US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a meeting with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, according to a statement released by the US State Department on Saturday. The meeting underscored Qatar’s role as a key mediator for Washington, which is currently awaiting Tehran’s response to a peace proposal. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said Rubio praised Qatar’s partnership on various issues during the talks. The two leaders discussed US cooperation in Qatar’s defense sector and emphasized the importance of continued coordination to address threats and ensure stability and security across the Middle East. The report highlighted Qatar’s growing diplomatic significance in regional affairs, particularly in facilitating dialogue between the United States and other Middle Eastern actors.

Thalapathy Vijay, officially named Chandrasekhar Joseph Vijay, took oath as the new Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on Sunday morning at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai. Governor R.N. Arlekar administered the oath. In his first address, Vijay described himself as an ordinary man without royal lineage and promised to serve the people sincerely. He pledged not to make false promises and to build an era of genuine secularism and social justice, asking citizens for time to evaluate his work. Vijay emphasized that he would be the sole center of power, signaling that his government would not operate under coalition pressure. His party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), secured 108 seats in the recent state election and formed a coalition government with support from Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), reaching 120 seats. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Vijay and assured cooperation between the central and state governments. Vijay also declared assets worth 624 crore rupees in his election affidavit and said he would consider publishing a white paper on the state’s financial status to ensure transparency.

Bangladesh has fallen behind India and Vietnam in global export capacity rankings due to high trade costs, slow port operations, and weak logistics infrastructure. The issue was highlighted at a roundtable titled “Integrated Port and Logistics Sector Development for Trade-Driven Bangladesh,” organized by the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) in Dhaka. Experts said customs complexities, transport delays, and lack of modern supply systems are eroding Bangladesh’s competitiveness in international markets. According to the discussion, Bangladesh ranks 88th in the global logistics capability index, compared to India’s 38th and Vietnam’s 43rd. In customs efficiency, Bangladesh stands 101st, while India and Vietnam are 47th and 43rd respectively. The country’s infrastructure ranking is 108th, and its position in international shipment is 91st. Experts, including Dr. M Masrur Reaz of Policy Exchange Bangladesh, noted that inefficient logistics and high business costs are limiting the nation’s trade potential. Speakers urged rapid implementation of a national logistics policy, modernization of port management, and greater private sector involvement. They emphasized adopting AI, blockchain, and digital customs systems to reduce clearance times and improve export competitiveness.

By the end of 2025, a total of 352,000 Russian soldiers had been killed in the war in Ukraine, according to figures released on Saturday by Russian media outlets Meduza and Mediazona. The conflict has become Europe’s deadliest since the Second World War. The report noted that the figure does not include those killed in 2026, nor does it cover foreign fighters or members of militia groups formed in occupied Ukrainian territories who fought on Russia’s side. Earlier, the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies estimated that by the end of 2025, about 325,000 Russian and 140,000 Ukrainian soldiers had died in the conflict. The report also stated that Russia is continuing efforts to maintain troop levels on the battlefield, including recruiting fighters from Africa and other regions and enlisting university students to strengthen its expanding drone forces.

UK Labour Party MP Catherine West has announced that she will run for party leadership if no cabinet member challenges current leader Keir Starmer by Monday. In an interview with the BBC, West said she believes a cabinet reshuffle and the presentation of the best alternative to Starmer are necessary following the party’s disastrous election results. West stated that if no one expresses interest in taking leadership by Monday, she will begin gathering support for her own bid. To qualify, she must secure backing from 20 percent of Labour MPs, equivalent to 81 members. She added that ten MPs are already prepared to support her and expressed confidence that more will join once the contest begins. The remarks come amid internal party discussions about leadership direction after the poor electoral performance, highlighting growing pressure on Starmer’s leadership within Labour ranks.

