Iran has carried out attacks targeting Israeli ships and fuel tanks as the joint US-Israeli offensive in Iran enters its 27th day, according to Al Jazeera reports cited by Amar Desh. The Iranian military claimed responsibility, saying it struck several Israeli naval vessels in the eastern Mediterranean and fuel tanks for warplanes at Haifa port. Lieutenant Colonel Ebrahim Zolfaghari, spokesperson for Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, stated through state media that Iran remains determined to target all sources of aggression and evil forces. The report noted that Israel has not yet issued any immediate response to the attacks. The situation reflects an escalation in the ongoing hostilities between Iran and the US-Israel alliance, with both sides continuing offensive and counteroffensive actions. No further details on damage or casualties were provided in the report.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that ongoing discussions with Iran are progressing through message exchanges facilitated by intermediary countries. Speaking to reporters, he confirmed that some progress had been made but emphasized that the process remains ongoing and evolving, and would not be discussed publicly. Rubio also commented on the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, noting that maritime traffic there is gradually increasing. He stated that while fuel transport has not fully returned to previous levels, some shipments have resumed. Rubio added that if Iran stops threatening global navigation, the strait could reopen completely as soon as tomorrow. Highlighting the importance of adherence to international law, Rubio urged countries concerned about global legal norms to take appropriate action in response to the situation.

Five people, including four members of the same family, were killed in a road accident on Thursday evening in the Kalakchua area of Burichong upazila, Cumilla, along the Dhaka-Chattogram highway. The incident occurred around 6 p.m. in front of the Miami Hotel when a Chattogram-bound Star Line bus hit a private car from behind, crushing the vehicle. Four people died on the spot, and another succumbed to injuries later. Police confirmed that the deceased were Mufti Abdul Momin, 50, his wife Jharna Begum, 40, their children Saif, 7, and Labiba, 18, all residents of Chatarpaiya in Noakhali’s Sonaimuri upazila, and the car’s driver Jamal Hossain, 52, from Barishal. Another family member, Abrar, 12, was injured and is receiving treatment at Moynamoti Army General Hospital. Authorities said two bodies were kept at Eastern Medical College Hospital and two at Cumilla Medical College Hospital. The victims were returning to Dhaka when the accident occurred. Police reported that traffic on the highway remained normal and that the bodies would be handed over to the families after legal procedures.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Kazakh Foreign Minister Yerzhan Kosherbayev held a telephone conversation to discuss the ongoing war situation in Iran, according to Tasnim News Agency. During the call, Kazakhstan urged an end to the conflict, expressing concern over the current situation. Kosherbayev emphasized Kazakhstan’s readiness to contribute to restoring regional stability and security. In response, Araghchi accused Israel and the United States of attacking Iran’s Anzali port, claiming that the assault posed a serious threat to the security and stability of the Caspian Sea region. He called for a united and firm response from the coastal nations. The discussion reflects growing regional diplomatic engagement as neighboring countries express concern over escalating tensions and their potential impact on regional stability.

Police in Faridpur arrested Mohammad Tahsin Islam Siam, 23, also known as Teko Siam, who served as the assistant general secretary of the district unit of the banned Chhatra League. The arrest took place around 10 p.m. on Thursday near the Textile Engineering College on the city’s bypass road. A team from Kotwali Police Station carried out the operation. According to police, Siam had previously been jailed in connection with a vandalism case at Kotwali Police Station. After being released on bail, he allegedly became involved in several violent incidents in the area. Officers detained him after responding to a report of a fight. Siam is the son of Mostafizur Rahman from the city’s West Khobaspur area. Kotwali Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md. Shahidul Islam confirmed the arrest and stated that multiple cases were already filed against Siam. He will be presented before the court on Friday.

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has praised Hezbollah for what he described as a series of 87 operations carried out in one night. According to a report by Al Jazeera, Ghalibaf made the remarks in a post on social media platform X, commending the group’s rapid and coordinated attacks. He stated that Hezbollah is now stronger and more active than ever before, asserting that the swift and precise strikes inflicted significant damage on Israel’s military equipment and forces. Ghalibaf also claimed that these actions demonstrated the truth of the ‘promise of martyr Sayyid,’ a phrase he appeared to use in reference to slain Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. The comments reflect Iran’s continued public support for Hezbollah amid ongoing regional tensions, though no independent verification of the claimed operations was mentioned in the report.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced that its defense forces intercepted 15 ballistic missiles and 11 drones on Thursday. According to a statement from the UAE Ministry of Defense shared on social media platform X, the country’s air defense systems have been countering ballistic and cruise missiles as well as drones launched by Iran. The ministry further stated that since the start of the Iranian attacks, a total of 372 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,826 drones have been destroyed. The latest assault resulted in the deaths of two UAE armed forces members and one Moroccan national working under contract with the military. Additionally, eight foreign nationals from Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Palestine, and India were reported killed. The report highlights the continuing escalation of hostilities involving Iran and the UAE, with regional tensions remaining high as both sides sustain military engagements.

The head of France’s armed forces held a video conference with representatives from 35 countries to discuss ways to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. France’s defense ministry confirmed the meeting in a statement but did not specify which countries participated. The talks focused on restoring maritime traffic through the vital waterway once regional tensions subside. According to the ministry, the initiative is entirely defensive and separate from ongoing military operations in the Middle East. The effort aims to ensure safe navigation through the strait, which has been closed due to heightened conflict in the region. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transport route, has significantly disrupted international trade and energy supplies, prompting urgent diplomatic and security discussions among affected nations.

