U.S. President Donald Trump held separate telephone conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday, days before the NATO summit scheduled in Ankara on July 7–8. Both Kremlin and Kyiv confirmed that the discussions covered the ongoing war in Ukraine and other international issues. The calls also coincided with greetings exchanged on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence.

According to Russian foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov, the 85-minute conversation between Trump and Putin focused on the peaceful resolution of the Ukraine crisis and Trump’s participation in the upcoming NATO summit. The two leaders also discussed the situation in Iran and the Middle East. Zelensky described his own call with Trump as “very productive,” noting that they discussed the battlefield situation, diplomatic efforts, and the possibility of ending the war. Both agreed to continue talks during the NATO summit in Ankara.

The source noted that despite Russia’s claims of progress, recent months have seen little change on the front lines, with heavy losses on both sides and stalled diplomatic efforts.

The funeral of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and four of his family members was held in Tehran on Sunday morning, the third day of a seven-day mourning and burial process. The ceremony took place at 8 a.m. local time, led by Shia cleric Jafar Sobhani. Khamenei, aged 86, was killed on February 28 in a joint U.S.-Israeli attack that also claimed the lives of his daughter Bushra Khamenei, granddaughter Zahra Mohammadi Golpayegani, and other relatives. State media showed Zahra’s small coffin placed beside her grandfather’s.

Iran declared a national holiday for the funeral, with large crowds gathering in the capital under tight security. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps confirmed the arrangements, and authorities warned of overcrowding risks. Millions of Iranians had joined earlier mourning events, marking one of the largest gatherings since the 1989 funeral of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

Following Khamenei’s death, his son Mojtaba Khamenei was named the new Supreme Leader but has not appeared publicly due to security threats. The funeral procession will continue through Qom, Iraq, and Mashhad, where Khamenei will be buried on Thursday.

Iran and the United States are preparing for their next round of talks, expected to take place on July 11. According to a report by Pakistan’s Dawn newspaper citing diplomatic sources, Islamabad is the most likely venue, though Switzerland’s Burgenstock Resort is also under consideration. The final location has not yet been officially confirmed.

The agenda of the meeting includes discussions on Iran’s nuclear program, easing of sanctions, and the release of Iranian funds or assets frozen abroad. Regional security issues will also be addressed, particularly ensuring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and maintaining the recently established ceasefire in Lebanon.

The meeting follows an Islamabad memorandum of understanding signed two weeks earlier, which set a 60-day goal to reach a comprehensive agreement on Iran’s nuclear activities and related matters. The July 11 session is part of efforts to advance that process.

Iran’s ambassador to China, Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli, announced that ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz will soon be subject to new service fees. Speaking at the World Peace Forum in Beijing, he said countries that supported Iran during difficult times would receive special privileges. Fazli clarified that the charges would not be considered tolls but service fees aimed at ensuring maritime safety, monitoring vessel movement, and addressing environmental impacts from heavy traffic.

Earlier, a preliminary agreement between Iran and the United States had allowed commercial vessels to transit the strait without fees for 60 days following the suspension of hostilities. However, the rules beyond that period remain unclear. Fazli also revealed that Iran and Oman are jointly developing a new management system for the strait’s operations.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical maritime routes, carrying about one-fifth of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas. During recent Middle East conflicts, Iran nearly closed the passage, causing a sharp rise in global energy prices.

A large state ceremony began in Tehran to honor former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a February 28 airstrike amid Iran’s war with the United States and Israel. The event emphasized preserving the Islamic Republic and avenging Khamenei’s death. Thousands gathered at the Grand Mosalla memorial site, where his glass-covered coffin was displayed under heavy guard by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Red flags symbolizing martyrdom and revenge were raised, and the official slogan, “We must awaken,” was widely displayed.

Strict security measures were in place across the capital, with armored vehicles, snipers, and electronic device checks at entry points. Authorities expect millions to participate nationwide, with Iran effectively shut down until Monday. Khamenei’s funeral procession is scheduled to move through Tehran and several holy cities before burial in Mashhad on Thursday.

Foreign dignitaries from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Russia, Turkey, China, and other nations attended to pay respects. The IRGC leadership called for defiant mourning, while Iran’s armed forces warned against any military action during the ceremonies.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump said he could have wiped out everyone attending Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s funeral if he wanted to. In response, the Iranian embassy in Armenia issued a statement saying that while people can be killed, their ideals cannot be destroyed. The embassy’s post on social media platform X added that Trump lacks civilization, history, and respect.

