Bangladesh’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shama Obaid Islam, stated that the government is maintaining communication with U.S. authorities to ensure a fair investigation and trial over the killing of two Bangladeshi students in Florida. She made the remarks on Monday morning at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport while receiving the remains of Jamil Ahmed Limon, one of the victims. The minister added that the process of bringing back the body of the other victim, Nahida Sultana Brishti, is underway and that the government will stand by the victims’ families.

Limon’s dismembered body arrived in Dhaka at 8:40 a.m. on May 4 after all legal procedures were completed in coordination with the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, the Consulate General in Miami, the victim’s family, university authorities, local Bangladeshi expatriates, and police. His funeral prayer was held earlier at the Islamic Society of Tampa Bay Area mosque. Nahida Sultana Brishti’s body was identified on May 1 by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and her first funeral prayer is scheduled for May 6 in Tampa.

The Bangladesh Embassy in Washington and the Miami Consulate are jointly coordinating the repatriation of Brishti’s remains to Bangladesh.

An Iranian very large crude carrier (VLCC) named 'Derya' has entered Indonesia’s Lombok Strait, reportedly evading detection by the United States Navy. The vessel is now moving through Indonesian waters toward the Riau Islands, according to the oil shipping monitoring group TankerTrackers.com. The group stated on social media that the ship had earlier attempted to unload 1.88 million barrels of Iranian crude oil in India in mid-April but failed.

TankerTrackers added that after the failed attempt in India, the Derya continued southward while other Iranian vessels in the region were being forced back to Iran by the US Navy. The firm also reported that another Iranian supertanker, the 'Huge', carrying 1.9 million barrels of oil, entered the Lombok Strait a day earlier, also heading toward the Riau Islands.

According to TankerTrackers, a total of 25 Iranian oil tankers departed from Iran in April. Of these, seven were sent back to Iranian ports and two were seized by US forces, while the rest reached their destinations successfully.

Around 20,000 sailors aboard nearly 2,000 vessels remain stranded in the Strait of Hormuz following the outbreak of war between Iran and the combined forces of the United States and Israel, according to the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The trapped ships include oil and gas tankers, bulk carriers, cargo ships, and cruise liners. The IMO reported that at least 19 attacks have occurred on vessels in the area since the conflict began, leaving 10 sailors dead and eight others injured.

The organization previously warned that food, fuel, and water supplies on the stranded ships are running dangerously low. Damien Chevalier, director of the IMO’s Maritime Safety Division, stated in March that such a large-scale stranding of sailors is unprecedented in modern times. The IMO has urged all parties involved in the conflict to refrain from further attacks to enable the safe evacuation of the sailors.

The situation underscores the severe humanitarian and logistical risks posed by the ongoing conflict in one of the world’s most critical maritime routes.

U.S. President Donald Trump has unilaterally extended the ceasefire with Iran for an indefinite period, despite Tehran not requesting an extension or sending any delegation to Pakistan for talks. The original 15-day ceasefire, brokered by Pakistan, was set to expire on April 22. Trump also extended the ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel by three weeks. Analysts interpret this move as a sign of Washington’s military and strategic limitations in sustaining prolonged tension with Iran.

The article argues that the indefinite extension reflects a U.S. strategic withdrawal rather than a peace initiative. Iran’s resilience, counter-response capability, and coordination with regional allies have increased the cost of conflict for the United States. Tehran has warned it will treat any renewed aggression as a joint U.S.-Israeli responsibility and remains prepared to defend control over the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route.

The report concludes that the extended ceasefire does not resolve the conflict but shifts it into diplomatic and economic arenas, exposing the declining effectiveness of Washington’s unilateral pressure tactics and highlighting Iran’s emergence as an active power reshaping regional dynamics.

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has announced its support for a mission declared by Donald Trump to restore 'freedom of navigation' in the Strait of Hormuz. The operation begins today, with CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper stating on social media that the defensive mission is essential for regional security and the global economy. The US deployment includes guided missile destroyers, over a hundred air and sea-based combat aircraft, multi-domain unmanned platforms, and 15,000 troops.

Last week, the US State Department introduced a separate initiative called the 'Maritime Freedom Construct' to enhance coordination among international partners for ensuring maritime security in the Hormuz Strait. The CENTCOM announcement comes amid warnings from Iranian officials, who have said that any US intervention in the area would be considered a violation of the ceasefire.

