Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly under growing pressure as U.S. President Donald Trump advances toward an interim agreement with Iran following their joint military strikes on February 28. While Netanyahu initially celebrated the operation as a symbol of unprecedented U.S.-Israel unity, he now finds himself sidelined in the American-led diplomatic process. Israeli sources told CNN that Netanyahu privately admitted Israel has little influence over the outcome of the U.S.-Iran talks.

Netanyahu has urged Trump to resume full-scale military action, arguing that sustained pressure could topple Iran’s regime. However, Washington appears to be moving in the opposite direction. Israeli officials fear the emerging deal may leave Iran’s uranium stockpile, missile program, and regional proxies largely unresolved while easing economic pressure on Tehran. Netanyahu’s far-right allies have called for a tougher stance, urging him to confront Trump directly.

The situation has exposed deep political and strategic strains for Netanyahu ahead of Israel’s upcoming election. Analysts say the outcome could undermine his long-standing Iran policy and weaken his image as a security leader, with polls showing declining public confidence in his handling of Iran.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that while Israel faces delegitimization in many parts of the world, it continues to enjoy strong support in India. Speaking at a conference in the West Bank on Thursday, he described India as a special friend of Israel and claimed that Indians support Israel blindly. Netanyahu added that Israel has more followers in India than in any other country.

He recalled his 2018 visit to India with his wife Sara, calling it a “love fest” and praising the extraordinary respect Indians have for Israel. In a separate interview with CBS News’ program 60 Minutes, Netanyahu said that India, with its population of over 1.4 billion, remains one of the few places where Israel is still respected. He also mentioned that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was warmly welcomed in Israel.

Recent Pew Research Center data cited in the report showed declining support for Israel in the United States, while Netanyahu blamed Pakistan for using social media bots to spread anti-Israel sentiment online.

BNP Acting Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that the party will continue to move forward following the ideals of its founder and former president Ziaur Rahman. In a statement issued on Friday, May 29, marking Ziaur Rahman’s 45th death anniversary, he reaffirmed the party’s commitment to democracy and citizens’ rights. Fakhrul emphasized that under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, the BNP believes in transparent and accountable governance and will continue working to uphold freedom of expression and democratic values.

He described Ziaur Rahman as a courageous freedom fighter and statesman who earned a permanent place in the hearts of the people. Fakhrul alleged that Zia’s popularity had caused discomfort among both domestic and foreign conspirators and claimed that his assassination on May 30, 1981, deprived the nation of a patriotic leader. He added that great leaders’ ideals cannot be erased by killing them and noted that Khaleda Zia had advanced multiparty democracy following Zia’s path.

Fakhrul criticized the Awami League government for alleged repression and corruption and said that the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government on August 5, 2024, resulted from a united movement demanding the restoration of democracy. He called for a free and fair election to fulfill the people’s aspirations.

A new satirical movement called the 'Cockroach Janata Party' (CJP) has rapidly gained traction among Indian youth frustrated by unemployment and political discontent. The initiative began after Chief Justice Surya Kant compared jobless youth to cockroaches, prompting Abhijit Deepke, a U.S.-educated Indian graduate, to post a viral response on social media on May 16 asking, “What if all cockroaches unite?” Within hours, he and friends used artificial intelligence to create a website for CJP, which now claims over one million registered members.

Analysts say the movement reflects deep frustration among India’s young population, who face high joblessness despite the country’s fast-growing economy. The 2025 Periodic Labour Force Survey reported a 10 percent unemployment rate among 15–29-year-olds, far higher than the national average. Competition for jobs remains intense, with millions applying for limited government posts. The recent cancellation of India’s medical college entrance exam results, affecting about two million students, has further fueled anger.

Authorities reportedly ordered CJP’s social media account suspended on national security grounds, but Abhijit reopened it under a new name and urged peaceful protest. The group’s first campaign demands the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over exam irregularities.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has intensified surveillance along the Lalmonirhat frontier to prevent what it describes as illegal and aggressive activities by India’s Border Security Force (BSF). The move follows incidents including attempts to install posts violating international border laws, drone crashes, and the killing of two Bangladeshi nationals in recent weeks. BGB units from Lalmonirhat 15, Rangpur 51, and Rangpur 61 battalions have been deployed to tighten security across the Teesta-Two sector.

