United News of Bangladesh

Around 90 ships, including oil tankers, have crossed the Strait of Hormuz since the outbreak of war with Iran, with the country continuing to export millions of barrels of oil even as the strategic waterway faces partial closure, according to maritime and trade data. Many vessels were “dark” transits, evading Western sanctions and likely linked to Iran, Lloyd’s List Intelligence reported. More recently, ships from India and Pakistan have also passed through after diplomatic talks with Tehran. Oil prices surged above $100 per barrel, prompting U.S. President Donald Trump to urge allies to send warships and reopen the strait to ease market pressure. Most shipping traffic has halted since early March, and about 20 vessels have been attacked in the area. Despite this, Iran exported over 16 million barrels of oil since March 1, with China remaining the main buyer due to sanctions-related risks. Analysts said Iran has used its control over the strait to maintain exports and profit from oil sales. Lloyd’s List Intelligence reported that of the 89 vessels passing the strait between March 1–15, 16 were oil tankers and more than one-fifth were Iran-affiliated. Pakistan- and India-flagged ships also successfully crossed, following negotiations with Tehran. Experts say Iran has effectively created a “safe corridor” near its coast for selected ships, while selectively restricting others. Oil market analysts warn that Iran may continue limiting tanker movements to maintain high energy prices.

U.S. President Donald Trump said he has asked about seven countries to send warships to keep the Strait of Hormuz open as Iranian strikes continued across Gulf countries on Monday. Trump said Washington is negotiating with countries heavily dependent on Middle Eastern crude to join a coalition to patrol the strategic waterway, through which about one-fifth of the world’s traded oil normally passes, but he did not name the countries. American efforts to protect Strait of Hormuz continue, US military commander says The head of U.S. Central Command, Brad Cooper, said American forces are targeting Iran’s threats to ships carrying oil and natural gas through the strategic Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf. In a video posted on X on Monday, he said the U.S. will continue efforts to weaken Iran’s ability to threaten navigation in the key waterway. Trump urges global support to keep Strait of Hormuz open Italy signals reluctance to Trump’s call to help open Strait of Hormuz  Italy has responded cautiously to Donald Trump’s call for allies to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Antonio Tajani, Italy’s Foreign Minister, told reporters in Brussels on Monday that Rome supports strengthening EU naval missions in the Red Sea but said they cannot be extended to the Strait of Hormuz, as the missions are mainly defensive and anti-piracy operations. Starmer says UK seeks ‘viable’ plan to open Strait of Hormuz Keir Starmer, Britain’s Prime Minister, said the UK is working with allies on a plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz but “will not be drawn into the wider war.” Speaking after Donald Trump called on allies to send warships, Starmer said Britain is exploring the use of mine-hunting drones in the region but is unlikely to deploy a warship. Iran thanks Pakistan for ‘solidarity’ amid US-Israel attacks Iran says Strait of Hormuz is closed only to US, Israel and their allies Iran’s top diplomat says the key Strait of Hormuz is only cut off for vessels of the United States, Israel and their allies. German minister says US-Israeli aims need clarity  Johann Wadephul, Germany’s Foreign Minister, said Monday that the U.S. and Israel must clarify when their military objectives are achieved. Speaking before an EU meeting in Brussels, he warned that Iran poses a serious threat to regional security, shipping, and the global economy, and said he would support sanctions against those blocking the Strait of Hormuz. China has no comment on Trump’s Strait of Hormuz request  A Chinese government spokesperson did not directly answer questions about Donald Trump’s request for military support from several countries to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. At a daily briefing in Beijing, Lin Jian of the Foreign Ministry reiterated China’s call to end the fighting, highlighting its impact on energy and trade.

