US Vice President JD Vance stated that Washington is reviewing the conditions for a possible sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey. He said the process involves verifying whether Turkey has met the necessary legal requirements under US law, and that he is working with the Pentagon to assess compliance before any transfer takes place.

Vance emphasized that the matter ultimately depends on the US Congress. He noted that Turkey must fully adhere to American legal standards before receiving the aircraft. The review aims to ensure that all statutory obligations are satisfied prior to any approval of the sale.

According to Vance, if Turkey meets the legal conditions, it will be eligible to obtain the F-35 jets. The statement reflects ongoing scrutiny of defense sales and the importance of congressional oversight in such transactions.

The United States is facing a critical test in Venezuela following a devastating earthquake that struck the country on Wednesday. According to a CNN report, the disaster comes after the Trump administration’s earlier pledge to rebuild Venezuela following the removal of President Nicolás Maduro. President Donald Trump had previously declared that the US would ‘manage’ the country and outlined a three-step plan involving stability, recovery, and transformation.

In the months since Maduro’s ouster, Trump has promoted the success of US involvement in Venezuela and his partnership with interim President Delcy Rodríguez. Just a day before the earthquake, Trump told a rally in Pennsylvania that Venezuela was ‘doing very well’ and that the US was profiting from the relationship. However, the situation on the ground remains dire, with 28 million Venezuelans struggling with inflation, low wages, censorship, and a deep humanitarian crisis.

Following the earthquake, Trump posted on Truth Social that the US government was ready to assist and had instructed all agencies to prepare for rapid action. It remains uncertain how far this commitment will extend and whether Washington can help Venezuela achieve the promised stability and economic growth.

U.S. President Donald Trump sharply criticized several European allies for what he described as inadequate support during the war against Iran. Speaking from the Oval Office alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump said the United States did not need any assistance but had expected stronger backing from European governments. He specifically mentioned disappointment with Italy, the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, and France.

According to the report, Trump reiterated his earlier complaints that European allies had failed to provide sufficient support in the conflict with Iran. His remarks underscored ongoing tensions between Washington and key European partners over military cooperation and burden-sharing within the NATO alliance.

The comments, reported by Middle East Eye, reflect continued friction in transatlantic relations as the U.S. administration seeks greater alignment from European nations on its Middle East policies.

The United States has pledged emergency assistance to Venezuela after two powerful earthquakes struck the country’s northern coast on Wednesday evening. President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. government is ready, willing, and able to help, directing all agencies to prepare for rapid response. Acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez has declared a state of emergency following the disaster.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the first quake, measuring 7.2 magnitude, hit near San Felipe, about 284 kilometers west of Caracas, followed 39 seconds later by a 7.5 magnitude quake near Yumar. The tremors caused widespread destruction across several states, including Trujillo, Carabobo, Miranda, and La Guaira. USGS estimated a 44 percent probability of fatalities reaching 10,000 and a 30 percent chance of exceeding 100,000 deaths due to the region’s vulnerable building structures.

U.S. Under Secretary for Foreign Assistance Jeremy Lewin said a disaster response team and task force have been mobilized to deliver search and rescue units, medical supplies, and humanitarian aid. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau reaffirmed U.S. solidarity with the Venezuelan people and ongoing coordination with local authorities.

Iran has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the funeral of its late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a joint U.S.-Israel airstrike on February 28. According to NDTV, the invitation was sent on behalf of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and delivered to Indian authorities through the Iranian embassy in New Delhi. India has not yet confirmed whether Modi will personally attend or send a delegation.

Iran’s state media reported that the funeral ceremonies will begin on July 4 in Tehran with the first prayer service and three days of national mourning. Khamenei’s body will lie in state at the Grand Mosalla complex on July 4 and 5 for public homage, followed by a state mourning procession on July 6. During the ceremonies, Tehran province will observe a public holiday.

The invitation underscores the diplomatic significance of the event, as Iran prepares for large-scale national observances following the death of its long-serving leader.

Two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.5 and 7.2 magnitude struck Venezuela, causing severe damage in the capital Caracas. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a state of emergency following the quakes, which led to the collapse of several buildings. The Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía was closed after sustaining major damage, and all schools, metro, and rail services were suspended. Non-essential activities across the country were also ordered to halt.

