U.S. President Donald Trump has declined Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposal to mediate in the Israel-Iran conflict. Speaking at the White House, Trump said he told Putin to first resolve the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war before getting involved elsewhere. Trump emphasized that it would be more appropriate for Putin to address his own country’s conflict rather than interfering in other global crises. The statement underscores the U.S. stance on prioritizing Russia’s accountability in the Ukraine war before accepting its role as a peacemaker.

Dhaka, June 18 — Australia has announced a $2 million grant to directly support the Bangladesh Election Commission’s Ballot Project, aimed at strengthening electoral processes in the country. The announcement was made during a formal agreement signing ceremony on Tuesday. Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Susan Grace Ryley, expressed her country's commitment, stating, “We are pleased to contribute $2 million directly to support the Ballot Project. We are proud to be part of this important initiative during a crucial time for Bangladesh.” The project, managed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), will receive a total of $18.53 million in funding from various donors. The initiative includes 16 key components focusing on capacity building, public awareness, training, and strengthening the institutional framework. Senior Secretary of the Election Commission Secretariat, Akhtar Ahmed, highlighted the importance of international support in enhancing the electoral process. UNDP Resident Representative in Bangladesh, Stefan Liller, also expressed hope that more development partners will join in supporting the project’s implementation.

A Dhaka court has granted a three-day remand for five suspects involved in a daring daylight robbery in Mirpur. On May 27, a money exchange trader, Zahidur Rahman, was shot and robbed of Tk 2.2 million behind the Fire Service Station in Mirpur-10. The accused—Mostafizur Rahman, Saikat Hossain, Md. Sohag Hasan, Jalil Molla, and Palash Ahmed—were presented in court by Detective Branch officials, who sought a 10-day remand. The court approved three days after a hearing.

Deputy Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov issued a stark warning to the United States, stating that even considering military assistance to Israel could severely destabilize the already volatile situation in the region. Ryabkov revealed that Moscow is currently maintaining diplomatic communication with both Iran and Israel in an effort to contain the crisis. Separately, the head of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service, Sergey Naryshkin, described the situation as "critically unstable," noting that even a minor provocation could trigger full-scale war. Reports also suggest that former U.S. President Donald Trump and his political allies are actively discussing potential strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities in support of Israel.

As Israel intensifies strikes on Iran, Russia remains unusually silent, avoiding military intervention due to its ongoing war in Ukraine and strategic economic ties with Gulf states. Drawing lessons from its failed gamble in Syria, Moscow is instead positioning itself as a neutral mediator. While Iran’s regime faces collapse, Russia sees a chance to retain influence through diplomacy, not force. Rising oil prices from the chaos also benefit Russia economically—turning regional instability into strategic opportunity.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered to mediate between Iran and Israel amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. In a conversation with the President of the United Arab Emirates, Putin expressed serious concern over the growing conflict and called for an immediate de-escalation. Both leaders reportedly agreed on the urgency of finding a diplomatic resolution. Meanwhile, Russian state media suggested that the conflict could inadvertently benefit Russia's oil market.

Fresh explosions were reported in Iran's capital Tehran and the nearby city of Karaj. Local sources confirmed that loud blasts were heard near Payam Airport in Karaj, while simultaneous explosions were also reported in the eastern outskirts of Tehran. While authorities have not yet confirmed the specific targets or extent of the damage, a government spokesperson acknowledged that two Iranian banks had recently come under cyberattack. In response, internet access was temporarily restricted in certain areas to manage the situation.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a stern warning to the United States on Wednesday during a televised address, declaring that any form of U.S. military intervention against Iran would result in "irreparable damage" to America. "Those familiar with Iran’s history know that this nation does not respond to threats," he said. Khamenei also warned Israel, stating it would be forced to pay the price for its "miscalculations," and reiterated that Iran will never surrender or accept defeat under pressure.

AB Party Chairman Majibur Rahman Manju, speaking at the National Consensus Commission (NCC) dialogue, emphasized that meaningful reforms are essential to honor the spirit of the recent popular uprising. He stated that under the guise of the executive branch, appointments to key constitutional positions have long been made solely based on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s personal preferences. Manju pointed to instances where even Supreme Court judges have publicly declared themselves "pledged politicians," and blamed partisan and incompetent appointments for systemic failures—such as the unprecedented leakage of Public Service Commission exam papers. He stressed that to ensure democratic accountability and prevent the recurrence of fascist tendencies, the AB Party supports the formation of the NCC and endorses the electoral college system for electing the President.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated that Iran has the right to defend itself against what he described as “Israeli state terrorism and thuggery.” Calling Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a “war criminal” and the “greatest threat to regional security,” Erdoğan compared his actions in Gaza to those of Adolf Hitler. “Netanyahu’s crimes in Gaza surpass even the horrors of the Nazis,” the Turkish leader declared.

According to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, 24 people have been killed and more than 800 injured in Iran's retaliatory strikes on Israel. Over 3,800 residents have been evacuated to safety. Tehran has launched more than 400 missiles and hundreds of drones toward Israel, the office stated. In response, Israeli airstrikes have reportedly killed over 240 people in Iran, including more than 70 women and children.

Tehran has reported the downing of 28 Israeli aircraft over the past 24 hours, including Hermes drones—long-range surveillance and attack UAVs frequently used by Israel in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria—as well as F-16 and F-35 fighter jets. Iran also claims it has intercepted several manned aircraft and successfully countered Israel’s electronic warfare systems.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed voiced opposition to the proposed National Constitutional Commission (NCC), citing concerns over inadequate accountability. He argued that the responsibilities intended for the NCC are traditionally carried out by the executive, legislature, or through constitutional provisions. “Creating a new body for these tasks may disrupt institutional balance,” he said. On the matter of presidential elections, he emphasized that members of parliament, along with an upper house if formed, should elect the President, rather than introducing a new electoral mechanism involving approximately 70,000 votes from the grassroots level.

Nobel Peace Laureate Malala Yousafzai criticized the United States for not using its immense global influence to stop the mass killings in Gaza. “It’s deeply disappointing that the U.S. hasn’t acted effectively to save lives, restore peace, or stabilize the region,” she said. Malala urged stronger U.S. action to push for a ceasefire and facilitate humanitarian aid. “I have spoken out about Gaza since 2014—claims of silence are false,” she emphasized.

Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, affirmed Iran’s legitimate right to pursue peaceful nuclear programs. She condemned Israel’s recent attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, stating they pose a “direct threat to regional and global security.” “Middle East nuclear threats are not theoretical—they are real and escalating,” she warned. Russia’s UN envoy Gennady Gatilov also demanded international accountability for Israel’s actions.