The Bangladesh government has announced a large-scale initiative to explore oil, gas, and other mineral resources in the Bay of Bengal. At a press conference on May 25, 2026, the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources revealed that international tenders have been invited for exploration in 26 deep and shallow sea blocks. The government plans to begin exploration by 2027, signing 25-year contracts for gas extraction and 20-year contracts for oil production with qualified multinational companies.

Officials explained that the new Model Production Sharing Contract (PSC) 2026 outlines a nine-year exploration period, including geological surveys and drilling phases. Petrobangla will hold a profit share of 40–65 percent in shallow waters and 35–60 percent in deep waters. Foreign investors will receive tax exemptions on imported equipment and may export gas or oil if Petrobangla declines to purchase. The gas price will range between USD 7.5 and 11 per MCF, linked to global oil prices.

Energy Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud described the initiative as a new era for national energy security, emphasizing reduced import dependence and increased domestic production through foreign investment.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the proposed agreement with Iran has not yet been finalized and remains under negotiation. Speaking to reporters during his visit to India, Rubio described the talks as a “work in progress,” noting that a strong proposal is on the table to open the strategic Strait of Hormuz and begin practical discussions on Iran’s nuclear issue.

Rubio explained that the proposal aims to enable Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and engage in realistic, time-bound negotiations on nuclear matters. He expressed optimism about completing the process successfully, saying the initiative has broad support across the Persian Gulf region and globally. According to him, countries consulted on the proposal view it as a rational and timely step for global welfare.

He emphasized that President Donald Trump is not rushing into any agreement with Iran and will not sign a bad deal. Rubio added that the administration intends to exhaust all diplomatic options before considering alternative paths.

A partially built multi-storey building collapsed in Angeles City, north of Manila, Philippines, killing three people and leaving 17 others missing. Rescue teams continued search and recovery operations at the site following the incident. Officials said an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the collapse.

According to Bureau of Fire Protection information officer Maria Lea Sazili, most of the missing individuals were construction workers listed as being on duty at the time. Authorities noted that up to 70 workers were employed at the site, though many had gone home for the weekend. One worker, Alfredo Albis, told AFP that he was sleeping in a nearby barrack when the building fell and that two of his cousins remain trapped.

Investigators are examining the structural failure while emergency teams work to locate the missing workers. The incident has drawn attention to construction safety conditions in the area.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan to create separate citizenship registries for each state has sparked legal and political controversy. The initiative, announced through an executive order signed in March, directs the Department of Homeland Security to compile lists of citizens to prevent non-citizens from voting. However, the Justice Department admitted in court that such lists could be unreliable, as there is little evidence of non-citizens voting in U.S. elections. The case is now being heard in the federal district court in Washington.

The report highlights practical and legal obstacles to the plan. The United States lacks a national ID system, and only about half of Americans hold passports. Social Security cards are not proof of citizenship, and there is no central index of naturalization records. Lawyers have argued that creating such a list could violate the 1974 Privacy Act, which restricts data sharing between agencies without consent. Judge Carl J. Nichols said it was too early to determine whether the law would be violated.

Experts warn that an inaccurate database could harm both citizens and non-citizens by undermining their rights. The initiative is part of broader Trump administration efforts to reshape U.S. citizenship policy, including attempts to alter birthright citizenship and revoke naturalized citizenships.

Global oil prices declined sharply after signs emerged that the Iran war might be nearing an end. Brent crude, the key international benchmark, dropped about 5 percent on Sunday. By early Monday, July futures for Brent fell to 98.47 dollars per barrel, nearly 9 percent lower than a month earlier, though still more than one-third higher than before the conflict began.

Japan’s main stock index, the Nikkei 225, rose more than 3 percent in early Monday trading, setting a new record after also closing at a record high on Friday. On Sunday, former U.S. President Donald Trump said on social media that discussions with Tehran were progressing in a disciplined and constructive manner but instructed officials not to rush into any agreement.

According to June Goh, a senior oil market analyst at Singapore-based Sparta, the fundamental situation has not changed significantly, as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz continues to block the supply of 10 to 11 million barrels of crude oil per day.

Analysts suggest that the current Russia-Iran partnership, often described as a strategic alliance, is facing serious strain amid the ongoing Ukraine war and the Iran–United States–Israel crisis. Despite years of cooperation in defense, energy, and nuclear projects, the relationship is being tested as Moscow’s priorities shift and Tehran faces increasing regional pressure.

