U.S. President Donald Trump expects a potential agreement with Iran within a week, according to Fox News journalist Bret Baier. Speaking during a live broadcast on Wednesday, Baier said he had recently spoken with Trump, who expressed optimism about the memorandum of understanding and described his outlook as one of cautious optimism. Trump reportedly told Baier that organizing all aspects of the deal would take about a week.

Baier explained that two main conditions are being prioritized in the proposed deal: the removal of enriched uranium from Iran and ensuring the full openness of the Strait of Hormuz. Trump also stated at the White House that Iran is willing to engage in discussions and reach an agreement.

The report, citing Middle East Monitor, indicates that both sides are moving toward negotiations, though the final outcome remains uncertain.

Bangladesh has requested China's involvement and cooperation in the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project. The issue was discussed as a priority during a foreign minister-level meeting between the two countries in Beijing. The joint statement released after the meeting also emphasized strengthening cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and on Rohingya repatriation.

Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman visited Beijing from May 5 to 7 at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. During the talks, both sides discussed bilateral relations, regional cooperation, and global issues. Bangladesh expressed gratitude for China’s longstanding support and reiterated its request for Chinese participation in the Teesta project, which has been under discussion for years. Diplomatic circles view China’s potential involvement as significant for Bangladesh’s water management and regional development, though India has expressed reservations.

The joint statement further noted both countries’ commitment to enhancing political trust, aligning development strategies, and advancing their strategic cooperative partnership. They also voiced concern over the Middle East situation, calling for an immediate ceasefire and supporting diplomatic efforts for peace.

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has denied any involvement or support by New Delhi in election engineering for any political party in Bangladesh. Speaking with visiting Bangladeshi journalists at the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi on Monday, he said no individual issue would affect Dhaka-Delhi relations and emphasized that ties should be based on mutual respect and sensitivity to each other’s interests.

Misri stated that India has worked with whichever government was in power in Bangladesh and clarified that past cooperation with the Awami League did not amount to interference. He noted that India is reviving over 40 bilateral institutional frameworks that had become inactive during Bangladesh’s interim government period. Discussions are also underway on water-sharing issues, including the Ganges and Teesta rivers, and on strengthening regional cooperation through BIMSTEC.

He avoided commenting on Bangladesh’s request to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and said India continues to prioritize trade and connectivity. Misri also dismissed media reports about deploying animals along the border and said India is working to restore full visa services for Bangladeshi citizens soon.

India’s political landscape has shifted sharply toward one-party dominance as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) continues a sweeping series of electoral victories. Once-powerful opposition leaders Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal and M.K. Stalin in Tamil Nadu both lost recent elections, leaving Modi with virtually no major political challengers. The Congress Party, which once led India’s independence movement, now controls only four states, while Modi’s alliance governs 21.

The BJP’s rise follows years of organizational discipline, a business-friendly image, and a strategy of uniting Hindu voters. Critics accuse the party of using state power to manipulate elections, including voter list revisions that allegedly disenfranchised minorities. In Bihar and West Bengal, millions of names were reportedly removed from voter rolls, fueling allegations of bias. Despite opposition claims of irregularities, the BJP has dismissed all accusations.

Analysts say Modi’s dominance has reshaped India’s pluralist ideals into a more centralized, Hindu nationalist model. With the next national election due in 2029, questions remain over whether Modi will seek another term or who might succeed him within the BJP.

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi has strongly condemned what he described as Iran’s 'baseless and unacceptable accusations' against the United Arab Emirates. The condemnation followed a statement from Iran’s foreign ministry alleging that the UAE was collaborating with Iran’s hostile parties.

According to a GCC statement, Al-Budaiwi said the Iranian claims were part of a provocative and tension-escalating strategy targeting regional countries. He further accused Iran of launching brutal attacks on UAE territory and of persistently distorting facts in violation of international norms and laws.

The GCC reaffirmed that its member states stand united with the UAE and fully support all measures taken by the country to safeguard its security, stability, and sovereignty.

Iran’s influential parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Galibaf mocked the United States’ military strategy against Tehran in a post on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. In his brief message, Galibaf altered the names of declared US military operations targeting Iran, referring to them sarcastically as “Operation Trust Me Bro” and “Operation Foxious.” He wrote that “Operation Trust Me Bro has failed” and added that it was time to “return to routine with Operation Foxious.”

