United News of Bangladesh

A high-level U.S. delegation led by Vice President JD Vance arrived in Pakistan on Saturday for crucial talks with Iranian officials, marking the first direct engagement since the outbreak of war more than a month ago. The discussions are expected to test whether the fragile ceasefire can be strengthened and potentially developed into a lasting peace agreement. The Pakistan-brokered ceasefire remains uncertain as fresh tensions continue, with ongoing exchanges of fire between Israel and Hezbollah along the southern Lebanon border. Iran has also set preconditions for entering negotiations. Iran’s delegation, headed by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, reached Islamabad early Saturday. He said on social media that talks would proceed only if a ceasefire in Lebanon is implemented and frozen Iranian assets are released. Former U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly commented on the situation, claiming Iranian officials “have no leverage” and accusing them of exploiting the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route. He also asserted that Iran’s survival depends on negotiations. Security in Islamabad was tightened ahead of the talks, with major roads sealed and residents urged to stay indoors, giving parts of the capital a restricted, near-lockdown appearance. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the situation as a critical turning point, saying the conflict had reached a “make-or-break” phase as parties attempt to move from a temporary ceasefire toward a durable settlement. Vice President Vance is leading the U.S. side alongside special envoy Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner. Before departing Washington, Vance expressed optimism about the talks but warned that Washington would not tolerate bad-faith negotiations. Separate discussions are also planned between Israel and Lebanon, expected to begin Tuesday in Washington, aimed at addressing the ongoing war involving Hezbollah. Beirut is seeking a direct framework to end hostilities, while Israel wants Lebanon to take responsibility for disarming Hezbollah. However, disagreements over whether the Iran ceasefire includes Hezbollah have complicated efforts to reach a broader agreement. The conflict has intensified in Lebanon, with heavy casualties reported following Israeli airstrikes in recent days. Meanwhile, tensions around the Strait of Hormuz remain a major global concern. Iran’s influence over the key waterway has disrupted global oil flows, pushing prices sharply higher and affecting international markets. Oil shipments through the strait have dropped significantly since the conflict began, highlighting ongoing instability in the region. The Tasnim News Agency, which is affiliated with Iran’s powerful Revolutionary Guard, reported that the Iranian delegation is expected to meet Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday at noon. The Iranian negotiating team, led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf and including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, also held a meeting late Friday with Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir. These meetings come ahead of crucial Iran–U.S. talks in Islamabad aimed at finding a long-term solution to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Meanwhile, Pakistan has established a modern media center to facilitate coverage of the negotiations by local and international journalists, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said. He explained that the facility at the Jinnah Convention Centre is equipped with high-speed internet and other free services to assist reporters. Shuttle buses have also been arranged to transport journalists between the media center and a hotel located in the city’s main commercial area. Pakistan has also introduced visa-on-arrival facilities for journalists and official delegations arriving from both the United States and Iran for the talks, which are being referred to as the “Islamabad talks.” Inside the media centre, rows of workstations with laptops and charging points have been set up for reporters to file their stories. Large screens display major local and international news channels, while separate spaces have been designated for live broadcasts, press briefings, and interviews.

Iranian negotiators have reached Pakistan in preparation for crucial discussions with the United States scheduled for this weekend, according to Iranian state media. Their arrival follows comments from US President Donald Trump, who said he had wished Vice President JD Vance success as he travels to the region to lead the American delegation. Vance expressed cautious optimism, saying he is eager for the talks but warned that the US would not respond positively if Iran fails to negotiate sincerely or attempts to mislead. Adding uncertainty, Iran’s parliament speaker has insisted that a ceasefire in Lebanon must be secured before any negotiations can proceed, highlighting the complicated dynamics surrounding the talks, reports BBC. At the same time, Lebanese authorities report that their representatives are set to meet Israeli officials in Washington on Tuesday to discuss a possible ceasefire and the expansion of diplomatic efforts. However, Israel has clarified that these discussions will not involve any ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah, the militant group based in Lebanon. Confusion remains over whether the reported two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran extends to Lebanon, leaving key details unresolved.