According to the report, local residents remain fearful after the recent shootings that killed two Bangladeshis—one on April 8 at Patgram and another on May 14 near Hatibandha. Despite India’s earlier assurances to Bangladesh about reducing border deaths, the use of lethal force has reportedly continued. Experts cited in the report attribute the ongoing killings to a lack of accountability and disregard for international law.

BGB has also increased public awareness efforts, broadcasting warnings through loudspeakers to discourage illegal border crossings as tensions persist along the Bangladesh-India boundary.

Iran’s parliament speaker and top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has said that Tehran has no faith in U.S. words or assurances, insisting that only concrete actions can serve as a basis for trust. In a statement posted on social media platform X, he emphasized that Iran will not take any steps until the other side acts first, rejecting verbal guarantees as meaningless.

Ghalibaf further asserted that Iran secures concessions from its rivals through military and missile strength rather than negotiations, adding that discussions only serve to make the opposing side understand Iran’s position. He remarked that the true winner of any agreement is the party most prepared for war the day after the deal.

His comments come amid renewed international debate over relations between Tehran and Washington and the broader regional security situation, according to Al Jazeera.

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that Iran has gained concessions from its rivals not through dialogue but through its military capabilities. In a statement shared on social media platform X, he asserted that Iran achieves results through missiles rather than negotiations, emphasizing that the country does not rely on promises or verbal assurances.

Ghalibaf, described as one of Iran’s top negotiators, said that in talks, Iran only seeks to make its position understood, but real outcomes depend on strength and action. He added that Iran will not take any steps until the opposing side acts first, underscoring that deeds, not words, are the true measure of commitment.

He further remarked that the real success of any agreement depends on the party that becomes better prepared for potential conflict immediately after the deal is signed. His comments were reported by Al Jazeera and reflect a firm stance on Iran’s approach to negotiations and defense readiness.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that public support for Israel in India is so strong it amounts to ‘fandom-level enthusiasm’. Speaking at a conference in the West Bank on Thursday, he described India as a ‘major power’ and emphasized the special importance of relations between the two countries. Netanyahu noted that while Israel faces controversies and legitimacy challenges in many parts of the world, such issues are absent in India. He also claimed that his social media following is higher in India than in any other country.

Netanyahu recalled his 2018 visit to India with his wife Sara as a moment of ‘love and warm reception’ and mentioned Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel, which he said was met with similar warmth. He has previously discussed his popularity in India, including in an interview with CBS’s ‘60 Minutes’, where he highlighted India’s strong interest in Israel.

Analysts cited in the report said Netanyahu’s renewed focus on India-Israel ties comes as public support for Israel in the United States gradually declines.

In a detailed report, analysts say Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s long-standing effort to isolate Pakistan has largely failed. Despite Modi’s 2016 declaration that India would ensure Pakistan’s global isolation, Islamabad has instead strengthened its international standing. Pakistan has deepened ties with China, reemerged as a trusted U.S. partner under President Donald Trump, and played a key mediating role in the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict. Trump brokered a ceasefire between India and Pakistan in May 2025, which Pakistan publicly credited him for, even nominating him for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Experts cited in the report argue that Pakistan’s diplomatic resurgence reflects both its strategic adaptability and missteps by the Modi administration. India’s aggressive stance, trade tensions with Washington, and alignment with Israel have strained relations with Muslim-majority nations and regional partners. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s outreach to Gulf states and its repositioning as a credible security actor have enhanced its global image.

Recent signs suggest India may be reassessing its approach, as former generals and diplomats from both countries have held informal talks, and some Indian leaders have voiced support for renewed dialogue with Pakistan.

The Dhaka University White Panel, a group of teachers aligned with Bangladeshi nationalism, has strongly condemned remarks made by State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj about Dhaka University. In a statement issued on Friday, the panel described Hajjaj’s comments comparing the university to a coaching center as extremely insulting and irresponsible. The statement, signed by Professor Dr. Morshed Hasan Khan, Professor Dr. Abdus Salam, and Professor Dr. Md. Abul Kalam Sarkar, warned that teachers and students would be compelled to take strict action if the remarks were not withdrawn immediately.