The remarks were reported by Al Jazeera and shared by the online outlet Amar Desh on May 7, 2026. The post reflects Galibaf’s dismissive tone toward Washington’s approach to Iran, using humor to criticize what he described as unsuccessful US military efforts. The comments appeared amid ongoing tensions between Tehran and Washington over regional security and military maneuvers.

No official US response or further details about the operations mentioned by Galibaf were included in the report.

BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari has described the killing of his close aide and personal assistant Chandranath Rath in Madhyamgram, North 24 Parganas, as a 'cold-blooded murder'. The incident occurred on Wednesday night, May 6, when assailants on motorcycles stopped Rath’s car in the Daulatala area and opened fire before fleeing. The attack took place within 48 hours of the West Bengal Assembly election results, sparking tension in the area.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, May 7, Adhikari said the attack appeared preplanned, claiming the assailants had conducted reconnaissance before striking. He stated that the state’s Director General of Police, Siddhanath Gupta, assured him of a full investigation. Adhikari urged party workers to remain calm, emphasizing that the BJP would not take the law into its own hands and called for an impartial probe to identify the real culprits.

Adhikari also alleged that BJP workers across the state had been targeted since the election results were announced, citing incidents of shootings and stabbings in Basirhat and Baranagar. He said he had briefed Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP national leader Nitin Navin about the situation.

National Citizen Party (NCP) spokesperson Asif Mahmud held a courtesy meeting with James Stewart, Political Officer at the US Embassy in Dhaka. The meeting took place on Wednesday at the NCP’s temporary central office in Banglamotor. Discussions focused on the current overall situation in Bangladesh and emphasized strengthening bilateral relations between Bangladesh and the United States.

James Stewart was accompanied by Md. Iqbal Mahmud, Assistant Political Specialist at the embassy, while NCP central committee member Ayman Rahat joined Asif Mahmud. After the meeting, the NCP spokesperson showed the embassy delegation around the party office.

The meeting reflected ongoing diplomatic engagement between the US mission and political representatives in Bangladesh, highlighting mutual interest in maintaining dialogue on national and bilateral matters.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reaffirmed on Wednesday, May 6, that she will not resign from her post. Speaking at a meeting with her party’s legislators, she declared that she would rather be dismissed and called for such a day to be marked as a black day. According to NDTV, Banerjee also announced plans to approach the court seeking justice over incidents of post-election violence. She had earlier alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won through manipulation following the May 4 election results.

Her refusal to resign has created a constitutional complication, as it is customary for a chief minister to step down after elections so the majority party can form a new government. The situation has led to discussions about the possibility of her dismissal or the imposition of presidential rule in the state.

Meanwhile, reports of violence have emerged across West Bengal, with allegations that BJP supporters attacked and set fire to homes and offices of Trinamool Congress members. At least four people have reportedly died. The BJP has denied involvement, claiming that Trinamool workers disguised as BJP supporters carried out the attacks to create unrest.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman stated that the greatest asset of a state is the trust of its people. He emphasized that transparency and accountability in government and administration are essential to building this trust. Rahman made these remarks in a written speech delivered on Wednesday night at the annual gathering of the Bangladesh Administrative Service Association, held at the 'Trimoitree' conference in Agargaon, Dhaka.

He said the government seeks a people-oriented administration where citizens receive services quickly, transparently, and without harassment. While law is important, he noted that humanity carries even greater significance. Rahman urged officials to treat elderly and sick citizens with compassion, as such behavior fosters a positive perception of the state and government.

The Prime Minister added that the manifesto his party had developed for the welfare of the nation has now become the people’s manifesto, as it received public support. He called for its full implementation as the government’s responsibility.

Senior Supreme Court lawyer Advocate Mohammad Shishir Monir warned that Bangladesh could face an automatic establishment of a fascist regime within five years if essential political and institutional reforms are not implemented. He made the remarks on Wednesday at a discussion titled “Implementation of People’s Verdict and Public Expectation” held at the Central Muslim Literary Society in Sylhet.

Monir said the main goal of the recent mass uprising was to restructure the state and strengthen democratic institutions. However, without political will, institutional reform, and accountability, power could again become concentrated in the hands of a few, weakening democracy. He criticized the BNP for failing to play a responsible role after the uprising and alleged that the July Charter’s reform pledges, including constitutional amendments and formation of an upper house, were being ignored.

