Spain’s Deputy Prime Minister María Jesús Montero stated that Madrid will not become subordinate to Washington amid growing tensions over the use of Spanish bases for a U.S. operation against Iran. Speaking to reporters, she emphasized that Spain would not tolerate any threats and would defend its values.

The dispute intensified after former U.S. President Donald Trump warned that Washington would cut trade ties with Spain for refusing to allow its bases to be used in the Iran offensive. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez had earlier cautioned that the conflict could lead to a major global catastrophe. In a televised address, he said Spain would not participate in any action harmful to the world or contrary to its values and interests, even to avoid retaliation.

The statements underscore Spain’s firm stance on maintaining sovereignty and independent foreign policy decisions despite U.S. pressure.

State Minister for Youth and Sports Md. Aminul Haque has called on major corporate organizations in Bangladesh to assist in developing underperforming sports federations and promoting talented athletes on the global stage. He made the appeal on Wednesday during a special meeting with top corporate representatives at the National Sports Council conference room.

During the meeting, the minister outlined the government’s long-term plans for transforming the country’s sports infrastructure. He said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has prioritized sports at the national level and initiated programs to identify talent from the grassroots. Haque emphasized that collaboration between the government and corporate houses could elevate Bangladesh’s sports sector to new international heights.

He further stated that, in line with the election manifesto, new playgrounds will be built between every two wards in Dhaka, including walkways for senior citizens. Plans also include renovating rural fields and constructing modern indoor-equipped “sports villages” in all 64 districts. The minister added that the government will support the expansion of futsal facilities and aims to establish a self-sustaining “sports industry” to produce and export international-standard sports goods, creating employment opportunities.

NCP convener and opposition chief whip Md. Nahid Islam has warned that Bangladesh may again face the threat of one-party authoritarian rule. Speaking on Wednesday at the Sylhet divisional iftar and prayer gathering of the National Citizen Party (NCP) at Hill View Convention Center, he accused the administration and institutions of being politicized.

Citing examples such as appointments at Bangladesh Bank, the Anti-Corruption Commission, and BSS, Nahid Islam said the country must prepare for another struggle but avoid past mistakes. He reflected on earlier mass uprisings, saying that errors made after those movements had led to the current national situation.

The event was attended by senior NCP leaders including Sarjis Alam, Nasiruddin Patwari, Advocate Tarikul Islam, and Abu Bakr Majumdar, as well as representatives from the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and other parties of the eleven-party alliance.

The Cabinet Division of Bangladesh has issued a new circular mandating all government, semi-government, autonomous, and semi-autonomous employees to remain in their respective offices from 9:00 a.m. to 9:40 a.m. The circular, signed by Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani, was released on Wednesday and aims to ensure public service efficiency and discipline in official work. Offices are instructed to schedule other programs so that this mandatory attendance period is not disrupted.

According to the circular, the rule will not apply to teachers and faculty members of educational or training institutions who do not hold administrative responsibilities. It will also be exempt for those performing roster duties in hospitals, prisons, media organizations, or security-related institutions. Additionally, personnel directly engaged in emergency public services and law enforcement officers working in the field are excluded from the requirement.

The circular further states that employees cannot leave their workplaces during office hours without permission, except for VIP protocol duties, major emergencies, important meetings with development partners or diplomatic missions, or approved official travel. The directive takes immediate effect.

France is deploying several Rafale fighter jets to the United Arab Emirates to strengthen security at its only naval and air base there. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said the move follows President Emmanuel Macron’s directive. The base, named Camp de la Paix, is located in the Al-Dhafra area of Abu Dhabi and has housed French land, naval, and air forces since its establishment in 2009.

Barrot told French television channel BFM TV that a drone attack struck the base on March 1, damaging one of its hangars. Following the incident, President Macron decided to send Rafale jets to ensure the safety of the airspace above the facility. The deployment aims to protect the base and its personnel from further threats.

The decision underscores France’s commitment to maintaining its strategic presence in the Gulf region and ensuring the security of its forces stationed abroad.

According to the latest reports, nearly 200 international oil tankers are stranded in the Persian Gulf following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The tankers’ owners are waiting to determine whether it is safe to resume passage through one of the world’s most critical oil transport routes. The information was reported by BBC Persian.

The Revolutionary Guard Corps has announced full control over the Strait of Hormuz, where several ships have recently been targeted by drone and missile attacks. Around 60 of the stranded vessels are supertankers, representing about eight percent of the global fleet. The disruption has pushed Brent crude oil prices above 80 dollars per barrel.

