NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has informed officials from several member countries that U.S. President Donald Trump wants visible and specific commitments from the alliance within the next few days to help secure the Hormuz Strait. Two European diplomats told Reuters on Thursday that Rutte met Trump in Washington on Wednesday as tensions within NATO grew over the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

One of the diplomats said that Washington’s frustration and dissatisfaction are understood in Europe, but the United States did not consult its allies either before or after the war began. Trump wrote on Truth Social that none of the allies, including Americans, seemed particularly disappointed, adding that NATO understands nothing unless pressure is applied.

The report comes as regional tensions remain high, with Iran’s deputy foreign minister describing the coming hours as extremely critical and Iranian officials accusing Israel of violating a ceasefire agreement.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief and opposition leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman stated that the BNP has proven Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to be bad but her policies to be good. He made the remark on Thursday night during an emergency press conference following a parliamentary session.

Earlier in the evening, the Jamaat-led opposition alliance called the emergency press conference after walking out of the 13th National Parliament. The walkout occurred around 6 p.m. in protest of what they described as the passage of several 'anti-people' bills. Before leaving, Dr. Rahman told the Speaker that despite the opposition’s logical objections, several such bills were passed, and the opposition would not take responsibility for them.

The opposition’s action highlighted growing tensions in parliament over legislative decisions, with the walkout signaling continued political friction between the ruling party and opposition blocs.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh announced that an Iranian delegation will travel to Islamabad for discussions with the United States, according to Iran’s Fars news agency. He stated that the next few hours are extremely critical and outlined conditions that must be met before any agreement can be reached.

Khatibzadeh emphasized that the United States must ensure an end to Israeli attacks in Lebanon and that Lebanon must be included in any regional peace initiative. His remarks highlight Iran’s insistence on linking regional stability to developments in Lebanon and its demand for broader inclusion in peace efforts.

The statement comes amid heightened regional tensions, with Iran signaling that the outcome of the upcoming talks could depend on how these conditions are addressed.

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that Lebanon was a key component of the two-week ceasefire agreement reached between Iran and the United States. He made the remarks in response to Israel’s destructive attacks in Lebanon, warning that any violation of the ceasefire would bring severe consequences.

In a post on social media platform X, Ghalibaf emphasized that Lebanon and the entire 'Resistance Axis' are inseparable parts of the ceasefire. He further cautioned that any breach of the agreement would be met with a strong response and come at a high cost.

The statement, reported by Al Jazeera, underscores Iran’s position linking the stability of Lebanon to the broader ceasefire framework with the United States.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday described Israel’s recent attacks in Lebanon as a clear violation of the preliminary ceasefire agreement. In a post on social media platform X, he said Iran would never abandon its Lebanese brothers and sisters, calling the Israeli actions a sign of deceit and a dangerous indication of non-compliance with potential agreements.

Pezeshkian warned that continued Israeli operations would render ongoing discussions meaningless, emphasizing that Iran’s hand remains on the trigger. His remarks followed Israeli strikes carried out on Wednesday and Thursday in Lebanon, which he said undermined the fragile ceasefire framework.

The statement reflects Iran’s firm stance on supporting Lebanon and signals heightened regional tension following the alleged breach of the ceasefire agreement.

Pakistani officials have released a preliminary list of participants for a potential peace dialogue between the United States and Iran, aimed at easing ongoing tensions between the two nations. The meeting is scheduled to take place in Islamabad on Saturday, though details and the final list of attendees are still being finalized.

According to the initial outline, Pakistan may be represented by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Army Chief Syed Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and National Security Adviser and ISI Chief Asim Malik. The possible US delegation could include Vice President J.D. Vance, White House Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, former presidential adviser Jared Kushner, and CENTCOM Commander Brad Cooper. Iran’s potential representatives are Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi.

Analysts cited in the report suggest that if successful, the meeting could play a significant role in reducing US-Iran tensions, though the final framework of the talks remains uncertain.

Iran did not launch any attacks today, Thursday, against Gulf countries including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman. The UAE Ministry of Defense confirmed in a statement that the country remained free from attacks. Military authorities in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman also reported no missile or drone strikes, while Bahrain likewise confirmed no incidents originating from Iran.

The development follows a recent escalation that began after the United States and Israel carried out strikes inside Iran on February 28. In response, Iran had targeted U.S. bases in several Gulf states. However, a two-week ceasefire between Iran and the United States was announced yesterday, Wednesday, even as Israel continued its operations in Lebanon.

The absence of new attacks today suggests that the ceasefire may be holding across the Gulf region, though tensions remain high due to ongoing Israeli actions in Lebanon.

The opposition alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami has called an emergency press conference following its walkout from the 13th National Parliament. The briefing is scheduled for Thursday, April 9, at 8:30 p.m. in the National Parliament’s Media Centre, according to a statement from the opposition. The event will address the walkout and broader issues related to the passage of what the opposition described as an anti-people bill.

Earlier in the evening, around 6 p.m., the opposition walked out of the parliamentary session, alleging that several anti-people bills had been passed despite their objections. Before leaving, opposition leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman stated that the opposition could not take responsibility for the passage of such bills, even though they had raised logical objections.

The press conference is expected to elaborate on the opposition’s stance regarding the bills and their protest actions in parliament.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that Israel will continue to strike Hezbollah targets wherever necessary, even after a ceasefire agreement between the United States and Israel. He stated that any group acting against Israeli civilians would be targeted and emphasized that operations would persist until full security is ensured for residents in northern Israel.

The announcement followed the Israeli Defense Forces’ claim of killing Ali Yusuf Harshi, nephew and secretary to Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem. Israel had earlier clarified that the ceasefire does not apply to Lebanon. In response, Iran condemned Israel’s continued attacks in Lebanon, calling them a serious violation of the ceasefire agreement. Iranian officials, including the deputy foreign minister and the parliament speaker, warned that the situation remains highly tense.

