European foreign ministers and EU officials will meet Iran's foreign minister in Geneva on June 20 to discuss Iran's nuclear program, following Israeli attacks on Iranian sites and U.S. threats of military action. The talks aim to reduce tensions and revive diplomacy after the U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal. Iran continues uranium enrichment beyond agreed limits but denies pursuing nuclear weapons. European leaders stress dialogue as the only viable path to avoid further escalation in the region.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has pushed back against recent reporting by the Wall Street Journal, saying the outlet has no insight into his position on Iran. In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “The Wall Street Journal has no idea what I’m thinking regarding Iran. I haven’t made a decision yet. Everyone’s asking, but let’s see what happens.” The Wall Street Journal had earlier reported that Trump’s team had given preliminary approval for strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities but held off on final authorization, hoping that Tehran might reconsider its nuclear ambitions.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has urged Donald Trump to avoid military action against Iran, warning that it could dangerously escalate tensions in the region. He emphasized the need for diplomatic solutions and noted ongoing discussions between the UK and the US. The remarks come ahead of UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s visit to Washington, where he will meet with Trump’s top diplomat Marco Rubio to discuss ways to ease tensions in the Middle East.

Rice and vegetable prices have spiked across Dhaka within a week, with rice rising by up to Tk 5 per kg and vegetables by Tk 40 per kg. Traders and consumers suspect syndicate manipulation, while millers cite increased paddy prices. Heavy rains have disrupted vegetable supply, causing further inflation. While chicken prices remain stable, eggs have become cheaper. Fish prices rose, but beef and mutton became slightly cheaper. Market volatility continues, sparking concerns among daily shoppers and prompting calls for government intervention.

Rumor Scanner has uncovered an attempt to influence political opinion using a fake Facebook profile that misused photos of a UAE minister to falsely portray international support for Bangladesh’s ruling party, the Awami League. The investigation, launched in September last year, focused on a profile named "Tamanna Akter Yasmin." It was found that the account used photos and videos of Reem Al Hashimy, UAE’s Minister of State for International Cooperation, presenting them as if the profile owner were an influential figure lobbying for the Awami League on the global stage. In reality, the images—often showing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and other political figures—were outdated and misleading. After the exposure, the individual behind the profile allegedly created a new account to resume spreading misinformation.

India has initiated Operation Sindhu to safely evacuate its nationals from Iran amid escalating conflict with Israel. The first phase saw 110 Indian students in northern Iran moved safely to Armenia. The Indian government is closely monitoring the situation, coordinating with Iranian and Armenian authorities to ensure smooth evacuation. Emergency helplines have been activated for those remaining in affected areas. The Indian Embassy has urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and follow official updates on social media.

The Sylhet Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court has issued arrest warrants against Bosundhara Group chairman Ahmed Akbar Sobhan, his son Syed Sobhan Anvir, and four others over dishonored cheques totaling over 600,000 taka. The case was filed by former Kaler Kantho Sylhet bureau chief Ahmed Noor, who worked for 12.5 years without receiving full service benefits. Despite legal notices and court summons, the accused failed to appear, prompting the court’s action on June 19.

A high-level BNP delegation, led by Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, will visit China on June 22 at the invitation of the Communist Party of China. The visit was confirmed after the delegation met with Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen at the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka’s Baridhara on Thursday. The trip is part of ongoing diplomatic engagement between the two parties. BNP’s media cell confirmed the visit as a response to a formal invitation from China’s ruling party.

Sheikh Bashiruddin, Trade Advisor to the Caretaker Government, revealed that during the previous fascist regime, syndicates destroyed businesses and markets across the country, severely harming consumer rights. Speaking at a discussion on “Strengthening Consumer Rights” at the TCB auditorium in Dhaka, he emphasized the urgent need to form a consumer syndicate to counteract these market syndicates. The event was organized by the Consumer Association of Bangladesh with support from the National Consumer Rights Protection Department.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has declared Al Jazeera a threat to the country’s national security, stating that the network operates not as a news outlet but as a hostile entity working against Israel’s interests. “Its activities must be stopped,” said Ben-Gvir, calling on law enforcement to take legal action against anyone found watching Al Jazeera broadcasts. Earlier in May 2024, the Israeli government officially banned Al Jazeera journalists and staff from operating within the country.

Following a visit to a damaged hospital in Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised former U.S. President Donald Trump, calling their friendship “incredible” and revealing that the two speak “almost every day.” Netanyahu emphasized Trump's strong stance on Iran, noting, “His clear message—that Iran must never be allowed to develop nuclear weapons—is vital. To ensure that, Iran must halt uranium enrichment.” He further stated, “Trump offered them a chance to negotiate, but they deceived him. No one can deceive Donald Trump and get away with it.” On the possibility of U.S. military intervention, Netanyahu remarked, “That decision rests with the President. However, they are already providing us with significant support.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping have jointly condemned Israel’s recent military strikes on Iran, describing them as a clear violation of the United Nations Charter. In a phone call held on Thursday, both leaders called for immediate de-escalation and stressed that a diplomatic resolution—not a military one—is the only viable solution to concerns over Iran’s nuclear program and regional tensions. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov stated, “Both Moscow and Beijing believe there is no military solution to the Iranian nuclear issue.” President Xi further emphasized the responsibility of major powers in the region, urging them to take a more active diplomatic role in reducing tensions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed that Russian specialists will remain in Iran despite growing fears of an Israeli attack. He emphasized the ongoing collaboration at Iran’s Bushehr nuclear plant and ruled out any withdrawal. Putin stated that while Iran hasn't asked for new military aid, Moscow maintains strong ties and open communication. He warned against regime-change strategies and called for diplomatic dialogue that ensures both Iran’s and Israel’s security. His remarks underscore Russia’s strategic positioning in the Middle East.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, in a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, stressed the need for major powers to ease tensions in the Iran-Israel conflict, subtly referencing the United States without naming it. He criticized actions that might escalate the situation, echoing growing global concerns. Both leaders condemned Israel’s recent strikes and called for an immediate ceasefire. Putin reiterated Russia’s offer to mediate. Xi warned that unchecked conflict could spread and destabilize the broader region.

In response to escalating foreign aggression, Iran has threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage responsible for transporting 20% of the world’s daily oil supply. This move comes amid heightened conflict between Iran and Israel. Commercial ships are already avoiding the area, causing uncertainty in global trade. Analysts warn that shutting the strait could trigger major disruptions in the global energy market and send a strong economic and strategic message to the Western world.