Iran has warned that it will no longer adhere to a memorandum of understanding with the United States if Washington fails to uphold its commitments. The statement was made on Monday in Tehran by Ismail Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during a press briefing. He urged the United States to comply with the terms of the agreement.

Baghaei stated that Tehran has participated in all negotiations with caution and seriousness, keeping in mind the interests and concerns of the Iranian nation. He emphasized that Iran has acted with goodwill and diligence in fulfilling its obligations after reaching the agreement.

The spokesperson added that the opposing side has always been the first to break promises, asserting that the Islamic Republic of Iran has never been the first to do so. He warned that if Washington fails to honor its pledge to end the war, Iran will no longer abide by the memorandum signed with the United States.

India has decided not to rush into a trade agreement with the United States, opting instead to wait for more favorable terms. The interim deal expected during U.S. Trade Representative Jamison Greer’s visit to New Delhi last month did not materialize, as Washington failed to meet India’s key demands. These included tariff advantages over competitors like China and assurances that the U.S. would not impose new tariffs after signing. Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal later confirmed that no deal would proceed without concrete benefits.

Analysts cited India’s growing export strength, reduced economic risks, and political stability as reasons behind its firm stance. India’s exports rose by about 15 percent in April–June, supported by high petroleum prices and recovery in Gulf markets. The country is also expanding trade ties with the UK and the EU. Goldman Sachs raised India’s 2026 growth forecast to 6.8 percent, noting improved inflation and current account conditions.

Officials indicated that New Delhi is watching potential legal and political hurdles to U.S. tariff plans. Domestic political gains and legal uncertainty in Washington have further encouraged India to hold its position.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that it carried out attacks on two US military bases in Kuwait. According to the IRGC, its air force destroyed fuel tanks and a Patriot air defense system at Ali Al-Salem Air Base, and completely destroyed an FPS radar system at Ahmed Al-Jaber Air Base. The strikes were described as part of the third phase of Iran’s “eye for an eye” campaign in response to US military actions against Iran.

In its statement, the IRGC said that any explosion sounds heard were due to air defense responses and urged the public to follow safety instructions. The organization also warned the United States against interference in the Strait of Hormuz, stating that Iran would not tolerate foreign military involvement in the waterway.

The report, citing Anadolu as the source, did not include details on casualties or US responses to the attacks.

A 25-year-old housewife named Shahanaz Akter died after being bitten by a venomous snake hidden inside a wardrobe in Mirwarishpur village of Begumganj upazila, Noakhali. The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon at her home in Chaprashi Bari. She was taken to the 250-bed Noakhali General Hospital, where she died around 5 p.m. while receiving treatment.

According to local sources, Shahanaz was cooking as usual and reached into the wardrobe to take onions when the snake bit her. Family members initially tried local treatment before taking her to the hospital around 2:30 p.m. The hospital’s residential medical officer confirmed that she was brought in with a venomous snake bite and died during treatment.

Begumganj police said the family had not formally reported the incident but that officers visited the site and would take necessary legal steps after gathering information.

Mohammad Nasir Uddin Patowary, chief coordinator of the National Citizens Party (NCP), called for justice for those killed in the July movement while addressing a public meeting in Niamatpur, Naogaon, on Sunday evening. He criticized the Prime Minister for taking selfies with her spouse while people in the southern region were suffering from severe flooding. Patowary condemned the government’s inaction and urged reforms and accountability.

He further stated that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and several Awami League leaders must face trial for their alleged roles in past incidents. Patowary warned that if reforms and justice were not ensured, a movement would be launched against the BNP government. He also announced that the NCP would contest upcoming local government elections independently and cancel candidacies if specific allegations were proven against any candidate.

The meeting, chaired by NCP central joint secretary and Niamatpur upazila chairman candidate Nishat Ahmed, began with prayers for flood victims and martyrs. Several central and local NCP leaders attended the event.

The Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) has announced a reduction in gold prices across the country. In a notice issued on Thursday morning, the association said the price of 22-carat gold has been lowered by Tk 2,216 per bhori, setting the new rate at Tk 221,966 including VAT. The revised prices took effect from 10 a.m. the same day.

