Energy economist Ed Hirs has warned that global oil prices could soar to 150 dollars per barrel due to ongoing military operations by the United States and Israel against Iran. Speaking to Al Jazeera, the University of Houston lecturer said that if even half of the oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz are disrupted, prices could reach that level. He cautioned that such a scenario could occur if the US Navy fails to ensure the safety of tankers navigating the strait. Hirs noted that the impact is already visible in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) market, where prices rose by more than 40 percent on the first day of the attacks. Between Monday and Tuesday, natural gas prices in several European countries nearly doubled. Diesel prices have also increased sharply, prompting gas-dependent nations to stockpile petroleum, which is affecting future energy orders in some US states. He further warned that the New England region of the United States could face significant challenges, potentially increasing domestic pressure on the Donald Trump administration ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.

The United States Senate has rejected a proposal aimed at limiting President Donald Trump’s authority to conduct military operations in Iran. The measure, which sought to restrict Trump’s ability to launch further military actions without congressional approval, failed by a vote of 47 in favor and 53 against. Lawmakers were largely divided along party lines during the vote. The proposal called for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from conflicts unless Congress explicitly authorized their involvement. Previous attempts to impose such limits had also failed, and even if this initiative had succeeded, it remained unclear how much it would have altered the course of the conflict. Democrats argued that Trump had bypassed Congress and offered inconsistent justifications for military actions, while most Republicans opposed the measure but indicated they might reconsider if the conflict expanded. The House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on the same issue tomorrow. Some senators told reporters that if the war continues for several more weeks, they may be more inclined to support future efforts to restrict presidential war powers.

The Kishoreganj District Bar Association election concluded on Wednesday with candidates from the BNP-backed Nationalist Lawyers Forum winning nine out of fourteen posts. Voting took place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the District Bar Association building, and results were announced later that night. Advocate Mizanur Rahman was elected president, while Advocate Aminul Islam Ratan was re-elected general secretary for the sixth consecutive term. The Nationalist Lawyers Forum fielded candidates for eleven positions and secured victories in nine, including key posts such as vice president, library secretary, cultural secretary, auditor, and three member positions. Five Awami League-leaning independent candidates won the remaining posts, including one vice president, two joint general secretaries, and two members. Senior lawyer Md. Idris Ali served as the chief election commissioner. The results indicate continued influence of the Nationalist Lawyers Forum within the Kishoreganj legal community, with Ratan maintaining his leadership role for multiple terms.

Qatar’s Ministry of Interior announced that residents living near the US Embassy in Doha are being temporarily relocated to safe areas. The ministry said in a statement on social media platform X on Thursday, March 5, that the move is a precautionary measure to ensure public safety. It also confirmed that alternative housing arrangements have been made for those affected. In a separate incident, a powerful explosion occurred on a tanker anchored off the coast of Kuwait. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that the blast took place about 30 nautical miles southeast of Mubarak Al-Kabir port. According to the ship’s master, the explosion was heard on the port side, followed by smoke, and a small boat was seen leaving the area shortly afterward. UKMTO added that one of the ship’s cargo tanks was damaged, causing an oil spill that poses an environmental threat. Water also entered the vessel, but all crew members were confirmed safe.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that Canada cannot completely rule out participation in a possible war against Iran. He made the remark during a joint press conference with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Canberra, emphasizing that the possibility of involvement cannot be entirely dismissed. Earlier, Carney had commented that attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran were not consistent with international law. However, he also affirmed that Canada would stand by its allies, suggesting a balancing stance between legal concerns and alliance commitments. The statement comes amid heightened tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, though Carney did not specify any immediate military decisions or actions.