The mission underscores heightened tensions in the region as Washington moves to secure vital shipping routes while Tehran signals strong opposition to foreign military involvement.

Signs of easing tensions have emerged in the Hormuz Strait as U.S. President Donald Trump announced on his social media platform Truth Social that the U.S. Navy will assist in safely moving stranded ships from the area. Trump described the move as a humanitarian effort, noting that many of the vessels have no connection to the ongoing conflict. The operation has been named 'Project Freedom.'

In his post, Trump revealed that his representatives are engaged in what he called 'very positive discussions' with Iran. However, it was not clear whether these talks are limited to ship rescue operations or part of a broader effort to resolve the conflict. The announcement suggests some level of cooperation or understanding between the U.S. and Iran in facilitating the safe passage of ships.

Analysts cited in the report indicated that this development could mark a potential path out of the current deadlock surrounding the Hormuz Strait conflict, which, along with nuclear issues, has been a major obstacle to renewed dialogue between the two sides.

The United States has significantly narrowed its war objectives toward the Hormuz Strait, according to retired US Marine Corps special operations expert Jonathan Hackett. Speaking to Al Jazeera, Hackett said that over the past 60 days, Washington’s goals have shifted from seeking regime change in Iran and dismantling its nuclear and ballistic missile systems to focusing on economic outcomes centered on the strategic waterway. The change follows former president Donald Trump’s announcement of an escort mission, dubbed 'Project Freedom', to rescue ships stranded in the strait.

Hackett described the mission as potentially offering the US a more achievable objective and a dignified exit from the ongoing conflict. Trump has characterized the operation as a humanitarian effort. Hackett, however, noted that the situation also carries diplomatic dimensions, questioning how the US would treat stranded crews from countries with which it lacks friendly relations.

He warned that if Iran obstructs the mission, the situation could deteriorate rapidly, potentially depleting US military resources and forcing American forces into a defensive role, which could also raise new risks for insurance companies.

The United States has decided not to deploy Tomahawk cruise missiles to Germany for the time being, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz confirmed. He stated that the decision was not linked to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent criticism over the Iran war. In an interview with German broadcaster ARD, Merz explained that the U.S. currently lacks sufficient missiles even for its own needs, making such a transfer practically impossible.

Merz recalled that former U.S. President Joe Biden had pledged in 2024 to supply the missiles to strengthen Germany’s deterrence until Europe developed its own defense systems. He also described the planned withdrawal of over 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany as “nothing new,” noting that the deployment had been temporary under the Biden administration and discussions on their return had been ongoing.

The chancellor reaffirmed that NATO’s nuclear protection commitments remain intact and that the United States continues to be Germany’s most important partner within the alliance.

Iran has provided a detailed explanation of its 14-point proposal sent to the United States, according to Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei. Speaking from Tehran, he said the proposal’s main objective is to end the war and reach an agreement. However, the most complex and sensitive issues have been deferred to a later stage for further discussion.

Baghaei explained that the plan will proceed in two phases. The first phase involves achieving a ceasefire and reaching an agreement, while the second phase, beginning within 30 days, will focus on implementing the agreement and addressing remaining matters. He emphasized that Iran’s security guarantees stem from its own strength and influence, particularly its control over the Strait of Hormuz.

Addressing speculation about the 30-day timeframe, Baghaei clarified that it is not a strict deadline or ultimatum but part of a continuous negotiation process. The proposal’s central focus remains on halting the war and maintaining Iran’s negotiating position from a stance of strength.

Retired U.S. Marine Corps special operations expert Jonathan Hackett has said the U.S. Navy does not have enough equipment to safely escort hundreds of stranded ships through the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking to Al Jazeera, Hackett explained that only about 12 U.S. naval vessels are currently capable of providing protection, while before the conflict more than 100 ships passed through the strait daily. He described the task of securing such a large number of vessels as practically impossible.

Hackett identified two major threats: sea mines and Iran’s naval capabilities. He noted that the United States withdrew all its mine-sweeping ships last year, leaving only a few converted vessels for limited operations. He also disputed U.S. claims that Iran’s navy had been destroyed, saying the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps still possesses hundreds of small, fast attack boats capable of harassing or obstructing commercial ships.

