United News of Bangladesh

U.S. stock markets moved lower on Friday, heading toward a fourth straight week of losses, although a slight drop in oil prices helped calm markets in other parts of the world. The S&P 500 fell 0.5% in early trading and was on track for its longest weekly losing streak in a year. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 126 points, or 0.3%, while the Nasdaq Composite declined 0.8%. Rising bond yields continued to put pressure on U.S. stocks. Higher yields make borrowing more expensive for businesses and consumers, which can slow economic growth and reduce investment demand. Yields have been increasing since the war with Iran began, as investors worry that higher oil and gas prices could push inflation up. Due to these concerns, traders are now less hopeful that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates this year. According to market data, some investors are even considering a small chance of a rate hike in 2026 — something that seemed very unlikely before the conflict. Lower interest rates usually support economic growth and stock prices, and Donald Trump has repeatedly called for cuts. However, reducing rates too quickly could worsen inflation. Outside the United States, markets showed more stability after Thursday’s sharp declines. Stock indexes rose slightly in Europe and gained 0.3% in South Korea, although markets in China fell. The relative calm came as oil prices eased. Brent crude slipped 0.3% to $108.29 per barrel, while U.S. benchmark crude remained nearly unchanged at $95.53. Oil prices have been highly volatile since the war began, rising from around $70 per barrel. Markets are closely watching how long the conflict will last and its impact on energy supplies, especially in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil shipments that Iran has restricted. Among individual companies, Super Micro Computer shares plunged 28.2% after U.S. authorities accused a senior executive and others of illegally exporting advanced chips to China. The company said it is cooperating with investigators and has suspended the employees involved. On the positive side, FedEx rose 2.8% after reporting stronger-than-expected quarterly profits. In the bond market, the yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury climbed to 4.32%, up from 4.25% a day earlier and significantly higher than 3.97% before the war began.

The United States has announced a reward of up to $10 million (around Rs 92.47 crore) for information on Iran’s newly appointed supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, and several senior officials linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the US State Department said Friday. The offer was made public through the department’s Rewards for Justice programme, managed by the Diplomatic Security Service. According to the programme, the targeted individuals “command and direct various elements of Iran’s IRGC, which plans, organises, and executes terrorism worldwide.” Those with relevant information can submit tips via the Tor-based tipline or Signal and may be eligible for relocation and monetary reward. Other officials named include Ali Asghar Hejazi, deputy chief of staff of the Supreme Leader’s office, and Iran’s security chief, Ali Larijani. Some entries were shown as silhouettes due to unavailable photographs. The announcement comes as the US and Israel continue airstrikes against Iran, now in the third week. US President Donald Trump said Friday that American forces would strike Iranian targets “very hard” in the coming days, signaling an escalation of the campaign. The offensive, launched on February 28, killed former supreme leader Ali Khamenei and sparked a widening regional conflict, disrupting global energy markets and prompting missile and drone attacks across the Gulf. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said over 15,000 targets have been hit since the air campaign began, with Friday expected to see the highest number of strikes so far. Hegseth claimed Iran’s missile launchers and drones were being neutralized, reducing their offensive capability, and reported that Mojtaba Khamenei had been wounded in the February 28 attack. The ongoing conflict has caused instability in energy markets, as Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for about a fifth of the world’s traded oil. Oil prices surged past $100 per barrel earlier this week, while stock markets reacted to fears of prolonged disruption. Iranian authorities have warned that attacks on the country could escalate tensions further and pledged to maintain pressure on shipping through the strategic waterway. Source: NDTV

