Qatar and Kuwait have welcomed the progress made in the ongoing discussions between the United States and Iran. The foreign ministers of both Gulf nations expressed hope that Washington and Tehran would soon reach an agreement. Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani discussed the recent developments in the talks with Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah during a phone conversation. According to a statement from Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both leaders voiced support for the progress achieved in the negotiations and expressed optimism about a forthcoming understanding between the two sides. The statement added that both parties reaffirmed their full backing for the ongoing efforts to resolve all outstanding issues through dialogue and peaceful means. The joint stance of these two influential Gulf countries signals growing regional diplomatic support for a potential United States-Iran agreement, highlighting the broader Middle Eastern interest in a peaceful resolution of disputes.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Pakistani officials said a preliminary peace agreement to end the ongoing Middle East war could be signed on Sunday. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif stated that both sides had agreed on a framework and were preparing for an electronic signing, followed by technical-level discussions next week. Trump posted on social media that the deal with Iran would be signed Sunday and that the Strait of Hormuz would reopen for all after the signing, alleging Iran had restricted navigation there. Tehran, however, adopted a cautious stance. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei urged restraint in commenting on the signing date, saying it would not occur on Sunday but could happen within days. He noted that uncertainty from the other side required Iran to remain careful about the process. The differing statements highlight optimism from Washington and Islamabad about a swift agreement, while Tehran remains reserved about the timeline and its commitments.

Pakistan’s foreign minister has welcomed the ongoing discussions between the United States and Iran. During a telephone conversation with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, he expressed a positive stance on the diplomatic engagement. According to a statement from Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both ministers exchanged views on the US–Iran talks and expressed hope that the initiative would contribute to lasting peace and stability in the Middle East. The statement added that the Saudi foreign minister praised Pakistan’s consistent role in supporting mediation and diplomatic efforts throughout the process. Observers view this development as another indication of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia’s shared support for diplomatic solutions across the region.

The officer-in-charge of Khulshi Police Station in Chattogram, Md Arifur Rahman, has been withdrawn following allegations that national team cricketer Nayeem Hasan was assaulted and taken to the station. The Chattogram Metropolitan Police confirmed on Saturday night that he has been attached to the police lines, and the officer-in-charge of Bakalia Police Station has been assigned to Khulshi. Earlier, Sub-Inspector Md Shafiqul Islam Bhuiyan and Constable Md Russell Chowdhury of Khulshi Police Station were temporarily suspended for alleged unprofessional conduct toward Nayeem Hasan. The Chattogram Metropolitan Police also formed a three-member committee to investigate the incident. The alleged assault occurred on Friday night in the Lalkhan Bazar area of Chattogram, sparking widespread criticism. The investigation committee’s findings are expected to determine further action.

Israeli political circles are increasingly concerned about a possible memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran, according to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz. The report, citing Middle East Eye, said Israeli officials fear that such an agreement could reduce Washington’s ability to exert pressure on Tehran. One major concern is that the deal might make it harder to enforce demands for Iran to remove or significantly reduce its stockpile of enriched uranium. An Israeli source told Haaretz that Israel had limited influence during the negotiation and decision-making process, suggesting that Tel Aviv’s role in shaping the final terms was smaller than expected. The source added that it remains unclear how far the potential agreement would align with Israel’s broader strategic goals, particularly regarding restrictions on Iran’s ballistic missile program and its ties with Hezbollah. The report concluded that despite the growing likelihood of a US-Iran understanding, Israel’s concerns over its security and regional strategic interests have not been fully alleviated.

Police in Purbadhala upazila of Netrokona arrested six people on Friday night for allegedly participating in a flash procession organized by banned units of the Chhatra League, Jubo League, and Awami League. The arrests followed reports of subversive activities and vehicle vandalism in different areas of the upazila. Those detained were identified as Rafiqul Islam Khokon, Masud Rana, Shahjahan, Ataur Rahman, Majharul Islam Prince, and Hazarat Ali. According to police and local sources, the procession took place on Friday morning in Fazilpur area of the Shyamganj-Birishiri road, led by upazila Chhatra League general secretary Shahadat Hossain. A video of the event circulated on social media, showing slogans in support of Sheikh Hasina and former MP Ahmad Hossain. The footage was later shared from the verified Facebook page of the banned Awami League. Police said a case was filed by BNP member Syed Jahangir Alam alias Monirul Haque, naming 33 individuals including Masud Rana as the main accused, with 30 to 35 others unidentified. The six detainees were sent to court, and operations to arrest the remaining suspects are ongoing.