Reports from Al Jazeera Arabic say Israeli forces carried out airstrikes targeting the towns of Toul and Jebchit in Lebanon’s Nabatieh governorate in the south. The Israeli military has not yet confirmed the strikes, and there are no immediate reports of casualties. Further details are awaited as more information becomes available. An Iranian delegation has arrived in Pakistan for crucial peace talks with the United States, as tensions in the region remain fragile despite a ceasefire. Amid an uncertain truce, U.S. Vice President JD Vance traveled to Pakistan to lead negotiations with Iranian officials aimed at ending the conflict permanently. However, ongoing tensions—including clashes between Israel and Hezbollah and Iran’s continued control over the Strait of Hormuz—pose risks to both the ceasefire and the talks. Former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed skepticism about the ceasefire’s effectiveness, especially with shipping still restricted in the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, Kuwait accused Iran and its allies of carrying out drone attacks, though Iran’s Revolutionary Guard denied involvement. Iran’s delegation, led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, reached Islamabad alongside senior officials, including the foreign minister. Pakistan welcomed the group and emphasized its commitment to facilitating a lasting peace agreement. Negotiations are expected to begin once Iran’s preconditions—such as implementing a Lebanon ceasefire and releasing frozen Iranian assets—are met. Ahead of the talks, Qalibaf shared images honoring children killed in a U.S. airstrike earlier in the conflict, highlighting the human cost of the war. A preliminary U.S. investigation suggested the strike may have been based on outdated intelligence. At the same time, Israel signaled openness to direct discussions with Lebanon, raising hopes for broader regional de-escalation, although Hezbollah has not commented. Despite diplomatic efforts, the humanitarian toll remains severe. In Lebanon, over 1,900 people have reportedly been killed and more than a million displaced during weeks of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. Source AL Jazeera

An Iranian delegation has arrived in Pakistan for crucial peace talks with the United States, as tensions in the region remain fragile despite a ceasefire. Amid an uncertain truce, U.S. Vice President JD Vance traveled to Pakistan to lead negotiations with Iranian officials aimed at ending the conflict permanently. However, ongoing tensions—including clashes between Israel and Hezbollah and Iran’s continued control over the Strait of Hormuz—pose risks to both the ceasefire and the talks. Former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed skepticism about the ceasefire’s effectiveness, especially with shipping still restricted in the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, Kuwait accused Iran and its allies of carrying out drone attacks, though Iran’s Revolutionary Guard denied involvement. Iran’s delegation, led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, reached Islamabad alongside senior officials, including the foreign minister. Pakistan welcomed the group and emphasized its commitment to facilitating a lasting peace agreement. Negotiations are expected to begin once Iran’s preconditions—such as implementing a Lebanon ceasefire and releasing frozen Iranian assets—are met. Ahead of the talks, Qalibaf shared images honoring children killed in a U.S. airstrike earlier in the conflict, highlighting the human cost of the war. A preliminary U.S. investigation suggested the strike may have been based on outdated intelligence. At the same time, Israel signaled openness to direct discussions with Lebanon, raising hopes for broader regional de-escalation, although Hezbollah has not commented. Despite diplomatic efforts, the humanitarian toll remains severe. In Lebanon, over 1,900 people have reportedly been killed and more than a million displaced during weeks of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. Elsewhere, global concern continues over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil route where ship traffic has dropped sharply since the conflict began. The UK plans to convene international talks next week to address the crisis and ensure safe maritime passage. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the upcoming negotiations as a decisive moment and urged all sides to work toward a sustainable peace, as international leaders expressed support for Pakistan’s mediation role.   

The Pakistani prime minister has conveyed a clear message expressing confidence that the ongoing talks are taking place in Islamabad. Reports suggest that US Vice President JD Vance is already en route to Islamabad, while there are also claims that two aircraft have departed from Iran. Earlier, Iran’s parliament speaker posted on social media that negotiations would only be possible if a ceasefire is established in Lebanon and Iranian assets are unfrozen. Tehran proposes Strait of Hormuz transit fees to be paid in Iranian currency Sources involved in the process from the beginning said such statements are expected as both sides continue shaping narratives for their domestic audiences. They added that Iran is unlikely to abandon Hezbollah under current circumstances.