Iran’s president on Saturday rejected the United States’ call for unconditional surrender, saying such a demand is unrealistic. In a prerecorded speech broadcast on state television, President Masoud Pezeshkian said Washington’s expectation of Iran surrendering is merely a “dream.” At the same time, he apologized for Iranian attacks on neighboring countries, saying Tehran would stop such strikes. He suggested the attacks were partly due to miscommunication within the military ranks following the killing of Iran’s top leadership, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, which he said disrupted command and control. His remarks came as Iran launched intense attacks early Saturday targeting Gulf Arab states, while airstrikes by Israel and the United States against the Islamic Republic continued. Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates reported repeated attacks during the morning. The conflict shows no sign of easing. The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump approved a new $151 million arms sale to Israel and reiterated that negotiations with Iran would only occur if Tehran agreed to unconditional surrender. U.S. officials also warned that an even more intense bombing campaign could take place in the coming days. According to officials, the ongoing fighting has already killed at least 1,230 people in Iran, more than 200 in Lebanon and around a dozen in Israel, while six American troops have also died. The widening conflict has affected several Gulf states. Sirens sounded in Bahrain as Iranian strikes targeted the island nation. Saudi Arabia reported intercepting drones heading toward its Shaybah oil field and destroying a ballistic missile aimed at Prince Sultan Air Base, which hosts U.S. forces. Explosions were also heard in Dubai, prompting authorities to activate air defenses. Passengers at Dubai International Airport were directed to train tunnels for shelter after alerts were issued. Meanwhile, Qatar’s energy minister Saad al-Kaabi warned that the conflict could have severe global economic consequences, including a potential shutdown of Gulf energy exports that could push oil prices to $150 per barrel. Benchmark U.S. crude oil prices have already climbed above $90 per barrel for the first time in more than two years. Regional analysts also warned that Iran’s attacks on Gulf countries risk widening the conflict further by turning it into a broader confrontation between Iran and its Arab neighbors rather than remaining limited to the Iran–Israel front. Meanwhile, fighting has also intensified in Lebanon, where the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah said its fighters clashed with Israeli forces in eastern Lebanon. Lebanese authorities reported at least 16 people killed and dozens wounded in subsequent Israeli strikes.

The United States has suspended the issuance of immigrant visas for citizens of Bangladesh and 74 other countries, the US Embassy in Dhaka said on Monday. However, the suspension does not apply to visitor visas, it added. In a message posted on its official Facebook page, the embassy said effective January 21, 2026, the Department of State paused all immigrant visa issuances to nationals of countries, including Bangladesh, whose immigrants have a high rate of collecting public assistance at the expense of the U.S. taxpayer. “The pause does not apply to visitor visas. Immigrant visa applicants who are nationals of impacted countries may submit visa applications and attend interviews, and the Department of State will continue to schedule visa interviews, “ it said.

Iran said it has reached an understanding with the United States on key guiding principles aimed at resolving the long-running dispute over Tehran’s nuclear programme following indirect talks in Geneva. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said some work still remains, while Washington acknowledged that progress was made during the discussions. Oman, which is mediating the talks, said the negotiations ended with good progress toward identifying shared goals and technical issues. Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi described the outcome as constructive. The meeting came amid heightened tensions, including repeated US military warnings over Iran’s nuclear activities and its crackdown on protests. US President Donald Trump earlier said he believed Tehran was interested in reaching a deal. The US and its European allies have long accused Iran of seeking to develop nuclear weapons, a claim Tehran has consistently denied. Iran has said the talks focus on its nuclear programme and the possible lifting of US economic sanctions, while Washington has indicated interest in discussing other issues, including Iran’s missile programme. A US official said the sides would continue discussions, with Iran expected to return with detailed proposals in the coming weeks to narrow remaining gaps. US Vice President JD Vance said some US red lines were yet to be addressed. Trump, speaking earlier, said Iran wanted to avoid the consequences of failing to reach an agreement, referring to past US military action against Iranian nuclear sites. Iran has meanwhile warned against threats, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei saying attempts to predetermine the outcome of negotiations would be wrong. The latest round followed earlier indirect talks held in Oman, which both sides had described as a positive start.   With inputs from BBC

