A week after the United States and Israel launched a war against Iran, instability has spread across the Middle East. Despite the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and heavy attacks on Iranian forces, the conflict has escalated into a regional war. President Donald Trump now faces growing challenges in turning military gains into a clear geopolitical victory, with analysts warning of prolonged U.S. involvement.

Experts describe the campaign, named Operation Epic Fury, as the largest U.S. military action since the 2003 Iraq invasion. Trump’s administration says its goals are to destroy Iran’s missile and naval capabilities and prevent nuclear weapons development, but critics note the lack of a defined endgame. Rising oil prices due to halted tanker traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and growing voter opposition ahead of midterm elections have added pressure. Some Gulf allies and U.S. strategists have also questioned the political wisdom of the war.

Analysts warn that the economic shock and regional backlash could undermine U.S. influence and Trump’s domestic standing if the conflict continues without a clear resolution.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman hosted an iftar gathering with orphans and Islamic scholars at the state guesthouse Jamuna on Saturday. During the event, he announced a government plan to make zakat management more effective and targeted to combat poverty. Rahman said that with structured and goal-oriented distribution, zakat could play a decisive role in eradicating poverty within 10 to 15 years.

He explained that while many wealthy individuals in Bangladesh already pay zakat privately or through the government’s Zakat Board, the lack of organized distribution limits its impact. Citing research estimates of annual zakat amounts exceeding Tk 20,000–25,000 crore, he emphasized that better planning could transform zakat into a powerful poverty alleviation tool. Rahman proposed identifying poor families and providing targeted zakat support to help them become self-reliant.

Rahman also urged Islamic scholars to raise awareness among the wealthy about responsible zakat distribution and suggested reorganizing the national Zakat Board under the Ministry of Religious Affairs. He expressed hope that Bangladesh could become a model for zakat-based poverty reduction in the Islamic world.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed responsibility for launching both solid and liquid-fueled missiles targeting a US base located in Bahrain’s Juffair area. According to the IRGC, the attack was carried out in retaliation for a US strike on a desalination plant in Qeshm.

Earlier, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the US attack on the desalination facility disrupted water supplies to 30 villages. Following the missile launches, Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior announced on social media platform X that air raid sirens were sounding across the country and urged residents to remain calm and seek shelter.

The incident marks a new escalation in tensions between Iran and the United States, with Bahrain’s authorities taking precautionary measures amid heightened regional instability.

US President Donald Trump stated that by launching a war against Iran, the United States has benefited the entire world. He described the progress of the US military operation as an extraordinary success, rating it 15 on a scale of 0 to 10. Trump added that the war against Iran is not only for the Middle East but also a service to the whole world.

Commenting on the casualties from US and Israeli attacks in Iran, Trump said those killed were 'very sick people.' According to Iranian authorities, more than 1,330 people have been killed so far in the joint strikes by the United States and Israel. The report cited Al Jazeera as the source of these statements.

Trump further declared that the war would continue until Iran’s leadership and power are destroyed, signaling an extended military campaign with no immediate end in sight.

Turkey is considering deploying F-16 fighter jets to Cyprus, according to a Reuters report citing a source from the Turkish Ministry of Defense. The move is being evaluated as part of a broader plan to ensure the security of Turkish Cyprus, the source said. The consideration is part of an ongoing phased planning process that includes potential military adjustments.

The report indicates that the deployment is not yet finalized but is among several measures under review to strengthen defense arrangements in the region. The Turkish Defense Ministry source did not provide further details about the timeline or scale of the possible deployment.

If implemented, the decision could mark a significant step in Turkey’s regional defense posture, though no official confirmation or schedule has been announced.

Barcelona returned to winning form in La Liga after their Copa del Rey semifinal disappointment, defeating Athletic Bilbao 1–0 away on March 8, 2026. The only goal of the match came from young forward Lamine Yamal in the 68th minute at San Mamés. Receiving a pass from Pedri, Yamal advanced down the right flank and curled a left-footed shot into the far post, sealing the victory for the Catalan side.

The 18-year-old’s strike marked his 19th goal across all competitions this season, following a hat-trick against Villarreal earlier in the league. Despite Bilbao’s attacking efforts, Barcelona’s defense held firm to secure three crucial points. With this win, Hansi Flick’s team leads the La Liga table with 67 points from 27 matches, four points ahead of second-placed Real Madrid.

Barcelona will next face Newcastle United away in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 on Tuesday, aiming to carry their league momentum into European competition.

A former personal cook has filed a lawsuit against Brazilian football star Neymar Jr., accusing him of forcing her to work under inhumane conditions at his luxury mansion in Mangaratiba. The report, citing court documents published by Brazilian outlet Metropoles, states that the woman was required to cook not only for Neymar but also for around 150 of his friends and companions.

According to the case file, the woman often worked up to 16 hours a day, sometimes until 11 p.m. or midnight, and was compelled to work even on weekends. She reportedly had to stand for long periods and carry heavy grocery bags, including 10 kilograms of meat, which led to chronic back pain and hip inflammation.

The plaintiff is seeking approximately 262,000 Brazilian reals from Neymar, covering unpaid wages, overtime, medical expenses, and other dues. The report did not mention any response from Neymar or his representatives regarding the allegations.

Saudi Arabia’s Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman Al Saud has urged Iran not to make any 'wrong decisions' following recent missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi territory. The warning came on Saturday amid reports of Iranian strikes on Saudi Arabia in response to Israeli and U.S. attacks. According to the Saudi Defense Ministry, several missiles aimed at an airbase hosting U.S. troops were intercepted, and an attempted drone strike on a major oil field was also thwarted.

