrel. “It’s going to come dropping down very big as soon as this is over,” he said, referring to the war. “And I think it can be over very soon.” Later in the interview, he predicted that gas prices, now averaging slightly above $4 a gallon, will be “much lower” by the elections. Speaking again about the war, Trump said, “When that’s settled, gas prices are going to go down tremendously.”

US naval forces have forced eight Iran-linked oil tankers to turn back since Monday, according to The Wall Street Journal (WSJ). Citing officials, WSJ reported that US forces contacted the vessels via radio after they departed from or approached Iranian ports and instructed them to reverse course, reports Al Jazeera. In each case, the tankers complied with the instructions, and no boarding operations were carried out. The developments come amid heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and increased US naval activity in the region. Meanwhile, The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the ongoing blockade on Iranian ports is being enforced against vessels of all nations entering or leaving Iran’s coastal areas. Trump rules out ceasefire extension, predicts ‘amazing two days ahead’ In a statement, CENTCOM said the operation is being carried out “impartially” and includes US Navy guided-missile destroyers as part of the assets enforcing the blockade, reports Al Jazeera. CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper said the blockade has been “fully implemented,” claiming US forces have established maritime superiority in the region. “An estimated 90% of Iran’s economy is fuelled by international trade by sea,” he said on X, adding that US forces have “completely halted” maritime trade in and out of Iran within 36 hours.

US President Donald Trump has said the war with Iran could end soon, expressing optimism about a possible resolution. “I think it’s close to over, yeah,” Trump said in a clip of an interview aired by Fox News. “I mean I view it as very close to over.” Meanwhile, Democrats in the US Senate are planning another vote on Wednesday to limit Trump’s war powers over the conflict, reports Al Jazeera. Senator Tammy Duckworth, who introduced a War Powers Resolution, said Trump’s “war of choice” is putting American lives at risk and driving up prices at home, reports Al Jazeera. “The Senate must fulfil its constitutional duty and vote to stop it immediately, before our economy takes yet another hit and more lives are lost,” she said. Under the US Constitution, only Congress has the authority to declare war. Democrats in both the Senate and the House have repeatedly sought to pass resolutions requiring the president to obtain congressional approval before launching military action. US blockade on Iran applies to ships of all nations: CENTCOM However, those efforts have been blocked by Republicans, who hold narrow majorities in both chambers. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Democrats would continue forcing votes on the issue weekly as long as the conflict persists.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the ongoing blockade on Iranian ports is being enforced against vessels of all nations entering or leaving Iran’s coastal areas. In a statement, CENTCOM said the operation is being carried out “impartially” and includes US Navy guided-missile destroyers as part of the assets enforcing the blockade, reports Al Jazeera. “A typical destroyer has a crew of more than 300 sailors that are highly trained in conducting offensive and defensive maritime operations,” it added. Diplomats push for fresh US-Iran talks as blockade enters first full day CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper said the blockade has been “fully implemented,” claiming US forces have established maritime superiority in the region. “An estimated 90% of Iran’s economy is fuelled by international trade by sea,” he said on X. “In less than 36 hours since the blockade was implemented, US forces have completely halted economic trade going into and out of Iran by sea.” The developments come amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran following failed diplomatic efforts and growing concerns over disruptions to global trade and energy supplies.

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.