Former U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated that the United States will declare a 'final victory' over Iran within the next two weeks. He made the remarks while virtually addressing a rally organized in support of South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, who is contesting in Tuesday’s primary election. Trump stated that discussions with Iran are ongoing and claimed that Tehran is willing to make a favorable deal, including pledging not to possess nuclear weapons. Trump added that he believes the U.S. is winning the fight and that the upcoming declaration will mark a complete victory, which he said would lead to a sharp drop in oil prices. The statement follows earlier promises of progress within similar two-week timelines. A ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran was announced on April 8, initially set to last two weeks, during which both sides were expected to finalize a peace agreement. The remarks were reported by CNN and suggest that Washington may soon announce a major diplomatic or strategic development regarding Iran.

Three major local government elections in Bangladesh—city corporation, municipality, and upazila parishad—will not be held this year, according to the Local Government Division. However, Union Parishad (UP) elections may begin in late 2026 after the national budget session concludes, when the final schedule is expected. Officials said no formal instructions have yet been issued to prepare for the polls, and all activities remain routine until directives arrive. The government reportedly views the upcoming UP election as a test of its grassroots popularity following the political transition earlier in 2026. After the fall of the Awami League government in August 2024 and the formation of a new administration led by Tarique Rahman in February 2026, the ruling coalition is proceeding cautiously amid tight political competition. The elections are planned to be non-partisan, though speculation persists about strategic participation by major parties. The Election Commission is revising election rules and codes of conduct to align with updated local government laws. Draft regulations will be published on June 15 for public feedback. A software-based election calendar has been developed to streamline scheduling once budget approval and legal formalities are completed.

A magnitude 5 earthquake struck southern Iran on Tuesday morning, shaking areas near Sargaz in the Hormozgan and Kerman provinces, according to Mehr News Agency. Initial reports indicated no casualties or major damage from the tremor. Meanwhile, the Philippines continues to recover from a powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit the southern region a day earlier. The death toll there has risen to 37, with more than 150 people injured. Rescue teams in the Soccsksargen region have recovered 31 bodies from collapsed buildings, and several people remain missing. Authorities fear the number of casualties could increase as many structures were destroyed. Footage captured on CCTV and mobile phones showed the scale of destruction across affected areas in the Philippines, where the quake struck during morning hours when workplaces and schools were occupied.

Iran and Israel have announced a suspension of their retaliatory attacks following recent escalations. The declaration came on Monday, when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the conflict was now under control. Earlier the same day, Tehran announced it would halt military actions for the time being, warning that any new Israeli strikes on Iran or Lebanon would prompt a response. Iran’s top military command, the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, confirmed the decision in an official statement. The announcement followed two months of reciprocal attacks between the two countries, which reignited tensions across the Middle East on Sunday night. Despite the temporary ceasefire, exchanges of fire continued into Monday morning before both sides declared a pause in hostilities. The situation remains fragile, with both nations signaling conditional restraint depending on future military actions.

Iran has lifted all flight restrictions imposed after its missile strikes on Israel, declaring the country’s airspace fully safe. The Civil Aviation Organization of Iran announced that flights from all airports have resumed following the removal of the temporary ban. The decision was confirmed by Abuzar Shiroudi, an official from the organization, through the state news agency IRIB on Monday. According to the report, the restrictions were introduced earlier in the day after Iran launched a large-scale missile attack inside Israel, which heightened regional tensions. In response to potential retaliatory threats and to ensure airspace safety, Iran had temporarily suspended all flights and closed its airspace. After coordination with relevant institutions and confirmation of a secure environment, authorities restored normal aviation operations. The reopening of Iran’s airspace marks a rapid normalization of flight activities just hours after the escalation, signaling Tehran’s confidence that the immediate security risks have subsided.

A powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck southern Philippines early Monday, killing at least 37 people and injuring more than 150 others. The quake hit at 7:37 a.m. local time, with its epicenter located about eight miles southwest of General Santos City in Mindanao at a depth of 6.2 miles. The Civil Defense authorities confirmed that 31 bodies were recovered from the debris in the Soccsksargen region, while several people remain missing. Over 10,000 residents have lost their homes due to the disaster. According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, the quake caused significant structural damage in affected areas. The U.S. Geological Survey also measured the tremor at magnitude 7.8. Shortly after the quake, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued an alert warning of possible waves up to 10 feet along parts of the Philippine coast and up to one meter along some Indonesian and Malaysian shores. The warning was later lifted after assessments indicated no tsunami threat. Authorities continue rescue and recovery operations as search efforts persist for those still missing.

Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, stated that diplomatic exchanges between Iran and the United States are ongoing with the aim of finalizing a potential agreement. Speaking to reporters after a UN Security Council meeting on Afghanistan, Iravani said both sides are communicating through Pakistan to prepare a draft of the final deal. According to Iravani, Iran and the United States are exchanging views and proposals to reach a final text, though no agreement has yet been concluded. He emphasized that both countries are continuing efforts toward that goal. His remarks were published by Iran’s state news agency IRNA. Observers view Iravani’s comments as significant amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East and recent diplomatic activity. Analysts cited in the report suggest that Pakistan’s mediation could help break the stalemate in Iran–U.S. relations and open a path toward a new understanding.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed deep concern over the recent escalation of tensions in the Middle East. In a statement issued through his spokesperson, he urged all parties to fully adhere to ceasefires in Lebanon, Iran, and Gaza, and to refrain from actions that could undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts. Guterres also voiced serious concern over Israel’s decision to close Gaza’s entry points, calling for their immediate reopening to ensure the uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid and essential supplies. He emphasized the importance of respecting freedom of navigation in international waterways, a remark analysts interpret as referring to tensions involving Iran and the United States in the Strait of Hormuz. The UN chief reiterated that dialogue and negotiation remain the only viable path forward and urged all sides to intensify diplomatic initiatives for peaceful resolution. Observers view this statement as a significant diplomatic message aimed at calming the region’s volatile situation.

