United News of Bangladesh

Pakistan Interior Minister Syed Mohsen Naqvi has travelled to Tehran for meetings with senior Iranian officials as Islamabad continues efforts to mediate between Iran and the United States over nuclear negotiations,  media says. The visit is intended to review and follow up on the progress of talks between Tehran and Washington, the source said. Naqvi left for Tehran on Saturday and is expected to hold discussions with senior Iranian authorities during the visit. Truce reached between Israel and Hezbollah amid delays in US-Iran negotiations The trip marks Naqvi’s latest engagement as part of Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to facilitate communication between Iran and the US. During his previous visit to Iran on June 7, Naqvi met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni. Pakistan has been seeking to play a mediating role amid ongoing discussions between the two countries over Iran’s nuclear programme.

An initial agreement between the United States and Iran aimed at extending a fragile ceasefire moved closer to formal signing on Monday, although uncertainties surrounding Tehran’s nuclear program and Israel’s military operations in Lebanon continued to threaten the deal. The electronically signed agreement, reached on Sunday, seeks to sustain a truce in a months-long conflict that has killed thousands across the Middle East, including senior Iranian leaders, and disrupted global fuel and food markets. A key element of the pact is the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil and natural gas supplies pass. However, Iran said implementation would begin only after a formal signing ceremony scheduled for Friday in Geneva, while the US blockade remains in place until then. The deal also requires Iran to decide within 60 days on the future of its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Further details, expected within two days, may include the release of frozen Iranian assets, sanctions relief and a proposed $300 billion reconstruction fund tied to Iranian commitments. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the agreement was US President Donald Trump’s decision, while reaffirming Israel’s determination to counter Iranian threats and maintain its military presence in parts of Lebanon. Continued fighting between Israel and Hezbollah remains a major challenge to the agreement’s success.

The United States and Iran are close to reaching an agreement aimed at ending their months-long conflict, with officials from both sides indicating that a breakthrough could come within days. Three regional officials told media on Friday that the proposed deal could lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the phased lifting of sanctions on Iran and the release of frozen Iranian assets. A senior US official said the draft agreement also includes the removal and destruction of Iran’s nuclear material, dismantling parts of its nuclear programme and a commitment by Tehran not to fund terrorist groups. Middle East on edge as Iran and US exchange fire again Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on X that a deal “has never been closer,” while President Donald Trump shared the post on social media. However, Trump also warned Iranian leaders to act quickly. The negotiations follow three days of exchanges involving Iran, the US and Israel and come amid a fragile ceasefire that has been in place since April 7. The conflict, which began on February 28, has disrupted energy shipments through the Persian Gulf and heightened regional tensions. Officials said the agreement is expected to be finalized after approval in Washington and Tehran. Pakistan, backed by Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt and Qatar, has played a leading mediating role in the talks.

US President Donald Trump has urged Israel and Iran to cease hostilities immediately amid growing concerns that renewed exchanges of fire could undermine efforts to secure a lasting peace agreement. “Israel and Iran must immediately stop ‘shooting,’” Trump wrote in a brief message on his Truth Social platform, reports AL Jazeera . The appeal came as Iran's armed forces announced the suspension of their military operations against Israel, while warning that any future Israeli attacks, particularly in Lebanon, would trigger a much stronger response, according to Iran's semi-official Fars News Agency. In a statement carried by the agency, Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said the country's armed forces had delivered a “painful response” to Israel following what it described as Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon and Beirut's Dahieh district, allegedly backed by the United States. The statement followed a series of attacks between Israel and Iran that threatened to derail diplomatic efforts aimed at ending a conflict that has weighed heavily on regional stability and the global economy. Israel did not immediately respond to Iran's announcement. However, an Israeli military official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters that Israel remained prepared for various scenarios in Iran and was ready to continue operations for as long as necessary. The latest developments have intensified concerns about a possible resurgence of broader regional hostilities despite ongoing international efforts to preserve the fragile ceasefire.