The embassy’s message referenced Trump’s comments in an Axios interview, where he said Iran and the United States had agreed to temporarily pause discussions until after Khamenei’s burial. Trump also remarked that all Iranian leaders were gathered in one place and could be eliminated in a single strike, but he chose not to do so to preserve future talks. He expressed surprise at the large turnout at Khamenei’s funeral, noting he had assumed the late leader was not popular among ordinary Iranians.

The exchange highlights ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran following Khamenei’s death and the uncertain future of bilateral dialogue.

US President Donald Trump expressed surprise at the massive turnout of mourners at the funeral of Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In a phone interview with Axios, Trump said he had thought people hated Khamenei but was astonished to see millions crying. He also remarked that he could have eliminated everyone at the funeral but refrained, noting that both sides agreed to pause discussions until the ceremonies concluded.

The funeral and mourning events began in Tehran on Friday, with religious rituals and processions continuing for seven days across Iran and Iraq. Iranian authorities expect 15 to 20 million people to pay their respects in Tehran alone. Foreign dignitaries from several countries, including Bangladesh, Pakistan, Russia, China, and Turkey, attended the ceremonies. Security measures were tightened, with road closures and restricted airspace.

Khamenei, who ruled Iran for over three decades, was killed in a joint US-Israeli attack on February 28. Following a temporary ceasefire brokered by Pakistan, Iran and the US are now pursuing permanent peace talks mediated by Qatar and Pakistan.

The 250th Independence Day of the United States was celebrated on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at the South Plaza of Bangladesh’s National Parliament through a musical performance organized by the US Embassy. Deputy Speaker Barrister Kaiser Kamal highlighted the architectural and cultural ties between the two nations, citing Louis Kahn’s design of the Parliament building and Fazlur Rahman Khan’s contributions to American architecture. He emphasized that such shared legacies reflect the deep historical connection between Bangladesh and the United States.

Kamal also noted the potential for expanded cooperation in diplomacy, trade, climate change mitigation, renewable energy, counterterrorism, maritime security, education, technology, and human resource development. Opposition Leader Dr. Shafiqul Rahman praised the US for its humanitarian support to Rohingya refugees and reaffirmed the strength of bilateral relations based on shared democratic values. Chief Whip Md. Nurul Islam Moni described the event as a symbol of mutual trust and democratic partnership.

The US Ambassador reaffirmed commitment to strengthening global partnerships under the “America First” policy and underscored the importance of Bangladesh-US cooperation for Indo-Pacific security and regional peace.

The Gaza Health Ministry reported that seven Palestinians were killed in Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip over the past 48 hours. According to the ministry’s statement released on Saturday, six bodies were brought to hospitals following recent attacks, one person died while receiving treatment, and nine additional bodies were recovered from under the rubble. Sixteen injured individuals were also admitted to hospitals. The ministry did not provide details about the specific circumstances of the incidents.

The statement added that since a ceasefire agreement took effect in October 2025, Israeli forces’ violations of the truce have resulted in 1,066 deaths and 3,445 injuries. The ongoing military campaign, which began in October 2023, has so far caused 73,090 deaths and 173,553 injuries in Gaza. Nearly 90 percent of the enclave’s civilian infrastructure has been damaged during the two-year conflict.

According to United Nations estimates cited in the report, rebuilding Gaza could cost around 70 billion US dollars.

France is taking steps to rebuild its long-strained relationship with Turkey, driven by changing European security dynamics, the Russia-Ukraine war, and evolving defense and Middle Eastern geopolitical realities. Western diplomatic sources indicate that after years of disagreements over Syria, Armenia, and the Eastern Mediterranean, Paris now views Ankara as a key part of Europe’s future security framework. A recent joint appearance by Presidents Emmanuel Macron and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at a Cairo press event symbolized this thaw.

French policymakers see Turkey’s cooling ties with Russia and its cooperation in enforcing Western sanctions as positive signals. Former ambassador Gérard Araud noted that Turkey’s balanced stance since the Ukraine war has effectively aligned it with Kyiv. Shared interests in Syria, Lebanon, and Iran are also drawing the two countries closer, while growing friction between Turkey and Israel has opened new strategic space for coordination.

