United News of Bangladesh

A Russian drone strike on the southeastern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia killed at least two civilians on Saturday morning, according to regional governor Ivan Fedorov, as Kyiv prepared for anticipated talks with the United States. Fedorov said a man and a woman died when a drone hit a private residence, while two children were injured in the attack. Ukrainian state media reported that a Ukrainian delegation was expected to hold meetings later in the day in Miami. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed earlier that Kyiv had dispatched officials to Washington to revive stalled U.S.-brokered negotiations aimed at ending Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. However, the White House has not confirmed any scheduled meeting. Zelenskyy said the delegation’s key objectives include resuming trilateral negotiations involving Moscow and ensuring the U.S. continues allowing NATO allies to purchase American weapons for Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov indicated that the pause in talks was likely temporary and expressed hope the trilateral format would soon resume. Western officials have repeatedly accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of delaying negotiations while advancing military gains; Russian forces currently control about 20% of Ukrainian territory. Global focus has shifted toward the Middle East conflict that erupted on Feb. 28, drawing attention away from Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russia has benefited from a temporary U.S. waiver on oil sanctions, while Ukraine continues to face severe financial strain and awaits a €90 billion loan pledged by the European Union.

Senior U.S. and Japanese officials usually avoid anything beyond carefully worded remarks about Japan’s 1941 surprise attack on U.S. forces at Pearl Harbor. However, discomfort, confusion and unease emerged in Japan after President Donald Trump casually invoked the World War II attack to justify his secrecy before launching a military strike on Iran.The unease deepened as Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi sat beside Trump when he made the comments during a summit in Washington. Japan’s cautious reaction is partly linked to the crucial security and economic role of the United States, its key ally in the region, and Tokyo’s need to maintain strong bilateral ties.The episode also highlighted how debates over Japan’s wartime role remain politically sensitive even eight decades after World War II. Some leaders, including Takaichi, have argued Japan has apologized sufficiently for its wartime actions, while her possible visit to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine continues to stir debate.Trump defended his decision not to inform allies ahead of the Iran strike by referring to Pearl Harbor, asking why Japan had not warned the United States in 1941. Japan’s liberal-leaning Asahi newspaper criticized the remark, saying it ignored lessons of history.The comments drew mixed reactions in Japan, with social media users and analysts calling them rude or historically insensitive, while others criticized Takaichi for not responding. Experts noted that both nations traditionally tread carefully on wartime history due to their deep security ties, including the U.S. military presence in Japan and Tokyo’s reliance on Washington’s nuclear deterrence.

U.S. President Donald Trump said he was considering “winding down” military operations in the Middle East even as the United States is sending three more amphibious assault ships and roughly 2,500 additional Marines to the region. Trump’s post Friday on social media followed an Iranian threat to attack recreational and tourist sites worldwide and another day of the airstrikes and drone and missile attacks that have engulfed the region. The mixed messages from the United States came after another climb in oil prices plunged the U.S. stock market, and was followed by a Trump administration announcement it was lifting sanctions on Iranian oil already loaded on ships, a move aimed at wrangling soaring fuel prices. The 3-week-old war has shown no signs of abating, with Israel saying Iran continued to fire missiles at it early Saturday, while Saudi Arabia said it downed 20 drones in just a couple of hours in the country's eastern region, which is home to major oil installations. The attacks came a day after Israeli airstrikes hit in Tehran as Iranians celebrated the Persian New Year, known as Nowruz, a normally festive holiday that has been muted by the war. Trump says US near completion of its goals The U.S. and Israel have offered shifting rationales for the war, from hoping to foment an uprising that topples Iran’s leadership to eliminating its nuclear and missile programs. There have been no public signs of any such uprising and no end to the war in sight. On social media, Trump said, “We are getting very close to meeting our objectives as we consider winding down our great Military efforts in the Middle East.” That seemed at odds with his administration’s move to bolster its firepower in the region and request another $200 billion from Congress to fund the war. The United States is deploying three more amphibious assault ships and roughly 2,500 additional Marines to the Middle East, an official told The Associated Press. Two other U.S. officials confirmed that ships were deploying, without saying where they were headed. All three spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military operations. Days earlier the U.S. redirected another group of amphibious assault ships carrying another 2,500 Marines from the Pacific to the Middle East. The Marines will join more than 50,000 U.S. troops already in the region. Trump has said he has no plans to send ground forces into Iran but also has asserted that he retains all options. Iran threatens attacks beyond the Middle East Iran’s top military spokesperson, Gen. Abolfazl Shekarchi, warned Friday that “parks, recreational areas and tourist destinations” worldwide will not be safe for the country’s enemies. The threat renewed concerns that Tehran may revert to using militant attacks beyond the Middle East as a pressure tactic. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei praised Iranians’ steadfastness in the face of war in a written statement read on Iranian television to mark Nowruz. Khamenei has not been seen in public since he became supreme leader following Israeli strikes that killed his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and reportedly wounded him. With little information coming out of Iran, it was not clear how much damage its arms, nuclear or energy facilities have sustained in the punishing U.S. and Israeli strikes, which began Feb. 28 — or even who was truly in charge of the country. But Iran’s attacks are still choking off oil supplies and raising food and fuel prices far beyond the Middle East. Israel continues wave of strikes against Hezbollah militants The Israeli military said early Saturday that it began a wave of strikes targeting Iran-backed Hezbollah militants in Beirut’s southern suburbs. Smoke was seen rising, fires broke out and loud explosions were heard across parts of central Beirut, hours after the Israeli army renewed evacuation warnings for seven neighborhoods. Israeli strikes targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon have killed more than 1,000 people and displaced more than 1 million, according to the Lebanese government. More than 1,300 people have been killed in Iran during the war. In Israel, 15 people have been killed by Iranian missiles and four others have died in the occupied West Bank. At least 13 U.S. military members have been killed. US pauses sanctions on Iranian oil Brent crude oil, the international standard, has soared during the fighting and was around $106 per barrel, up from roughly $70 before the war. The newly announced U.S. pause in sanctions applies to Iranian oil loaded on ships as of Friday and is set to end April 19. The new move does not increase the flow of production, a central factor in the surging prices. Iran has managed to evade U.S. sanctions for years, suggesting that much of what it exports already reaches buyers. Looking for ways to boost global oil supplies during the Iran war, the Trump administration has previously paused sanctions on certain Russian oil shipments for 30 days, which critics said rewarded Moscow while having only a modest effect on markets.

South Korean rescue workers on Saturday recovered the remains of 10 people from the charred wreckage of an auto parts factory in the central city of Daejeon, where a blaze likely triggered by an explosion injured at least 59 others and left four missing. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety said 25 people were seriously injured but officials didn’t immediately confirm whether any were in life-threatening condition. More than 500 firefighters, police and emergency personnel were deployed to contain the fire and conduct rescue operations after the fire broke out Friday afternoon. Videos and photos from the scene showed thick gray smoke billowing from the complex and some workers jumping from a building. Nam Deuk-woo, fire chief of the city’s Daedeok district, said the blaze destroyed a factory building that firefighters initially could not enter over fears it might collapse. Searches for the missing workers began late Friday after officials deployed unmanned firefighting robots to cool the structure and conducted a safety inspection. The remains of one person were found on the second floor of the building, while nine others were discovered in what is believed to have been a gym on the third floor, Nam said. He said rescuers had searched all accessible areas as of Saturday morning, and that the remaining four were likely trapped beneath collapsed rubble. Further safety inspections were planned before crews attempt to remove the debris and search for the missing workers. Nam said police have identified one of the workers who died, while genetic testing was being conducted on the other nine. The fire was reported at about 1:18 p.m. Friday. Nam said the cause was not immediately known, but the blaze appeared to have spread rapidly, with witnesses reporting an explosion. Firefighters focused on preventing the blaze from spreading to an adjacent facility and isolating explosive chemicals. Nam said workers recovered more than 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of highly reactive chemicals from the site. Some people were injured when they jumped from the building to escape, while others suffered from smoke inhalation, officials said. As of Saturday morning, 28 people were hospitalized and four of them underwent surgeries for broken bones and other injuries. About 120 vehicles and pieces of equipment, including aircraft, an unmanned water cannon vehicle and two firefighting robots for hard-to-reach areas, were deployed along with hundreds of personnel. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung called for the full mobilization of personnel and equipment to contain the fire and support rescue operations.