The United States and Iran are set to convene a second round of negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program on Tuesday in Geneva, amid heightened US military deployments in the Middle East and ongoing large-scale Iranian naval exercises. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly warned that Washington could resort to military action if Iran refuses to curb its nuclear activities. Tehran has responded that it would retaliate against any such move. Trump has also criticized Iran over its deadly suppression of recent nationwide protests. The initial round of discussions took place on Feb. 6 in Oman and were conducted indirectly. Vehicles bearing US flags entered the palace venue only after Iranian officials had apparently departed. Details about the format of Tuesday’s meeting have not been disclosed. Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are traveling for the talks. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking during a visit to Budapest, said Washington remains hopeful about reaching an agreement despite challenges. “I’m not going to prejudge these talks,” Rubio said, adding that the president prefers diplomatic solutions. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who is leading Tehran’s delegation, met Monday in Geneva with the head of the UN nuclear watchdog. Writing on X, Araghchi said he had arrived “with real ideas to achieve a fair and equitable deal,” while emphasizing that Iran would not yield to threats. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Washington, Trump said he would be involved in the negotiations indirectly and described them as crucial. He characterized Iran as a tough negotiating partner and expressed hope that Tehran would take a more reasonable approach, adding that he believes Iran wants to avoid the consequences of failing to secure a deal. Meanwhile, the US is also hosting discussions in Geneva between Russian and Ukrainian envoys ahead of the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Protest crackdown anniversary Iran is marking 40 days since one of the deadliest episodes in last month’s protest crackdown, in line with the traditional Muslim mourning period. Activists say at least 7,015 people were killed, many during a violent overnight operation between Jan. 8 and 9. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported the latest figures, though The Associated Press has been unable to independently verify the toll due to internet and communication restrictions in Iran. State media said authorities would hold a memorial ceremony at the Grand Mosalla mosque in Tehran and blamed the unrest on armed groups allegedly backed by foreign intelligence services. Naval drills amid US buildup Iran said its paramilitary Revolutionary Guard launched exercises early Monday in the Strait of Hormuz, the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman — key global shipping routes through which about 20% of the world’s oil supply passes. Security firm EOS Risk Group reported that mariners received warnings about a potential live-fire drill in Iranian waters of the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday. Iranian state television did not confirm the live-fire element. Last week, Trump announced that the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier would be redeployed to the Middle East, joining the USS Abraham Lincoln and accompanying destroyers already stationed there. US forces recently shot down an Iranian drone that approached the Lincoln, on the same day Iran attempted to halt a US-flagged vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. Gulf Arab states have cautioned that any escalation could trigger a broader regional conflict, as tensions remain high following the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Sanctions relief key for Tehran The Trump administration is seeking to limit Iran’s nuclear activities and ensure it does not develop nuclear weapons. Tehran maintains its program is peaceful and has resisted calls to halt uranium enrichment or surrender its uranium stockpile. Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi indicated Tehran may consider compromise but stressed that any agreement must include relief from US-led sanctions. “The ball is in America’s court,” he told the BBC, saying progress would depend on Washington demonstrating sincerity. Earlier negotiations were derailed in June after Israel launched a 12-day war against Iran. During the conflict, the US targeted Iranian nuclear facilities, likely damaging centrifuges enriching uranium to near weapons-grade levels, while Israeli strikes weakened Iran’s air defenses and missile capabilities. Before the June conflict, Iran had enriched uranium to 60% purity, a level close to weapons-grade, though it continues to insist its nuclear program is solely for civilian purposes.  

The United States has significantly increased its naval and air deployments in the Middle East, with satellite images confirming the presence of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln near Iran, as Washington continues to apply pressure over Tehran’s military programme and its recent crackdown on protests. BBC Verify said satellite imagery placed the carrier in the Arabian Sea, about 700 kilometres off the coast of Oman. The Lincoln, which leads a strike group of three guided-missile destroyers, carries about 90 aircraft including F-35 fighter jets and has a crew of nearly 5,700. It was reportedly deployed to the region in late January but had not been clearly visible until now. US and Iranian officials are scheduled to meet in Switzerland on Tuesday for a second round of discussions. Iran has said the talks will focus on its nuclear programme and the possible lifting of US economic sanctions, while Washington has signalled it wants broader issues on the agenda. The US has also reportedly sent the world’s largest warship, the USS Gerald R Ford, towards the Middle East, with reports suggesting it could reach the region within weeks. According to BBC Verify, the arrival of the Abraham Lincoln adds to a wider US military build-up in recent weeks. Satellite imagery has tracked at least 12 US naval vessels across the region, including destroyers and combat ships positioned in the Gulf, the eastern Mediterranean and the Red Sea. Several vessels are stationed at a naval base in Bahrain, while others have been seen near a US base at Souda Bay. US air activity has also increased. Analysts have observed more F-15 and EA-18 fighter jets at a military base in Jordan, along with a rise in US cargo, refuelling and communications aircraft moving from the US and Europe into the Middle East. Iran has responded with its own show of force. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps recently launched naval drills in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil shipping route through which around a fifth of the world’s oil and gas passes. Iranian media showed missiles being launched from naval vessels during the exercises. Military experts say the current US deployments appear broader and more sustainable than previous operations in the region, suggesting a posture designed not only for potential strikes but also for long-term deterrence. They note that the scale of naval assets, aircraft and existing US bases would allow Washington to sustain intensive operations while countering possible Iranian responses across the Middle East.   With inputs from BBC

