Amid the ongoing conflict with Iran, U.S. President Donald Trump appears to be softening his earlier hardline stance. Initially, he had insisted that only Iran’s unconditional surrender would be acceptable, but analysts now observe signs of flexibility in his position. The shift comes as the standoff and blockade in the Strait of Hormuz have disrupted global oil markets, driving up prices and creating economic pressure within the United States.

Although Trump has repeatedly claimed that the U.S. is largely energy independent, rising international oil prices are reportedly affecting the American stock market and broader economy. Diplomatic circles are also discussing the possibility that the U.S. might release some of Iran’s frozen assets as part of a potential settlement. Such a move could be politically uncomfortable for Trump, given his past criticism of the Obama administration’s decision to return Iranian funds during the signing of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Analysts suggest that any similar step now could appear contradictory to Trump’s earlier political stance, adding complexity to his administration’s approach toward Iran.

Hasnat Abdullah, Member of Parliament for Cumilla-4 and leader of the National Citizens Party (NCP), stated that misuse of power never lasts. In a Facebook post on Sunday, he said that an old political culture of suppressing dissent, protecting attackers, and filing cases against victims is returning. He also alleged that courts are gradually being turned into tools for partisan advantage.

Abdullah mentioned that Tariq Reza was recently arrested in Jhenaidah, while those accused of attacking Nasiruddin Patwari and Tariq Reza are out on bail. He added that Ayon Rahman was taken by the Detective Branch last night but has not yet been presented in court. He warned that oppression accumulates like a mountain and eventually turns back on those who think they control everything.

The post reflects Abdullah’s criticism of current political and judicial practices, emphasizing that abuse of authority cannot sustain itself indefinitely.

BNP leaders in Bogarchar Union of Bakshiganj upazila, Jamalpur, have returned 4,024 Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) cards following public controversy. The cards were handed back to acting union chairman Sohel Rana Palash on Thursday after a video circulated on social media showing BNP activists receiving the cards, sparking widespread criticism. Local sources confirmed the return took place at the union council office.

BNP leaders, including acting union president Belayet Hossain Bulal and upazila general secretary Zahidul Islam Prince, denied that any party members had accepted the cards, stating that they left the cards with the chairman as there was no party directive. Acting chairman Sohel Rana Palash declined to comment despite multiple attempts to reach him.

Bakshiganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer Murad Hossain said the cards were retrieved from BNP leaders and would be redistributed to legitimate beneficiaries under government rules. He added that any proven irregularities would result in strict legal action against those involved.

A court in Bahrain has sentenced nine individuals to life imprisonment on charges of collaborating with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). According to Bahrain’s state news agency, two other defendants in the same case received three-year prison terms. The court found that the accused had cooperated with the IRGC to conduct hostile and terrorist activities against the country.

The report stated that the convicted individuals were involved in gathering information on key and sensitive installations and in financial transactions related to these activities. Authorities did not disclose the identities of the accused or details of the investigation.

Bahrain has long accused Iran of interfering in its internal security affairs, while Tehran has consistently denied such allegations, according to the report.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar said the country's first budget was Tk 786 crore, while the upcoming one is set at Tk 9.38 trillion. Speaking at a discussion titled “National Budget Thoughts” in Dhaka’s Paltan area, he stated that despite the budget’s growth over 55 years, it has not reflected public aspirations or improved living standards. He cautioned that budgets have sometimes become tools for looting and called on the government to ensure the next budget avoids corruption.

Porwar emphasized Jamaat-e-Islami’s readiness to cooperate in revitalizing the economy and said both the government and opposition must play equal roles in national development. The event, chaired by Dr. AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad, featured a keynote by Professor Dr. AKM Waresul Karim of North South University and speeches from several political and media figures.

Dhaka South Jamaat leader Md. Nurul Islam Bulbul added that budget-making should move beyond traditional methods and focus on poverty reduction, agricultural growth, and domestic resource exploration to reduce dependence on foreign loans.

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma paid a farewell call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday afternoon. The meeting took place at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Cabinet Division of the Bangladesh Secretariat in Dhaka. Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman was also present during the meeting.

The farewell meeting marked the conclusion of Pranay Verma’s diplomatic tenure in Bangladesh. The discussion was held in a formal setting, reflecting the continuation of diplomatic engagement between Bangladesh and India. No further details about the content of the meeting were disclosed in the report.

The event underscores the routine diplomatic process of ambassadorial transitions between the two neighboring countries, maintaining continuity in bilateral relations.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Tehran is not pursuing the development or acquisition of nuclear weapons. His remarks came as discussions between Iran and the United States over Iran’s ongoing nuclear program continue. According to local media reports, Pezeshkian emphasized that Iran is ready to assure the world it is not seeking nuclear arms.

At the same time, the president made clear that the Iranian delegation participating in the negotiations will not compromise on matters related to the nation’s honor and dignity. His comments were reported by Al Jazeera and reflect Iran’s official stance amid international scrutiny of its nuclear activities.

The statement underscores Tehran’s effort to project a cooperative image in global diplomacy while maintaining a firm position on national sovereignty during the ongoing nuclear discussions.

Former interim government cultural affairs adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki shared a message from Safat Siddiqui, the mother of July uprising martyr Shafik Uddin Ahmed Ahnaf, expressing deep sorrow and anger. She said no mother should again lose her child for the country. Farooki posted her words on Facebook, saying he is moved each time he reads them and condemning those who trivialize the July killings in media discussions.

Farooki compared denial of the July massacre to Holocaust denial, noting that in many European countries such denial is punishable by law. He urged Bangladesh to consider similar legislation to prevent social disorder and to include provisions against denying genocide during the Liberation War. He warned that normalizing fascist narratives would erase the memory of July and dishonor the martyrs.