Scientists in China have identified why people with chronic pain often feel more discomfort at night than during the day. The research, led by Zhang Zhi from the University of Science and Technology of China, was published Friday in the journal Science. Although it has long been known that pain follows a daily pattern—usually milder during active hours and stronger during rest—the exact reason was not clear. Scientists were aware that the brain’s internal clock, called the suprachiasmatic nucleus, controls sleep and hormones, but its role in pain was not fully understood. Using advanced techniques, researchers traced a specific nerve pathway in mice linking this brain clock to the spinal cord. They found that this pathway is influenced by the body’s natural daily rhythm. Since mice are active at night and rest during the day, the pattern is opposite to humans. During their resting period, the brain clock is more active, which increases pain signals. When the mice are active, the brain activity drops, reducing the intensity of pain. The findings help explain why pain sensitivity changes over the course of a day. Researchers say this discovery could help improve pain treatment by timing medications according to the body’s natural biological clock.

Fuel prices in India increased on Friday, with premium petrol and industrial diesel becoming more expensive due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. According to oil marketing companies, the price of premium petrol went up by about 2.30 Indian rupees per litre, while industrial diesel saw a much bigger jump of around 22 rupees per litre. The new prices took effect immediately. The rise in fuel costs is linked to instability in the Middle East, which has been affecting global oil markets and supply. Higher industrial diesel prices are expected to impact key sectors such as manufacturing, transport and power generation. This could lead to higher production and delivery costs, and eventually push up the prices of everyday goods, local media reported. However, the government downplayed the increase in premium petrol prices, saying it would have limited impact as only a small portion — around 2 to 4 percent — of consumers use this type of fuel.

Iran has warned it could target parks, recreational areas and tourist spots around the world, while insisting it is continuing missile production despite ongoing attacks. The statement came nearly three weeks after joint U.S.-Israeli strikes that have killed several top Iranian leaders and severely damaged its weapons and energy sectors. Iran has also launched attacks on Israel and energy facilities in nearby Gulf Arab countries during a period when many Muslims are observing a major religious occasion. At the same time, people in Iran are marking Nowruz, the Persian New Year, though celebrations are quieter than usual due to the conflict. With limited information coming from inside Iran, the full extent of damage to its military, nuclear and energy facilities remains unclear. It is also uncertain who is currently leading the country. However, Iran has shown it can still carry out attacks that are disrupting oil supplies and affecting the global economy, driving up food and fuel prices. The United States and Israel have given different reasons for the war, including attempts to weaken Iran’s leadership and stop its nuclear and missile programmes. So far, there are no visible signs of an internal uprising in Iran, and it remains unclear how the conflict will end. Iran remains defiant Iran’s military spokesperson Gen. Abolfazl Shekarchi warned that tourist and recreational locations could become targets for Iran’s enemies. His comments have raised concerns that Iran might expand attacks beyond the Middle East. U.S. and Israeli officials say their strikes have significantly weakened Iran’s military. Reports indicate that several high-ranking leaders, including the country’s supreme leader and senior security officials, have been killed. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that Iran’s naval and air forces have been largely destroyed and that its ballistic missile production has been halted. However, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard rejected this claim. Spokesman Gen. Ali Mohammad Naeini said Iran is still producing missiles even during wartime and has no shortage in stockpiling. He also suggested that Iran is not seeking a quick end to the war. Shortly after his remarks were broadcast, Iranian state media reported that he was killed in an airstrike. Iran’s new Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, in a rare statement, said Iran’s enemies should feel insecure. He has not appeared in public since taking over after his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed at the start of the conflict. Attacks spread across the region Iran has increased attacks on energy facilities in Gulf countries following an Israeli strike on its South Pars gas field earlier this week. A Kuwaiti oil refinery, Mina Al-Ahmadi, was hit by Iranian drones early Friday, causing a fire. The refinery is one of the largest in the region. Bahrain and Saudi Arabia also reported incidents involving intercepted projectiles and drones targeting key areas. Explosions were heard in Dubai as air defence systems responded to incoming threats during Eid al-Fitr celebrations. Meanwhile, in Iran, people continued marking Nowruz amid reports of new Israeli strikes and explosions in Tehran. Explosions were also reported in Jerusalem following warnings of incoming Iranian missiles, leaving two elderly people slightly injured. Israel has continued strikes in Lebanon targeting Hezbollah, an Iran-backed group, and expanded its operations to Syria, citing attacks on the Druze community. Rising casualties and global impact More than 1,300 people have reportedly been killed in Iran since the conflict began. In Lebanon, over 1,000 people have died and more than 1 million have been displaced. Israel has reported 15 deaths from Iranian missile attacks, while additional casualties were recorded in the West Bank. At least 13 U.S. troops have also been killed. The ongoing conflict is increasing risks to the global economy. Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil shipments, along with attacks on energy infrastructure, have raised fears of an energy crisis. Global oil prices have surged, with Brent crude rising sharply since the war began. Higher fuel costs are adding pressure to already rising prices of food and consumer goods worldwide. Disruptions in the supply of key materials are also expected to push prices higher across various industries.  

Countries in Asia are scrambling to conserve energy and protect consumers as the war on Iran and attacks on gas fields and oil refineries disrupt critical supplies, rattling markets and driving up prices. The crisis is hitting Asia hardest because of its heavy reliance on imported energy, much of which is shipped through the Strait of Hormuz, a key choke point now under strain. Only about 90 vessels — mostly Indian, Pakistani and Chinese-flagged — have made it through the strait since the beginning of Israeli and U.S. attacks on Iran, and Iran's strikes against Israel and Gulf Arab neighbors, on Feb. 28. “The countries that are exposed to that supply disruption are not so much in Europe, or in the Americas, they’re actually really in the Asia region,” said Michael Williamson of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific. Asia should prepare for “cascading impacts into all economic activities," according to Ramnath Iyer of the U.S.-based Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis. Japan Japan is among the countries most exposed to disruptions in the strait, relying on the route for about 93% of its oil imports. Fuel prices are already climbing. A liter of regular gasoline was selling for about 175 yen ($1.09) on Thursday, up from around 144 yen ($0.91) a month ago. To cushion the impact, Japan released 15 days of private-sector oil stockpiles, followed by a month's worth of supplies from the national reserves. Japanese ministries said the country had roughly 250 days of reserves as of the end of last year. But public concern is mounting. Analysts warn of a repeat of the oil shock of the 1970s — also the result of upheaval in the Mideast — when surging prices triggered shortages and long lines. Calls are also growing to accelerate renewable energy use, as Japan lags behind other industrialized nations in wind and solar power. South Korea South Korea imports about 70% of its oil and 20% of its liquefied natural gas from the Middle East. Rising oil prices have created queues at cheaper gas stations, while delivery workers, truckers and greenhouse farmers grapple