Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Muscat, the capital of Oman, on Saturday for discussions focused on bilateral relations and the current regional situation. According to Iran’s state news agency IRNA, senior Omani officials welcomed him upon arrival. Although the detailed schedule of the visit has not been released, IRNA reported that the tense situation in the Strait of Hormuz is expected to be one of the main topics of discussion.

The visit comes amid renewed tensions between Iran and the United States following recent attacks on three commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, which both sides have blamed on each other. In response to a U.S. strike last Thursday, Tehran launched missile and drone attacks targeting American military facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Jordan. These developments follow a memorandum of understanding signed in mid-June, brokered by Pakistan, aimed at reducing military conflict and establishing a lasting peace agreement between Iran and the United States.

Araghchi’s trip to Oman takes place against this backdrop of escalating hostilities, suggesting diplomatic efforts may be underway to ease the crisis.

Nine people were killed in an anti-terror operation in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, according to reports published on July 11, 2026. The operation, ongoing since July 5, has brought the total number of deaths to 88. Pakistan’s army, Frontier Corps, and police have intensified coordinated air and ground actions targeting militant hideouts across the region.

Security sources told Pakistan TV that nine militants were killed in the latest phase of the operation. Authorities stated that the campaign will continue until all militants are eliminated. Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti affirmed that the state’s authority will be maintained at any cost and warned that no terrorist will be allowed to escape.

The continued operation underscores the government’s determination to assert control in Balochistan, where security forces are working jointly to dismantle militant networks.

Professor Abul Kasem Fazlul Haque, a prominent Bangladeshi scholar, writer, and public intellectual, has passed away. Known for his humility and intellectual rigor, he was deeply engaged in social and political thought, emphasizing the responsibilities of intellectuals toward society. Throughout his career, he inspired students and readers to think critically about the state, society, and human rights. His writings, including nearly thirty books such as 'Bangladesher Prabandha Sahitya' and 'Rastrochintay Bangladesh,' reflected his lifelong commitment to literature, culture, and human liberation.

Haque served as president of the Swadesh Chinta Sangha, an organization founded by Dr. Ahmad Sharif to promote progressive and rational thought. His ideas were shaped by Marxist and socialist influences, and he consistently opposed imperialism and neocolonialism. He was a vocal critic of Western military presence in the Middle East and advocated for global movements against such dominance. His intellectual stance combined nationalism, humanism, and rationalism.

In his later years, Haque proposed a 28-point plan for Bangladesh’s liberation and development, focusing on democracy, secularism, and the upliftment of working people. His death marks the loss of a steadfast voice for justice and free thought in Bangladesh.

In Mirzapur of Tangail, the asphalt layer of a 460-meter road began peeling off just seven days after construction, with small potholes forming and sections sinking under vehicle pressure. Locals alleged that the road, stretching from Gorai Flyover through Jorpukur Par to Bongerteki Green City, deteriorated quickly due to rushed work during bad weather.

According to the Upazila Engineering Office, Bismillah Enterprise was contracted to complete the project for Tk 1.475 million. The company carried out the work hastily amid rain, and the asphalt failed to dry properly before vehicles began using the road. Residents claimed that the contractor did not clean the old surface and used substandard materials with insufficient bitumen.

Bismillah Enterprise owner Tarek Khan said the damage occurred because the work was done during rain and promised to repair the affected parts. Upazila LGED engineer Monirul Saj Rizon confirmed that the contractor has not yet been paid and will not receive payment until proper repairs are completed.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called on Iran and the United States to adhere to their previously announced commitments and the memorandum of understanding signed between them. The appeal came during a recent phone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, where Sharif expressed deep concern over escalating tensions in the Middle East.

During the discussion, Sharif emphasized the urgent need to restore regional peace and stability, stressing that both Washington and Tehran must uphold the pledges made in last month’s memorandum. According to the report, Pakistan has long served as a key mediator in behind-the-scenes diplomacy between the two nations.

