CBS News has reported that US military officials are preparing detailed plans for a possible deployment of ground troops in Iran. Multiple sources cited by the report said high-level discussions are underway regarding the potential move. Senior Pentagon officials have reportedly issued specific instructions to develop such plans, including how to handle the detention of Iranian soldiers if US troops are deployed.

The report comes shortly after President Donald Trump stated on Friday that the United States was considering gradually reducing its military operations in Iran. However, he clarified that he was not seeking a ceasefire. Trump also told reporters that he had no current plans to send ground troops anywhere, adding that if he did, he would not disclose it publicly.

The US Department of Defense did not respond to requests for comment, and the United States Central Command, which oversees military operations in the Middle East, declined to speculate on any potential troop deployment.

U.S. President Donald Trump has sharply criticized NATO and several allied nations, accusing them of failing to provide adequate support during an ongoing war. Speaking outside the White House, Trump said the United Kingdom was slow to grant U.S. forces access to its military bases. He also alleged that Europe, Australia, Japan, and South Korea were not contributing enough, particularly in sending naval forces to keep the Strait of Hormuz open.

According to the report, Trump aims to build a large-scale military operation while U.S. forces remain engaged elsewhere. However, he did not inform allied nations in advance about the U.S. decision to join the war alongside Israel, which created surprise and limited cooperation. In response, Trump has publicly criticized and pressured allies to increase their involvement.

The report notes that the United Kingdom eventually allowed U.S. forces to use its bases, but this did not satisfy Trump. Overall, relations between the U.S. and its allies appear strained amid the ongoing conflict.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, attended Eid-ul-Fitr prayers at the Manipur Girls High School field in Mirpur, Dhaka, on Saturday, March 21, 2026. After performing the prayer, he called on citizens to unite beyond hatred and enmity to build a new Bangladesh. He emphasized that life should be shaped for both worldly and spiritual success to attain divine satisfaction.

Following the prayer, Dr. Rahman exchanged Eid greetings with local residents and well-wishers. Dhaka North Jamaat Ameer Mohammad Selim Uddin, Nayeb-e-Ameer Abdur Rahman Musa, and other city and local leaders were also present at the congregation.

Later in the day, Dr. Rahman was scheduled to receive diplomats at his official residence on 29 Minto Road between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., and to exchange Eid greetings with political leaders and people from various professions from 3 p.m. onward.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif exchanged Eid-ul-Fitr greetings with Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman during a telephone conversation, according to a statement posted on Sharif’s X handle on Friday. The discussion between the two leaders was described as warm and cordial, with Sharif conveying Eid greetings to Rahman and the people of Bangladesh.

During the call, Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation with Bangladesh. He recalled the historical, fraternal, and familial ties between the two nations and emphasized Pakistan’s determination to enhance collaboration in all areas.

The exchange highlighted the continuing diplomatic engagement between Bangladesh and Pakistan, focusing on goodwill and mutual respect during the Eid celebrations.

US President Donald Trump has indicated that Washington may scale back its military operations in Iran, citing that the United States is close to achieving its objectives. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social on Friday, Trump said the administration is considering reducing military activities. His statement is being viewed as the strongest signal yet that the conflict, which began on February 28, could soon come to an end.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that both the President and the Pentagon had earlier suggested the mission could take four to six weeks to complete. Meanwhile, the US Treasury Department has eased some restrictions on Iranian oil, allowing shipments loaded before March 20 to be sold until April 19 amid global concerns over rising oil prices and supply shortages.

In response to recent escalations, Iran’s new Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei vowed harsh retaliation against enemies, leading to drone and missile attacks on Saudi Arabia and Israel. Israeli forces reportedly launched counterstrikes on targets in Tehran early Saturday.

The main congregation of Eid-ul-Fitr was held in a festive atmosphere at the National Eidgah ground adjacent to the High Court in Dhaka on Saturday morning. The prayer began at 8:30 a.m. and was attended by people from various walks of life, including the President, Prime Minister, and other important state figures. After the prayer, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman exchanged Eid greetings with attendees and shook hands with many.