The White Panel emphasized that Dhaka University holds a leading position in research and publication among public universities in Bangladesh, citing its numerous specialized research centers and international journal contributions. The group also highlighted the university’s historic role in national movements, including the Language Movement, the Liberation War, and various democratic uprisings. They stated that the minister’s comments were deeply hurtful to the university community and the nation.

The panel demanded that Bobby Hajjaj retract his statement without delay, warning of potential protest programs to defend the university’s honor if he fails to do so.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that nepotism, political influence, or favoritism will not be tolerated in the recruitment of university teachers. He made the remarks on Friday after inaugurating the temporary office of Thakurgaon University. The minister emphasized that only candidates with the highest qualifications and competence will be appointed as teachers based solely on merit.

He described Thakurgaon University as a reflection of the long-cherished dream and expectation of the local people. The institution, he said, should be developed into one of the country’s top world-class universities by maintaining uncompromised educational standards. He also expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister and the government for fulfilling the long-standing demand of Thakurgaon residents for a medical college and a university.

The minister noted that the appointment of a vice-chancellor has already been completed, marking an important step toward advancing the university’s operations. The event was attended by the State Minister for Water Resources, local lawmakers, the vice-chancellor, and senior officials.

Eid al-Adha prayers in Kolkata were held at the Brigade Parade Ground instead of the traditional Red Road venue on Thursday, under heightened police security. The change followed new measures by West Bengal’s BJP government, which included strict enforcement of the 1950 Livestock Act and a ban on religious gatherings that block public roads. Police and CRPF personnel were deployed outside mosques across the state to maintain order, with large turnouts reported despite visible caution among worshippers.

The relocation of the main Eid congregation marked a departure from past years when former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee attended Red Road prayers and delivered political messages. This year’s event was notably apolitical, with no ministers present. Organizers from the Calcutta Khilafat Committee said attendance was lower than usual, as some people were uncertain about the new arrangements or concerned about livestock restrictions.

Residents expressed mixed feelings—some welcomed the spacious new venue and smoother traffic, while others missed the tradition of Red Road prayers. The government’s new policies and visible security presence reflected a broader shift in the state’s approach to public religious events following the political transition.

The US Treasury Secretary has warned that Oman could face sanctions if it assists Iran in implementing a toll system in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. In a post on social media platform X on Thursday, the Secretary stated that the US Treasury would target any party directly or indirectly involved in establishing such a system, emphasizing that Washington would not tolerate any attempt to impose tolls in the vital maritime route.

Later at a White House press conference, the Secretary said he had spoken with Oman’s ambassador earlier that morning. According to him, the ambassador assured that Oman has no plans to introduce any tolls in the Strait of Hormuz. The warning follows ongoing US concerns about potential disruptions to international shipping through the waterway.

The statement underscores Washington’s intent to deter regional actors from supporting measures that could affect global trade through the Strait, one of the world’s most important oil transit routes.

The United States has announced new sanctions targeting Iran’s oil sales linked to its military forces. The U.S. Department of the Treasury made the announcement on Thursday, stating that the restrictions apply to oil sales conducted by Iran’s armed forces. A U.S. official said Tehran and Washington have reached a draft agreement to extend a ceasefire and begin nuclear discussions.

According to the Treasury, the sanctions are part of ongoing economic pressure initiated under the Trump administration to compel Iran to meet U.S. demands. Despite decades of sanctions imposed by both Republican and Democratic administrations, the measures have yielded limited results. The new restrictions specifically target Sepehr Energy Jahan, a branch of Iran’s armed forces that exports millions of barrels of crude oil to China.

In a press release, the Treasury claimed that Iran’s military uses oil revenues obtained through anonymous companies to fund its reconstruction efforts and to threaten neighboring countries.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has strongly condemned the ongoing war by the United States and Israel against Iran, calling for an immediate end to the conflict. In a post on social media platform X on May 29, 2026, Mamdani said the war must stop, highlighting its devastating impact on American civilians abroad and working families at home.

Mamdani noted that the war began three months ago without public consent, emphasizing that those paying the price had no voice in the decision. He stated that thousands of civilians have been killed and 13 U.S. soldiers will never return to their families. He also pointed out that rising fuel and grocery prices, along with budgetary strain, have resulted from a conflict initiated without a single congressional vote.

The remarks, reported by Al Jazeera, underscore growing criticism of the war’s human and economic toll, as concerns mount over its continuation without legislative approval.