U.S. President Donald Trump has warned of severe consequences if Iran obstructs oil transportation through the Strait of Hormuz amid rising tensions in the Middle East. In an online statement on March 10, 2026, Trump said that any Iranian move to halt oil flow would be met with a response twenty times harsher than any previous U.S. action. He added that the United States could strike targets that would make it nearly impossible for Iran to rebuild as a functioning state. Trump cautioned that such a scenario would bring 'death, fire and destruction,' though he expressed hope that it would not occur. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime route through which about 20 percent of the world’s oil supply passes. Ongoing conflict in the region has already reduced shipping activity through the strait, leading to a sharp rise in global oil prices, according to the report. The statement underscores the escalating geopolitical risks surrounding energy security and trade routes in the Middle East.

Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and Prime Minister’s Adviser Humayun Kabir held a bilateral meeting in London with UK Minister for Trade Chris Bryant on Tuesday. The discussions focused on strengthening existing trade and business relations between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom. Key topics included investment opportunities in Bangladesh’s blue economy, expansion of the ‘Made in Bangladesh’ brand, investor protection, enhanced cooperation in education, and broader multilateral engagement. Both sides agreed to maintain close communication ahead of the 14th World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference scheduled later this month in Cameroon. Separately, UK Trade Envoy to Bangladesh Rosie Winterton met the Bangladeshi delegation at the High Commission in London to discuss potential collaboration in the aviation sector and initiatives to develop Bangladesh as a regional aviation hub. The teams also held additional meetings to advance the country’s aviation development. In another meeting, UK’s candidate for the International Court of Justice for the 2027–2036 term, Professor Dapo Akande, presented his candidacy to Rahman and Kabir. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in international law and diplomacy.

Iran’s Tasnim News Agency claimed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had been killed or seriously injured, sparking renewed tension across the Middle East. The report, published on Monday, offered no concrete evidence. Israeli authorities dismissed the claim as wartime propaganda or conspiracy theory. The Iranian report cited Netanyahu’s absence from recent video messages and heightened security around his Jerusalem residence as signs of concern. It also linked the postponement of visits by U.S. envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff to Netanyahu’s alleged condition. The report further referenced former U.S. intelligence officer Scott Ritter, who alleged through Russian media that Iran had bombed Netanyahu’s secret location, killing his brother. Tasnim News admitted that no official confirmation or denial had been issued. Analysts described the rumor as part of psychological warfare amid ongoing Iran-Israel hostilities. Meanwhile, a statement about Netanyahu’s phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron lacked a date, adding to the uncertainty. According to the Jerusalem Post, citing close sources, Netanyahu continues his official duties, though his movements are being kept discreet for security reasons.

US President Donald Trump told CBS News that his administration is considering taking control of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The waterway, through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes, has become a focal point of tension following the outbreak of war between the United States, Israel, and Iran ten days ago. Trump said the strait remains open for now, but the White House is thinking about securing it and could take various actions there. Since the conflict began, commercial shipping through the strait has largely come to a halt. Iran has not yet closed the passage but has warned that it would attack any US or Israeli oil tanker attempting to transit the route. The situation underscores the growing risks to global energy transport and regional stability as hostilities continue. The US consideration of direct control over the strait could further escalate tensions with Iran, though no specific timeline or operational details were disclosed.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has escalated its counterattacks, describing the latest phase as the 33rd stage of “Operation Promise IV.” The country announced plans to deploy its heaviest missiles, weighing around one ton or more, against Israel and other designated targets. According to Iran’s deputy foreign minister, China, France, and Russia have formally reached out regarding a possible ceasefire. However, he did not disclose details of any specific proposals. The deputy minister made clear that Iran will not return to the negotiation table unless it receives guarantees that current or future acts of aggression, similar to those seen in June, will not recur. The statements underscore Iran’s firm stance amid heightened regional tensions and ongoing international diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation.

The Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) has set a new limit allowing motorcycle ride-share drivers in metropolitan areas to purchase a maximum of five liters of octane or petrol per day. The directive, issued on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, through a notice signed by BPC Secretary Shahina Sultana, replaces the previous two-liter daily limit. The rule applies only within city areas. According to the notice, fuel stations must issue receipts specifying the fuel type, quantity, and price for each purchase. Drivers must submit the original copy of the previous receipt when refueling again. Fuel will be supplied only after verifying the motorcycle’s registration number and driver information with the ride-sharing app. BPC emphasized that selling fuel above the government-fixed price is illegal and that fuel prices are reviewed monthly by the government. BPC stated that fuel imports and distribution across the country are continuing as scheduled, with regular deliveries by rail wagons and tankers to maintain stable supply. The decision aims to ensure uninterrupted fuel availability amid the current situation.

Education and Primary and Mass Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan announced that the government will implement priority programs to modernize and make the education system more work-oriented and time-appropriate, in line with the BNP’s 2026 election manifesto. Speaking at a meeting at the Ministry of Education on Monday, he said that a 180-day action plan will introduce transformative steps in education and human resource development. The meeting highlighted that education and skill development will be prioritized to utilize the country’s demographic and longevity dividends. Plans include expanding quality education, skill-based training, and employment opportunities for youth, while ensuring health, social security, and participation for the elderly. The BNP’s education policy aims to create a life-oriented, work-oriented, and production-oriented system, with a gradual increase of education spending to 5% of GDP. Initiatives include teacher training, technology-based learning, multimedia classrooms, and a “One Teacher, One Tab” program. Additional measures discussed include introducing a third language at the secondary level, making technical education mandatory, promoting sports, culture, and ethics, ensuring healthy school environments, mid-day meals, free Wi-Fi, and inclusive education for special-needs students.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated the Family Card program on Tuesday morning at the T&T playground in Banani, adjacent to the Karail slum in Dhaka. During the ceremony, he distributed cards to 15 women, marking the official start of the initiative. The event was attended by cabinet members, diplomats, representatives from national and international development partners, and prominent citizens. According to the announcement, the program will initially be implemented in 15 wards across 13 districts. Committees have been formed at ward, union, upazila, and district levels to collect and verify household data. Using automated software, families were categorized by poverty index into five economic classes. After verification, 37,567 women-headed households were finalized for allowance distribution, excluding those with government jobs, pensions, or duplicate benefits. Field committees collected detailed socio-economic data from 67,854 women-headed families nationwide during the pilot phase. The initiative was a key component of the BNP’s election manifesto and aims to ensure targeted support for disadvantaged families.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has declared that Tehran will determine when the ongoing war ends, responding to U.S. President Donald Trump’s statement that the conflict with Iran could end soon. The IRGC emphasized that the balance of power and the region’s future are now under Iran’s control. Trump earlier said the conflict with Iran might be short-lived but warned that if Iran’s leadership transition disrupts global oil supplies, tensions could escalate. Hours later, he posted on social media that if Iran blocks oil flow through the Strait of Hormuz, the United States would retaliate with force twenty times stronger than before. The IRGC’s statement underscores Tehran’s defiance and its claim of controlling the regional situation, rejecting the notion that Washington could dictate the war’s conclusion.

Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) has announced that 5,000 tons of diesel are being imported from India’s Numaligarh Refinery in Assam. The fuel is expected to reach Bangladesh through a cross-border pipeline on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. BPC’s General Manager for Commerce and Operations, Muhammad Morshed Hossain Azad, confirmed the development, adding that pumping operations have already begun in India. According to BPC sources, the government initiated this emergency import to maintain stable fuel reserves and ensure uninterrupted nationwide supply. Officials believe the pipeline transport will reduce both time and transportation costs. Bangladesh has also formally proposed importing an additional 50,000 tons of diesel through the same pipeline over the next four months. A separate agreement remains in place to import 180,000 tons of diesel from the Numaligarh Refinery by December 2026, though implementation had been delayed due to strained Dhaka–Delhi relations. The total cost of that deal is estimated at about Tk 1,462 crore, financed partly by BPC and partly through bank loans.