The United States has congratulated the people of Bangladesh for holding a successful national election. In a Facebook post, the US embassy in Dhaka extended greetings to Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its leader Tarique Rahman on ‘historic victory’. “The United States looks forward to working with you to realize shared goals of prosperity and security for both our countries,” it added.

Iran’s security chief Ali Larijani has accused Israel of trying to derail ongoing nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington in order to trigger conflict in the region. Speaking to Al Jazeera during a visit to Qatar, Larijani said Iran is negotiating only with the United States and not with Israel. He alleged that Israel is attempting to interfere in the process and undermine talks that are at a sensitive stage. Larijani claimed Israel wants to destabilise the region and is using Iran as a pretext. He also referred to previous Israeli actions in the region as part of a broader strategy to create tension. His remarks came as Iran and the US recently held indirect talks in Oman aimed at resolving disputes over Tehran’s nuclear programme. A second round of negotiations is under discussion. Larijani said there is common ground between the two sides on the issue of Iran not developing nuclear weapons, which Tehran insists it is not pursuing. However, he stressed that Iran’s missile programme and uranium enrichment levels are not open for negotiation. He warned that Iran would respond if the US carried out any military strike against it. During his visit to Doha, Larijani also met Hamas officials to discuss regional developments.   With inputs from ALJAZEERA

Canada and France are set to open diplomatic consulates in Greenland on Friday, marking a historic expansion of foreign engagement in the Arctic territory, officials said. A Canadian delegation led by Governor General Mary Simon and Foreign Minister Anita Anand will formally inaugurate Canada’s first diplomatic outpost in Nuuk, accompanied by a Canadian Coast Guard vessel. French officials are scheduled to open their consulate on the same day. Governor General Simon, Canada’s Crown representative, said in a pre-trip statement that Canada “stands firmly in support of the people of Greenland who will determine their own future.” The visit also underscores the cultural and ethnic connections between Canadian Inuit and Greenlandic Inuit, Simon’s own Inuk heritage highlighting these longstanding ties. Until this week, only Iceland and the United States maintained formal diplomatic missions in Greenland. The opening of Canadian and French consulates is viewed as a strategic move amid former US President Donald Trump’s prior remarks suggesting the US should “own” Greenland for national security purposes. Trump later softened his stance, citing ongoing discussions with Denmark, European allies, and Canada. The Canadian consulate had been planned since early 2024 under Ottawa’s review of its Arctic policy but was delayed due to weather. The opening now comes amid increasing focus on Arctic security and infrastructure, with Canadian officials noting the proximity of Nuuk to Iqaluit in Nunavut, and the broader significance for regional cooperation. Inuit leaders, including Natan Obed of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, said the consulate represents years of advocacy to strengthen ties with Greenland and emphasized concern over US threats, given historical colonization and recent geopolitical tensions. Approximately 50 Canadian Inuit are expected to attend the inauguration ceremony. Foreign Minister Anand described Arctic defence as “an unquestionable national security priority,” highlighting Canada’s ongoing investments in northern infrastructure and a year-round military presence. During the visit, Anand will meet with Greenland’s Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt, while Simon will meet Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen. The consulate openings signal continued NATO ally support for Greenland amid past US claims and reinforce Canada’s strategic presence in the Arctic.   With inputs from BBC