Defense cooperation is emerging as a major area of progress, including Turkey’s interest in the Franco-Italian SAMP/T air defense system and a new partnership between France’s Safran and Turkey’s Bayraktar on drone and sensor technology. However, ideological and political differences, disputes over Armenia and Greece, and uncertainty over Macron’s successor remain key challenges to sustained rapprochement.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that the late Iranian leader Khamenei’s deep influence will be remembered for generations. Sharif, who has served as a key mediator between the United States and Iran, attended the funeral held in Tehran, according to Al Jazeera.

In a social media post on Saturday, Sharif praised Khamenei’s wisdom, leadership, and lasting impact on Iran and the wider region. The Pakistani delegation also included Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, and Army Chief Asim Munir, along with other senior government officials.

The participation of Pakistan’s top leadership in the ceremony highlights the country’s diplomatic engagement with Iran and its recognition of Khamenei’s regional significance.

Iran has begun unprecedented funeral and burial arrangements for its former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed four months ago in a joint U.S.-Israel attack. The six-day program spans five cities in Iran and Iraq, with Tehran expecting between 10 and 20 million participants. During this period, extensive discussions are taking place about Khamenei’s life and teachings.

Khamenei’s autobiography, “Cell Number 14,” provides insight into his early years as an imam. He began leading prayers at the small Imam Hasan Mosque in Mashhad before moving to the larger Keramat Mosque, which became a hub for students and merchants. Authorities later barred him from leading prayers there due to his growing popularity. He then returned to Imam Hasan Mosque, delivering sermons after evening prayers.

The book also recounts his time in Tehran in 1966, his exile in Iranshahr where he led prayers at Al-Rasul Mosque, and his imprisonment in Mashhad’s military prison, where his religious influence led guards to restrict his activities.

Russia’s military has claimed control over the eastern Ukrainian city of Kostyantynivka as part of its ongoing offensive in the Donetsk region. The announcement was made by Russian Armed Forces Chief Valery Gerasimov during President Vladimir Putin’s visit to a command post in Ukraine. Gerasimov stated that Russian southern forces were continuing their offensive to take full control of Donetsk and that Kostyantynivka, a key stronghold in the Sloviansk–Kramatorsk–Kostyantynivka defense line, had been ‘liberated.’ Russia’s defense ministry also shared footage on Telegram showing soldiers raising the national flag in the city.

Ukraine’s General Staff, however, denied Russia’s claim on Saturday, saying that Kostyantynivka remained under Ukrainian control. The Ukrainian military did not provide further details about the situation or comment on Russia’s statements. Independent verification of the battlefield situation or either side’s claims was not possible according to the report.

The conflicting statements highlight the ongoing uncertainty surrounding control of key areas in the Donetsk region, where both sides continue to wage intense battles for strategic positions.

Iran is holding an unprecedented six-day mourning program across five cities in Iran and Iraq for former supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed four months ago in a joint U.S.-Israel attack. Tehran expects between 10 and 20 million people to participate in the funeral and burial ceremonies. During this period, discussions have intensified about various aspects of Khamenei’s life and teachings.

In his autobiography ‘Cell Number 14,’ Khamenei wrote extensively about his wife, Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh, praising her courage and resilience. He described how she remained steadfast during repeated raids by SAVAK agents and his multiple arrests, showing no fear or weakness. Khamenei noted her patience during his imprisonment, her modest lifestyle before and after the revolution, and her refusal to seek luxury or jewelry, instead donating valuables to charity.

The publication of these reflections has drawn renewed attention to Khamenei’s personal values of simplicity, endurance, and devotion, which continue to shape public remembrance during the national mourning period.

Iran’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations has accused the United States of fostering a “culture of impunity” by refusing to accept responsibility for the 1988 downing of Iran Air Flight 655. In a post on social media platform X, the mission recalled that on July 3, 1988, a US Navy vessel shot down the civilian airliner over the Persian Gulf, killing 290 passengers, including 66 children. The mission said that instead of accountability, the US president at the time awarded medals to the naval personnel involved.

The post further alleged that this pattern of impunity continues, citing the US refusal to take responsibility for a Tomahawk missile strike on a school in Minab that killed 168 children. Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi also marked July 3 as a day of remembrance for what he called a crime that claimed innocent lives and was compounded by the US failure to apologize or hold anyone accountable.

The United States has not issued any immediate response to these latest accusations.