Former Sylhet Medical University vice-chancellor Professor Dr. Ismail Patwari added that the dream of freeing the country from fascism was fading as loyalty was prioritized over merit. Speakers urged political parties to implement the July Charter to honor the sacrifices of those involved in the uprising.

Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman has embarked on a three-day official visit to China, marking the first such trip since the BNP government took office two and a half months ago. Officials said the Teesta River issue will receive special attention during the talks. The visit aims to advance the long-stalled Comprehensive Management and Restoration of Teesta River Project, which Dhaka plans to implement with Chinese assistance after years of delay due to India’s objections.

The Teesta River, shared by Bangladesh and India, has long been a source of tension due to water-sharing disputes. A 2011 agreement between the two countries was never finalized, leading to recurring droughts and floods in northern Bangladesh. The proposed megaproject includes building a multipurpose barrage, dredging 102 kilometers of the river, constructing 203 kilometers of embankments, reclaiming land, and developing tourism and solar power facilities. China had earlier shown interest in financing the project, while India later expressed its own interest.

Analysts cited strategic motives behind both China’s and India’s involvement, linking Beijing’s interest to its Belt and Road Initiative. Local activists, however, remain cautious, urging the government to secure a fair water-sharing deal with India alongside the project’s implementation.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has officially announced Dr. Hafizur Rahman as its mayoral candidate for the upcoming Gazipur City Corporation election. The announcement was made by the party’s Secretary General, Mia Golam Porwar, during a leadership gathering held on Wednesday afternoon at the Shaheed Abdul Malek Auditorium of Tamirul Millat Kamil Madrasa in Tongi.

During the event, Porwar described Gazipur as one of the country’s key industrial and densely populated cities, emphasizing the public’s expectation for honest, skilled, and people-oriented leadership. He stated that Dr. Rahman is widely accepted among youth and professionals and expressed confidence that his leadership would bring positive change to the city.

In his remarks, Dr. Rahman pledged to build a humane, clean, and modern city inspired by the ideals of the martyrs of July and the aspirations of the younger generation. He highlighted priorities such as ensuring workers’ rights, improving civic services, and establishing planned urban management, with a focus on resolving traffic congestion, waterlogging, waste management, and pollution issues.

Bangladesh’s opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman visited the Peace Park and Peace Museum in Hiroshima, Japan, on Wednesday as part of his ongoing Japan tour. He was accompanied by Saiful Alam Khan Milon MP, a member of Jamaat’s central executive council, and Barrister Mir Ahmad Bin Kasem Arman MP, his foreign affairs adviser. Bangladeshi teachers from Hiroshima University and PhD researchers from Bangladesh also joined the visit.

The Hiroshima Peace Park and Museum commemorate the atomic bombing of the city on August 6, 1945, when the bomb named “Little Boy” was dropped. Three days later, another bomb, “Fat Man,” was detonated over Nagasaki. By December 1945, about 140,000 people in Hiroshima and 74,000 in Nagasaki had died, with an additional 214,000 later succumbing to radiation-related illnesses.

Even in 2026, Hiroshima remains a solemn reminder of that tragedy, with the ruins of the bombed building still standing as a historical witness.

Widespread violence has erupted across West Bengal following the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) victory in the state assembly elections. Within hours of the May 4 results, clashes broke out in Kolkata and other districts, leaving at least four people dead and many injured. Reports describe streets filled with BJP flags and slogans, while residents in some areas have been forced to display party symbols to avoid attacks. Minority-dominated neighborhoods such as Metiabruz, Maheshtala, Tiljala, and Topsia have become flashpoints of unrest.

In Entally, local Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Tabrez Khan switched allegiance to the BJP overnight, citing fear for his safety. Several incidents of political killings have been reported, including the death of a TMC polling agent in Beleghata and a BJP worker in Udaynarayanpur. Violence has also spread to Asansol, Bardhaman, Hooghly, and Jalpaiguri, where party offices were seized and homes destroyed. BJP leader Shamik Bhattacharya blamed the TMC for provoking clashes, while the ground situation shows widespread intimidation.

The escalating unrest has raised concerns about communal targeting and the erosion of West Bengal’s social fabric, with fears of further violence in the coming days.