U.S. President Donald Trump wants to reach a major agreement with Iran, Vice President JD Vance said, according to a CBS News report cited by BBC. Speaking at a Turning Points USA event in Athens, Georgia, Vance noted that significant progress had been made during recent discussions between U.S. and Iranian representatives held in Pakistan. He emphasized that Trump is not interested in a minor deal but aims for a 'Trumpian grand bargain' of historic scale.

Reuters reported that Vance also acknowledged the deep mistrust between the two nations, saying that decades of distrust cannot be resolved overnight. Washington views the high-level talks, the first of their kind in 49 years, as a positive development. Despite the U.S. military maintaining a strict naval blockade on Iran, the Trump administration’s proposal for a major deal has sparked new debate in Middle Eastern geopolitics.

The renewed diplomatic engagement signals a potential shift in U.S.–Iran relations, though the outcome of the proposed negotiations remains uncertain.

Ireland’s coalition government survived a no-confidence vote in parliament on Tuesday, retaining power amid criticism of its response to an energy crisis triggered by the Middle East conflict. The motion, brought by the main opposition party Sinn Féin, was defeated with 92 votes in favor of the government and 78 against after a heated debate.

The vote followed a week of protests by transport operators and agricultural contractors over soaring petrol and diesel prices. Demonstrations had disrupted major roads in Dublin and partially blocked the country’s only oil refinery and several fuel depots. In response, the government convened an emergency cabinet meeting on Sunday and announced tax relief measures.

Under the new measures, fuel prices were reduced by 10 cents per liter, and a planned carbon tax increase was postponed from May until the October budget. The government’s victory in the vote allows it to continue implementing these measures to ease public discontent.

Iran is attempting to strengthen its relations with European nations to increase pressure on the United States. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has intensified diplomatic efforts, briefing European countries on Tehran’s proposals regarding its stockpile of highly enriched uranium and supervision of the Strait of Hormuz during discussions held in Islamabad.

Araghchi has also held phone conversations with the foreign ministers of France, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar to discuss these issues. He emphasized that although the first round of talks in Islamabad did not result in an agreement, Iran does not consider the process to be over.

The report notes that U.S. President Donald Trump has sidelined Europe on the Iran issue for over a year, focusing instead on cooperation with Israel. In response, Tehran, which had long viewed European governments as permanent U.S. allies, is now reconsidering its stance as transatlantic divisions deepen and European economies face mounting pressure.

Former Chattogram City Corporation mayor Manjur Alam has explained what happened when NCP leader and Member of Parliament Hasnat Abdullah visited his residence. According to Manjur, Hasnat had a scheduled program in Chattogram and called him around noon, expressing his wish to visit. Manjur invited him for lunch, and Hasnat arrived around 3 p.m., staying until about 6 p.m. During that time, a group of local youths gathered outside the house, identifying themselves as July fighters and questioning Hasnat about his visit. Videos of the incident later spread on social media.

Manjur told BBC Bangla that some of the youths accused him of being an ally of the Awami League, which he denied. He stated that he had been elected mayor in 2010 with BNP support and retired from politics after the 2015 election, now focusing on social work. He also dismissed speculation that he might contest future mayoral elections under the NCP banner, saying he had not discussed such matters with Hasnat Abdullah.

Hasnat Abdullah did not respond to calls seeking his comment on the incident.

U.S. President Donald Trump has sharply criticized Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for not directly supporting the United States in its conflict with Iran. In an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Trump said he was disappointed in Meloni, claiming she lacked courage and questioning why she was not involved in securing Iranian oil resources. He also accused her of ignoring the threat of Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

The remarks came after Meloni’s right-wing government decided not to automatically renew Italy’s defense cooperation agreement with Israel, opting instead to suspend it. Tensions between the two leaders had already risen when Meloni previously condemned Trump’s negative comments about Pope Leo as unacceptable.

