US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told the House Foreign Affairs Committee that the military operation 'Epic Fury' against Iran has ended, and the United States is no longer conducting regular strikes inside Iran. He claimed the US achieved victory in the campaign, which began on February 28 as a joint US-Israel operation and later spread across the Middle East. According to Rubio, the mission destroyed Iran’s defense infrastructure, reduced missile launchers and drone stockpiles, and crippled its remaining air and naval forces.

Democratic lawmakers rejected Rubio’s assertion, arguing that hostilities continue. They cited an Iranian attack on a Kuwaiti airport that killed one person and injured 63, as well as a drone strike in Bahrain, where US forces are stationed. Representative Sara Jacobs said the Strait of Hormuz remains closed and American troops remain at risk.

Rubio also said talks are underway over Iran’s nuclear program, particularly its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. No peace deal has been reached. The US demands Iran hand over near-weapons-grade uranium, limit nuclear activity, and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran insists on the release of $12 billion in frozen assets before negotiations.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has decided to remove the requirement for candidates to submit pledges in the upcoming local government elections. The decision, discussed in a recent EC meeting, is part of a broader revision of election regulations. The commission believes the presence or absence of such pledges does not significantly affect candidacy eligibility. Preparations are underway to begin the local government elections, likely starting with Union Parishad polls in October 2026.

According to EC sources, the draft regulations are expected to be finalized by June 10 and sent to the government for approval within the month. The new proposals include raising deposits for various positions: Union Parishad chairmen from 5,000 to 20,000 taka, members from 1,000 to 10,000 taka, and municipal and city corporation posts with proportional increases. The EC also plans to adjust campaign spending limits for certain posts.

Local Government State Minister Mir Shah Alam stated that a detailed election roadmap will be announced after budget allocations are confirmed. Most local government bodies are currently run by administrators, and the EC has developed election calendar software to streamline scheduling and data management.

During a congressional hearing on Wednesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio declined to confirm whether Israel possesses nuclear weapons when questioned by Democratic Congressman Joaquin Castro. Rubio stated that most countries believe Israel has such weapons but refused to disclose Washington’s official position, suggesting the matter be discussed privately. He acknowledged that avoiding public discussion of Israel’s nuclear capability has long been a feature of US foreign policy.

Castro pressed for a clear answer, arguing that the issue is crucial given US involvement alongside Israel in conflict with Iran. He expressed concern that the US government may lack essential information about Israel’s nuclear limits and decision-making. Rubio responded that the question was fair and said he was willing to address it in a classified setting, noting the need to balance competing interests.

The report also noted that Israel has not signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and has never officially confirmed possessing nuclear weapons, though some Israeli officials have hinted at their existence.

US President Donald Trump has again emphasized Washington’s interest in taking control of Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Speaking at the Oval Office on Wednesday, Trump said he wanted to obtain the material, adding that only the United States and China possess the necessary equipment to recover it. He told reporters that the US would go and bring it back.

On the same day, the US House of Representatives passed a war powers bill aimed at limiting President Trump’s authority to conduct military operations against Iran. The proposal, introduced by Democrats, was approved by a vote of 215 to 208 in Washington.

The developments highlight renewed tensions between the US administration and Iran, as well as growing congressional efforts to restrict unilateral military action by the president.

Bahrain has arrested 15 individuals accused of working for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The announcement came just hours after Iran reportedly launched attacks on Bahrain and neighboring Kuwait. The Bahraini Interior Ministry said investigations are ongoing to identify all persons linked to the suspected Iranian cell.

Security operations in Bahrain have been continuing since late February, when Iran began attacks on the country. Last month, Bahraini courts sentenced nine people to life imprisonment for allegedly conducting terrorist activities with IRGC support. In April, authorities revoked the citizenship of 69 people accused of backing Iranian attacks on Bahrain.

Bahrain, which has a large Shia population, has long faced internal tensions. Many Shia citizens claim political and economic marginalization, while the government denies discrimination and repeatedly accuses Iran of inciting unrest in the kingdom.

The US House of Representatives has passed a resolution aimed at restricting President Donald Trump’s authority to conduct military operations against Iran. The ‘War Powers’ resolution, introduced by Democrats, was approved in Washington on Wednesday by a 215–208 vote, with four Republican members joining Democrats in support. The measure succeeded partly due to some Republicans’ absence and growing discontent within the party over Trump’s Iran policy.