with expenses. However, disruptions remain limited, and officials say reserves could last about seven months. The government is taking additional steps to shore up energy supplies by lifting a national cap on coal-fired power generation, planning to boost nuclear output, and considering a resumption of Russian crude oil and naphtha imports, a key input for plastics manufacturing. China Despite China’s heavy reliance on shipments through the strait — the largest by volume globally — China is relatively well insulated. Ample strategic reserves of oil and gas, along with a growing share of renewables that now account for about 30% of its power mix, have helped China cushion the immediate impact. Chinese consumers, however, are facing higher travel and fuel costs. Airlines are raising fares on international routes to offset surging fuel prices, with some budget carriers doubling ticket prices on popular routes, according to local media. Vietnam In the export-driven industrial sector of Vietnam, higher fuel and freight costs are lifting production expenses. State media reported steel, textiles and footwear manufacturers are facing rising input prices, while retailers say suppliers are seeking price increases or even pausing deliveries. Rising diesel prices are also pushing up transportation and agriculture costs. Tourism and passenger travel are coming under strain. Authorities warned of possible jet fuel shortages in April, urging airlines to review flight schedules and prepare for potential cuts. The government says it is using price controls to curb sharp increases in fuel costs and keep the market stable. Thailand Energy supply disruptions have also hit Thailand, where more than half of electricity is generated by LNG, around 40% of which is imported from the Middle East. Thailand's emergency energy plan suspended petroleum exports, ramped up coal output and hydropower generation, and directed government offices to conserve energy. As Thailand turns to the spot market to bid for costly LNG cargoes, experts warn energy prices will rise as the national subsidy budget is depleted. Indonesia Indonesia has so far managed to hold back raising energy prices, but that relief may only last until after Eid al-Fitr, the Muslim holiday marking the end of Ramadan. As the war rages on, analysts expect that Indonesia will soon face a difficult choice: continue costly subsidies that shield consumers from higher prices, or scale them back to stay within national budget limits — a move that risks stoking inflation. The Philippines The Philippines has rolled out cash assistance of 5,000 pesos ($83) to about 139,000 tricycle taxi drivers in Manila to help offset surging fuel costs. The program is set to expand nationwide to include other public transport drivers, while fuel subsidies will also be extended to fishermen and farmers. Government offices also shifted to a four-day work week to cut energy consumption, and proposals are under review to bring down biofuel prices. Pakistan To offset the energy crunch, Pakistan ordered schools to shut for two weeks and cut free fuel allocations for government vehicles by 50% for two months. Officials say alternative oil supply routes are being explored, including imports from Saudi Arabia. Energy shipments are also arriving through the Red Sea port of Yanbu. To save energy, the Pakistan Day parade next week was canceled. The anniversary will instead be marked with a simple flag-hoisting ceremony. India India has stepped up domestic production of cooking gas and prioritized distribution to households. Industry groups say the move has tightened supplies for commercial users such as hotels and restaurants. Nearly half of India’s crude oil imports and LNG pass through the strait. LPG remains a primary cooking fuel for millions of households, making stable supplies critical for both daily life and broader economic activity. Two Indian-flagged LPG carrying vessels have crossed the strait since the conflict began, relieving some pressure. Nepal Nepal's sole distributor of petroleum products, the state-run Nepal Oil Corporation, began rationing cooking gas by filling gas cylinders only by half its capacity — to about 7.1 kilograms (15 pounds) — to stretch supplies to more households. Gasoline prices were also raised by about 10% and authorities urged households to switch to induction cookers to curb gas use.