He emphasized that Bangladesh is not a traitorous nation and honors its martyrs, but mocking their sacrifice deeply wounds bereaved families. He called on society to take such pain seriously.

Officials from the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP) paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday afternoon at the Cabinet Division in the Bangladesh Secretariat. The meeting was confirmed by the Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Zahidul Islam Rony.

During the meeting, discussions focused on the rehabilitation programs for people with paralysis. CRP representatives presented details of their ongoing activities, including medical and rehabilitation services. The delegation included CRP founder trustee Dr. Valerie A. Taylor, executive director Dr. Mohammad Sohrab Hossain, trustee chairman Muhammad Saidur Rahman, trustee Mushtaq Ahmed, and other senior officials.

The meeting highlighted CRP’s continuing efforts to support individuals with disabilities and strengthen rehabilitation initiatives across Bangladesh.

Bangladesh Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed stated that the government wants former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to face trial. He made the remarks on Monday at the Secretariat during a 'BSRF Dialogue' organized by the Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum (BSRF). Responding to a question about Sheikh Hasina’s possible return and travel pass discussions, the minister said that the government had already sent repeated extradition requests to India through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He emphasized that the government expects India to return Sheikh Hasina under the existing extradition treaty between the two countries so that she can face legal proceedings. The minister also announced that the government is preparing a new law to strictly regulate gambling, betting, and online gambling, replacing the outdated 1867 law.

Salahuddin Ahmed expressed hope that the new legislation would be introduced in the next parliamentary session, aiming to address modern forms of gambling and related crimes. The event was chaired by BSRF President Masudul Haque and moderated by General Secretary Ubaidullah Badol.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed deep concern to US President Donald Trump regarding a possible new agreement between Iran and the United States. According to Israel’s state broadcaster Kan, Netanyahu directly conveyed his worries to the Trump administration, particularly about clauses related to Lebanon and the postponement of discussions on Iran’s nuclear program. The draft memorandum reportedly includes a proposal to extend a 60-day ceasefire.

A key provision of the proposed deal seeks a permanent end to hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, while maintaining Israel’s right to respond if Hezbollah launches any attacks or provocations. However, the delay in addressing Iran’s nuclear activities has emerged as the most contentious issue for Israel.

Netanyahu fears that deferring nuclear discussions could complicate Middle East security. Israeli sources said he has cautioned Trump that failing to prioritize Iran’s nuclear issue immediately may heighten regional instability.

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis reserved seat MP Engineer Mahbuba Hakim visited the family of Ramisa at their Pallabi residence on Sunday around noon. During the visit, she offered condolences to the grieving relatives and assured them that the perpetrators would face prompt and exemplary punishment.

Citing a hadith, Mahbuba Hakim said that the goal is to build a state where women fear only Allah and not criminals or oppressors. The meeting was also attended by several party leaders, including Dhaka North city general secretary Maulana Murshid Siddiqi, who later spoke to the media. He described the killing of child Ramisa as a deep wound to the nation’s heart and urged for exemplary punishment to prevent such crimes.

Murshid Siddiqi emphasized the need to eliminate judicial delays, ensure effective law enforcement, and end the culture of impunity to safeguard public security.

International Crimes Tribunal Chief Prosecutor Aminul Islam said he has no knowledge of whether any investigation is underway into alleged crimes against humanity by the Awami League as a political party. He made the remark on Sunday during a press briefing at his office in response to a journalist’s question about the progress of such an investigation reportedly mentioned by a former chief prosecutor. Aminul Islam clarified that only the responsible investigation agency could confirm whether such a probe exists.

Addressing questions about the arrest of two journalists, Farzana Rupa and Mozammel Babu, in connection with the Shaplachattar massacre case, Aminul Islam said they were shown arrested under the tribunal’s jurisdiction and that Amnesty International should not intervene in an ongoing judicial process. He emphasized that the investigation agency must be allowed to work independently and that no innocent person would be harassed.

The Chief Prosecutor also stated that verdicts in two crimes against humanity cases are expected after Eid in June, with 22 trials ongoing and 31 investigations nearing completion. He added that 150 enforced disappearance and crossfire cases are being prioritized for investigation.

State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj has issued a stern warning that no negligence or irregularities will be tolerated in the supply and quality of nutritious food under the school feeding program. He made the remarks on Sunday in Dhaka while addressing a directive meeting with suppliers, project officials, and field-level officers involved in the initiative.

Hajjaj emphasized that the program is directly linked to children’s nutrition, health, and future, and therefore demands the highest level of responsibility from all parties, including government officials and suppliers. The program currently operates in 151 upazilas with a budget of about Tk 5,500 crore. He instructed suppliers to strictly follow new directives such as full supply chain mapping, appointment of food technicians, local sourcing, timely delivery, and strengthened quality control.

The meeting also discussed field-level challenges raised by suppliers. Hajjaj assured greater cooperation from teachers, headteachers, and local administration, noting that the pilot program’s current issues will be resolved before expanding it nationwide.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that no national decision will be made without the approval of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, particularly regarding any potential agreement between Iran and the United States. Speaking to the state-run Tasnim News Agency, Pezeshkian emphasized that any statement or stance causing division within society ultimately strengthens the enemy’s position.

He further clarified that all decisions in Iran must occur within the framework of the Supreme National Security Council and with the Supreme Leader’s authorization. According to Pezeshkian, the country’s administration functions through unified decision-making and collective loyalty.

Analysts cited in the report said Pezeshkian’s remarks reaffirm the Supreme Leader’s ultimate control over Iran’s policymaking, especially in the context of possible diplomatic talks with the United States.