Hackett further raised concerns about insurance companies’ willingness to cover ships in the area, suggesting that even if the route were deemed safe, many shipowners might avoid it due to high financial and safety risks.

More than six months after a ceasefire brokered by the United States, Israeli military attacks continue in the blockaded Gaza Strip, targeting local residents. According to a recent report by Israeli newspaper Haaretz, at least 8,000 Palestinian bodies remain trapped under rubble from Israeli strikes. The report, published on April 27, stated that a lack of necessary equipment has hindered recovery efforts. Gaza is currently buried under an estimated 68 million tons of debris, of which less than one percent has been cleared.

A joint analysis by the United Nations, World Bank, and European Union estimated that clearing the debris would cost 1.7 billion dollars. Alexander De Croo, head of the UN Development Programme, said that at the current pace, the cleanup could take seven years. Meanwhile, the Palestinian Health Ministry reported that in the past 24 hours, two people were killed and three injured in Israeli attacks, bringing the total to 830 deaths and 2,345 injuries during the ceasefire period. Overall, more than 72,610 people have been killed and 172,448 injured in Gaza over two years of conflict.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) intelligence branch has warned the United States that it faces only two options in the current situation: entering a major military conflict or reaching an uncomfortable compromise. According to BBC Persian, the IRGC’s recent statement said Washington’s time for decision-making is running out, directly addressing Donald Trump to choose between a tough military move or an undesirable deal.

Trump, in a post on his social media platform Truth Social, said he would review Iran’s peace proposal but initially found it unsatisfactory. Meanwhile, Iran’s state news agency IRNA reported that Tehran responded to a nine-point US proposal with a 14-point counterproposal. Semi-official Tasnim News Agency added that while the US suggested a two-month ceasefire, Iran emphasized that if no resolution is reached within 30 days, ending the conflict entirely would be preferable to a prolonged truce.

Overall, the exchange of conditions and counterconditions has further complicated efforts to ease tensions between the two countries.

A bulk carrier ship was attacked near the coast of Iran by several small boats, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The incident occurred when the northbound vessel was about 11 nautical miles, or 18 kilometers, west of the Iranian city of Sirik. Despite the attack, all crew members were reported safe, and no environmental damage has been confirmed.

UKMTO has not yet identified the attackers or determined the motive behind the assault. The report has raised renewed concerns about maritime security in the region. The incident adds to ongoing tensions surrounding vessel safety near Iranian waters, though no further details have been released.

Authorities are monitoring the situation as uncertainty remains over who carried out the attack and why, leaving questions about potential risks to shipping routes in the area.

Iran has issued a 30-day ultimatum to the United States to resolve all disputes and end ongoing tensions. According to semi-official news agency Nour News, Tehran presented a new 14-point proposal to Washington emphasizing a permanent end to conflict rather than prolonging war. The proposal responds to an earlier nine-point U.S. plan and calls for lifting economic sanctions, ending naval blockades, withdrawing U.S. forces from the region, halting all military activities, and stopping Israel’s military operations in Lebanon.

The report notes that U.S. President Donald Trump rejected a previous Iranian proposal last week, though diplomatic communication between the two sides continues. A fragile three-week ceasefire remains in effect. On Sunday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Omani Foreign Minister Badr Al-Busaidi for key discussions. Oman has previously acted as a mediator in U.S.-Iran talks.

Analysts cited in the report suggest that this renewed diplomatic contact could open the door to future agreements, with global attention now focused on whether Iran’s new proposal can ease Middle East tensions.

Iran has submitted a new 14-point proposal to the United States aimed at permanently ending their ongoing conflict and stabilizing the current war situation. According to semi-official outlet Nour News, Tehran’s plan seeks to resolve bilateral disputes within 30 days, emphasizing not only a ceasefire but also a lasting peace framework. The proposal was presented as a counter to Washington’s earlier nine-point plan.

Key elements of Iran’s proposal include lifting U.S. sanctions on Tehran, ending the naval blockade against Iran, withdrawing American military forces from the Middle East, and halting all hostile military actions. The plan also calls for broader regional de-escalation, including a demand to stop Israel’s military operations in Lebanon.

Despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s rejection of a previous Iranian offer last week, diplomatic engagement continues under a fragile three-week ceasefire. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi recently met with Omani Foreign Minister Badr Al-Busaidi, as Oman continues to play a mediating role between Tehran and Washington.