The developments underscore escalating tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border, raising concerns about the durability of the ceasefire and the potential for broader regional confrontation.

A recent analysis discusses several major conflicts where the United States faced strategic or moral setbacks despite its military strength. The report notes that after threatening Iran with total destruction, President Donald Trump eventually backed down, marking what is described as a moral defeat against Iran’s strategic resilience. The article further identifies Afghanistan, Iraq, and Vietnam as key examples of U.S. military engagements that ended without achieving their intended political goals.

The Vietnam War (1955–1975) ended with the fall of Saigon and reunification under communist rule, despite U.S. military superiority. In Iraq (2003–2011), the U.S. quickly toppled Saddam Hussein but failed to ensure postwar stability, leading to prolonged unrest. The Afghanistan War (2001–2021) concluded with the Taliban’s return to power after two decades of conflict. Analysts cited inadequate presidential preparedness and overconfidence in military superiority as major causes of these failures.

The article concludes that these repeated misjudgments have left U.S. leaders with limited good options in future conflicts, particularly regarding Iran, which could define Trump’s presidency as one of difficult strategic choices.

Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Masudur Rahman announced his withdrawal from the Sherpur-3 (Sreebardi-Jhenaigati) parliamentary race on Thursday afternoon. He made the announcement through a verified Facebook post, alleging fake votes, vote rigging, various irregularities, and the expulsion of his polling agents from centers.

According to the district election office, three candidates are contesting in the constituency: BNP’s former MP Mahmudul Haque Rubel, Jamaat nominee and retired army officer Masudur Rahman Masud, and BASAD (Marxist) candidate Mizanur Rahman. Law enforcement authorities stated that 32 mobile teams and striking forces are active, with five to six officers deployed at each polling center. The district returning officer said a three-tier security system covers the entire area.

The Sherpur-3 constituency comprises 17 unions and one municipality, with 128 polling centers and 751 booths serving 413,377 registered voters. Security forces include army, BGB, RAB, and police units to ensure a peaceful election process.

The Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC), under the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, has launched a pilot program for a new QR code-based mobile application called 'Fuel Pass' to make the country's fuel distribution system more transparent and organized. The pilot phase began in Dhaka at two filling stations—Trust in Tejgaon and Sonar Bangla in Asad Gate—targeting motorcycle owners and drivers. Following successful testing, the app will gradually be expanded nationwide for all vehicles.

According to the source, the current manual fuel distribution process causes delays and inefficiencies, including long queues and artificial shortages created by individuals collecting excess fuel. The new digital system aims to automate distribution and enable real-time monitoring by linking with the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority’s central database. Citizens without smartphones can register via a website and print their QR codes.

Authorities expect that the initiative will enhance transparency, reduce irregularities and wastage, and strengthen fuel management during supply crises, contributing to improved national energy security.

A Dhaka court has granted a two-day remand for expelled Dhaka University Mohsin Hall Chhatra Dal leader Mahi Chowdhury Arnob in a case involving the alleged embezzlement of Tk 3.8 million through a social media investment scam. The order was issued by Metropolitan Magistrate Mehedi Hasan on Thursday after a hearing. The investigating officer, Sub-Inspector Md Sajjad Hossain of Kafrul Police Station, had sought a five-day remand for interrogation.

According to the case, Mahi allegedly persuaded the complainant’s brother, Md Shakirul Islam Himel, to invest in a catering and accessories business through a Facebook investor group between June 2023 and later periods. Himel reportedly transferred Tk 3,828,150 to Mahi’s accounts but received neither profit nor principal. When victims demanded repayment on April 4, they were allegedly threatened with false cases. The case was filed on April 5 by Md Shamsul Haque Tushar at Kafrul Police Station, naming Mahi, his father Nazmul Karim Chowdhury, and another person as accused.

The court approved two days of remand after hearing both sides, rejecting the defense’s bail plea.

Since February 28, a joint military operation by the United States and Israel has severely damaged Iran’s political and military command structure. Over the past 40 days, Iran has lost several of its most influential leaders, marking one of the most significant leadership crises in its history. Among the dead is Supreme Leader Khamenei, killed in a powerful airstrike at his Tehran residence, an event seen as a major turning point in the conflict.

Other key figures killed include Larijani, a central architect of Iran’s diplomatic and strategic policies, whose death has disrupted Tehran’s international coordination. Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps chief Mohammad Pakpour was also killed, weakening Iran’s internal and regional military power. Military chief Mousavi died during a high-level meeting in Tehran targeted by Israeli intelligence, while the head of Iran’s defense modernization program was also killed the same day.

The most recent blow came on April 6, when intelligence chief Majid Khademi was killed in a joint airstrike. His death, described as the loss of Iran’s “eyes and ears,” further deepened the country’s leadership vacuum.

Meta on Wednesday launched a new artificial intelligence model named 'Muse Spark', following a major overhaul of its Super Intelligence Labs unit. According to a company blog post cited by AFP from San Francisco, the lab has rebuilt Meta’s AI framework from scratch over the past nine months. The model, currently available only in the United States, is described as smaller but faster, capable of solving complex questions in science, mathematics, and health.

'Muse Spark' succeeds Meta’s earlier model 'Llama 4' and will be integrated across Meta’s AI applications, smart glasses, and platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger. It is the first in Meta’s new 'Muse' series, with work already underway on its next generation.

The launch follows significant leadership and structural changes within Meta’s AI division. CEO Mark Zuckerberg reorganized the team after 'Llama 4' lagged behind competitors from China, France, and the United States. He appointed Scale AI co-founder Alexandr Wang to lead the new lab and recruited senior executives from rival firms including OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google.