Iran has intensified its attacks on major energy facilities across the Middle East, prompting strong warnings from Gulf Arab nations, which described the situation as a dangerous escalation that could pull them into direct conflict. The surge in violence follows Israeli strikes that reportedly targeted Iran’s South Pars gas field—the largest natural gas reserve in the world—and killed high-ranking Iranian officials, including the country’s intelligence minister. In response, Iran launched attacks on energy infrastructure in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. These countries strongly condemned the strikes, with Saudi Arabia warning that trust in Iran has been severely damaged. Despite facing repeated attacks since the conflict began, Gulf states have so far avoided direct military involvement alongside the United States and Israel. Although Israel has not officially confirmed the strike on the South Pars field, its defense leadership hinted at further operations. Iran’s president warned that such actions could trigger uncontrollable consequences on a global scale. U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Israel would not carry out additional strikes on the gas field but warned that if Iran continues attacking Qatar’s energy facilities, the U.S. could respond by completely destroying the site. He added that he hopes to avoid such extreme measures due to their long-term impact. The United States was reportedly aware of Israel’s plans to strike the gas field but did not participate. Meanwhile, Iran escalated its campaign by targeting shared energy infrastructure in the Persian Gulf, including gas facilities in Qatar. In response, Qatar ordered Iranian embassy staff to leave the country. Additional Iranian strikes hit key gas sites in the UAE, which officials there described as a serious escalation. While defensive measures have been taken, Gulf countries are under increasing pressure as attacks continue on their energy assets and civilian infrastructure. The conflict has also disrupted global energy markets. Oil prices have risen by more than 5%, surpassing $108 per barrel, largely due to concerns over instability in the Strait of Hormuz—a critical route for global oil transport. As tensions rise, the U.S. has taken steps to stabilize oil supply by easing sanctions on Venezuela, allowing American companies to resume business with its state energy sector. Meanwhile, Israel continues targeting Iran’s leadership, reportedly killing additional senior figures. Iran has retaliated with missile attacks on Israeli territory, including a strike in the West Bank that caused casualties—marking the first deaths there linked to the current conflict. Iran has also expanded its attacks to include Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and the UAE, increasing fears of a wider regional war.  

US President Donald Trump warned that the United States could destroy Iran’s massive South Pars gas field if Iran carries out another attack on Qatar. He stated that Israel would not launch further strikes on the site, but if Iran targets Qatar again, the U.S. would respond forcefully and could “completely destroy” the gas field. Trump made these remarks on social media on Wednesday night as tensions in the region intensified, global energy markets reacted, and Iranian missiles struck Qatar. Although Trump claimed the U.S. had no prior knowledge of Israel’s strike on the South Pars field, a source indicated that Washington had been informed beforehand but did not participate. The ongoing conflict involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran is putting heavy pressure on the global energy sector. Oil prices have surged by over 5%, exceeding $108 per barrel, increasing fuel costs and straining the global economy. Concerns over Iranian retaliation have driven these price increases, especially after the attack on the gas field. Qatar later reported that a ballistic missile hit one of its major natural gas facilities, causing a large fire and extensive damage. In response, Qatar expelled some Iranian embassy staff. Iran has also targeted energy infrastructure across the Persian Gulf region since the war began on February 28, while threatening shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil passage. The conflict has caused significant casualties, with over 1,300 deaths in Iran, more than 960 in Lebanon, and at least 14 in Israel. The U.S. military has reported 13 fatalities and around 200 injured personnel. Meanwhile, attacks have continued across the region. A ship near Qatar was struck by a projectile, though its crew remained safe. Another vessel caught fire near the UAE after being hit. It remains unclear whether these ships were directly targeted or damaged by debris from missile interceptions. Iran’s South Pars gas field is vital to its energy supply, providing about 80% of the country’s electricity and supporting household needs. Strikes on this facility threaten Iran’s domestic stability. In retaliation, Iran has launched attacks on energy sites in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Missile and drone attacks have also been reported across the region, including in Kuwait, Bahrain, Dubai, and Israel, heightening fears of further escalation. Qatar confirmed that additional Iranian strikes damaged more liquefied natural gas facilities, causing fires but no casualties so far. The damage could delay Qatar’s ability to resume gas exports after the conflict ends. Global leaders have expressed concern. Australia’s prime minister condemned Iran’s actions as reckless, while Gulf nations jointly called on Iran to stop attacking neighboring countries. Analysts warn that targeting gas infrastructure marks a major escalation in the conflict, with long-term economic consequences, particularly for civilians. Diplomatic tensions remain high, with Saudi Arabia strongly criticizing Iran’s actions and accusing it of undermining regional stability. The United Arab Emirates also described the attacks on its gas facilities as a dangerous escalation. In the U.S., Senate Democrats attempted to pass legislation to limit Trump’s ability to continue the war without congressional approval, but the effort failed. However, they plan to push for further debate on the issue. Overall, the conflict continues to intensify, spreading across multiple countries and posing serious risks to global energy supplies and regional stability.