U.S. President ‘Donald Trump’said he has asked about seven countries to send warships to help keep the ‘Strait of Hormuz’ open as Iranian missile and drone attacks continued across Gulf countries on Monday. Trump said Washington is discussing the move with nations that heavily depend on Middle East oil, though he did not identify them. The narrow waterway normally carries around one-fifth of the world’s traded oil. Meanwhile, operations at ‘Dubai International Airport’, the world’s busiest airport for international travel, gradually resumed after a drone strike hit a fuel tank early Monday and sparked a fire. Authorities said the blaze was quickly controlled and no injuries were reported. Iran accused the United States without providing evidence of using facilities in the ‘United Arab Emirates’ to launch attacks on ‘Kharg Island’, a key terminal for Iran’s oil exports. The tensions pushed global oil prices higher, with ‘Brent crude oil’ trading close to $105 per barrel. Germany’s Foreign Minister ‘Johann Wadephul’ said the United States and ‘Israel’ should clarify when they believe their military objectives in the conflict have been achieved. He warned that Iran poses a serious threat to regional security, global trade and freedom of navigation, and said sanctions could be considered against those blocking the strait. The ‘United Kingdom’ announced £5 million ($6.6 million) in humanitarian assistance for ‘Lebanon’ to support more than 800,000 people displaced by Israeli operations against ‘Hezbollah’. Foreign Secretary ‘Yvette Cooper’expressed concern over the escalating crisis. The Israeli military said it has deployed additional ground troops into Lebanon for what it described as a “limited and targeted operation” to protect communities near its northern border. Military spokesman ‘Nadav Shoshani’ said Hezbollah had moved hundreds of elite fighters toward the frontier. In southern Lebanon, the state news agency reported that Israeli airstrikes killed three people, including two paramedics, in the village of ‘Kfar Sir’. Israel also claimed it had destroyed about 70% of Iran’s missile launchers during the first two weeks of the conflict and carried out roughly 7,600 strikes in Iran, damaging most of the country’s air defence systems and targeting several nuclear-related sites. Across the Gulf, several countries reported new attacks. ‘Bahrain’said its air defences intercepted four missiles and three drones, while ‘Saudi Arabia’ reported shooting down dozens of drones near ‘Riyadh’ and the kingdom’s oil-producing regions. A drone strike also caused a fire at an oil facility in ‘Fujairah Oil Industry Zone’, though no casualties were reported. In ‘Abu Dhabi’, authorities said a Palestinian civilian was killed when a missile struck a vehicle, raising the death toll in the UAE since the war began on Feb. 18 to seven. The ‘European Union’ is considering naval missions to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, according to foreign policy chief ‘Kaja Kallas’. Options include expanding the bloc’s ‘Operation Aspides’ or forming a coalition of willing member states. Trump also indicated he might delay his planned visit to ‘China’ if Beijing does not support efforts to stabilize shipping through the strait and calm oil markets. However, ‘Australia’ said it would not send a warship to the region, although it has provided surveillance aircraft and missiles to help the UAE defend against Iranian attacks.

France and Italy have begun discussions with Tehran in an effort to ensure the safe passage of their vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, the Financial Times reported. Citing three sources familiar with the matter, the report said the two European countries are trying to negotiate an arrangement with Iran that would guarantee safe navigation for their ships through the crucial maritime route. The talks remain at an early and tentative stage, the report added. The effort comes as European states seek to revive oil and gas exports from the Middle East amid heightened regional tensions. Al Jazeera said it could not independently verify the report. Separately, Reuters reported that France is also working to assemble a broader international coalition aimed at securing the Strait of Hormuz once the security situation improves. According to two French officials cited by Reuters, Paris has been consulting European, Asian and Gulf Arab countries on a plan that could involve deploying warships to escort oil tankers through the narrow waterway. The strait is a vital corridor for global energy supplies. Data from the Germany-based CESifo Research Network shows that in 2024 about 6.2 percent of crude oil and 8.7 percent of liquefied natural gas imported from non-EU countries passed through the passage.