Israel and Iran exchanged missile and air strikes early Monday in their first direct military confrontation since a ceasefire brokered by the United States two months ago, raising concerns that the Middle East could once again slide into a broader conflict. Several hours after the attacks, Iran’s military announced it was suspending offensive operations, while warning that any further Israeli action would trigger a stronger response. The latest escalation threatens to unravel the fragile truce reached in April following a conflict that began on February 28 with coordinated US and Israeli strikes on Iran. The war disrupted global markets, pushed up energy costs and contributed to rising prices of essential goods worldwide. Despite the ceasefire, tensions have remained high. Iran has continued to exert influence over the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil and gas shipments, while Israel has maintained military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi rebels also entered the fray on Monday, launching attacks toward Israel and renewing threats against Israel-linked vessels in the Red Sea. With peace negotiations showing little progress, the renewed exchanges between Israel and Iran, coupled with Houthi involvement, have heightened fears of a wider regional conflict. US President Donald Trump urged both sides to halt hostilities, posting online that Israel and Iran “must immediately stop shooting.” Shortly afterward, Iran’s military command said it was halting offensive actions but warned that any new “aggression” by Israel or its allies, including in southern Lebanon, would be met with “far more severe” measures. Diplomatic Push to Preserve CeasefireRegional diplomats have intensified efforts to prevent the ceasefire from collapsing. According to two regional officials, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan and Qatar have urged Washington to pressure Israel to scale back attacks on Iran and Beirut while also encouraging Tehran to cease strikes against Israel. Trump confirmed that discussions aimed at maintaining the ceasefire were continuing but did not provide further details. Fresh Military ExchangesIran launched multiple waves of attacks on Israel on Monday, prompting retaliatory Israeli strikes on targets in central and western Iran. Iranian media reported explosions in Tehran, Isfahan, Karaj and Tabriz, while authorities temporarily closed airspace around Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport. Iranian news agencies reported that Israeli strikes targeted a petrochemical facility in Mahshahr. The Israeli military later confirmed attacks on sites it said were involved in producing ballistic missile materials and on mobile missile-launching systems. Israel said the operations were carried out in response to Iranian missile attacks. Tehran had previously vowed retaliation after Israeli strikes in Beirut’s southern suburbs. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claimed responsibility for attacks on two Israeli military installations. Air raid sirens sounded across parts of Israel and neighboring Jordan as air defense systems attempted to intercept incoming projectiles. Iran accused Washington of being complicit in the escalation, with Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei saying Israel would not have acted without US coordination. The White House did not immediately comment on the allegation. Strains Between Trump and NetanyahuAlthough Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu closely coordinated military operations at the start of the conflict, signs of tension between the two leaders have emerged in recent weeks. Analysts suggest Netanyahu faces domestic pressure ahead of upcoming elections and ongoing security concerns along Israel’s northern border, while Trump is eager to reduce international tensions and limit the economic fallout before congressional elections later this year. Houthis Rejoin the ConflictYemen’s Houthi movement claimed responsibility for attacks on Israel and warned that vessels linked to Israel would again be targeted in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The group had launched similar operations during the Gaza conflict, carrying out more than 100 attacks on commercial shipping, disrupting one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes. Civilians Prepare for UncertaintyResidents on both sides of the conflict expressed concern that the latest escalation could mark the beginning of another prolonged confrontation. In Tehran, some residents said they expected fighting to continue despite the ceasefire, while in Israel schools remained closed nationwide. Although many businesses stayed open, daily life was disrupted as residents repeatedly sought shelter during missile alerts. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared before the District Court in Tel Aviv for the 88th time on Tuesday in connection with ongoing corruption proceedings against him. According to Israel’s  madia, the judges agreed to shorten the hearing due to Netanyahu’s “security and political schedule,” without elaborating further. Netanyahu is facing charges of corruption, bribery and breach of trust across three separate cases, with indictments filed in November 2019. Since the trial began in 2020, he has consistently denied any wrongdoing, characterising the allegations as a “political campaign aimed at overthrowing him.” Under Israeli law, a presidential pardon cannot be granted unless the accused admits guilt. Separately, Netanyahu has also been wanted by the International Criminal Court since 2024 over allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza, where more than 72,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed during Israel’s ongoing military campaign.

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

Iran has warned it is prepared to return to direct military confrontation with the United States if ongoing negotiations fail to yield outcomes it deems acceptable, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said. In a series of state-backed messages aimed at audiences at home and abroad, Araghchi also highlighted the economic repercussions of the US-Israel conflict with Iran, saying the fallout is extending into American households. Israel begins fresh strikes on Lebanon after ceasefire extension He noted that US energy prices and inflation have risen markedly since the conflict began on February 28, a development he linked to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz - a key maritime route that typically carries around one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies. “Americans are told that they must absorb rocketing costs of war of choice on Iran,” Araghchi wrote on X, alongside an image showing rising yields on US Treasury bonds. “Beyond the surge in gas prices and stock market volatility, the real strain will be felt as US debt and mortgage rates climb. Auto loan delinquencies are already at a more than 30-year high,” he added. With inputs from Al Jazeera

The Gaza Health Ministry said hospitals across the territory received 13 bodies, including one person who died from earlier injuries, and 57 wounded individuals over the past 24 hours, according to a report published by the official Palestinian news agency Wafa. Since the ceasefire began on October 11 last year, the death toll from Israeli attacks has reached 870, while the number of injured has risen to 2,543, the ministry added. During the same period, 771 bodies have also been recovered. Israel begins fresh strikes on Lebanon after ceasefire extension Medical officials said several victims are still trapped under rubble and on roads, as ambulance and rescue teams continue to face challenges in reaching affected areas. Officials further reported that one Palestinian died in a building collapse, bringing the total number of fatalities from building collapses to 30. With inputs from Al Jazeera.

The Israeli army has announced a fresh wave of attacks targeting alleged positions of Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, just hours after a so-called ceasefire was extended for another 45 days. The development follows the army’s issuance of forced evacuation orders for nine towns in southern Lebanon. Israeli air strikes have hit the towns of Kaouthariyet al-Saiyad and al-Ghassaniya, according to reports from journalists on the ground. Iraq exported 10m barrels of oil via Hormuz in April   Earlier, the Israeli military had ordered residents to leave nine towns in the region, including the two targeted locations. With inputs from Al Jazeera