Rodríguez announced that the General Staff of the armed forces had been activated, with the commander general of the Bolivarian National Guard leading the response. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the first quake occurred near San Felipe, about 284 kilometers west of Caracas, followed 39 seconds later by a second quake near Yumar, roughly 293 kilometers west of the capital.

The USGS estimated that the death toll could exceed 10,000, citing that most buildings in Venezuela are not constructed with earthquake-resistant technology, which could lead to even higher casualties.

A series of reports and eyewitness accounts describe escalating violence, discrimination, and state-backed repression against Muslims across India in 2026. In Purulia, West Bengal, a Muslim street vendor was killed by extremist mobs, while others faced police harassment and false charges. Human rights organizations documented widespread attacks, including the demolition of at least 23 mosques, madrasas, and shrines in BJP-ruled states such as Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. The demolitions often occurred without legal notice, targeting centuries-old religious sites.

Post-election violence in West Bengal reportedly intensified under the new BJP government, with bulldozer operations destroying Muslim homes and businesses. The Association for Protection of Civil Rights recorded dozens of violent incidents and property attacks across multiple districts. Human Rights Watch and international observers accused Indian authorities of using collective punishment, unlawful demolitions, and public beatings of Muslim men. U.S. human rights envoy Stephen J. Rapp warned that the persecution could amount to crimes against humanity, citing forced evictions and extrajudicial killings in Assam and Uttar Pradesh.

The reports collectively depict a deteriorating human rights environment for India’s 250 million Muslims, with growing fear, displacement, and erosion of religious freedom.

The Bangladesh Embassy in Riyadh has issued an urgent warning to all Bangladeshi expatriates in Saudi Arabia, advising them not to sign or provide fingerprints on any blank papers. The advisory, signed by Counselor Md. Mehbub Zaman and released on Wednesday, emphasized that such actions could expose individuals to serious legal and financial risks.

According to the embassy notice, signing blank documents at the request or instruction of any person or organization is highly dangerous. Unscrupulous individuals or groups may exploit such signatures for financial fraud, forgery, illegal transactions, or other criminal activities. Victims could face criminal charges, financial losses, imprisonment, fines, or other legal penalties as a result.

The embassy urged all expatriates to fully understand and verify the content of any written document before signing or providing fingerprints, and to exercise utmost caution to avoid potential exploitation or legal complications.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has declared that Israeli forces will not withdraw from southern Lebanon even if pressured by the United States. According to Al Jazeera, citing The Times of Israel, Katz stated that Israel will maintain its military presence in the area despite Washington’s demands.

Katz explained that around 200,000 residents displaced by Israeli attacks and aggression would not be able to return to their homes in southern Lebanon. He argued that previous experiences showed that allowing civilians to live in the security zone led to roadside bombings and attacks on Israeli soldiers. Based on those incidents, he said Israel would not allow a repeat of such situations and would not retreat from the area.

The statement underscores Israel’s firm stance on maintaining control over southern Lebanon, highlighting ongoing tensions in the region amid international calls for de-escalation.

Gulf countries are demanding clear security assurances from the United States in any future agreement with Iran. The issue has gained prominence during U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s current visit to the United Arab Emirates, following recent conflicts in which Iranian counterattacks targeted several Gulf nations. During the war, the UAE faced around 2,800 missile and drone strikes, underscoring its vulnerability.

After his UAE visit, Rubio is scheduled to travel to Kuwait, where key infrastructure such as airports, commercial ports, and desalination plants were also attacked during the conflict. Kuwait considers these facilities critical, as nearly 90 percent of its drinking water comes from desalination plants. The Gulf states view the Strait of Hormuz as strategically vital for their oil and gas exports.

They are therefore seeking U.S. commitments that any future U.S.-Iran deal will include measures to secure the Strait of Hormuz and ensure regional stability, reflecting their heightened security concerns after recent hostilities.

