Senior Democratic lawmakers in the United States Congress have requested the full text and an immediate briefing on the memorandum of understanding (MoU) recently reached between the US and Iran. In a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Representatives Gregory Meeks, Jim Himes, and Adam Smith asked the administration to provide details of the MoU, any related secret agreements or implementation plans, and the broader US strategy for future engagements with Iran. The lawmakers accused the administration of keeping Congress and the American public uninformed for more than 15 weeks about what they described as a “war of choice” that has become a “strategic failure.” They cited the deaths of 14 US soldiers, hundreds of injuries, damage to key military facilities, depleted ammunition reserves, and global increases in food and oil prices due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. While welcoming the administration’s decision to return to diplomacy and end the conflict, they insisted on greater transparency regarding the MoU. The letter also raised questions about Iran’s nuclear program, the 60-day negotiation timeline, implementation mechanisms, Lebanon’s situation, Iran’s ballistic missile activities, allied groups, sanctions relief, and a proposed $300 billion reconstruction fund for Iran.

Argentina’s Lionel Messi delivered a standout performance at the 2026 World Cup, scoring a hat-trick against Algeria to lead his team to a commanding victory. The feat brought him level with Miroslav Klose’s record for most goals in World Cup history. Following the match, Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva humorously remarked in Geneva that he was considering signing Messi to play for Brazil, a comment that quickly drew attention given the historic rivalry between the two footballing nations. Lula’s lighthearted statement reflected the admiration Messi’s current form has inspired even among rival supporters. Meanwhile, Brazil began their own World Cup campaign with a 1–1 draw against Morocco, a result Lula downplayed by noting that Spain had also drawn with Cape Verde. For Messi, this tournament marks his sixth World Cup appearance, equaling the record held by Cristiano Ronaldo and Mexico’s Guillermo Ochoa. Argentina’s next match in Group J is scheduled against Austria on June 22, where Messi and his team aim to secure a place in the knockout stage.

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has removed all detainees from Florida’s controversial ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ migrant detention center, effectively shutting it down. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said the move was made for safety reasons as the Atlantic hurricane season begins. DHS spokesperson Lauren Bice told the Associated Press that detainees were relocated to other facilities for their protection, but did not specify how many were moved or where they were sent. The facility, located inside the Big Cypress National Preserve, had faced criticism since its launch on June 19, 2025. Built on a former airbase and surrounded by swamps, it was designed to prevent escapes. Indigenous leaders from the Miccosukee and Seminole tribes opposed the center, saying it damaged their homes and sacred sites. Human rights groups questioned its ability to protect detainees from Florida’s extreme weather. The center had been accused of multiple human rights violations, including denial of legal access and medical neglect. The American Civil Liberties Union’s Amy Godshall called the evacuation an important step but urged permanent closure of the facility.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced that Germany is sending two naval vessels to the Red Sea in preparation for a potential military operation in the Strait of Hormuz. He told reporters on Thursday that the mine-clearing ship Fulda and the supply ship Mosel are currently transiting the Suez Canal toward the Red Sea. Pistorius stated that before participating in any mine-clearing mission, Germany would require authorization from Iran and Oman. He added that the operation’s implementation would depend on the evolving situation between Tehran and Washington. The announcement reflects Germany’s readiness to support maritime security efforts in a region often affected by geopolitical tensions. Further details about the timing or scope of the possible operation were not provided, and its execution remains contingent on diplomatic developments involving Iran and the United States.

A police couple in Khulna has been arrested for allegedly assaulting their domestic worker at their home in the Sonadanga residential area’s second phase. The accused, Assistant Sub-Inspectors Poppy Rani Saha and Sanjoy Kumar Sarkar of Sonadanga Police Station, were detained following a case filed by the victim’s mother, Minati Rani Das, on Thursday morning. The 20-year-old victim, Milon Chandra Das, is currently receiving treatment at Khulna Medical College Hospital. According to the case statement, the incident occurred around 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday at house number 414 on road 6 in the Sonadanga second phase area. Police rescued the injured worker and took him first to the Victim Support Center and later to the hospital’s emergency department, where he was admitted to the surgery ward. Sonadanga Police confirmed that both accused officers are in custody and that departmental and legal proceedings are underway. Authorities stated that Milon’s treatment is ongoing at the hospital, and further legal steps are being processed.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has warned that Iran could face renewed naval blockades if it fails to uphold commitments made under a recent agreement with the United States. He also indicated that the US military is prepared to launch operations if necessary. The statement was reported by the BBC. As part of the latest deal, the United States agreed to lift its naval blockade on Iran, which had previously restricted Iranian maritime movements. Hegseth emphasized that Iran must abandon its ambitions to develop nuclear weapons and adhere to its promises under the agreement. He further mentioned that several European countries are ready to participate in mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz, and urged the United Kingdom to take a more active role in the initiative.