Islamabad has urged both sides to exercise restraint to maintain peace in the current volatile situation, reflecting Pakistan’s continued role in promoting dialogue and stability in the region.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman announced that the government will recruit 25,000 midwives across Bangladesh to promote normal deliveries. He also said that 100,000 health workers and another 25,000 midwives will be appointed under government initiatives. The announcement came on Saturday, July 11, 2026, during the 81st founding anniversary celebration of Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

The prime minister stated that 51-bed hospitals at upazila and district levels will be upgraded to 100 beds to ensure healthcare services reach people’s doorsteps. He urged specialist doctors to provide services at the local level so that fewer patients need to travel to Dhaka. Emphasizing preventive healthcare, he said the government will train healthcare workers to raise awareness and reduce disease incidence.

Rahman praised Dhaka Medical College for its historical role in national movements and its contribution to producing both doctors and social leaders. He also highlighted the importance of trust between patients and doctors, describing healthcare as a deeply human service.

FIFA has announced a unique initiative to commemorate the 2026 World Cup final, scheduled for July 19 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The organization will sell pieces of the turf used in the final match as collectible souvenirs. According to The Athletic, four pricing tiers will be offered, with the most expensive package costing 3,000 US dollars, roughly 370,000 Bangladeshi taka. Each premium set will include a three-inch square of authentic turf, a symbolic golden-edged final ticket, a miniature World Cup ball, and a crystal replica of the trophy.

Additional packages priced at 450, 900, and 1,200 dollars will also be available, with a maximum of 2,026 units per category. FIFA expects to earn about 11 million US dollars, or approximately 1.3 billion taka, from the initiative. For now, the collectibles will be sold only to buyers in the United States and Europe. The turf for the final was specially grown at a farm in North Carolina, and all World Cup stadiums have been fitted with new natural grass. FIFA has not yet disclosed any plans for turf from other venues.

The 2026 tournament features 48 participating nations, with Spain and France already in the semifinals, while Norway, England, Argentina, and Switzerland vie for the remaining spots.

US Democratic Congressman Jimmy Panetta has strongly criticized the Trump administration’s policy toward Iran, saying its actions reveal failures in diplomacy and strategic planning. In a post on social media platform X, Panetta said that despite the president’s statements, recent US strikes and Iranian drone attacks show that negotiations have failed and the ceasefire has not held.

Panetta warned that engaging in war without a clear plan, congressional approval, or public support has led to the current situation. He emphasized that regardless of the Speaker’s stance, Congress must continue efforts to end the conflict with Iran, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and lower prices for American consumers.

The remarks highlight growing concern within parts of the US legislature about the direction of the administration’s Iran strategy and its broader implications for regional stability and domestic economic impact.

A parasitic infection causing severe diarrhea has spread to more than half of US states, with thousands of people affected in recent weeks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed 843 cases of cyclosporiasis between May 1 and July 9, while over 1,500 additional suspected cases are under review. Michigan has reported the most severe situation, with over 1,000 infections in two weeks, followed by New York, Ohio, and Illinois. Although 86 people have been hospitalized, no deaths have been reported so far.

The infection is caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora, which spreads through contaminated food or water. The CDC said all patients had eaten within the United States and none had recently traveled abroad. The exact source of contamination remains unknown, though past outbreaks have been linked to raw fruits and vegetables. Health experts note that the parasite does not spread directly from person to person.

Authorities in Michigan and the CDC have urged the public to wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly and seek medical advice if experiencing persistent diarrhea, as the number of infections is expected to rise with ongoing investigations.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has rejected allegations of referee favoritism ahead of the team’s World Cup quarterfinal match against Switzerland. The controversy arose after Argentina’s dramatic 3–2 victory over Egypt in the round of 16, where some social media users accused referees of bias toward Argentina. Speaking at a press conference, Scaloni said that in modern football, no team can receive special treatment and that such claims are not new.

He emphasized that the introduction of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system makes it nearly impossible to intentionally favor any team. Referring to Egypt’s disallowed goal, Scaloni explained that a foul had occurred against Lisandro Martínez, making the referee’s decision justified. He added that most favoritism claims originate from social media exaggerations and that technology now ensures fairness in football.

Scaloni also advised players and fans to ignore online rumors, noting that anyone can post unverified claims that quickly go viral. He reiterated that Argentina is focused on performance rather than speculation.

A United States military delegation has arrived in Beirut to assist in implementing a framework agreement aimed at ending the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The delegation, sent by the US Central Command (CENTCOM), reached Lebanon on Friday, according to a report by the Financial Times.