According to US media reports, Washington has sent a new 14-point proposal to Iran this week. The proposal requires Iran to commit to not developing nuclear weapons and to halt uranium enrichment activities for at least 12 years. It also includes a condition for Iran to hand over about 440 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 60 percent to the United States. In exchange, the United States would gradually lift sanctions imposed on Iran, release several billion dollars of frozen Iranian assets, and remove the naval blockade surrounding Iranian ports. The proposal comes amid ongoing maritime tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route. The plan further states that both sides would reopen the strategic waterway within 30 days of signing the agreement, signaling a potential step toward easing regional tensions if accepted.

More than 30 ships and vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla, carrying humanitarian aid bound for Gaza, arrived at Turkey’s Marmaris coast after a 24-day sea journey. Videos shared on social media Saturday evening showed the ships anchored in open waters as Turkish officials and human rights activists welcomed the fleet. Activist Alex Colston said on social media platform X that Turkey’s coast guard and local Global Sumud Fleet members went out to greet the convoy. According to activists, the flotilla made stopovers in Sicily, Italy, and Crete, Greece, during its voyage. Israeli forces reportedly detained 22 vessels and two senior activists along the route, though the two detained activists were later returned from Israel. The Global Sumud Flotilla stated that while in Marmaris, the ships will undergo technical maintenance, safety checks, and resupply operations. The organization added that details of the next stages of the Gaza-bound humanitarian mission will be announced in the coming days.

Israel reportedly established a secret military base in Iraq’s desert to support air operations against Iran, according to a Wall Street Journal report published on Saturday. The base was allegedly built before the joint U.S.-Israeli offensive on Iran on February 28. The report stated that Washington was aware of the facility, which served as a logistics hub for Israeli special forces and air units, including search and rescue teams for downed pilots. The report added that in early March, a local shepherd alerted authorities after spotting suspicious helicopter movements in the remote area. Iraqi troops sent to investigate were attacked by Israeli aircraft, forcing them to retreat. This prevented the exposure of Israel’s covert activities on Iraqi soil. Later in March, Iraq filed a complaint with the United Nations, accusing foreign forces of involvement and blaming the United States. However, the Wall Street Journal cited a source saying the U.S. had no role in the attack. The revelations, sourced from Press TV, highlight ongoing regional tensions and covert military operations involving Iraq, Israel, and Iran.

Five members of the same family were critically injured in a gas leak explosion in the Uttar Bhuiyighar area of Fatullah, Narayanganj, on Sunday morning, May 10, 2026. The incident occurred around 7 a.m. at a house in front of Gram Bangla Tower. The victims—tenant Md Kalam, his wife Sayma, and their three children Munna, Munni, and Kotha—were rescued by locals and taken to the National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute in Dhaka. According to Abdullah Al Arefin, Deputy Assistant Director of Narayanganj Fire Service and Civil Defense, the explosion took place on the ground floor of an eight-story building owned by Md Shahjahan Mia. The fire broke out when Kalam lit a cigarette with a lighter in a closed room filled with leaked gas. Dr. Shawon Bin Rahman of the National Burn Institute reported that Kalam suffered 95 percent burns, Sayma 60 percent, Munna 30 percent, Kotha 52 percent, and Munni 35 percent. All are in critical condition and receiving emergency treatment. Authorities confirmed that the victims remain under intensive care as their conditions are life-threatening.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 on Sunday ordered the start of trial proceedings against 28 accused, including former Dhaka South City mayor Fazle Noor Taposh and former minister Jahangir Kabir Nanak, in connection with the killing of nine people during the July uprising in Mohammadpur, Dhaka. The tribunal rejected discharge petitions and read out three specific charges before setting June 8 for opening statements and the first witness testimony. Four of the accused, currently in custody, were produced before the court. According to the prosecution, the accused include former senior police officials and leaders of banned local units of the Awami League, Jubo League, and Chhatra League. The charges allege that between July 17 and 19, 2024, law enforcement and political activists opened fire on unarmed protesters, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries. The prosecution claims the attacks were carried out under the knowledge and direction of the accused. Investigators submitted their report against 28 individuals after probing the violence. The chief prosecutor stated that 50 witnesses will testify against the accused, who face charges of crimes against humanity for their alleged roles in the killings and assaults.

