The Tehran Times has reported that Israel planned to stage a destructive attack within the United States and falsely implicate Iran to sway American public opinion in favor of military action. Iranian officials said they uncovered the plot after receiving intelligence from an allied nation. According to the report, Tehran warned U.S. authorities and helped prevent the planned explosion.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has accused the International Atomic Energy Agency of publishing a deliberately politicized and alarmist report under pressure from Western powers. He claimed the document was intended to give Israel a pretext for military action against Iran. Lavrov said the proposal was drafted amid intense lobbying from the UK, France, Germany, and later the United States. He further argued the report contained vague language that Western nations exploited for their own interests. Notably, the IAEA Board of Governors adopted an anti-Iran resolution on June 12, and Israel launched military strikes the following day.

On Thursday, President Trump announced that the United States has signed a trade agreement with China, potentially bringing an end to the protracted trade war. During his second term, Trump had imposed steep tariffs on Chinese imports, escalating tensions between Washington and Beijing. “Yesterday, we signed a deal with China. We are starting to open China up—something that never really could have happened,” Trump said. The details of the agreement were not disclosed. US and Chinese officials had been working for weeks to finalize the deal, including a meeting in London earlier this month to address tariff disputes.

Washington is prepared to offer Iran a package of significant incentives in exchange for halting uranium enrichment altogether. According to CNN, the United States could provide $30 billion in support for civilian nuclear energy production, lift sanctions on Tehran, and return frozen Iranian funds. Despite the recent flare-up of hostilities between Iran and Israel, American and Middle Eastern officials have held behind-the-scenes talks with Iranian representatives over the past two weeks. Last Friday, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff met with Gulf allies at the White House to discuss the proposal. The main condition: Iran must reduce uranium enrichment to zero.

The global economy faces heightened risks as the Middle East conflict and a looming U.S.-led tariff war unfold simultaneously. President Trump’s proposed tariffs, especially targeting China, could severely disrupt trade, while rising tensions between Israel and Iran may drive energy prices up. With global growth already slowing, these twin shocks amplify recession fears. Experts warn that even minor disruptions could now trigger a downturn, echoing past crises like the 1990 Gulf War. The IMF forecasts global growth at a sluggish 2.8% in 2025.

British American Tobacco Bangladesh Company (BATBC) will invest Tk 297 crore to expand production capacity at its Savar factory, following the closure of its Dhaka facility. Operations will shift to a new location in Ashulia from July 1. The investment will be financed through bank loans supported by internal funds. In Q1 FY2025, BATBC reported lower net profit and EPS compared to last year. The company paid a 300% cash dividend in FY2024 and maintains strong reserves and shareholder equity.

A critical shortage of locomotives has severely disrupted train services in Bangladesh’s Eastern Railway Zone. With only two-thirds of the daily engine requirement being met, many trains are delayed, canceled, or stalled mid-journey due to engine failures. Outdated locomotives and delayed procurement have worsened the crisis. Railway authorities are now working on importing 30 new engines and initiating long-term repairs. Until resolved, passengers are facing increasing uncertainty and service interruptions across key routes, including Chattogram, Dhaka, and Cox’s Bazar.

A Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight en route to Singapore returned to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport shortly after takeoff due to an engine malfunction.

According to airport authorities, the issue was detected after the aircraft reached an altitude of 2,500 feet, prompting an immediate return to the airport. The flight landed safely with 154 passengers and seven crew members onboard. All were reported to be safe and unharmed.

Authorities stated that a technical review is underway, and further decisions regarding the flight will be made accordingly.

A two-day program marking Social Business Day has commenced, bringing together leaders and entrepreneurs engaged in social business from around the world. The event is jointly organized by the Yunus Centre and Grameen Group, and will be inaugurated by Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus.

This year’s theme is: “The Most Effective Way to Ensure Healthcare for All is Through Social Business.” The event aims to address global disparities and limitations in sectors like healthcare, and to promote a sustainable, equitable, and humane value system.

The program features five plenary sessions and eight breakout sessions, with participation from over 1,000 delegates, including more than 180 international guests from 25 countries.

Iran has not made any decision to resume nuclear talks with the United States, said Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, dismissing claims made by former U.S. President Donald Trump.

“There are currently no indirect talks with the U.S.,” said Araghchi. “Even when the U.S. supported Israeli attacks on Iran and directly bombed our nuclear sites, they were still attempting negotiations.”

He added, “They tried to lure us into giving up our national rights. In times of crisis, they enabled Zionist aggression and pushed us toward war. During negotiations, they betrayed diplomacy. These experiences will guide Iran’s decisions regarding any future nuclear talks.”

Bangladesh’s interbank transactions have plunged by over Tk 1 trillion in just one month, as the country continues to grapple with an economic downturn, declining credit flow in the private sector, and a liquidity crisis.

According to a report by Bangladesh Bank, interbank transactions in February 2025 dropped by Tk 1.13 trillion compared to January. However, the February 2025 figures are still higher by Tk 444.02 billion compared to the same month last year.

Sources say 11 banks, currently under scrutiny for financial mismanagement, are struggling to meet transaction demands. Several weaker banks are unable to repay borrowed funds from the interbank market, contributing to the overall decline in transactions.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz revealed that the country had considered targeting Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during recent military escalations, but found no viable opportunity. When asked whether the U.S. had been consulted, Katz said, "We do not require U.S. approval for such actions." In response, Khamenei declared that Israel’s "fake Zionist regime has been defeated in war" and claimed Iran has "slapped the U.S. in the face."

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi warned that Iran could trigger a fresh crisis if it continues to obstruct international inspectors from accessing its nuclear sites. While acknowledging significant setbacks in Iran’s nuclear program, Grossi stated, "I wouldn’t say it has collapsed." He emphasized Iran’s legal obligation under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) to allow inspections, warning that further non-cooperation would place Iran in violation of international law.

Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), Air Vice Marshal M. Monjur Kabir Bhuiyan, announced that Cox’s Bazar Airport is expected to commence international operations by the end of July. All preparations are reportedly complete, and contractors have been urged to expedite any final tasks. The airport runway, extended from 9,000 to 10,700 feet, includes a 1,300-foot stretch over the sea—the first of its kind in the country.

The army has arrested six individuals, including Chand Ali Khan, the BNP’s Pabna Upazila President, for allegedly assaulting a government official. Kazi Rakibul Hasan, Assistant Director of the Rajbari Consumer Rights Protection Department, was attacked in his office. Police confirmed that the suspects forcibly entered the office and obstructed official duties. The other detainees include Ruhul Amin, Md. Bacchu Biswas, Mamun Shikder, Md. Farid Hossain, and Md. Shishir Karim.