The visit comes ahead of technical-level discussions scheduled next week in Rome between Lebanese and Israeli representatives. Lebanese officials told the Financial Times that the talks will focus on executing the US-brokered framework signed on June 26, which includes a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory. The Anadolu news agency reported that a US State Department spokesperson confirmed CENTCOM is coordinating closely with both countries.

The deployment underscores Washington’s active role in facilitating the ceasefire process and ensuring compliance with the recently signed agreement.

At least 24 people have died in Cox’s Bazar district due to continuous heavy rainfall, landslides, and flooding over the past five days. The affected areas include Chakaria, Pekua, and Matamuhuri upazilas, where more than 500,000 residents remain trapped by floodwaters. Two sisters drowned when their boat capsized while seeking shelter in Chakaria’s Baraitali union. The district’s two main rivers, Bakkhali and Matamuhuri, have been flowing above danger levels for two consecutive days.

Local authorities reported that over 100 villages across 35 unions are inundated, damaging homes, schools, and rural roads. Fifteen of the deaths occurred in Rohingya refugee camps following multiple landslides, while others were reported in Cox’s Bazar town, Chakaria, Pekua, Ukhiya, Maheshkhali, and Kutubdia. The district recorded 547 millimeters of rainfall in five days, with 71 millimeters in the last 24 hours.

The district administration has issued a public alert, maintaining local warning signal No. 3 at the seaport and preparing 648 shelters. Residents in vulnerable areas have been urged to move to safe locations as heavy rain may continue through July 11.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated that the country’s armed forces are maintaining constant vigilance over enemy movements. In a post on social media platform X, he said the Islamic Republic’s forces are closely monitoring activities along Iran’s coasts, islands, borders, and other sensitive areas to ensure national security.

Baghaei added that those defending the homeland continue to safeguard Iran’s peace and security. In a separate interview with IRIB on Friday, he clarified that Iran has not made any request to hold talks with the United States. He also emphasized that breaking promises has become a habit for the United States, underscoring Tehran’s distrust of Washington’s commitments.

The comments reflect Iran’s continued focus on national defense and its critical stance toward U.S. reliability in diplomatic engagements, as reported by Al Jazeera.

The United Arab Emirates is reportedly constructing a military base in Somaliland, an internationally unrecognized region in the Horn of Africa. According to a report by the French newspaper Le Monde, the UAE is converting the Berbera airport, located near one of the world’s most strategic maritime routes, into a military installation. The report claims the project is intended to serve the interests of Abu Dhabi, Tel Aviv, and Washington.

Somaliland, with its capital in Hargeisa, lies along the Gulf of Aden and has an 800-kilometer coastline near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a key global trade and energy supply route between Asia and Europe. Since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991, the region has drawn attention from regional and international powers. Despite opposition from Arab and Muslim countries, Israel has recognized Somaliland as an independent entity.

Le Monde further reported that military cooperation between Israel and Somaliland is expanding, with regular visits by military and intelligence officials, training of Somaliland officers in Tel Aviv, and frequent inspections by Israeli teams at the Berbera base.

Flood conditions have worsened in parts of Bangladesh as water levels in four major rivers rose above danger marks at six monitoring points on Saturday morning, according to the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre of the Bangladesh Water Development Board. The Sangu River crossed danger levels by 107 centimeters at Bandarban and 19 centimeters at Dohazari, while the Kushiyara River exceeded limits by 17 centimeters at Markuli and 21 centimeters at Fenchuganj. The Manu River rose 38 centimeters above danger level at Moulvibazar, and the Khowai River was 1 centimeter above at Balla in Habiganj.

The Board reported that out of 127 observation stations, water levels increased at 57 points, decreased at 64, and remained unchanged at six. Heavy rainfall was recorded both inside Bangladesh and upstream, with Sylhet’s Jaflong receiving 156 millimeters and India’s Cherrapunji 130 millimeters in the past 24 hours. Nine additional stations were near danger levels, including points on the Teesta, Surma, Someshwari, Muhuri, and Matamuhuri rivers.

Officials warned that flood conditions could worsen over the next 48 hours before gradually improving, while heavy to very heavy rainfall may continue in northern, southern, and eastern regions until July 13.