US President Donald Trump will attend the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara, reportedly to please Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, according to Middle East Eye citing multiple sources. The summit, scheduled for July in Turkey’s capital, is viewed as a critical moment for relations between the United States and its European allies, which have recently experienced growing tensions. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told reporters that many European countries consider it significant that the meeting is being held in Turkey under President Erdogan’s leadership, as this has made Trump’s participation possible. Fidan added that without Erdogan or Turkey’s involvement, Trump would not have attended, which could have sent a message that he does not value the NATO summit. Fidan further stated that the summit will address differing perspectives between the United States and Europe, emphasizing that resolving key issues would not be possible without the US President’s presence.

A half-day strike is being observed in Baruipara Union of Bagerhat Sadar upazila on Thursday from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m., demanding the arrest of those involved in the brutal killing of Badol Morol, president of the local Krishak Dal. The strike, organized by the union BNP and its affiliated bodies, has shut down shops and halted transport on internal routes, causing hardship for daily wage earners and commuters. All forms of local transport, including CNG-run autorickshaws, battery-powered easy bikes, engine vans, motorcycles, and even bicycles, have stopped operating. Protesters have staged demonstrations at various points, burning tires and blocking roads with bamboo and chairs. The strike follows the June 9 attack that killed Badol Morol and injured Abdullah Morol, a local BNP leader. A murder case was filed on June 11 naming 12 people, but most suspects remain at large. Police said two suspects have been arrested and efforts are underway to detain others. Local BNP leaders warned of tougher programs if arrests are not made, while a Jamaat-e-Islami leader alleged that BNP-Jamaat is being unfairly blamed and urged a fair investigation.

Salahuddin Ammar, General Secretary of the Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (Ruqsu), has been accused of harassing Nurul Islam Shahid, General Secretary of Nawab Abdul Latif Hall Students’ Union. Shahid made the allegation in a Facebook post on Wednesday night, claiming the incident occurred while watching the Argentina–Algeria World Cup football match at Habibur Rahman Hall field. According to Shahid, he was invited by Ruqsu Vice President Mustakur Rahman Zahid and Habibur Rahman Hall GS Ashiq Shikdar to sit near them. Shortly after, Ammar and Assistant Sports Secretary Abu Sayeed Sami arrived, and Ammar allegedly pulled Shahid by his shirt collar and forced him out of the restricted area. Shahid said he later expressed unwillingness to participate in future Ruqsu activities. Ammar denied the allegations, stating that he did not touch Shahid and only asked him to move to maintain order and visibility for female students. Assistant Sports Secretary Abu Sayeed Noon said he was present but could not clearly hear what happened.

The United Nations has reported that Israeli military operations remain extensive in southern Lebanon, even though the intensity of clashes has slightly decreased. Citing observations from the UN peacekeeping mission UNIFIL, Secretary-General spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said in New York that Israeli forces continue widespread activities, including the movement of armored vehicles, large-scale engineering and demolition work, and sustained logistical transport across the area. According to UN data, between midnight and 4 p.m. local time on Wednesday, UNIFIL recorded 26 airspace violations and one airstrike in Lebanon. The peacekeeping mission also reported that two Israeli naval vessels breached Lebanon’s maritime boundary about 600 meters off the coast of Naqoura. Despite recent efforts to ease border tensions, the UN’s latest observations have raised renewed concern about the situation. UNIFIL stated that it continues to closely monitor developments in southern Lebanon as Israeli military presence and activity remain visibly significant on the ground.