Earlier in the week, Saudi Arabia reported at least two drone attacks on its Ras Tanura oil refinery. After meeting Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir, Khalid bin Salman wrote on social media platform X that such actions undermine regional security and stability. He expressed hope that Iran would act with prudence and avoid missteps.

The Defense Ministry further stated that a ballistic missile targeting Prince Sultan Air Base southeast of Riyadh was intercepted, while six drones were downed over the Empty Quarter desert, and an attack on the Shaybah oil field was prevented.

Advocate Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, chief coordinator of the Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal, said that no leader or activist of the organization will engage in unethical activities, nor will they allow such acts. He warned that any allegation of misconduct would result in immediate organizational action. He made these remarks on Saturday evening at a joint meeting of the party’s central, Dhaka North-South, and basic trade union units at the central office in Naya Paltan.

Shimul Biswas stated that all necessary measures will be taken to ensure smooth Eid travel, emphasizing that passenger harassment, extortion, and overcharging in the transport sector will be strictly curbed. He also noted that recruitment in industries and factories has been stagnant for a long time and urged that vacancies be filled to create employment opportunities. According to him, the current democratic government is committed to merit-based recruitment.

The meeting, chaired by Anwar Hossain and conducted by publicity secretary Manjurul Islam Manju, discussed ongoing organizational tours aimed at strengthening the Workers’ Party.

A local BNP leader, Md. Jibon Mia, has been accused of failing to pay for a donated cow he purchased in an open auction at the historic Pagla Mosque in Kishoreganj. The auction took place on February 9, 2025, where Jibon Mia bought the cow for Tk 55,000 but did not make the required immediate payment. Mosque officials said repeated attempts to collect the money were unsuccessful, and threats were allegedly made when payment was demanded.

Local sources said Jibon Mia claims to be a member of the Kishoreganj municipal BNP’s Ward No. 5 committee, though the committee has reportedly been dissolved, according to the municipal BNP president. Meanwhile, journalists covering the alleged irregularities in the auction were attacked on Thursday afternoon, reportedly led by Jibon Mia. Four journalists were injured and are receiving treatment at Kishoreganj 250-bed Modern Hospital.

Following the attack, journalist Fayzul Islam Bhuiya Pinku filed an attempted murder case against eight people. Police have arrested Jibon Mia and another suspect named Mona in connection with the case.

Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported that the death toll from ongoing Israeli airstrikes in the country has risen to 294. Citing data from the Health Emergency Operations Center of the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health, the agency said that 1,023 people have been injured since the attacks began on Monday, March 2.

According to NNA, Israel has continued its air operations across Lebanon. The latest strike occurred around 4 p.m. local time (14:00 GMT) on Saturday in the city of Jibdin, located in the Nabatieh region of southern Lebanon. The report did not specify the extent of damage or whether civilian areas were affected.

The escalation marks a continuation of Israel’s aerial campaign in Lebanon, with no indication from the report of when or if the strikes might cease.

Three Ghanaian UN peacekeepers were seriously injured on Friday in an attack on a United Nations base in southern Lebanon. The assault drew strong condemnation from UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the government of Ghana, which lodged a formal complaint with the UN. Ghana described the attack as a grave violation of international law, equating it to a war crime and an affront to the protection guaranteed to UN peacekeepers.

Germany’s Foreign Ministry also condemned the incident in a statement on X, calling the targeting of UN peacekeepers unacceptable and urging all parties to ensure their safety. Lebanon’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that the attack involved overnight shelling of the Ghanaian battalion headquarters in the town of Kuza, injuring three peacekeepers, one critically. The wounded were transferred to a hospital in Beirut for treatment.

The incident has heightened concern over the safety of UN personnel in Lebanon, with multiple governments stressing the need for accountability and adherence to international law.

US President Donald Trump has claimed that American forces destroyed 42 ships belonging to Iran’s navy within three days. He also asserted that Iran’s air force and telecommunications systems were destroyed. Trump made these remarks on Friday while addressing the situation in Iran, describing America’s performance there as “very good” and “extraordinary.”

During his statement, Trump mentioned that he would extend greetings to the families of US personnel who have died in the ongoing conflict. He referred to them as “great heroes” of the country who are returning home from Iran in a way different from what they had imagined. Trump further stated that the United States would keep American troop deaths to a minimum.

He added that the war would continue until Iran’s leadership and strength are destroyed, signaling a continuation of hostilities between the two nations.

Iran has issued a warning that any US ship entering the Persian Gulf will be targeted and sunk. The statement came from an Iranian military spokesperson as the country continues retaliatory strikes following joint US-Israeli attacks. The warning underscores rising hostilities in the region, particularly around the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

The threat coincided with US President Donald Trump’s announcement that the US Navy would escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz if necessary. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had previously cautioned that American or allied vessels navigating the waterway could be attacked, a stance that has already heightened regional tensions.

The situation reflects a deepening confrontation between Iran and the United States, with both sides signaling readiness for further escalation in the Gulf region.

Leaders of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami attended an iftar gathering organized by the Indian High Commission in Dhaka. The event took place on Saturday evening at the Ruposhi Hall of Hotel InterContinental. It was attended by prominent politicians, diplomats from various foreign missions in Dhaka, and distinguished citizens. The information was confirmed through a press release issued by Jamaat’s central publicity department.

Representing Jamaat-e-Islami, central executive council members Saiful Alam Khan Milon MP and Advocate Matiur Rahman Akand were present at the event. The iftar was part of the Indian High Commission’s annual Ramadan engagement with political and diplomatic circles in Bangladesh, according to the press release.

The participation of Jamaat leaders in the Indian High Commission’s event highlights ongoing diplomatic and political interactions among diverse political groups and foreign missions in Dhaka during the Ramadan season.