Historically, relations between the two nations have been marked by mistrust and conflict, dating back to the 19th century when Russia expanded into Persian territories. After the Soviet collapse, Moscow sought to maintain influence in the Middle East by supporting Iran diplomatically and economically, including through major nuclear and energy deals. The two countries also cooperated in Syria and within the BRICS Plus framework, aligning against U.S. influence.

Recent developments, including Russia’s limited response to attacks on Iran and its exclusion from current peace mediation efforts, have raised doubts about the alliance’s durability. Some experts believe Moscow might trade its partnership with Tehran for concessions from Washington over Ukraine, signaling a potential weakening of the Russia-Iran axis.

Inter Miami defeated Philadelphia Union 6-4 in a high-scoring Major League Soccer match on May 25, 2026. Despite falling two goals behind early, Lionel Messi’s team produced a strong comeback to secure victory. Messi contributed two assists but left the field in the 73rd minute after feeling discomfort in his left thigh. The match, played at Nu Stadium, featured a record eight goals in the first half, ending 4-4 before Miami sealed the win with goals from Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul.

Philadelphia’s Milan Iloski scored a hat-trick, including a penalty confirmed by VAR, while Suárez also netted three times for Miami. The rain slowed the pace in the second half, but Miami maintained control even after Messi’s exit. The win marked one of the most dramatic games in MLS history.

Attention turned to Messi’s injury after the match, raising concern for Argentina’s World Cup preparations. The national team has yet to announce its squad, and coach Lionel Scaloni faces uncertainty as Argentina’s campaign begins on June 16 against Algeria.

Joint forces began a large-scale operation on Sunday morning in the remote hilly areas of Jungle Salimpur and Alinagar in Sitakunda, Chattogram, following overnight armed attacks on two camps of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and police. The assaults, which started around 1 a.m., involved groups of 40 to 50 armed assailants who used heavy weapons and excavators to cut roads and damage camp boundaries. Law enforcement personnel returned fire until about 3:30 a.m., after which additional forces surrounded the area. Several suspects have been detained for verification.

RAB-7 commander Hafizur Rahman confirmed that the attackers were organized and heavily armed, taking advantage of the hilly terrain for surprise strikes. The joint forces, comprising over 500 members from RAB, police, and other units, are now advancing on foot across roughly 3,000 acres due to blocked roads. Officials said the attackers are believed to be members of the Yasin gang, accused in multiple criminal cases, including murder of RAB personnel.

Authorities stated that a formal briefing will follow the operation, while the government has ongoing development projects in the Jungle Salimpur area, including a police training academy and district jail.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio sharply criticized Lebanon’s armed group Hezbollah and reaffirmed Washington’s full support for the Lebanese government. His remarks came as Hezbollah continued its fight against Israeli occupation forces in southern Lebanon. Rubio accused Hezbollah of deliberately destabilizing Lebanon through a targeted campaign and contrasted this with the government’s efforts to rebuild and secure a stable future with international assistance.

The statement followed comments from Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem, who urged the Lebanese government to revoke decisions labeling the resistance movement as criminal and condemned its failure to reject recent US sanctions on Hezbollah-linked officials. Despite a reported ceasefire agreement last month, Israeli forces have continued deadly attacks across Lebanon.

The Trump administration has been attempting to mediate peace talks between Israel and the Lebanese government, efforts that Hezbollah has repeatedly rejected, according to the report sourced from Al Jazeera.

Fifteen people were killed and nine others injured when a rod-laden truck overturned and fell into a roadside ditch in the Saratail area of Kalihati upazila, Tangail, early Monday morning. The accident occurred around 4:30 a.m. on the Dhaka-Tangail highway near the Jamuna Bridge connecting road. According to the Fire Service, all the victims were reportedly from Chapainawabganj district in Rajshahi.

Tangail Additional Superintendent of Police Fauzia Habib confirmed that the truck, which had departed from Chattogram carrying rods and passengers, lost control and veered off the road. Rescue teams from the Elenga Fire Service recovered 15 bodies and sent nine injured individuals to Tangail General Hospital for treatment. Efforts are underway to identify all the deceased.

Authorities have so far identified six of the victims, hailing from Naogaon, Rajshahi, and Chapainawabganj districts. The cause of the loss of control has not yet been detailed, and investigations are ongoing.