Senior fellow Ross Harrison of the Middle East Institute stated that the recent US-Israeli attacks on Iran have rendered the previous basis for nuclear negotiations irrelevant. He explained that earlier discussions between the United States and Iran were built on mutual interests—Washington sought to limit Iran’s nuclear program, while Tehran wanted security assurances and economic benefits. The ongoing conflict, however, has disrupted that balance. In an interview with Al Jazeera, Harrison said that after being attacked, Iran’s approach has changed and the previous Geneva negotiation framework no longer applies. He added that both the United States and Israel have influenced the Middle East’s geopolitical landscape through their actions. The conflict began after joint US-Israeli airstrikes in Iran last February, coinciding with indirect nuclear talks in Switzerland. Harrison also noted that targeted killings tend to harden Iran’s stance, a pattern observed in previous confrontations. The evolving situation suggests that any renewed dialogue will face significant challenges under the new realities.

French energy company TotalEnergies has withdrawn around 1,300 employees from the Middle East as tensions rise between Iran, Israel, and the United States, according to a report by Al Jazeera. The company’s CEO, Patrick Pouyanné, said the workers were relocated from the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq. Pouyanné explained that only a small number of local employees and contractors remain to maintain essential operations. The decision was made due to the deteriorating security situation in the region, with the company prioritizing the safety of its personnel. The move underscores growing concerns among international firms operating in the Middle East as the regional conflict intensifies, potentially affecting energy operations and supply stability.

Several houses belonging to 10–12 Jamaat-e-Islami activists were vandalized and set on fire in Harinakundu upazila of Jhenaidah on Wednesday night. The attack reportedly followed the death of Abul Kashem, general secretary of the Kapashhatia Union Krishak Dal, with allegations that BNP supporters carried out the violence. Fire service units brought the blaze under control, and multiple homes, including those of Jamaat leaders Abdul Aziz, Nayeb Ali, and Matiar Rahman, were damaged. Following the incident, the victim’s son filed a complaint naming 12 individuals and 10–15 unidentified persons, though police have yet to register the case. The BNP and its affiliated organizations held a protest rally demanding the arrest of those responsible for Kashem’s death. Police said the conflict began over a Facebook post that led to a dispute between BNP and Jamaat supporters, resulting in Kashem’s death during a clash. In response, local Jamaat leaders denied involvement, claiming the death stemmed from a family dispute and accusing BNP activists of exploiting the situation for political gain.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, stated that fuel theft is still occurring even after deploying guards at petrol pumps and depots. He said that although the fuel supplied to pumps should last one to one and a half days, it is now being sold out within two hours. The minister made these remarks on Thursday afternoon while addressing a reception for freedom fighters organized by the Sirajganj district administration at the Shilpakala Academy, marking Independence and National Day. During his speech, the minister emphasized that Bangladesh was not created through any foreign conspiracy but through the struggle for its own rights, flag, and land. He urged freedom fighters to take an active role in preventing fuel theft, saying that simply identifying as vigilant guardians is not enough. He also reflected on the historical context of Bangladesh’s independence, contrasting it with Pakistan’s religious state model and acknowledging the leadership that guided the nation during its formative years.

Former Director General of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) Lt Gen (retd) Sheikh Mamun Khaled was arrested late Wednesday night from his residence in Mirpur DOHS, Dhaka, by the Detective Branch (DB) police. On Thursday, a Dhaka court granted a five-day remand in connection with the July murder case, where he is accused of ordering armed attacks that killed Delwar Hossain. The court decision followed a DB request for seven days of remand, citing the need for intensive interrogation. According to the prosecution, Mamun Khaled was a key figure in the controversial 1/11 government and later served as DGFI chief during the Awami League era. He faces multiple allegations, including misuse of DGFI for political repression, corruption in the Jalshiri housing project, and involvement in secret detention centers such as “Aynaghar.” Journalist Syed Abdal Ahmad also accused him of torture during the 1/11 period. The prosecution claims he played a role in evicting former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia from her cantonment residence and in orchestrating violence against student protesters. Mamun Khaled denied all allegations in court, asserting he was not present at the crime scene and had no political involvement since retirement. His lawyers sought bail, arguing his name was not in the case’s initial report.

U.S. President Donald Trump said he is uncertain whether the United States is truly interested in reaching a deal with Iran. Speaking about Iran, he remarked that Iranians are not good fighters but are skilled negotiators. Trump also asserted that it is Iran, not him, that is requesting a deal. According to his statements, Trump had given Iran 48 hours last Saturday to open the Strait of Hormuz. He later claimed on Monday that discussions between the two countries had taken place and announced a five-day suspension of planned U.S. strikes on Iranian energy facilities. The developments come amid reports that Saudi Arabia has urged the United States to continue its attacks on Iran, while both nations are expected to enter new talks soon.

On the occasion of Bangladesh’s Independence and National Day, nine Master Chief Petty Officers of the Bangladesh Navy were granted honorary commissions as Sub-Lieutenants. The announcement was made on March 26, 2026, according to a notification issued by the Ministry of Defence. The honorary commissions take effect from the same date. The officers receiving the honorary Sub-Lieutenant rank are Khondaker Jahangir Alam, Md. Nazrul Islam, M. Abdul Jalil, Shah Mohammad Ashrafulzaman, Md. Saiful Islam Pradhan, Hawlader Mohammad Hannan, Md. Samiul Haque, Md. Nuruzzaman, and Md. Din Islam. The recognition marks their service and dedication within the naval force. The Ministry of Defence’s decision aligns with the tradition of honoring distinguished service members on national occasions, reflecting the Navy’s continued commitment to acknowledging long-serving personnel.