Global oil prices dropped sharply after US President Donald Trump suggested that the ongoing war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran could soon end. The decline followed a period of intense volatility in the energy market, which had seen prices reach their highest level in four years on March 9, 2026. Just a day earlier, Brent crude oil prices had surpassed 100 dollars per barrel for the first time since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The surge triggered heavy sell-offs in major stock markets across Asia and Europe, while New York’s Wall Street also faced early trading pressure. Trump’s remarks, made in an interview with CBS News, appeared to calm markets, leading to a rapid price correction. By the end of the day, Brent crude, which had briefly touched 119.50 dollars per barrel, fell to 98.96 dollars. The developments highlighted the sensitivity of global energy markets to geopolitical signals and presidential statements.

Iran’s state news agency Mehr has alleged that the United States carried out a missile strike targeting a school in the central city of Khomein. According to the report, the missile hit the Dr. Hafez Khomeini School, damaging several nearby residential houses. No casualties were immediately reported following the incident. The report noted that this follows an earlier alleged U.S. missile attack on a girls’ school in the southern Iranian city of Minab, where at least 170 people, mostly teenage students, were reported killed. The recent incidents have drawn growing concern from the international community, with calls intensifying for an impartial investigation into the attacks. The situation has heightened tensions surrounding U.S.–Iran relations, as international observers continue to urge transparency and accountability in assessing the reported strikes.

Taiwan’s Defense Minister Wellington Koo stated that the United States has not contacted Taiwan regarding any transfer of weapons to the Middle East. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Koo clarified that despite the ongoing US-Iran war, Washington has not asked Taiwan to deploy or use any US-made military equipment it possesses. He added that any potential deployment of US-manufactured weapons from Taiwan to another region would only occur following an official request from the United States. Meanwhile, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said last Friday that discussions are underway between the US and South Korean militaries about relocating some Patriot missile defense systems from South Korea to the Middle East for use in the conflict against Iran. According to South Korean government sources cited by local media, preparations are being made to send these Patriot systems, with heavy US military transport aircraft already arriving in South Korea to facilitate the transfer.

Jamaat-e-Islami has appointed Dr. Ifftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, a former adviser to the caretaker government, as its consultant. The appointment became public after he attended a meeting in Dhaka with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Paul Kapur, where he was present as part of the Jamaat delegation. The meeting and subsequent media coverage sparked widespread discussion on social media regarding his role and affiliation with the party. According to Jamaat sources, Chowdhury was appointed due to his interest and diplomatic experience. Party assistant secretaries general Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan and Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair confirmed that he is serving as Jamaat’s foreign affairs consultant. Chowdhury previously served as Bangladesh’s permanent representative to the United Nations and later as foreign affairs adviser in the Fakhruddin Ahmed-led caretaker government. The appointment has drawn renewed attention to Chowdhury’s controversial past and his politically diverse family background, prompting debate within Bangladesh’s political and diplomatic circles.

Banned Awami League leaders and activists are reportedly returning to Bangladesh through the Comilla border ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr and Independence Day. Local sources said that following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government in the July uprising, many Awami League and Chhatra League members had fled to India. Now, after the BNP formed the government, they are allegedly reentering the country illegally, as most lack valid passports. Intelligence sources claimed that some returning Chhatra League leaders brought foreign weapons with funding from former Awami League MPs. Local residents reported that Sajjad Hossain Swapan, a fugitive Awami League leader accused in multiple murder cases, recently returned and began reorganizing party members. BNP officials in Comilla denied any institutional support for the banned group, though some local BNP figures were accused of sheltering Awami League members in exchange for money. The BNP’s grassroots expressed anger over joint iftar events involving both parties. Border Guard Bangladesh officials stated that no illegal entry had been detected so far, while police confirmed that anyone accused in the July uprising cases would be arrested if found.