At least three police officers were killed in a car bomb attack followed by a gun battle at a police post in Bannu district of Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province late Saturday night. The attack occurred near the Afghan border when a suicide bomber detonated an explosives-laden vehicle at the security checkpoint, causing multiple explosions and the collapse of the post. Police official Zahid Khan said intense gunfire erupted between the attackers and security forces after the blast, and additional police coming to assist were also targeted. Local media reported that nearby civilian areas were damaged, injuring at least two civilians. Another officer, Sajjad Khan, warned that the death toll could rise as operations were still ongoing. Security sources indicated evidence of drone use in the assault. Rescue teams and ambulances quickly reached the site, and emergency status was declared in Bannu’s government hospitals. No group has claimed responsibility so far, but the incident has raised concerns of renewed tension along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.

Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported that at least 39 people were killed in intensified Israeli airstrikes, including seven in the southern city of Saksakiyeh. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said the attacks targeted Hezbollah positions and acknowledged awareness of civilian casualties. The strikes occurred despite a ceasefire announced on April 16, 2026, by U.S. President Donald Trump between Israel and Lebanon. According to the ministry, Israeli attacks have killed more than 120 people across Lebanon in the past week, including women and children. The IDF stated that its operations aimed to eliminate Hezbollah-linked infrastructure and personnel, while Hezbollah continued launching drone and rocket attacks into northern Israel. Human rights groups warned that some incidents could amount to war crimes. Lebanese officials said Israel has occupied about 10 kilometers of southern Lebanese territory, seeking to create a “Hezbollah-free security zone.” Since March 2, 2026, a total of 2,795 people have been killed in Lebanon, while Israel reported 17 soldiers and three civilians dead on its side.

France and the United Kingdom are deploying warships to the Middle East as part of preparations for a multinational mission aimed at ensuring the safety of commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The UK has announced the deployment of its warship HMS Dragon, while France has decided to station its aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle in the Red Sea. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that many countries are ready to contribute resources and equipment to this joint effort led by the UK and France. However, he clarified that the initiative will begin only after the ongoing conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran comes to an end. The move follows criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump over Washington’s allies’ reluctance to join the war against Iran. French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that reopening the Strait of Hormuz can only be achieved through dialogue with Iran, underscoring France’s preference for diplomatic engagement over military escalation.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has warned that any attack on Iranian tankers or commercial vessels in the Persian Gulf or beyond will face a strong response. In a statement issued on Saturday evening, the IRGC said that if Iran’s ships are targeted, U.S. military bases and enemy vessels in the Middle East will be struck in retaliation. The statement emphasized Iran’s commitment to protecting its maritime interests and ensuring the safe passage of its legitimate commercial fleet amid what it described as increasing provocations by foreign powers in the strategic waters of the Strait of Hormuz. The IRGC Navy Command reiterated that the Islamic Republic would not tolerate any threat to its ships or disruption to its vital oil exports and trade routes. The warning comes amid heightened tensions in regional waters, underscoring Iran’s resolve to defend its maritime operations and deter potential attacks on its vessels.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam met Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara for the first time in over a year, aiming to restore bilateral relations and cooperation. The meeting took place against the backdrop of regional conflict, Israeli military operations in Lebanon, and Israel’s continued presence in southern Syria. The main agenda focused on border and security concerns, particularly the long-standing issues of drug and arms smuggling between the two countries. Syrian authorities have recently conducted several operations to destroy tunnels allegedly used for arms trafficking into Lebanon and arrested multiple suspects. The government also reported detaining members of a ‘Hezbollah cell’ accused of plotting attacks against the Syrian government, as well as others preparing rocket strikes on Israel. Both Syria and Lebanon now share a common stance on controlling Hezbollah’s activities. Beyond security, the leaders discussed trade, economic cooperation, and prisoner exchanges. The talks also addressed the repatriation of Syrian refugees from Lebanon, where over one million displaced Syrians still reside despite many returning home since the war.