The closure of the Hormuz Strait following a joint US-Israel attack on Iran has triggered global concerns over energy supply disruptions. The strait, a key route for global oil transport, has been shut down for strategic reasons, leaving at least 700 oil tankers stranded in Middle Eastern ports. Among them is a vessel carrying 100,000 tons of crude oil for Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation’s Eastern Refinery, which remains stuck at Saudi Arabia’s Ras Tanura port. Another shipment scheduled from the UAE on March 22 is also at risk of delay, raising fears of a raw material shortage at Bangladesh’s only state-owned refinery. Eastern Refinery officials warned that if crude oil shipments fail to depart within the next week, production could halt, intensifying pressure on Bangladesh’s fuel market. Energy experts have urged immediate exploration of alternative routes and suppliers, suggesting Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Port and refined oil imports from Singapore, Malaysia, China, or Indonesia. Current reserves can sustain operations for about a month, but prolonged disruption could severely impact national energy security. Fuel prices have already surged globally, with diesel rising from USD 85 to 118 per barrel within days, reflecting the mounting crisis.

Bangladesh’s economy is under severe strain due to declining investment, employment shortages, revenue deficits, and falling export earnings. The situation has worsened following a joint U.S.-Israel attack on Iran that triggered regional conflict, driving up global oil and LNG prices and threatening supply chains. Iran’s retaliatory strikes on neighboring Gulf countries have further destabilized the Middle East, raising fears of a deep economic crisis in Bangladesh if the conflict continues. Analysts note that Bangladesh is almost entirely dependent on imported crude oil and LNG, mainly from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz and production halts in Qatar have disrupted supply routes, pushing prices higher. Experts recommend austerity measures, prioritizing essential spending, and exploring alternative energy sources such as Malaysia and Brunei. They also urge short- and medium-term plans to ensure energy and food security. The conflict threatens remittance inflows from the Middle East, where about one million Bangladeshi workers are employed, and could disrupt garment exports to Europe due to shipping route blockages. Analysts warn that prolonged instability may severely impact reserves, trade balance, and currency stability.

Iran has announced that it will continue retaliatory attacks against the United States and Israel. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi conveyed this decision to his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan during a phone conversation, according to Al Jazeera. The Iranian Foreign Ministry stated on X that Araghchi said Iran’s armed forces would not stop until what he called the ‘enemy’s malicious activities’ cease. He added that Iran is only targeting bases used to plan and conduct attacks against it, describing the actions as consistent with international law. The call followed Turkey’s summoning of Iran’s ambassador in Ankara after a ballistic missile flew toward Turkish airspace. Reuters reported that the missile, launched from Iran, was destroyed over the eastern Mediterranean by NATO’s air defense system. The intended target of the missile remains unclear. Turkey’s Defense Ministry confirmed that debris from the destroyed missile fell near the coastal area of Dortyol, without causing casualties.

In Rangpur, members of the July fighters and families of martyrs have expressed fear after Awami League leaders and activists, whose activities were previously banned, allegedly began threatening plaintiffs and witnesses following their release on bail. The families claim that these individuals, accused in murder and sedition cases, are moving freely and issuing warnings to those involved in the cases. They also accuse the police of remaining inactive despite repeated complaints. According to local sources, several Awami League leaders in Gangachara, Pirgacha, and Badarganj upazilas are openly engaging in political activities and intimidating witnesses. Allegations suggest that some police officers and BNP leaders are supporting or overlooking these actions, allowing the accused to operate publicly. Concerns have grown that this situation could lead to serious incidents if arrests are not made. Police officials, including the Rangpur Metropolitan Police Commissioner and the DIG of Rangpur Range, stated that law enforcement will act according to legal directives and that no offenders will be spared. Civil society representatives and university academics have urged authorities to arrest those involved in the July violence.

US President Donald Trump has threatened to continue war indefinitely amid ongoing US and Israeli attacks on Iran. In a post on Truth Social on Tuesday night, Trump said the United States has enough weapons to fight forever, responding to expert discussions suggesting US stockpiles were running low. The conflict, now in its fifth day, has already left over a thousand people dead in Iran, with additional casualties reported in Lebanon and across the region. Iran has reportedly launched missiles toward Turkey and Saudi Arabia, attacked a major Aramco refinery, and claimed full control of the Strait of Hormuz. The US confirmed sinking an Iranian warship near Sri Lanka, killing 80, while Iran retaliated with missile strikes on Israel and US bases in Qatar. Tehran has postponed the state funeral of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in earlier strikes. Iranian officials declared readiness for a prolonged war and rejected further talks with Washington. Meanwhile, Israel warned that whoever succeeds Khamenei will be targeted if hostile actions continue, signaling an escalation with no clear end in sight.