Al Jazeera’s senior political analyst Marwan Bishara has suggested that U.S. President Donald Trump is becoming increasingly frustrated with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the ongoing conflict with Iran. According to Bishara, the war has not produced the expected results, leaving the United States in a difficult position. He believes Trump may ultimately hold Netanyahu responsible for the failure of the campaign. Bishara noted that while he was not present in private discussions between the two leaders, it appears Trump is losing confidence in Netanyahu as the conflict drags on. The analyst said many in the United States view the war as unpopular and ineffective in achieving the administration’s stated goals. Washington has been unable to escalate to a full-scale war or compel Iran to accept a peace deal on U.S. terms. He added that Netanyahu’s stance seems more militaristic and expansionist, while the prolonged conflict is increasing strategic and political pressure on the United States. Bishara’s remarks come amid heightened global debate over the Iran-Israel confrontation and Washington’s role in it.

Cuba is experiencing a deepening energy crisis marked by prolonged nationwide power outages that have left residents in darkness for days. In Havana and other regions, people are struggling without electricity, water, or relief from extreme heat and mosquito infestations. Some residents have resorted to public protests known as “cacerolazos,” banging pots and pans to express frustration over the worsening conditions. Fuel shortages have also crippled transportation and cooking, forcing many to rely on wood and charcoal. The crisis has been compounded by soaring inflation, with basic goods and gas cylinder prices rising sharply while pensions have lost value. The tourism sector, a key source of income, is suffering as international companies scale back or withdraw operations. Political tensions between Cuba and the United States have intensified, raising fears of new sanctions and potential military strain. Analysts warn that without diplomatic compromise, the situation could deteriorate further. The World Meteorological Organization has cautioned that extreme heat and drought may make conditions even more dangerous in a country already struggling without power.

The United Nations has warned that the world’s oceans are under “intense and rapidly growing” pressure due to human activities, with the rate of sea level rise doubling over the past decade. The findings come from the UN’s third World Ocean Assessment, released on World Oceans Day, which highlights escalating threats from pollution and industrial-scale fishing that are severely damaging marine biodiversity and ecosystems. Based on research by about 600 scientists from 86 countries between 2021 and 2025, the report shows that sea levels now rise by 4.3 millimeters per year, compared to 2 millimeters before 2015. Ocean temperatures have increased sharply, with 16% of the total rise since 1955 occurring after 2018. UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged urgent global cooperation to protect marine ecosystems, emphasizing a science-based and law-governed approach. The report notes progress such as the new High Seas Treaty, which aims to protect two-thirds of international waters, but warns that fragmented governance still hampers effective action. Greenpeace called the findings an urgent warning to world leaders, urging the creation of fully protected marine sanctuaries to restore ocean health by 2030.

Amid ongoing Middle East tensions, US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly had a severe disagreement over Israel’s military actions in Lebanon. According to US Ambassador to Lebanon Michelle Issa, the dispute became so heated that Trump nearly came to physical confrontation with Netanyahu. Issa made the remarks after meeting Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, noting that Washington is closely monitoring the situation and that Trump receives daily updates on Lebanon. Al Jazeera reported that the disagreement centered on Israel’s recent airstrikes near Beirut and Iran’s missile attack on Israel, which Issa described as carrying political messages. A US official confirmed that Trump and Netanyahu held a new phone conversation in recent hours, during which Trump urged Israel to refrain from launching further attacks, fearing such actions could hinder ongoing US-Iran diplomatic talks. Sources indicated that Netanyahu initially objected to Trump’s request but later partially agreed. Despite persistent regional tensions, Trump has been working actively over the past 48 hours to project control, though observers believe the risk of escalation remains.

Iraq reopened its airspace on Monday after Iran announced the suspension of its military operations against Israel, according to the country’s Civil Aviation Authority. The authority stated that all Iraqi airports are now open for passenger and commercial flights, while officials will continue to monitor and assess the regional situation closely. The decision follows Iraq’s earlier move to close its airspace for 72 hours after Iran launched missile attacks on Israel on Sunday evening. That attack marked the first breach of the Middle East ceasefire that had been in effect since April 8. The reopening signals a cautious return to normal air operations as regional tensions remain high. Authorities emphasized that surveillance of the situation will continue, suggesting that future airspace decisions will depend on developments in the Iran-Israel conflict.

At least seven people were killed in an Israeli attack on Jefta, a city in Lebanon’s Nabatieh Governorate, according to the Lebanese health ministry. The victims include a Syrian child and a woman. The strike occurred early in the morning, leaving at least eight others injured. The wounded are being treated at local hospitals, and panic spread across the area following the assault. Israeli authorities have not issued any immediate comment on the incident. The attack comes amid rising tensions in southern Lebanon in recent times. Local authorities are monitoring the situation closely as the region experiences heightened instability. The report was sourced from Al Jazeera, as cited by the Lebanese outlet. Further developments or official responses from either side were not available at the time of reporting.

Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported that the death toll from Israeli attacks has risen to 3,637 since the assaults began on March 2. The ministry’s latest figures, released on Monday, also confirmed that at least 11,188 people have been injured, with many in critical condition. Officials warned that the number of fatalities could increase further as the situation remains volatile. The prolonged conflict has triggered a severe humanitarian crisis across several regions of Lebanon. Thousands of residents have been displaced, and the country’s healthcare and emergency response systems are under mounting strain. Despite repeated international appeals to end the violence, tensions along the border remain high. According to the Health Ministry, both casualties and injuries have continued to rise steadily since the start of the conflict, underscoring the ongoing intensity of the hostilities.