The congregation was led by Mufti Mohammad Abdul Malek, Khatib of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque. Following the two-rakat wajib prayer, a special sermon was delivered, and a collective prayer was offered for the welfare of the country, the nation, and the peace and prosperity of the global Muslim community. After the prayer, worshippers embraced each other to share the joy of Eid.

Later, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman visited the graves of his parents and sought prayers from the nation on this special day.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to exchange Eid greetings with diplomats, academics, and people from all walks of life at the state guesthouse Jamuna in Dhaka on Saturday, March 21, 2026. The event is set to begin at 10 a.m., marking a traditional celebration where citizens meet the head of government on Eid day.

From early morning, large crowds began moving toward the Jamuna premises to meet the prime minister. Entry for the general public opened at 8:30 a.m., leading to a rapid increase in attendance. People from various professions and political affiliations gathered in groups, creating a festive atmosphere that extended as far as the Intercontinental Hotel area. Law enforcement personnel were visibly active across the zone to maintain order and security.

The report also notes that Prime Minister Rahman visited his parents’ graves earlier in the day and sought prayers from the nation on this special occasion.

Opposition Leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman MP performed Eid-ul-Fitr prayers at the Manipur Girls High School ground in Mirpur, Dhaka, on Saturday morning. The congregation began at 8 a.m., where he delivered a brief message wishing peace and prosperity for the people of Bangladesh and the global Muslim community. After the prayers, he exchanged Eid greetings with residents from all walks of life in the area.

Dhaka North Jamaat Ameer Mohammad Selim Uddin, Nayebe Ameer Abdur Rahman Musa, and other metropolitan and local leaders were present at the event. Later in the day, Dr. Rahman was scheduled to receive diplomats from various missions at his official residence on 29 Minto Road between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., followed by meetings with political leaders and representatives from different professions from 3 p.m. onward.

The program reflected the opposition leader’s engagement in Eid festivities across both community and diplomatic circles in the capital.

Worshippers at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in Dhaka offered prayers for the welfare of the nation following Eid congregational prayers on March 21, 2026. The special supplication included prayers for the acceptance of Ramadan fasting and other acts of worship, as well as for the forgiveness of sins and blessings for deceased relatives. Participants were seen praying with emotion, seeking divine mercy and protection for oppressed Muslims around the world.

The mosque hosted five successive Eid congregations, scheduled at 10:00 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. for the later sessions. The third congregation was led by Islamic Foundation Deputy Director Maulana Md Zakir Hossain, the fourth by Imam Training Academy instructor Maulana Zubair Ahmed Al Azahari, and the fifth and final by Islamic Foundation Mufti Maulana Mohammad Abdullah. Assistant librarian Maulana Shahidul Islam was designated as an alternate imam.

The event reflected a collective spiritual observance marking the end of Ramadan, emphasizing unity, repentance, and prayers for peace and well-being.

The main Eid-ul-Fitr congregation was held at the National Eidgah in Dhaka on Saturday morning, attended by President Md. Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The prayer began at 8:30 a.m., where both leaders performed the Eid prayer together along with thousands of worshippers.

The congregation also included Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Abdus Salam, cabinet members, state ministers, members of parliament, judges from the Supreme Court and High Court divisions, political leaders, senior government officials, and diplomats from various Muslim countries. The prayer was led by Mufti Mohammad Abdul Malek, Khatib of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, who also delivered the sermon after the two-rakat wajib prayer.

Separate arrangements were made for women, including dedicated entrances, ablution facilities, and prayer areas. Special provisions were also made for VIP participants, along with medical teams and adequate ablution facilities. The Eidgah accommodated about 35,000 worshippers, including 3,500 women.

President Md. Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman performed the Eid-ul-Fitr prayers together at the National Eidgah ground in Dhaka on Saturday, March 21, 2026. The main congregation began at 8:30 a.m., marking a significant moment in the country’s political and religious history as both leaders attended the same prayer session.

