The Wall Street Journal has reported that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) played a covert military role in the recent war against Iran, coordinating with the United States and Israel to carry out dozens of strikes inside Iranian territory. The report, published on Friday, cited individuals familiar with the matter who said the UAE began attacks near the start of the conflict and continued operations until the day after a ceasefire was declared. The strikes reportedly targeted sites including Qeshm and Abu Musa islands, Bandar Abbas, Lavan Island’s oil refinery, and the Asaluyeh petrochemical complex.

According to the report, some UAE strikes were retaliatory responses to Iranian attacks on Emirati oil and gas infrastructure, which faced more than 2,800 missile and drone strikes during the conflict. The Journal said Abu Dhabi’s involvement was deeper than previously understood, contrasting with Saudi Arabia’s more cautious diplomatic stance. Riyadh reportedly complained to Washington that UAE attacks were heightening risks to regional energy facilities and urged diplomatic restraint.

The UAE Foreign Ministry responded that Iran bore full responsibility for the conflict and its consequences, while earlier incidents had already drawn international attention to Emirati strikes inside Iran.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has described Pakistan as a 'true friend', highlighting the strengthening ties between Washington and Islamabad. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue security conference in Singapore, Hegseth credited Pakistan’s leadership for playing a key role in peace initiatives aimed at ending the Iran war. His remarks were later published by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), the event’s organizer.

Hegseth praised Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for their constructive contributions to the peace process. He said an unexpected but genuine friendship is emerging between the two nations. According to Hegseth, this growing partnership was also evident when US President Donald Trump successfully mediated to ease military tensions between India and Pakistan last year.

The comments underscore a shift in US-Pakistan relations, with both sides finding common ground in regional stability and conflict resolution efforts.

Several sources have reported that hundreds of alleged Bangladeshis have been gathered near the Hakimpur border area in India’s West Bengal, reportedly for repatriation to Bangladesh. These individuals are said to have entered India illegally at different times and are now being held in temporary centers for identity verification. Local reports suggest that the Border Security Force (BSF) may have already sent some people toward the Bangladesh border, though this has not been officially confirmed.

Bangladesh’s Border Guard (BGB) and local authorities have denied any forced repatriation or formal handover, stating that no such incidents have occurred. Officials in Satkhira and other border districts said the situation on the Bangladeshi side remains normal, with no evidence of mass entry or push-in attempts. BGB has increased surveillance and remains on high alert.

According to BGB officials, any formal repatriation must follow established procedures, and claims of secret mass transfers are unrealistic. They confirmed that previous push-in attempts were prevented, with the last reported case occurring on May 26.

US President Donald Trump this week urged several Arab and Muslim nations to normalize relations with Israel as part of a proposed deal to end the war with Iran. He asked these countries to sign the Abraham Accords, but none of the nations he named have responded to his proposal. Analysts described Trump’s last-minute condition as abrupt and unrealistic, noting that the countries whose cooperation he needs are not taking the demand seriously.

Aaron David Miller of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace called the move a diversionary tactic. Former Pakistani diplomat Asif Durrani said on social media that Gulf states, already facing security and economic losses from regional tensions, would risk deepening divisions by normalizing ties with Israel. Although Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Jordan, and Bahrain did not join the initial US-Israeli strikes on Iran, they have faced Iranian counterattacks.

According to the report, none of the eight countries Trump mentioned have issued official reactions, and even Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has remained silent. Regional officials reiterated that recognition of Israel would depend on credible progress toward establishing a Palestinian state.

Israel has announced it will sever all ties with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres after the UN added Israel to a blacklist of countries accused of sexual violence in conflict zones. The decision was revealed on Thursday in a video message posted on X by Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, who said Israel would no longer work with the Secretary-General. Danon criticized the upcoming UN report, calling the allegations that Israel used sexual violence as a weapon of war 'unreasonable.'

The UN report placed Israel among nations whose military and security forces have repeatedly committed acts such as rape against detainees or vulnerable populations. The Secretary-General had previously warned that such measures could be taken. In response, Israel’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement labeling the UN as a 'political and corrupt organization' that systematically targets Israel and has abandoned its founding principles.

Israel stated it would not re-engage with the Secretary-General’s office until a new UN chief is appointed. Guterres’s current term is set to end on December 31.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated that no final agreement has been reached with the United States to end the ongoing war. He explained that several issues, including Iran’s nuclear program, remain unresolved. Baghaei confirmed that message exchanges between Tehran and Washington are continuing, but no conclusive understanding has been achieved so far.

Speaking to state television on Friday, Baghaei emphasized that Iran is currently focused on ending the war rather than discussing details of its nuclear plans. He also asserted that no Western power can compel the Islamic Republic to act against its will, stressing that Iran makes decisions based on its national interests and rights.

The comments, reported by Al Jazeera, highlight the ongoing diplomatic exchanges between Iran and the United States while underlining Tehran’s firm stance on sovereignty and independence in decision-making.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the United States is fully capable of resuming war against Iran if necessary, citing a weapons stockpile exceeding current needs. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, he emphasized that Washington is prepared to act should the situation demand it.

Hegseth explained that the US maintains a balance between advanced and abundant weaponry, ensuring readiness for any potential conflict. He also declared that the era of subsidizing wealthy nations is over. During his remarks, he warned that domination of the Pacific region by any hegemonic power would disrupt the regional balance of power.

He added that while discussions about a possible conflict with Iran have continued for months, the United States remains committed to maintaining a “free and open Indo-Pacific.”

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM), responsible for military operations in the Middle East, has stated that American forces remain present and alert throughout the region. The announcement was made through a post on social media platform X, where the command shared an image related to its ongoing operations.