With baby Arthur too young for the measles vaccine and another child due in June, the Otwell family became increasingly concerned as a highly contagious measles outbreak spread in South Carolina, even affecting routine grocery visits. John Otwell said they often visited a Costco store flagged by health authorities for possible exposure. “A lot of people think it’s just a cold. It’s not,” he said. By Arthur’s nine-month checkup, the outbreak had become the worst in the US in over 35 years, surpassing last year’s Texas outbreak. Under state guidance, Arthur received an early dose of the MMR vaccine, but the couple’s unborn child will not be eligible until at least six months of age. 168 measles patients hospitalised in 24 hours Doctors warn infants too young for vaccination are extremely vulnerable to severe complications, including pneumonia, brain swelling and death. Protection depends on herd immunity, requiring at least 95% vaccination coverage, but rates have dropped below that in several areas, including Spartanburg County, the epicenter. “Babies become sitting ducks,” said pediatrician Dr Deborah Greenhouse. Meanwhile, vaccination is increasingly framed by some policymakers as a matter of personal choice. Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr has pushed major changes in vaccine policy, while several states, including South Carolina, consider bills that could weaken vaccination requirements. South Carolina has reported about 1,000 measles cases, though the outbreak has slowed. Nationwide, 17 outbreaks have been recorded this year, with 1,671 cases already in early 2026. Doctors are offering early MMR doses for infants, but lack of detailed reporting on infant cases remains a concern. Experts warn declining vaccination rates could lead to a return of preventable diseases, while some parents continue to vaccinate early to protect their children and others.

President Donald Trump’s threats to wipe out Iran, “a whole civilization,” ended the restraint that Democrats have mostly practiced when it comes to questions of removing him from office in his second term. By the dozens, Democrats came out to say that Trump should no longer serve in the White House, either through the impeachment process or the 25th Amendment, which allows the vice president and the Cabinet to declare that a president is no longer able to perform the job. While Trump eventually pulled back on his threat and agreed to a two-week ceasefire with Iran, the episode highlighted the growing demands for Democrats to oppose the Republican president in the strongest possible terms. Calls about Iran flooded into congressional offices, lawmakers said. The breadth of the Democratic pushback underscored the gravity of Trump's apocalyptic threat to a country of more than 91 million people. It also served to raise the domestic political stakes for a conflict that is far from over. The Trump administration faces mounting calls to testify about the war and justify its demands for hundreds of billions of dollars in new military spending. “We cannot excuse what the president said as a negotiating tactic," Rep. Sara Jacobs, a California Democrat told reporters at the Capitol Thursday. “It is important that even though we were able to get this ceasefire, which I pray holds, that we hold this president accountable for what he threatened because threatening genocide is not just against international law, it’s against our federal law, too,” she added. Still, Democratic leaders and many moderates in the party have steered clear of endorsing impeachment, and any attempt to remove Trump from office is doomed to fail so long as Republicans control Congress. In the near term, Democratic leaders in the House and Senate are instead pushing Republicans to join them and pass legislation that would force Trump to get congressional approval before carrying out any more attacks on Iran. A few Democrats attempted during a brief session of the House on Thursday to pass what's known as a war powers resolution on Iran, but Republicans, who control the chamber, did not acknowledge their request. “We need Speaker Johnson to call us into session,” said Democratic Rep Emily Randall of Washington. “The American people deserve that.” At the White House, press secretary Karoline Leavitt has defended Trump's rhetoric as effective. “I think it was a very, very strong threat from the president of the United States that led the Iranian regime to cave to their knees and ask for a ceasefire and agree to reopening the Strait of Hormuz,” she said at a Wednesday White House press briefing. Callers jam congressional phone lines As they press their case against Trump, Democrats are responding to the worries of their own base and constituents. Congressional offices were bombarded with phone calls and emails this week, largely from people alarmed by the president’s rhetoric. In the House, the office of Rep. Suzan DelBene, D-Wash., received a “ton” of calls and emails Monday and Tuesday, mostly about Iran but also about impeaching Trump or removing him by deploying the 25th Amendment, said one aide who was not authorized to discuss the internal office situation and insisted on anonymity. When her district staffers in the state office took a break Tuesday, they returned to 75 voicemails on Iran an hour later, the aide said. “My office phones have not stopped ringing,” said Rep. Maxine Dexter, D-Ore., at a press conference in Portland, urging House colleagues to immediately return to Washington. Dexter’s office received more calls on Tuesday, 257, than it has ever received in a 24-hour period since the first-term lawmaker’s team began keeping track. The groundswell appeared to be organic, rather than an orchestrated campaign to pressure lawmakers to act. While outside groups have been circulating some discussion points, including the legal details around invoking the 25th Amendment, there has not been an organized effort to flood the congressional offices with a strategic message, said one Democratic strategist familiar with the situation who insisted on anonymity to discuss the private conversations. It was simply the “horror” of what Trump was saying, the strategist said, and the scale of the president’s threats, that appeared to have sparked the mobilization. On the political right, several prominent figures including former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, also suggested Trump should be removed from office through the 25th Amendment. Will Democrats make an impeachment push? Democrats twice impeached Trump for actions taken during his first term, but he was acquitted each time. They have tried to avoid such debates for the last 16 months as they tried to center their midterm message on kitchen table issues rather than opposing a president who narrowly won the popular vote. Republicans also have the majority in the House and have easily fended off two previous efforts to impeach Trump in his second term. A significant number of Democrats have either joined with Republicans or voted “present” as the House blocked impeachment resolutions sponsored by Rep. Al Green, D-Texas. Then came Trump's threat on Tuesday morning to wipe out “an entire civilization.” “Temporary ceasefire or not, Trump already committed an impeachable offense. Congress needs to get back to work and remove him from office before he does more damage to our country and the world,” said Rep. Seth Moulton of Massachusetts, a veteran of the war in Iraq. It’s unclear how House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries will handle the demands for another impeachment push. But Democratic leaders are holding a call on Friday with members of the House Judiciary Committee that is focused on “Trump administration accountability and the 25th Amendment.” Standing on the Capitol steps Thursday, Rep. Madeleine Dean, D-Pa., said she supports impeachment, but nevertheless hit the brakes on it for now, as the Democrats are in the minority. Instead, she called on Republicans to stand up to Trump’s threats, including by invoking the 25th Amendment. She predicted the imperative to remove Trump from office could only grow as negotiators navigate a fragile framework for a peace deal. Dean and other Democrats criticized the plan as “chaotic” and unworkable. Yet Dean said Trump's threat to destroy Iranian civilization should have already been enough. “The president brought the entire globe to watch his madness,” she said.

Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon, including the capital Beirut, have killed at least 254 people and injured more than 1,165, according to Lebanese civil defence authorities. The casualties were reported from multiple places with Beirut recording 92 deaths and 742 injuries, followed by heavy losses in the southern suburbs, Nabatieh, Tyre, and Sidon, reports Al Jazeera. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Lebanon would not be part of any ceasefire arrangement involving Iran, reaffirming continued strikes against Hezbollah targets. “We are continuing to hit Hezbollah,” Netanyahu said, adding that Israeli forces targeted areas previously considered safe by the group. US President Donald Trump also said Lebanon is not included in the reported two-week ceasefire deal, describing the situation as a “separate skirmish” linked to Hezbollah. Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi urged the United States to choose between ceasefire and continued conflict. “The world is witnessing the killings in Lebanon… the ball is now in America’s court,” he said. Qatar condemned the Israeli attacks, calling them a “dangerous escalation” and a violation of international law and UN Security Council resolutions, and urged the international community to act to stop the violence. The latest developments have raised concerns over a wider regional conflict as diplomatic efforts remain uncertain.  

Turkish authorities have detained nine people as part of an investigation into an attack on police outside a building housing the Israeli Consulate in Istanbul, which left one assailant dead, the state-run Anadolu Agency reported Wednesday. Officials said two other attackers were wounded and captured during Tuesday’s gunfight in the city’s financial and business district. Two police officers also sustained minor injuries. Israel had withdrawn its diplomats from Turkey due to security concerns and worsening ties with Ankara shortly after the Gaza war began, and officials said the consulate was closed at the time of the attack. Iranian drones hit Kuwait oil, power facilities despite ceasefire Interior Minister Mustafa Ciftci said one of the assailants had links to a group that he claimed “exploits religion,” without naming the organisation. According to Anadolu Agency, security forces detained nine suspects in operations in Istanbul as well as in the provinces of Konya and Kocaeli. The suspects are being questioned along with the two injured attackers, though no further details were provided. Ciftci said the attackers had travelled from Izmit in Kocaeli province in a rented car. The two injured assailants are brothers - identified as Onur C. and Enes C. - with the former having a criminal record related to drugs. Israel’s Foreign Ministry on Tuesday condemned the attack and praised Turkish authorities for preventing further violence.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister ‘Shehbaz Sharif’said on X that he had a “warm, substantive” conversation with ‘Iran’s President Pezeshkian’on Tuesday. “I expressed my sincere appreciation for the wisdom of the Iranian leadership in accepting Pakistan’s invitation to host peace talks in Islamabad later this week, aimed at jointly restoring regional peace,” he said. “President Pezeshkian confirmed Iran’s participation in the upcoming negotiations and thanked Pakistan for its efforts, also sending his best wishes to the people of Pakistan,” the prime minister added. Source: AL Jazeera