The Arab League has condemned Iran’s attacks on neighboring Arab countries, describing them as a clear violation of international law. In a statement issued on Wednesday, Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit said the assaults not only breach international law but also strike at the fundamental principles of good neighborly relations. Gheit added that Iran’s aggression has created an unprecedented hostility between Tehran and Arab nations, which could have a profound impact on future relations among these states. He emphasized that while Arab countries recognize the internal crisis Iran is facing, such challenges cannot justify attacks on any sovereign state. The statement underscores growing regional tension following the reported Iranian strikes, with the Arab League warning of long-term consequences for diplomatic and security dynamics in the Middle East.

Iran has sharply criticized US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, calling him the 'Minister of War Crimes'. The statement came from Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei, who made the remarks in a social media post citing Hegseth’s public comments. According to Baghaei, Hegseth had said that US and Israeli warplanes were flying over Tehran, bringing death and destruction from the skies. Baghaei described Hegseth’s words as an admission of war crimes and crimes against humanity. He further stated that only a 'Nazi mentality' could coldly unleash death and destruction on another nation merely to fulfill a leader’s wishes. The comments were reported by Al Jazeera. The exchange comes amid reports of heavy attacks on Tehran and significant civilian displacement, with the UNHCR noting that around 100,000 people left the city within the first two days of the assault.

A majority of members in the United States Senate have expressed support for President Donald Trump’s military campaign against Iran. They voted to block a bipartisan proposal that sought to require congressional authorization for any further military action against Iran and to halt aerial combat operations. According to Al Jazeera, the Senate voted 52 against and 47 in favor of the measure, preventing it from advancing. The blocked proposal, known as the War Powers Resolution, aimed to restrict the president’s ability to engage in hostilities without congressional approval. If passed, it would have required the withdrawal of US forces from ongoing operations in Iran unless Congress explicitly authorized them. Similar attempts had been made previously but also failed to pass. The Senate’s decision effectively maintains the president’s authority to continue military actions in Iran without new congressional approval, leaving the scope of future operations unchanged for now.

Iran has accused the United States and Israel of carrying out recent airstrikes that damaged numerous civilian facilities across several Iranian cities. According to the Iranian Foreign Ministry, at least 33 sites, including hospitals, schools, residential areas, and markets, were targeted. The ministry’s spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, stated on social media that civilian infrastructure such as schools and hospitals had been deliberately chosen as targets. The list of affected locations includes residential buildings in Tehran’s Niloufar Square, hospitals in Tehran and Ahvaz, Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, the historic Golestan Palace complex south of the capital, and a primary school in Minab. Additional sites reportedly hit include residential areas in Maragheh and a sports hall in Lamard, Fars Province. Iran also claimed that civilian casualties occurred during the attacks. Iranian officials said they have evidence of 33 targeted sites but noted that neither the United States nor Israel has yet issued an immediate response to the allegations.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned of 'terrorist activity' near the Iraq border, as reports emerge of a ground operation by Kurdish-Iranian militias in Iran’s northwestern region. The claim of the operation has not yet been officially confirmed by any side. Araghchi has reportedly spoken with Bafel Talabani, leader of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, while U.S. President Donald Trump also held a conversation with Talabani earlier this week. According to Axios journalist Barak Ravid, a U.S. official said that Kurdish-Iranian militias had launched a ground offensive in northwestern Iran. However, Al Jazeera has not independently verified this information. Despite the lack of confirmation, indications of possible military activity in Iran’s western region are reportedly increasing, suggesting heightened tensions along the Iran-Iraq border.