Bangladesh has received reassurance from Iran regarding the safe passage of fuel shipments amid growing concerns about global oil supply disruptions. Iranian Ambassador to Bangladesh Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi on Friday said his country Iran stands ready to ensure that Bangladeshi oil tankers can pass safely through the Strait of Hormuz, despite the ongoing tensions in the Middle East. "I have seen that there is an energy crisis in your country. Due to the energy problem, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and the Energy Minister (Iqbal Hassan Mahmood) have requested the Iranian government to allow Bangladeshi oil tankers to pass through," said the Ambassador. “I have spoken with Iranian government officials and they are ready. If you have vessels willing to transport fuel, we will allow them to pass safely so that the people of Bangladesh do not face difficulties,” the Ambassador told reporters following an event in Dhaka. Iran’s secretive new leader issued his first public statements Thursday, resolving to keep fighting, promising more pain for Gulf Arab states and threatening to open “other fronts” in a war that has already disrupted world energy supplies, the global economy and international travel, reports AP. Early Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a new threat online to Iran, writing: “Watch what happens to these deranged scumbags today.” Trump tallied the damage inflicted on Iran and its leaders and called it a “great honor” to be responsible for it. The remarks by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei came as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country’s attacks were creating conditions for the Iranian population to topple the government. “It is in your hands,” Netanyahu said at a news conference, addressing the Iranian people. “We are creating the optimal conditions for the fall of the regime.” Energy conservation plea goes unheeded as Dhaka malls glow with lights Iran will continue blocking the Strait of Hormuz, the world's busiest oil shipping channel, according to a statement attributed to Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, reports the BBC. His message was broadcast on Iranian state TV, but Khamenei did not appear in person. His message was instead read out by a newsreader. Iran would "avenge the blood" of Iranians killed in the war with the US and Israel, Khamenei said in the statement, which also warned neighbouring countries to stop hosting US bases. He was named supreme leader on 8 March after his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed on the first day of the war. Ambassador Jahanabadi defended his country’s position, and said, "We are not seeking a regional war, but we cannot remain indifferent while being attacked from American bases in neighbouring countries." The first week of war with Iran cost the United States $11.3 billion, according to the Pentagon, which provided the estimate to Congress in a briefing earlier this week, according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the private meeting.   The US military reported spending $5 billion on munitions alone in the war’s first weekend. The war continued to escalate on its 13th day as oil prices spiraled up again to $100 per barrel, and stocks sank worldwide over fears that the conflict could drag on longer than hoped. To relieve the surge in prices, the U.S. Treasury Department announced it was further easing sanctions on Russian oil by granting a license that authorizes the delivery and sale of some Russian crude oil and petroleum products for the next month. Trump signaled earlier this week that he would take more action to address the squeeze on oil flows. The move follows the administration’s decision to grant temporary permission for India to buy Russian oil. The new exemption applies only to Russian oil already at sea. Last week, analysts estimated there were about 125 million barrels loaded on tankers. To put that in perspective, about 20 million barrels of oil per day usually pass through the Strait of Hormuz, according to the International Energy Agency.

Global gas and oil prices surged while stock markets across the world fell sharply as the Middle East conflict intensified, raising concerns about its duration and economic impact. In the UK, gas prices hit their highest level in three years on Tuesday after significant gains on Monday, while Brent crude briefly exceeded $85 a barrel, a level last seen in July 2024. Major stock indexes in the US, Europe, and Asia also suffered losses. Investors are assessing the economic consequences of the Israel and US airstrikes on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory measures, including potential effects on inflation and interest rates. Analysts fear that disruption in this critical energy and shipping region could mirror the impact of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine four years ago, which drove up global energy costs, reports BBC. The UK’s Office for Budget Responsibility warned in its latest fiscal outlook that the conflict could severely affect both global and UK economies. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, after meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House, also expressed concern over possible economic damage, urging a swift end to the hostilities. By Tuesday’s close, London’s FTSE 100 fell 2.75%, while Germany’s DAX and France’s CAC 40 dropped 3.44% and 3.46% respectively. In the US, the S&P 500 opened sharply lower but ended down 0.9%. In Asia, Japan’s Nikkei fell 3.3%, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng and China’s Shanghai Composite declined, and South Korea’s Kospi fell over 7% following Monday’s holiday closure. UK gas prices rose above 165p per therm, a level last seen a year after the Ukraine war began, and closed at 138p, over 20% higher than Monday. Prices have doubled since the US and Israel began airstrikes on Iran. The spike followed QatarEnergy halting production after “military attacks” on its facilities, later suspending output of aluminium, methanol, and urea used in fertilizers. Higher gas prices may increase household energy bills in the UK, though the impact is capped until July. Oil prices rose moderately, as crude can be sourced more flexibly, but higher fuel costs could still push up transport, food, and overall inflation, influencing central bank decisions on interest rates. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which carries about 20% of the world’s oil and gas, has largely stopped after attacks on vessels. Ebrahim Jabbari, adviser to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps chief, warned ships against entering the region. Supertanker freight rates from the Middle East to China hit a record $400,000 per day, nearly double last week’s rate. Logistics experts say insurance risks and carrier hesitancy have effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, likely driving global shipping rates higher. UK consumers may face increased fuel prices if crude remains elevated, according to Alasdair Locke, chairman of Motor Fuel Group.

