US President Donald Trump has threatened renewed military strikes on Iran following the admission by Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi that US attacks in June caused serious damage to Iranian nuclear facilities. Trump praised the operation’s success and warned Washington would repeat it if needed. He also criticized CNN for downplaying the damage and demanded the firing of a reporter. Iran acknowledged the damage for the first time but vowed to continue its nuclear program, escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Iran has ruled out any negotiations with the United States, according to its foreign ministry. Spokesperson Ismail Baghaei said Tehran has no plans to engage with Washington but will resume talks with the UK, France, and Germany on July 25 in Istanbul, focusing on its nuclear program. Deputy Foreign Ministers Majid Takht-Ravanchi and Kazem Gharibabadi will represent Iran. Despite severe damage to nuclear sites during the Israel-Iran conflict, Tehran insists it will not abandon its uranium enrichment efforts.

During the 17th day of the political dialogue in Dhaka, National Consensus Commission Vice Chairman Ali Riaz announced that most political parties agreed party chiefs should not hold the Prime Minister’s post. While some parties expressed dissent, they will be allowed to submit formal notes of disagreement in the National Charter. Discussions also covered caretaker government reforms and appointments to key institutions like the Election Commission and Anti-Corruption Commission. A few parties, including BNP and allies, supported allowing one individual to hold all three top positions.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the country will not abandon its uranium enrichment program, even after severe damage to nuclear facilities during recent conflict with Israel. In an interview, he emphasized the program’s national importance. Talks with the U.S., mediated by Oman, failed to reach a deal on enrichment limits. A 12-day air conflict in June, involving the U.S., ended with a ceasefire. The UN nuclear watchdog found no proof Iran seeks nuclear weapons, though Israel claims otherwise.

Lebanon has officially responded to a U.S. proposal that suggests disarming Hezbollah in exchange for Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon. President Joseph Aoun handed the reply to U.S. envoy Tom Barrack during a meeting in Beirut. The response outlines Lebanon’s stance under its ceasefire commitments with Israel. Meanwhile, the UN reports that 87.7% of Gaza is under Israeli military control or evacuation orders, leaving over 2 million people confined in areas with minimal services and shelter, amid worsening humanitarian conditions.

India’s Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has resigned, citing health concerns and medical advice as the reason. He submitted his resignation to the President, bringing his tenure to an early end. Dhankhar, elected in August 2022, was previously the Governor of West Bengal. In March, he was hospitalized due to a heart condition. In his letter, he thanked Prime Minister Modi and other ministers for their support and expressed gratitude for witnessing India’s development and economic progress during his term.

In response to the tragic crash of a Bangladesh Air Force training aircraft in Uttara that resulted in multiple casualties, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman cancelled several scheduled political programs as a gesture of mourning. He immediately ordered rescue efforts and sent the party’s Health Affairs Secretary, along with medical teams and ambulances, to the crash site.

Pre-scheduled events by the party’s Krishak Dal and Mohila Dal were also called off. During a discussion meeting, party leaders expressed condolences, offered prayers for the victims, and announced blood donation drives for the injured. The BNP Standing Committee convened on Monday night to observe a moment of silence and offer prayers for those affected.

A second round of discussions involving 30 political parties under the National Unity Commission commenced at the Foreign Service Academy, expressing profound sorrow and condolences for those killed and injured in the Bangladesh Air Force plane crash at Uttara’s Milestone School and College.

In a condolence motion, the government was urged to conduct a thorough investigation into the accident and take necessary measures to prevent future incidents. Professor Ali Riaz, co-chair of the Unity Commission, called on people from all walks of life to stand with the grieving families and stressed the urgent need for proper medical treatment for the injured.

Dhaka, July 22 — Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus has designated the Uttara Sector-12 City Corporation Cemetery as the burial site for those who lost their lives in the recent Air Force training aircraft crash at Milestone School and College in Uttara.

A statement posted on Dr. Yunus’s official Facebook page announced that the cemetery would be preserved in the future to honor the memory of the victims.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the tragic incident has so far claimed 31 lives, while 165 others have been injured. The injured are currently receiving treatment at various hospitals across the capital.

A Chinese-made FT-7 BGI fighter jet crashed into a two-story building of Milestone School and College in Dhaka’s Uttara on Monday, killing 27 and injuring 171. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) clarified that the aircraft was a combat-capable fighter jet, not a training plane, although it was participating in a training mission. The crash occurred shortly after takeoff from Kurmitola Air Base due to a mechanical failure. Among the injured, 78 are currently receiving treatment in various hospitals across the city.

Students protesting the plane crash at Milestone College blocked Legal Adviser Asif Nazrul, Education Adviser CR Abrar, and the Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary from leaving the campus.

They were confined for nearly five hours and had to retreat to the college premises after a failed attempt to leave under police escort. Although Adviser Nazrul assured acceptance of the students’ six-point demands, the protest continued. Key demands include a complete list of the dead and injured, compensation for victims' families, and the discontinuation of risky training flights over populated areas.

A verified Facebook post from the Chief Adviser’s office seeking financial aid for victims of the Uttara plane crash sparked backlash and was later removed without explanation.

The post had shared a Sonali Bank account number for donations. Users criticized the appeal, questioning its intent and appropriateness. Although deleted from Facebook, the message continues to circulate on WhatsApp.

Following widespread protests by students demanding the cancellation of the HSC examinations after the Milestone air crash in Uttara, Education Secretary Siddique Zobayer has been withdrawn from his position. Information Advisor Mahfuz Alam announced this on Facebook Tuesday afternoon.

Though the decision to suspend exams had not been confirmed until the previous day, it was finalized early Tuesday morning. Students gathered in front of the Secretariat, demanding the resignation of both the Education Advisor and Secretary. Defying police barriers, they entered the building, intensifying pressure that led to the Education Secretary’s withdrawal.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is scheduled to visit Pakistan on July 26, announced Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei.

The visit underscores the historic, cultural, and religious ties between Tehran and Islamabad—especially amid recent tensions involving Israel and the United States. Iran has also expressed solidarity with Pakistan over recent flooding, offering humanitarian assistance. Pakistan has confirmed readiness to welcome President Pezeshkian.

Amid growing outrage over delayed exam suspensions and the lack of transparency regarding casualties in a recent air force training jet crash, students gathered in protest in front of the Secretariat in Dhaka. Tensions escalated as protestors forcibly entered the premises, vandalized vehicles inside the compound, and demanded the immediate resignation of Education Advisor C. R. Abrar and the Education Secretary.

Clashes broke out between students and police, leading to a chaotic scene. In an effort to restore order, police and military personnel conducted a joint operation to disperse the demonstrators. Earlier in the day, students had surrounded the Dhaka Education Board office to voice their grievances.