Trump had pledged during his campaign not to start new wars and initially suggested that any conflict with Iran would end quickly. However, the source notes that resolving tensions through dialogue has become increasingly difficult. This is the first time such a resolution has passed the House after three previous failed attempts.

The decision is expected to influence similar efforts in the Republican-controlled Senate, though any measure would still require the president’s signature to become law. Analysts in Washington described the passage of the resolution from a chamber under partial Republican control as a rare setback for Trump.

The US House of Representatives passed a war powers bill on Wednesday in Washington aimed at limiting President Donald Trump’s authority to conduct military operations against Iran. The resolution, introduced by Democrats, passed by a vote of 215 to 208. It requires the president to withdraw US forces from ongoing hostilities with Iran unless Congress explicitly authorizes military action. This marks the first successful passage of such a measure after three previous failed attempts.

The House decision is expected to influence similar efforts in the Republican-controlled Senate, though any measure would still require the president’s signature to become law. Observers noted that Trump is likely to veto any attempt to restrict his powers. The US Constitution grants Congress, not the White House, the authority to decide on military deployments, and lawmakers have been criticized for neglecting this role in recent years.

Four Republican representatives joined Democrats in supporting the bill, while six Republicans were absent. The Senate’s final vote on a similar proposal remains uncertain, though three Republican senators have already expressed support.

Former US President Donald Trump has told his associates that he would consider ending the ongoing ceasefire with Iran if any American soldiers are killed, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. The report, citing US officials, indicates that despite minor clashes and tensions with Iranian forces, the United States has maintained its decision to suspend major military operations for several weeks.

The report further notes that Trump’s reluctance to initiate a large-scale war suggests he may be willing to tolerate limited skirmishes or tensions for weeks or even months to avoid a broader conflict in the Middle East. However, Al Jazeera stated that it could not independently verify the authenticity of the Wall Street Journal report.

The situation underscores the fragile balance in US-Iran relations, where isolated incidents could potentially escalate into renewed hostilities if American casualties occur.

A video showing empty chairs at a reception for BNP lawmaker Dr. Abdus Salam from Thakurgaon-2 has gone viral on social media, prompting widespread discussion. The event took place on Tuesday at Samir Uddin College field in Baliadangi, organized by the upazila BNP and its affiliated bodies to honor the newly elected MP. The footage showed guests on stage but few attendees in front, leading some users to label it a “reception in an empty field.”

In response, Dr. Salam’s daughter Kashfia Salam Nirjhar stated on Facebook that the viral video did not represent the full event. She explained that her father’s main program was scheduled for the evening but was held earlier because he had to return to Dhaka for urgent work. BNP activists and local residents also claimed the video captured only a brief moment and that the evening program drew a large crowd.

Organizers said the MP’s early departure led to a rescheduled reception, followed by a cultural program later in the evening attended by thousands, though some senior local BNP leaders were notably absent.

Former Narayanganj City Corporation mayor and Awami League leader Dr. Selina Hayat Ivy was released from Kashimpur Women’s Jail at 10:10 p.m. on Wednesday after securing bail. The information was confirmed by the prison department’s AIG (Media), Jannat-ul Farhad. The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court upheld her bail in twelve separate cases, including one involving murder charges linked to the anti-discrimination movement, clearing the way for her release.

According to prison authorities and related sources, Ivy was arrested on May 9 of the previous year from her residence in Deovog, Narayanganj, in connection with a case tied to the anti-discrimination student and public movement. She was later shown arrested in a total of twelve cases. Following a series of bail orders from higher courts, the Supreme Court’s chamber judge upheld all previous High Court bail decisions, completing the legal process that led to her release.

Ivy previously served as mayor of Narayanganj Municipality from 2003 to 2011 and later won three consecutive elections as mayor of the newly formed Narayanganj City Corporation.

India has appointed diplomat Vipul, a 1998-batch Indian Foreign Service officer, as its next ambassador to Saudi Arabia, marking the first time a non-Muslim envoy will represent New Delhi in Riyadh. The Ministry of External Affairs formally announced the appointment on Tuesday, replacing outgoing ambassador Suhel Ajaz Khan, also from the 1998 batch. Vipul currently serves as India’s ambassador to Qatar.