Iran and the United States are reportedly nearing a new agreement, with speculation that it could be finalized soon. According to a statement on Donald Trump’s Truth Social, the deal might have been expected on Sunday, coinciding with the former US president’s birthday. However, Tehran University professor Fouad Azadi told Al Jazeera that Iranian officials are unlikely to sign the deal that day to avoid giving Trump the impression of receiving a “birthday gift.” Azadi noted that public sentiment in Iran remains optimistic about a possible agreement within days. Azadi explained that Iran does not want to create a situation where Trump could claim personal credit, citing his alleged involvement in serious war crimes. He further stated that even if a deal is reached, genuine friendship among the United States, Iran, and Israel remains unlikely. As long as Washington continues policies supporting Israeli dominance in the Middle East, normalization will not occur. Azadi added that ongoing conflicts have permanently altered the region’s security structure, reflecting deep mistrust and geopolitical shifts across the Middle East.

An Indian smuggler was injured by Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) gunfire at the Latu border area of Barlekha upazila in Moulvibazar. The incident occurred around 10:25 p.m. on Saturday during a routine patrol by a BGB team. According to the 52 BGB Battalion, two suspected Indian smugglers entered Bangladesh and were challenged by the patrol team. When the suspects attempted to attack the BGB members with sharp weapons, the patrol fired two rounds in self-defense, injuring one of them. Following the shooting, the injured smuggler and his accomplice fled back into Indian territory. The 52 BGB Battalion confirmed that intelligence investigations and legal procedures are ongoing regarding the incident. The BGB stated that it remains vigilant in preventing cross-border smuggling and maintaining law and order along the frontier. Authorities have not released further details about the identities of the suspects or the extent of the injury sustained by the smuggler.

Bangladesh’s proposed national budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year has been set at 9.38 trillion taka, a figure described as significant within the country’s economic context. However, a comparison with the personal wealth of Elon Musk, recently reported to have surpassed one trillion US dollars following the stock market listing of SpaceX, reveals a striking disparity. Based on an exchange rate of 122–125 taka per dollar, Musk’s total assets are valued between 134 and 138 trillion taka. This amount equals roughly 14 times the size of Bangladesh’s entire national budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The report highlights that the sum Bangladesh allocates annually for administration, education, health, infrastructure, defense, and social safety programs is equivalent to only one fourteenth of Musk’s declared wealth. The comparison underscores the vast global wealth gap, illustrating how the fortune of a single individual can exceed the annual financial capacity of a developing nation.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed support for a potential Iran-related agreement during a telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump, according to a statement from Starmer’s office released on Saturday. Starmer emphasized that any deal must ensure sustainable and lasting peace. The statement added that the United Kingdom is ready to assist in implementing any peace agreement and will work with international partners to ensure its success. The statement also noted that both leaders agreed on the need to restore free maritime navigation to minimize negative impacts on the global economy. They further committed to maintaining close communication in the future. Earlier, Trump posted on Truth Social that the Iran deal was expected to be signed on Sunday and that the Strait of Hormuz would be opened to all upon signing. He added that the United States would later collect nuclear debris in Iran once the situation stabilizes. Trump expressed hope that the process would proceed smoothly but warned that the United States had a final option if necessary.