A senior Iranian military advisor on Monday warned that Iran’s armed forces will prevent any oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz. Ebrahim Jabbari, an advisor to the chief commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), made the remarks in an interview with state-run IRIB TV, saying the country’s forces would act against any oil tankers attempting to pass through the strait. Iran death toll hits 787 as Israeli, US strikes intensify He asserted that the Strait of Hormuz has been closed and that the naval forces of the IRGC and the Iranian army will set on fire any ship trying to transit the waterway. Jabbari also said Iran would target oil pipelines in the region, emphasizing, “we will not let oil be exported from the region.” He further stated that the United States relies heavily on oil from West Asia and warned that “not a single drop of oil will be supplied to them.”

Bangladesh could face mounting energy and financial pressures amid rising tensions between the United States and Iran, with concerns growing over possible disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for the country’s energy imports. With 65-70 percent of the nation's energy demand met through imports—primarily Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), crude oil, and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)—sector experts warn that a prolonged regional war could paralyze the economy. The Strait of Hormuz is the world’s most vital oil transit point. Reports indicate that Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has begun transmitting radio warnings that vessels may be barred from the passage. If the Strait is officially closed, international research agencies forecast that crude oil prices could surge to between USD $95 and $110 per barrel. For Bangladesh, this is a direct threat. The country relies on this specific maritime route for: LNG: 55 percent of total imports (mainly from Qatar and Oman). Crude Oil: 20 percent of annual demand (sourced from Saudi Arabia and UAE). LPG: Almost 100 percent of supply is Middle East-centric. How Bangladesh Will Be Affected The disruption of this supply chain is expected to trigger a domino effect across several sectors. Severe Power Shortages: As Qatar is a primary source of gas for power plants, any disruption in LNG shipments will lead to widespread load-shedding during the upcoming peak summer season. Gas Crisis: Professor M. Tamim, an energy expert and Pro-VC of Independent University, warned that "a continued war will spike oil prices and disrupt Qatar's LNG supply, creating a grave gas crisis." LPG Scarcity: The domestic market, which requires 1.2 lakh tonnes of LPG monthly, is already facing a shortage. A supply chain break would cause prices to skyrocket and supplies to vanish. Economic Strain: Rising global oil prices will put immense pressure on Bangladesh's foreign exchange reserves and increase the cost of living. Dr. Ijaz Hossain, Professor and Dean of Engineering, Specialization Energy and Environment of BUET told UNB that energy supply from the Middle East will be severely disrupted if the war prolonged. “Impact of this both energy supply and electricity generation in Bangladesh would be affected vastly as there is no immediate alternative. The national storage capacity is small for our country,” he added.   Despite the looming threat, the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) maintains that refined oil supplies are "safe" until June, as they are sourced from Malaysia, China, and Singapore, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. However, the BPC Chairman, Md. Rezanur Rahman, admitted they are "closely monitoring" the crude oil situation. Petrobangla Director (Operations) Engr. Md. Rafiqul Islam echoed these concerns, stating that while they are monitoring the situation 24/7, a closure of the Qatari shipping route remains a major cause for anxiety. Energy Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood, has called an emergency meeting to discuss the crisis. "We are monitoring the situation and planning to explore alternative import sources to ensure Bangladesh does not fall into an energy vacuum," the Minister told reporters. Industry leaders, including East Coast Group Chairman Azam J. Chowdhury, have urged the government to establish advanced communications with alternative suppliers like Indonesia and Malaysia to mitigate the risk.  