The Australian government has signed a humanitarian assistance agreement with UNICEF to improve the living standards of Rohingya refugees and local communities in Bangladesh. The signing ceremony took place on Wednesday at the Ministry of Home Affairs in Dhaka, where Australian High Commissioner Susan Ryle and UNICEF Representative in Bangladesh, Sheldon Yett, signed the $16 million (approximately 1.37 billion taka) agreement. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed attended the event and expressed gratitude to Australia for its continued support.

According to the report, the agreement is part of Australia’s 2026–2028 humanitarian aid package worth 370 million Australian dollars (about 31.62 billion taka) for Rohingya and local populations in Myanmar and Bangladesh. Since 2017, Australia has provided a total of 1.26 billion Australian dollars (around 107.7 billion taka) in humanitarian assistance to address the regional crisis. UNICEF will use the new funds to support education, nutrition, child protection, and safe water, sanitation, and hygiene services for Rohingya and host communities.

The Home Minister expressed hope that such international cooperation would continue until the voluntary, safe, and dignified repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar becomes possible.

Omar Faruk, a 26-year-old from Ukhrashal village in Katiadi upazila of Kishoreganj, died in a gas cylinder explosion in Albania. His body arrived in Bangladesh on Wednesday morning and was buried in the family graveyard after funeral prayers. Faruk had gone to Albania about two years ago seeking better financial prospects and worked as a factory worker at NCP Company. The fatal explosion occurred on May 24 in the Sihadcity area of Albania.

Family sources said Faruk was the youngest of four brothers and two sisters and a key support for his family. His sudden death has cast deep sorrow over relatives and neighbors, with the entire village mourning his loss.

The incident highlights the risks faced by Bangladeshi migrant workers abroad and the emotional toll on families who depend on them for livelihood and hope.

Three Italian human rights activists detained in Libya while participating in a land convoy delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza have been released, according to Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. The freed individuals were identified as Domenico Centrone, Leonarda Alberizia, and Matias Alvarez Rodriguez, the latter also holding Uruguayan citizenship. Tajani said they were held for about a month and are now under the custody of the Italian consul in Benghazi, with plans to return to Italy the same day.

The activists were members of the Global Sumud Land Convoy, which began its journey from Mauritania to deliver aid to Gaza. At the same time, a related maritime mission, the Global Sumud Flotilla, faced obstruction by Israeli forces in international waters. According to the convoy organizers, ten members from eight countries were detained near the Libyan city of Sirte, including four men and six women.

No details were released regarding the charges or reasons for their detention, leaving the circumstances of the arrests unclear.

The United Nations reported that more than 11,000 residential buildings in southern Lebanon have been completely destroyed in recent clashes, leaving many families without homes to return to. UN Secretary-General’s spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told reporters in New York that an assessment found another 2,200 buildings partially damaged. He said the widespread destruction, ongoing uncertainty, and the presence of unexploded ordnance are major obstacles to safe and sustainable returns.

Despite the devastation, many people are returning to southern Lebanon. According to UN data, about 19,000 people left shelters in a single night to go back to their areas, reducing the number of displaced people in shelters to around 90,000. The UN added that restoring normal life in the affected areas remains a major challenge due to destroyed infrastructure, security risks, and the lack of essential services.

The report underscores the scale of humanitarian and reconstruction challenges facing southern Lebanon following the recent conflict.

A report by The Atlantic, cited by Amar Desh on June 24, 2026, describes how Ukrainian women, known locally as 'Vidma' or 'witches', are playing a key role in resistance operations against Russian forces in occupied territories. These women gather intelligence, often through covert online interactions, and pass it to Ukrainian military units for precision drone strikes. One example involved a Russian soldier deceived by a fake online persona operated by a Ukrainian intelligence officer, leading to a successful drone attack on his base.

The report notes that Ukraine’s resistance tactics have evolved over four years of war, focusing on collecting small pieces of information to identify military targets. Former MP Lesia Orobets said Ukrainian society respects the 'Vidma' for their skills, while resistance organizer Petro Andriushchenko emphasized women’s ability to access areas men cannot. The Ukrainian Women’s Guard has trained over 60,000 women in self-defense and resistance since 2014.

According to the report, intelligence gathered from occupied zones enables rapid drone operations, sometimes within minutes of target identification. However, the publication cautions that independent verification of such wartime claims remains difficult.