Tensions escalated in southern Lebanon as Israeli forces carried out multiple air and drone strikes across several areas. Al Jazeera correspondents reported attacks in Al-Majadel and Al-Kawthariyah near the city of Saida. Lebanon’s state news agency said Israeli forces bombed Belt in Marjayoun district, while airstrikes also hit Khirbet Selam, Bayt al-Sayyad, Shahur, Burj Qalaouiya, and Zariyeh. Hezbollah claimed it fired a missile at an Israeli Hermes 450 drone flying over the Iqlim al-Tuffah region. The group also said it targeted Israeli military vehicles in Jdeidet Meis al-Jabal and struck a command center near Yohmor al-Shaqif using a “diving drone.” The Israeli military did not immediately comment on these claims, and independent verification of the reported attacks was not yet possible. The recent wave of strikes has further heightened tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border. No immediate reports of casualties or damage were available at the time of reporting.

Speakers at a roundtable in Dhaka sharply criticized India’s alleged push-in of people across the border and the killing of civilians along the frontier. The event, titled “Citizen Thoughts to Prevent Push-In at the Border,” was organized by the Desh Bachao Manush Bachao Andolon at the National Press Club’s VIP Lounge. Participants accused India’s government of acting out of religious bias and questioned why pro-India political figures were not being pushed in as well. Speakers included leaders from the National Labor Party, National Democratic Party, and other nationalist organizations. They denounced remarks by India’s High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi about merging populations of the two countries and demanded clarification. Several participants alleged that India was pursuing hegemonic policies and exploiting Bangladesh despite its past support during the independence war. The meeting called on Bangladesh’s foreign ministry to take a stronger stance and urged reinforcement of the Border Guard Bangladesh. Participants warned that citizens were ready to defend national sovereignty and that India’s alleged hostility toward Muslims would not go unanswered.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Truth Social that a potential agreement with Iran could be signed on Sunday, promising that the Strait of Hormuz would reopen immediately afterward. He added that the U.S. would later collect and neutralize underground nuclear debris in Iran or the United States. Trump expressed hope for a smooth process but warned of a “final option” if talks failed. Iran has not officially responded, and some of Trump’s remarks appear to contradict earlier Iranian statements about the timing of the memorandum of understanding. Al Jazeera reported that Tehran acknowledged progress in the talks and that the draft text was under review by Iran’s National Security Council and the office of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. An Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson said the deal would not be signed Sunday but likely within days. Analysts noted growing optimism compared to previous rounds, though regional conflicts, including in Lebanon, could still disrupt diplomacy. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer voiced support for a sustainable peace deal in a phone call with Trump, while experts cautioned that despite optimism, uncertainty and political maneuvering could still affect the outcome.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s student wing, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), held a protest march and rally in Dhaka on Saturday night, accusing Islami Chhatra Shibir of staging fake abduction and disappearance incidents to falsely blame the government. The demonstration began at the Central Shaheed Minar and ended at Shahbagh intersection, where JCD activists chanted slogans condemning Shibir’s alleged actions. During the rally, JCD leaders claimed that Shibir was insulting real victims by fabricating disappearance stories and spreading false accusations against the government online. They further alleged that Shibir operated secret networks involved in crimes such as rape and violence against women. Central organizational secretary Amanullah Aman described Shibir’s activities as hypocrisy, while general secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir cited a recent incident in Cumilla as a planned event linked to Shibir’s undisclosed committee members. JCD president Rakibul Islam Rakib also condemned the alleged acts, asserting that Shibir’s staged incidents were intended to mislead the public and discredit the government.

Many Grameenphone subscribers who purchased the company’s FIFA World Cup Pass were unable to watch the opening ceremony and the first two days of matches, despite paying for access. The issue affected users of the Bioscope streaming platform, where the matches were supposed to be available. The packages, launched on May 11, offered three options: a 24-hour pass for Tk 28, a 7-day pass for Tk 127, and a 45-day pass for Tk 199. Customers reported that the streams stopped shortly after starting, leaving them unable to view the games. Grameenphone acknowledged a technical glitch behind the disruption. The company’s Head of Communications, Sharafuddin Ahmed Chowdhury, told Amar Desh that an unexpected technical error caused interruptions for some users during the live streaming. He said the technical team prioritized restoring service as quickly as possible and apologized for the temporary inconvenience, thanking customers for their patience. The report noted that it remains unclear how many of Grameenphone’s 84.9 million subscribers purchased the package, but even a small portion could represent significant financial losses for affected users.