BAJUS explained that the adjustment follows a decrease in the price of pure gold. Under the new pricing, 21-carat gold will cost Tk 211,993 per bhori, 18-carat gold Tk 182,075, and traditional gold Tk 148,774. The association stated that these rates will remain in force until further notice, and that VAT is already included in the retail price, meaning no separate VAT may be charged to customers.

According to BAJUS, this is the 90th price adjustment of the year, with 44 increases, 45 decreases, and one VAT revision so far. In 2025, the association made 93 adjustments, most of which were price increases.

Iran has claimed responsibility for attacks on United States military bases located in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan, and Oman, describing them as a response to what it called US aggression. According to Iranian forces, the strikes in Bahrain destroyed an American drone fleet stationed there.

A statement from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said the assault targeted Sheikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain, hitting a helicopter maintenance center, a hangar housing a P-8 aircraft, and a US military drone command-and-control center. Iranian media further reported that Tehran carried out ‘destructive drone’ attacks on US forces in Kuwait, striking defense and missile systems, bunkers, and support shelters. The IRGC had earlier claimed responsibility for attacks on Kuwait’s Ali Salem and Ahmad al-Jaber bases.

The report, citing NDTV, did not include any confirmation or response from US authorities or other regional governments regarding the claimed attacks.

A severe heatwave has gripped the central United States, breaking multiple long-standing temperature records across several cities. According to preliminary data from the National Weather Service, Salt Lake City in Utah and Billings in Montana both reached 109 degrees Fahrenheit (43 degrees Celsius) on Sunday, marking the highest temperatures recorded in more than 150 years of recordkeeping. The extreme heat has disrupted daily life across the northern plains and Rocky Mountain regions.

The intense conditions have also hampered efforts to control ongoing wildfires in Colorado and Utah. Meteorologists warned that the high temperatures are expected to persist through Tuesday. Just a week earlier, the U.S. East Coast experienced another heatwave, with New York and Philadelphia reaching around 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

Experts cited climate change as a key driver behind the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves worldwide. They attributed the trend to the continued use of coal, oil, and gas, and the resulting greenhouse gas emissions. The World Health Organization reported that June was the hottest on record in Western Europe, where more than 1,300 people died due to extreme heat.

A dispute has emerged between Bangladesh’s public universities and the University Grants Commission (UGC) over authority to allocate and spend research funds. The conflict intensified after the government decided that, starting this year, research grants would be disbursed directly by the UGC instead of through university administrations. University leaders and teachers expressed anger, arguing that the change limits academic and financial autonomy and that the UGC lacks the organizational capacity to manage such a large research portfolio.

UGC Chairman Professor Mamun Ahmed said the new system aims to prevent overlapping allocations and ensure efficient use of public funds. He confirmed that a joint policy will be developed with vice-chancellors to balance government oversight and university independence. The UGC’s 2026–27 budget includes 23.8 billion taka for research across 59 public universities.

Teachers and education experts warned that the new process could create bureaucratic delays and harm research quality. Despite assurances from the UGC that academic freedom will not be compromised, several universities, including Dhaka and Jahangirnagar, have formally opposed the change, calling for a return to the previous funding system.

Germany has announced that citizens from 62 countries outside the European Union and Schengen area will continue to enjoy visa-free entry in 2026, according to the German Foreign Ministry. Eligible travelers can stay in Germany for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa for purposes such as tourism, business meetings, or visiting family and friends. However, the visa-free arrangement does not permit employment during the stay.

The list of visa-exempt countries includes close partners of Germany such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, and Israel. Citizens from certain visa-free countries may also apply for specific types of residence permits after arriving in Germany, in accordance with the country’s existing immigration laws.

The continuation of this policy reflects Germany’s ongoing approach to facilitating short-term travel and maintaining strong international connections with a wide range of partner nations.

At least nine people were killed in a series of retaliatory drone and missile strikes between Russia and Ukraine on Sunday, according to officials from both sides. Ukrainian authorities reported that overnight Russian attacks hit several regions, killing at least four people. Three of the deaths occurred in the central Dnipropetrovsk region, including two workers at an industrial facility in Kryvyi Rih. Another person was killed in the southern city of Kherson in a drone strike, local officials said.