According to CENTCOM, the shared image shows an F-16 fighter jet flying over Middle Eastern airspace while on patrol. The post underscores continued US military vigilance in the area, though no additional operational details were provided in the statement.

The information was reported by Al Jazeera, and the CENTCOM post reflects ongoing monitoring and readiness activities by US forces in the region.

U.S. President Donald Trump has held Hezbollah solely responsible for the ongoing conflict with Israel, according to remarks conveyed to Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. Senator Marco Rubio stated that Hezbollah must immediately stop its attacks to create an opportunity for easing tensions with Israel. Rubio also praised Aoun’s courage and foresight in continuing direct talks with Israel.

Rubio said Hezbollah is attempting to undermine efforts to seize a historic opportunity for advancing peace and stability. He reaffirmed Washington’s support for diplomatic initiatives aimed at reducing tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border.

Despite a ceasefire, Israel continues to carry out full-scale attacks in Lebanon, while Hezbollah is conducting retaliatory strikes, according to the report sourced from Middle East Eye.

US President Donald Trump has announced the lifting of the naval blockade imposed on Iran last month. The announcement was made through a post on his social media platform, Truth Social. Trump stated that the blockade on Iranian ports would soon be removed, allowing detained ships to return to their destinations.

In his post, Trump outlined several conditions for a potential US-Iran agreement. He said Iran must pledge never to develop nuclear weapons and ensure free passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz without any tolls. He also demanded that any mines in the strait be cleared, claiming that US forces had already destroyed several through explosions.

Trump further claimed that the United States, with assistance from the International Atomic Energy Agency, would recover and destroy uranium that had been damaged in an underground Iranian facility during a US B-2 bomber strike about eleven months ago.

Iran has confirmed that message exchanges with the United States are ongoing but no final agreement has been reached. The statement came from Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei, who issued a formal response emphasizing Tehran’s cautious stance. He strongly rejected the tone and language used by U.S. President Donald Trump, asserting that Iran abandoned the language of imposed conditions 47 years ago.

Baghaei stressed that Iran bases all its decisions solely on the interests and rights of its people. Addressing the issue of the naval blockade and the Strait of Hormuz, he said that what the United States calls a blockade is, from Iran’s perspective, an illegal act since the beginning of the war, violating both the ceasefire and international maritime freedom. He added that Iran will observe whether the announced lifting of the blockade is implemented in practice or remains a mere publicity claim.

Overall, Tehran’s message was one of caution, indicating that despite ongoing discussions, the main contentious issues between the two countries remain unresolved.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared that Washington will not accept any form of Chinese dominance, speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia’s leading security summit held in Singapore. Addressing the gathering, he warned that no nation, including China, should seek unilateral control or threaten the security of the United States and its allies.

Despite the strong message, Hegseth noted that under President Trump, US-China relations are currently at their best in many years. He said military-level communication channels remain open and meetings are taking place more frequently. He emphasized that the United States expects China to respect its long-standing presence in the region.

Hegseth reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific, even as attention has recently been diverted by the war in Iran. He also stated that the era of the United States subsidizing wealthy nations has come to an end.

Return flights for Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims are set to begin tonight following the completion of Hajj rituals. The first flight, operated by Saudia Airlines (SV-5806), will depart from King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah at 12:10 a.m. local time. On the first day, a total of 13 flights will carry 5,434 pilgrims back to Bangladesh.

The Hajj flight operations began on April 17 when Prime Minister Tareq Rahman inaugurated the first outbound flight from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. The final flight carrying Bangladeshi pilgrims to Saudi Arabia arrived on May 21. The Ministry of Religious Affairs completed all necessary arrangements, including tent rentals, transportation contracts, housing, and visa processing, within the timeframe set by the Saudi government.

Authorities coordinated with airlines to ensure smooth transportation, allowing all registered pilgrims to travel to Saudi Arabia without any schedule disruptions. The return flights are scheduled to continue until July 1.

Israeli forces have indefinitely closed the historic Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron, located in the occupied West Bank, according to reports from the Palestinian news agency Wafa cited by Al Jazeera on Friday, May 29, 2026. The closure prevented Palestinian worshippers from performing Friday prayers. Soldiers reportedly ordered all worshippers, guards, staff, and caretakers to leave the premises before sealing off the entire mosque area and shutting nearby checkpoints and gates.

The Palestinian Ministry of Religious Affairs condemned the move, describing it as part of ongoing efforts to alter the mosque’s religious and administrative status quo and a serious violation of religious freedom. Local residents said that restrictions on Palestinian movement and worship in Hebron’s Old City have intensified over time, strengthening Israeli control.

The report added that on May 27, under heavy Israeli restrictions, only a limited number of Palestinians were able to perform Eid al-Adha prayers at the mosque. The Ibrahimi Mosque area remains under full Israeli military control, with about 1,500 soldiers deployed to protect roughly 400 settlers.

According to a report by Middle East Eye, the United States and Israel are actively working to remove Jordan from its long-standing supervisory role over the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex in Jerusalem. The report states that a new arrangement is being drafted to bring the management of the holy site under Israeli authority, with the aim of transforming it into a multi-faith center. The initiative is reportedly being led by Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump, and US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee.

Unnamed American and Arab officials cited in the report said the proposed plan would end the authority of the Jordan-backed Islamic Waqf and allow Jews equal access and organized prayer rights at the site. Israel would also gain influence over the appointment of religious leaders and the content of Friday sermons. The plan envisions Al-Aqsa as a shared religious and tourism site for Islam, Christianity, and Judaism.

The proposal has reportedly been communicated to Bahrain, Egypt, Morocco, and the United Arab Emirates, suggesting a rotational oversight model among Arab states. Saudi Arabia, however, is said to have strongly opposed the idea, while the UAE and Bahrain have not yet clarified their positions.