Worshippers began arriving at the Eidgah from early morning, braving cloudy skies and light rain. The venue was filled to capacity well before the prayers started. Strict security measures were in place, with members of law enforcement, including police and RAB, conducting thorough checks at three entry points before allowing worshippers to enter.

The joint participation of the president and prime minister in the same congregation was viewed as a notable event, symbolizing unity during the nation’s major religious celebration.

Worshippers thronged the National Eidgah in Dhaka on Saturday morning, March 21, 2026, to perform Eid-ul-Fitr prayers, undeterred by cloudy skies and light rain. From early dawn, people from across the capital began arriving at the Eidgah grounds near the High Court, filling the venue well before the scheduled start of the main congregation at 8:30 a.m.

Security forces maintained strict control around the area, with long queues forming under tight supervision. Entry points were monitored by police and Rapid Action Battalion personnel, who conducted three layers of security checks before allowing worshippers inside. To prevent congestion, roads at Doel Chattar, Matsya Bhaban, and the National Press Club intersection were closed. Devotees also entered the grounds through the Dhaka University side.

For the first time in several decades, both the President and the Prime Minister attended and performed the Eid prayers together at the National Eidgah, marking a notable moment in the day’s celebrations.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast prolonged drizzle across Dhaka and several other regions on Saturday, coinciding with the holy Eid-ul-Fitr. Meteorologist A K M Nazmul Haque said a broad rain belt stretching from Barguna to Naogaon has formed, likely causing light rain from around 7:30 a.m. for four to five hours. However, Cox’s Bazar and Panchagarh districts may remain outside the rain zone.

According to the department, the rain belt’s effect may continue until Sunday, though rainfall is expected to decrease by then. Compared to Friday, a higher amount of rainfall is likely on Saturday. On Friday, Madaripur recorded the highest rainfall at 33 millimeters, while Dhaka saw 17 millimeters, with rain reported in almost all divisions.

The meteorologist added that despite the extended drizzle, there is no possibility of a nor’wester storm. Winds are expected to flow from the southwest, resulting in light rain with low wind speed for several hours.

Iran has threatened to expand its attacks to entertainment and tourism centers worldwide as its conflict with the United States and Israel enters the third week. The warning came from General Abolfazl Shekarchi, Iran’s top military spokesperson, who stated that parks, leisure areas, and tourist destinations across the world would no longer be safe for Iran’s enemies. The announcement has sparked renewed concern in international circles.

Analysts cited in the report suggest that Iran may employ asymmetric tactics beyond the Middle East to increase pressure on its adversaries. The situation intensified after Israel reportedly struck Iran’s large South Pars gas field on Wednesday, prompting Tehran to escalate attacks on energy facilities in the Gulf region.

In a related development, two drone strikes hit Kuwait’s Mina al-Ahmadi oil refinery early Friday, causing a fire at one of the region’s largest refineries, which has a daily capacity of about 730,000 barrels. The incidents underscore rising regional tensions and fears of broader instability.

The United States has decided to ease sanctions on Iran’s crude oil and petroleum products for 30 days, according to a statement from the US Treasury Department. The move comes in response to global oil price and supply instability caused by the ongoing Iran-Israel war, Al Jazeera reported. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent clarified that the temporary authorization applies only to oil shipments already in transit, not to new orders.

Iran, meanwhile, stated that it has been targeting ships linked to the United States and Israel, disrupting oil and gas transport through the Strait of Hormuz. This disruption has contributed to volatility in global energy prices and raised concerns about broader economic impacts. Earlier, Bessent had told Fox Business that the relaxation could allow about 140 million barrels of Iranian oil currently at sea to reach the market.

Following Bessent’s remarks, Iran’s Oil Ministry spokesperson Saman Goddosi said the country has no additional crude oil available for export, either at sea or in storage, suggesting the US statement was intended to encourage potential buyers.