Analysts cited in the report said the public exchange between the long-time allies signals growing instability in international politics, particularly in U.S.–European relations. Trump’s aggressive stance toward Iran is reportedly creating pressure even among his closest allies.

A new Pew Research Center survey indicates that Israel is losing public support in the United States, particularly among Democrats, younger Americans, and increasingly among Republicans. More than 60 percent of Americans now view Israel negatively, up from 53 percent the previous year. The report notes that 28 percent of respondents hold a very negative view of Israel, a nine-point increase in one year and nearly triple the 2022 figure.

Among Americans aged 18 to 29, 75 percent expressed negative views of Israel, while 67 percent of those aged 30 to 49 shared similar sentiments. Even before the Iran war, U.S. public support for Israel had been declining over its military actions in Gaza. The Gaza conflict further alienated many Americans, especially left-leaning youth, while far-right antisemitism has also resurfaced.

The report underscores that Israel’s long-term security depends heavily on its alliance with the United States, which in turn relies on American public backing. Pew’s data suggest that the erosion of this support is a tangible and growing reality.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman announced that the government will begin the fifth five-year Primary Education Development Program on July 1. He made the statement in the National Parliament on Wednesday morning while responding to a question from a member of parliament. The program marks the continuation of the government’s long-term efforts to strengthen the country’s primary education system.

In addition to the education initiative, the Prime Minister said the government has undertaken a ‘Marine Spatial Planning’ program to utilize the resources of Bangladesh’s vast maritime area. Responding to another question, he added that work is underway to formulate a national tourism plan aimed at developing the country’s tourism sector.

These initiatives reflect the government’s focus on education, maritime resource management, and tourism development as part of its broader national development agenda.

Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to raise the festival allowance for MPO-listed teachers from 50 percent to 100 percent of their basic salary. He made the announcement on Tuesday while speaking as the chief guest at an event, describing the move as part of the government’s responsibility to improve the education system and elevate teachers’ social and professional status.

The minister noted that previous administrations had taken partial steps to increase the allowance, but full implementation had not been achieved. The current government, he said, plans to continue that process and address existing challenges in the education sector gradually. He emphasized that ensuring teachers’ financial and professional security is essential for building a humane and educated citizenry.

Dr. Milan also highlighted the government’s integrated approach to advancing agriculture, education, and health, noting that measures have been taken to protect farmers’ rights and dignity. He expressed optimism that ongoing initiatives would bring positive change to the education system and fulfill teachers’ long-standing demands.

National Youth Power has strongly condemned the mob violence and harassment against Hasnat Abdullah, Member of Parliament for Cumilla-4 and leader of the July uprising, in Chattogram. The organization described the incident as disgraceful and contrary to democratic values.

According to the report, Hasnat Abdullah had gone to meet former Chattogram mayor and ex-BNP leader Monjur Alam. Monjur, who was elected mayor in 2010 and nominated again in 2015 by the BNP, had previously served as an adviser to Begum Khaleda Zia and organized events during her illness. National Youth Power stated that while such activities had not faced protest before, labeling Monjur as an “associate” and attacking an elected representative now reflects political intolerance and double standards.

The organization called for a fair investigation, quick identification of those involved, and exemplary punishment. It also urged all political groups in the country to uphold tolerance and democratic conduct.

U.S. President Donald Trump has reignited a dispute with Pope Leo over Iran’s nuclear program and the reported number of deaths in the country’s anti-government protests. In a statement on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump declared that Iran possessing a nuclear bomb would be unacceptable. He criticized Pope Leo, claiming Iran had killed at least 42,000 unarmed protesters in the past two months and ended his message by asserting, “America is back.”

Two days earlier, Trump had accused Pope Leo of being weak on crime and disastrous in foreign policy. Pope Leo, the first American-born pontiff, had recently condemned U.S. and Israeli military operations in Iran and Lebanon. In response, he said he was not afraid of the Trump administration and would continue to speak against the horrors of war.