US President Donald Trump has encountered significant opposition from Republican lawmakers in Congress for the first time in his second term. The dissent arises amid growing public anger and dissatisfaction over the ongoing war, according to a report from Al Jazeera’s Washington correspondent Patty Culhane. The report notes that pressure on the president is intensifying as members of his own party lose patience with his handling of the conflict.

Public sentiment across the United States is largely against the war, with most citizens viewing it as unjustified or unnecessary. Only the faction identifying as 'MAGA Republicans' continues to support the conflict as essential. The discontent has led ordinary Americans to flood congressional offices with calls expressing frustration and demanding accountability.

With midterm elections approaching, this internal party revolt marks Trump’s first major political challenge of his second term, driven by widespread voter anger and eroding support within his own ranks.

U.S. President Donald Trump has instructed his representatives not to rush into finalizing a deal with Iran, a day after suggesting that an agreement was nearly complete. In a social media post on Sunday, Trump said discussions between the two sides remain constructive but emphasized that both parties should take sufficient time to ensure the deal is done properly. The proposed agreement reportedly includes a 60-day extended ceasefire, reopening of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, and a framework for future talks on Iran’s nuclear program.

According to U.S. media, the deal is not final, with key issues such as sanctions relief, release of frozen Iranian funds, and limits on Tehran’s nuclear activities left for later negotiation. The proposal has divided the Republican Party, with hardliners like Senator Ted Cruz calling it a “catastrophic mistake,” while others, including Representative Mike Lawler, have supported the administration’s approach. Trump reiterated that Iran must never develop nuclear weapons, though Tehran insists its program is peaceful.

Mediation efforts led by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar have continued, with both sides reportedly working toward a memorandum of understanding that could pave the way for a final agreement.

The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) is driving a surge in demand for cybersecurity professionals worldwide, even as other technology sectors face layoffs. Companies are offering lucrative salary packages worth millions of dollars to attract qualified candidates capable of preventing AI misuse and protecting sensitive data. Executive talent firm Heidrick & Struggles reports that requests for cybersecurity executives have increased dramatically, while job listings in the field rose 11 percent in the first quarter compared to last year.

Recruiters such as Hich Partners say demand for security executives has grown five to seven times since last fall, forcing them to turn away clients due to a shortage of qualified candidates. Experts warn that AI-assisted coding can introduce software bugs, and advanced AI models like Anthropic’s “Mythos” and OpenAI’s “GPT-5.4-Cyber” may expose vulnerabilities that heighten cyberattack risks. LinkedIn’s Chief Information Security Officer Lee Kisner described the situation as a “software bug catastrophe.”

While cybersecurity hiring is booming, the overall tech industry continues to shed jobs as major firms including Meta, Amazon, Stripe, Snap, and Block cut thousands of positions to fund AI investments.

The White House has taken a more cautious approach regarding a potential agreement with Iran, despite earlier optimism. Officials said several key issues remain unresolved and that reaching a final understanding could take several more days. While U.S. officials remain confident that a deal will eventually be reached, they acknowledged uncertainty about how quickly it can be finalized.

The situation mirrors earlier phases of the conflict, when the Trump administration claimed progress that Iran later denied. The United States has indicated movement toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz, but Tehran maintains that discussions have not yet reached that stage. The global economy is closely watching these developments, as the strait is vital for energy supply routes. A U.S. intelligence report cited by media suggested Iran could sustain the current situation for another three to four months.

Analysts are questioning how long the world economy can withstand elevated oil prices. President Donald Trump continues to assert that the United States controls the situation, while Iran counters that it also holds significant influence and capability in the ongoing crisis.

A significant number of Indian cows and buffaloes are reportedly entering Bangladesh illegally through various border points in Sylhet ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. Despite claims that Indian cattle are fewer in markets this year, local residents and traders say border areas such as Kanaighat, Gowainghat, Jaintapur, and Zakiganj have become active smuggling routes. Thousands of animals are said to cross nightly, transported through rural roads and farmlands to avoid detection.

Farmers allege that the influx of Indian cattle is hurting local livestock businesses, leaving them financially cornered. Reports suggest that influential local groups and some corrupt officials are facilitating the smuggling, allowing the animals to reach markets nationwide. Residents claim that trucks carrying smuggled cattle often pass police checkpoints without interference.

Police officials in Sylhet, including the district’s Additional Superintendent and Metropolitan Police representatives, stated that strict monitoring, checkpoints, and operations are underway to prevent illegal cattle entry. They pledged to strengthen surveillance and take legal action against those involved.