Police in Savar arrested Taisir Khan, the joint organizational secretary of the Savar Sadar Union unit of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), after finding him in possession of yaba tablets. The arrest took place around midnight on Tuesday during a police operation in the Chapain area under Savar Sadar Union. A video showing Taisir Khan allegedly consuming yaba with an associate spread rapidly across social media, drawing wide attention in the area. According to police and local sources, officers from Savar Model Police Station detained him with two yaba tablets. The station’s investigation officer confirmed the arrest and said legal action had been taken, with the accused sent to court through proper procedures. Following the incident, the JCD expelled Taisir Khan from his organizational post for violating party discipline. The viral video and subsequent expulsion have stirred local discussion, while authorities continue legal proceedings against the detained leader.

A BNP activist died of a heart attack while greeting a party leader in Chapainawabganj on Wednesday afternoon. The incident occurred in front of the district jail gate as supporters gathered to welcome Gomostapur Union BNP president Abdullah Al Raihan, who had just been released on bail. The deceased, identified as Mithu Ali, suddenly fell ill during the reception and was taken to the 250-bed district hospital, where doctors declared him dead. According to local BNP members, Abdullah Al Raihan had been arrested on May 9 in connection with an assault case involving a police officer from Nachol Police Station. His release prompted hundreds of party activists to assemble outside the jail with flowers to celebrate his freedom. District hospital physician Dr. Isharul Islam Tushar said preliminary findings suggest the cause of death was a heart attack. Chapainawabganj Sadar Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Ekramul Hossain confirmed that the body was handed over to the family after completing legal formalities.

Train operations in Kurigram’s Rajarhat area were temporarily suspended on Thursday morning after a sand-laden truck lost control and overturned on the railway track near a petrol pump. The incident blocked the line, disrupting the movement of the Romna Mail and Kurigram Express trains. Passengers bound for Dhaka and Chilmari faced severe difficulties as scheduled departures were canceled. Many Dhaka-bound travelers, arriving at Kurigram station on time, were forced to seek alternative transport to Teesta Railway Station amid adverse weather conditions, often paying extra fares. Railway authorities, local administration, and rescue teams reached the site to remove the truck and restore train operations. Kurigram Railway Station’s in-charge Konika confirmed that efforts were underway to clear the line but could not specify when normal service would resume. According to railway sources, the Kurigram Express, which usually departs for Dhaka at 7:10 a.m., could not leave the station due to the accident. Authorities said they were working to reopen the route as quickly as possible.

Severe racist violence has erupted in Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, where homes and cars were set ablaze along Newtownards Road in East Belfast. The unrest, concentrated in loyalist Protestant areas, has continued for nearly a week. It began after local man Stephen Ogilvie was stabbed, leading to attempted murder charges against Sudanese national Hadi Alodid. During the riots, attackers circulated immigrants’ addresses on social media, prompting arson attacks that displaced families from Ukraine, Poland, and Romania. Members of loyalist paramilitary groups such as the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) and Ulster Defence Association (UDA) were reportedly involved, continuing to wield influence despite the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. Online incitement amplified the violence, with far-right agitator Tommy Robinson calling for protests and Elon Musk promoting them on his platform X. Politicians including Jim Allister and Nigel Farage also made anti-immigrant remarks that heightened tensions. Experts and residents described the violence as part of an organized racist campaign. They cited housing shortages and economic frustration as underlying causes, with landlords allegedly evicting locals to rent to state-supported migrants. Thousands have since marched in Belfast demanding peace and solidarity.

Police in Patiya, Chattogram recovered the body of a missing child, Md. Zayhan, 36 hours after his disappearance. The body, found inside a sack at a garbage dump in Dakshin Gobindarkhil village, was recovered early Thursday through a joint operation by the Detective Branch and local police. Five suspects—Saiful, Shahanur, Niha, Nihan, and Wasifa—were arrested in connection with the case. The body was discovered behind the suspects’ residence. According to Zayhan’s father, the child was abducted on Tuesday afternoon, and a handwritten ransom note demanding three lakh taka and an unlocked mobile phone was found in their home. Family members initially believed the boy had drowned in a nearby pond, but after failing to locate him, they filed a general diary with Patiya police. Police collected the ransom note as evidence and launched an operation. Relatives alleged that neighbors abducted the child for ransom and later killed him with a hammer before dumping the body. Police sent the body to Chittagong Medical College Hospital for autopsy, while local residents expressed outrage and demanded exemplary punishment for those involved.