Trump’s claim of 42,000 protester deaths has been questioned. Iran’s government reported 3,117 deaths, while human rights groups estimated around 7,007. The UN’s special envoy to Iran suggested the toll could range between 5,000 and 20,000. The International Atomic Energy Agency stated it has no evidence that Iran is developing nuclear weapons.

Immigration police detained Lion Swapon, former joint convener of the banned Chhatra League in Chatkhil upazila of Noakhali, at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on Tuesday afternoon. He was taken into custody upon arrival from Saudi Arabia, where he had been staying with his brothers.

According to police and local sources, Swapon had gone into hiding after the fall of the government on August 5 and later left for Saudi Arabia. He faces multiple cases filed with Chatkhil Police Station, including one for murder and another related to an attack on students and protesters during an anti-discrimination movement. The airport police informed Chatkhil police about his detention.

Chatkhil Police Station’s officer-in-charge Abdul Monnaf said Swapon is accused in two cases and will be handed over to Chatkhil police after legal procedures are completed. Authorities are verifying details before providing further information.

Law Minister Md. Anisul Huq has called on the Bar Council to ensure that the current bar examination system does not become an undue obstacle for English-medium and foreign-educated law graduates. He made the remarks on Tuesday at the Supreme Court Auditorium in Dhaka during an event marking the completion of the first phase and the start of the second phase of a six-month internship program organized by the Attorney General’s Office with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The minister noted that many talented students who studied in English-medium institutions or abroad face difficulties because the bar exam questions are in Bangla. He urged the Bar Council to consider modernizing the system. He also emphasized enhancing the social status of the legal profession and improving its quality. Praising the internship program, he said it inspired him to propose to the Prime Minister that each Member of Parliament be assigned an intern from a university to assist in research and legislative work.

The minister further mentioned budgetary instructions for modernizing the Attorney General’s Office and expressed concern over the limited implementation of the Law Commission’s recommendations despite significant expenditure.

US Vice President JD Vance is expected to lead the American delegation in a possible second round of direct talks with Iranian officials before the current ceasefire expires, according to multiple sources cited by CNN. The discussions aim to explore diplomatic solutions to end the ongoing Iran war.

Sources also indicated that President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner may attend the meeting. Kushner has reportedly been involved in diplomatic efforts since before the conflict began. Trump has tasked these three senior advisers with finding a diplomatic path out of the war and has expressed full confidence in them.

Following a 21-hour marathon meeting last Saturday, Vance, Witkoff, and Kushner have maintained close contact with Iranian representatives and mediators in pursuit of a potential agreement, the sources added.

The Trump administration is stepping up efforts to initiate direct talks with Iran before the current ceasefire period ends, according to a CNN report citing a source familiar with the discussions. The push for renewed dialogue comes amid heightened tensions and ongoing diplomatic activity between the two nations.

Last week, officials from Iran and the United States met in Islamabad for a 21-hour marathon negotiation session but failed to reach an agreement to end hostilities. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump remarked that something significant might happen in Pakistan within the next two days, though no further details were provided.

The report also noted that Gulf countries have expressed interest in assisting Pakistan’s efforts to bring the United States and Iran back to the negotiating table, while the U.S. Navy recently turned back eight Iranian oil tankers.

Israel and Lebanon have agreed to hold direct talks at a designated time and place following discussions in Washington. The agreement was reached after a trilateral meeting in the United States, according to a Reuters report citing the U.S. State Department. The development marks a significant step toward easing tensions along the border between the two countries.

The understanding emerged after diplomatic efforts led by the United States, which hosted the meeting involving representatives from Israel and Lebanon. The talks are viewed as part of a broader initiative to reduce hostilities and promote stability in the region. The U.S. role in facilitating the dialogue underscores its continued involvement in Middle Eastern diplomacy.

Observers consider the upcoming direct talks an important move toward de-escalation, though the exact schedule and venue have not yet been disclosed.