Iran’s military tested new attack drones in the coastal area of the Gulf of Oman and near the strategic Strait of Hormuz Saturday as part of its ongoing annual drill, state TV reported. Meanwhile, antigovernment protests underway for over three months continued. Videos on social media showed protests in Tehran’s grand bazaar and several cities and towns including in the Kurdish area. Part of Tehran’s bazaar closed in the wake of the protests which authorities cracked down on. State TV said the Ababil-5 attack drone was used during wargames for the first time and successfully hit its target with a bomb after traveling 400 kilometers (250 miles). Iran has tested many other military drones over the past decade. The military drones have been a point of contention between Iran and the United States and its allies, which claim Tehran is supplying Moscow with drones that have been used in attacks in West-backed Ukraine. In November, Iran acknowledged it has supplied Russia with drones, adding that the supply came before Moscow’s war in Ukraine. Iran says it is committed to stopping the conflict. Read more: White House: Iran set to deliver armed drones to Russia The Strait of Hormuz is located at the mouth of the Persian Gulf and is crucial to global energy supplies, with about a fifth of all oil traded at sea passing through it. Commandos and airborne infantry participated in the wargames, dubbed “Zolfaghar-1401,” along with fighter jets, helicopters, military transport aircraft and submarines. Iran’s military will fire missiles and air defense systems as well. Iran regularly holds such drills to improve its defensive power and test weapons. Since mid-September, Iran has been shaken by antigovernment protests which were ignited by the death of a woman who was detained by the country’s morality police. The demonstrations rapidly escalated into calls for an end to more than four decades of the country’s clerical rule. Read more: Iranian troops in Crimea supporting Russian drone attacks, says US More than 500 protesters have been killed and over 18,500 people have been arrested, according to Human Rights Activists in Iran, a group that has closely monitored the unrest. Iranian authorities have not released figures for those killed or arrested.

The largest ship in the Iranian navy caught fire and later sank Wednesday in the Gulf of Oman under unclear circumstances, semiofficial news agencies reported. The Fars and Tasnim news agencies said efforts failed to save the support ship Kharg, named after the island that serves as the main oil terminal for Iran. Read: Iran successfully tests domestic coronavirus vaccine on humans The blaze began around 2:25 a.m. and firefighters tried to contain it, Fars said. The vessel sank near the Iranian port of Jask, some 1,270 kilometers (790 miles) southeast of Tehran on the Gulf of Oman near the Strait of Hormuz — the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf. Photos circulated on Iranian social media of sailors wearing life jackets evacuating the vessel as a fire burned behind them. State TV and semiofficial news agencies referred to the Kharg as a “training ship.” Fars published video of thick, black smoke rising from the ship early Wednesday morning. Satellite photos from Planet Labs Inc. analyzed by The Associated Press showed the Kharg off to the west of Jask on Tuesday. Satellites from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that track fires from space detected a blaze at the site of the Jask that started just before the time of the fire reported by Fars. Read: Iran a key topic as US envoy Blinken meets UK counterpart The Kharg serves as one of a few vessels in the Iranian navy capable of providing replenishment at sea for its other ships. It also can lift heavy cargo and serve as a launch point for helicopters. The ship, built in Britain and launched in 1977, entered the Iranian navy in 1984 after lengthy negotiations that followed Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution. Iranian officials offered no cause for the fire aboard the Kharg. However, it comes after a series of mysterious explosions that began in 2019 targeting ships in the Gulf of Oman. The U.S. Navy later accused Iran of targeting the ships with limpet mines, timed explosives typically attached by divers to a vessel’s hull. Read: US Navy fires warning shots in new tense encounter with Iran Iran denied targeting the vessels, though U.S. Navy footage showed members of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard removing one unexploded limpet mine from a vessel. The incidents came amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran after then-President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew America from Tehran’s nuclear deal with world powers. The sinking of the Kharg marks the latest naval disaster for Iran. In 2020 during an Iranian military training exercise, a missile mistakenly struck a naval vessel near the port of Jask, killing19 sailors and wounding 15. Also in 2018, an Iranian navy destroyer sank in the Caspian Sea.