Since independence in 1948, India had consistently appointed Muslim diplomats as ambassadors to Saudi Arabia and consuls general in Jeddah, largely due to their role in facilitating the annual Hajj pilgrimage for thousands of Indian pilgrims. However, the pool of experienced Muslim diplomats has reportedly declined in recent decades, making it difficult to find suitable successors. In some cases, ambassadors had to extend their tenures or be selected from outside the regular diplomatic cadre.

Vipul assumes his new post at a time of shifting regional dynamics, with Saudi Arabia navigating tensions with Iran and competing with the United Arab Emirates for economic and diplomatic influence. Despite these changes, Riyadh remains a key partner for India in energy, trade, investment, and the welfare of its expatriate community.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief and opposition leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said he has donated his parliamentary honorarium to a Qawmi madrasa. Speaking at the party’s Eid reunion event on Wednesday night, he stated that he had pledged not to take any government benefits if elected and has kept that promise. He explained that although he must receive the parliamentary allowance, he has dedicated it as a waqf to the madrasa, expressing confidence that he can live without using that money.

During the same event, Rahman emphasized that Islami Bank belongs to the people, not to any political party. He said depositors are the true owners of the bank and vowed to stand in defense of them if they face violence. He criticized the appointment of what he described as a “fascist’s associate” to the bank’s leadership and questioned whether the spouse of a loan defaulter should hold the position of chairman.

His remarks come amid ongoing discussions about Islami Bank’s management and ownership, reflecting Jamaat’s continued interest in the institution’s integrity and independence.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has stopped an attempt by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) to construct a barbed-wire fence near the zero line at the Purba Uchna Ghonapara border in Panchbibi upazila of Joypurhat district. The incident occurred late Tuesday night when BSF members began fencing work near sub-pillars 47 and 48 of pillar 281. Local residents alerted BGB, which intervened and halted the construction, leading to heightened tension between the two border forces.

Following the confrontation, a flag meeting was held between BGB and BSF, where both sides agreed to suspend the fencing activity. However, reports indicated that BSF continued efforts to install the fence near the zero line on Wednesday, causing fear among local residents. Joypurhat-20 BGB Commander Lt. Col. Latiful Bari stated that BGB prevented BSF from building the fence within 150 yards of the zero line and remains on high alert while discussions with BSF continue.

The situation underscores ongoing border sensitivity following recent elections in West Bengal, with both sides maintaining communication to prevent escalation.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh has strongly protested the government’s recent decision to raise electricity prices, calling for its immediate cancellation. The party’s Assistant Secretary General and Acting President of Dhaka South, Maulana Ahmad Abdul Kaiyum, expressed deep concern over the move during an emergency meeting held on Wednesday at the party’s central office in Purana Paltan, Dhaka.

Kaiyum stated that the price hike would severely affect ordinary citizens already facing economic hardship. He warned that higher electricity costs would increase production expenses, raise living costs, and weaken the competitiveness of local industries, ultimately harming the national economy. He argued that addressing system losses, electricity theft, illegal connections, and corruption in the power sector would eliminate the need for any price increase.

He further criticized the government for prioritizing profit over public welfare, saying that subsidies come from citizens’ money. Describing the price hike as an additional blow to struggling people, he urged the government to withdraw the decision and consider the public interest.

An employee of Banoful & Company’s Tajpur branch in Osmaninagar, Sylhet, was fined 50,000 taka and dismissed after addressing Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Munmun Nahar Asha as 'Apa' during her visit on May 29, 2026. The incident occurred when the UNO, accompanied by her daughter, visited the shop in disguise as a customer. Following the exchange, she reportedly became angry and initiated a mobile court action, leading to the fine and subsequent dismissal of the employee, Abdul Mannan.

The case sparked widespread discussion locally, with residents questioning the neutrality of the mobile court and the proper use of administrative authority. Abdul Mannan later sought leniency from the UNO’s office but received no response, prompting him to approach local BNP leaders and Sylhet-2 MP Tahsina Rushdir Luna. Political intervention eventually led to his reinstatement, though he was transferred to the company’s Sylhet factory, and the fine amount will be deducted from his salary.

Local officials and managers provided differing accounts, while the UNO did not respond to calls seeking comment on the matter.