On the other side, Russian officials claimed that Ukrainian strikes on the Russian-controlled Ukrainian city of Enerhodar killed four people and injured four others. The head of Russia’s state nuclear agency, Rosatom, provided the casualty figures. Additionally, a long-range Ukrainian drone attack reportedly killed one person in Russia’s Samara region, according to local authorities.

The latest exchange of attacks underscores the continuing intensity of hostilities between the two countries, with both sides reporting civilian casualties across multiple regions.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that it has launched drone attacks on United States military bases located in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan, and Oman. In a statement, the IRGC said the strikes were carried out in response to what it described as US aggression in the region. The attacks reportedly targeted defense and missile systems, bunkers, and support shelters, with operations continuing across multiple sites.

The IRGC claimed responsibility for earlier strikes on Kuwait’s Ali Al-Salem and Ahmad Al-Jaber air bases, asserting that fuel tanks, a Patriot air defense system, and an FPS radar installation were completely destroyed. It also said its air force attacked Bahrain’s Sheikh Isa Air Base, hitting a helicopter maintenance center, a P-8 aircraft hangar, and a US drone command-and-control center. The group described the campaign as part of a “third phase” of operations under a “eye for an eye” policy.

Iran’s military stated that its armed forces would use full capabilities to defend the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence against any aggression.

Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman received a roadside reception in Bhanga, Faridpur, on Monday morning, July 13, 2026, during his visit to the southern region. Local BNP leaders and activists gathered along both sides of the road at the Dakshinpara bus stand to greet him on behalf of Member of Parliament Shahidul Islam Khan Babul. The Prime Minister arrived in Bhanga at 7:55 a.m. with a large motorcade, greeted by enthusiastic party members chanting slogans and offering warm congratulations.

District BNP convener Syed Modarres Ali Isa, member secretary A.K. Kibria Swapon, Bhanga upazila BNP president Alhaj Khondkar Iqbal Hossain Selim, and other local leaders were present on the stage set up at the bus stand. Leaders and activists from the upazila, municipal, and union BNP branches had gathered there since 6 a.m. to welcome the Prime Minister. Members of the BNP women’s wing were also present to extend greetings.

The event marked a significant show of support for the Prime Minister during his southern region tour.

The United Kingdom government announced on Monday a £250 million security package to strengthen protection for the Jewish community following a series of recent attacks. The plan includes deploying more than 500 additional police officers in Jewish-populated areas, with 300 stationed in London. The funds will also support increased patrols outside synagogues and Jewish schools, as well as plainclothes police operations.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the rise in antisemitism in recent years is a major test for the country’s values and reaffirmed that combating such hatred has been a central priority of his leadership. The government stated that the funds will be spent over three years, with part of the budget allocated to educational programs against antisemitism. Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes of the London Metropolitan Police expressed concern over the exceptional threat facing the Jewish community due to terrorism, hostile state activity, and rising hate crimes.

The government also announced £59 million for counterterrorism police to strengthen national security. The move follows recent violent incidents, including a stabbing in London’s Golders Green area and earlier synagogue attacks in Manchester.

Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed has completed one month in detention in Dubai, following his arrest by the city’s police on June 12. The Dubai Police’s Interpol branch informed Bangladesh Police of the arrest through an official letter, and Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed confirmed the matter in parliament two days later. The arrest occurred when Benazir attempted to board a scheduled flight at Dubai Airport, where an AI-based facial recognition system matched his image with an Interpol notice.

Following the arrest, the Bangladesh government sent a 244-page document to Dubai Police on June 19 through the Ministry of Home Affairs, detailing multiple warrants against Benazir, including 17 from anti-discrimination movements, six from the Anti-Corruption Commission, and three from the International Crimes Tribunal. However, officials have not received a positive response from Dubai authorities, and doubts have emerged within the police about whether he can be brought back.

Government sources indicate that diplomatic efforts are ongoing to secure his return, but as of Sunday, no progress had been reported.