The situation underscores the vulnerability of global energy supply routes to regional instability, with potential implications for international oil markets if the closure continues.

Lebanon’s armed group Hezbollah carried out a drone attack targeting the headquarters of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) in central Israel, according to a report published on March 4, 2026. The group also claimed responsibility for a separate drone strike on an Israeli military base that controls drones. The attacks reportedly took place on Wednesday night, as cited by the French news agency AFP.

Israel Aerospace Industries is a state-owned company that manufactures a wide range of defense and civilian products, including fighter jets, missile defense systems, unmanned drones, and satellites. The company plays a central role in Israel’s defense and space programs.

The report did not specify the extent of the damage or any casualties resulting from the attacks, and no immediate response from Israeli authorities was mentioned.

Iran’s ambassador to Bangladesh, Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi, said Tehran expects Bangladesh, as a member of the OIC and NAM, to directly condemn aggressors attacking Iran. Speaking at a press conference at the Iranian Embassy in Dhaka on Wednesday, he emphasized that Muslim nations should show solidarity when another Muslim country is under attack. He also confirmed that Bangladeshi students in Iran have been moved to safe locations and that the Bangladeshi Embassy in Tehran remains in regular contact with Iran’s Foreign Ministry.

The ambassador asserted that Iran possesses sufficient drones, missiles, and military strength to sustain a long-term conflict without external logistical support. He described the killing of Ayatollah Khamenei as a cowardly act planned by the United States and Israel, while denying any intelligence failure within Iran. He added that Iran would never initiate aggression against Israel but would resist any attack to the last drop of blood.

Jahanabadi further explained that a three-member committee currently oversees Iran’s leadership, with the Experts Council responsible for selecting a new leader soon.

Turkey has lodged a formal protest with Iran after a ballistic missile fired from Iranian territory was intercepted near Turkey’s Dortyol district, according to Turkish media reports on March 4, 2026. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan conveyed the protest to his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi during a phone call, warning against actions that could further spread the ongoing conflict. No casualties were reported from the incident.

The Turkish Defense Ministry confirmed that NATO’s defense system intercepted the missile before it could cause damage. NATO spokesperson Jalison Hart condemned Iran’s indiscriminate attacks across the region and reaffirmed the alliance’s strong commitment to Turkey and all member states. Hart emphasized that NATO’s deterrence and defense capabilities remain robust, including its air and missile defense systems.

The missile incident has heightened concerns over regional security, with observers noting renewed anxiety about potential escalation in the Middle East.

A European Union official stated on Wednesday that the ongoing war involving Iran has not disrupted Europe's oil supply. Despite the conflict, the official noted that oil continues to flow normally to EU member states. However, the rising price of oil remains a major concern for the bloc, as it could affect economic stability if the trend continues.

According to Reuters, the official added that EU member states are not planning any immediate measures in response to the current oil market situation. The statement comes amid reports of nearly 200 tankers stranded in the Persian Gulf due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and other regional tensions including a Hezbollah attack on Israel Aerospace Industries’ headquarters.

The EU’s position suggests a cautious approach, focusing on monitoring market developments rather than taking emergency action at this stage.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has urged the country to remain calm and act with clarity and purpose amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. Speaking in Parliament on March 4, 2026, he emphasized the need for measured and transparent decision-making during the escalating regional tensions.

Starmer stated that the United Kingdom is maintaining close coordination with the United States regarding the deployment of military assets in the region. These include air defense systems, drone-interception measures, and F-35 fighter jets. His remarks came as part of the government’s response to the growing instability in the Middle East.

The statement reflects the UK’s cautious approach to the conflict, focusing on strategic cooperation with allies while avoiding rash actions that could further inflame the situation.

A man named Babu Sheikh, aged 50, has confessed to attempting to kill seven-year-old Jannatul Naima Ira by slitting her throat in Sitakunda, Chattogram. He gave his statement under Section 164 before Chattogram Court-1 on Wednesday afternoon, confirmed the investigating officer, Sub-Inspector Md. Kamruzzaman. The incident, which occurred on Monday at Chandranath Hill, sparked widespread discussion across the country.

Investigators said Babu Sheikh lured Ira with food and took her to a remote spot about 1,250 feet up the hill, where he tortured her and attempted to kill her by slitting her throat. The child fought for her life for two days before dying on Tuesday. A video circulated that day showed the accused walking with Ira toward the hill, leading police to arrest him that night.

District Police Superintendent Mohammad Nazir Ahmed Khan stated that the incident likely stemmed from a family dispute. Police recovered chocolates, a blood-stained dress, and the knife used in the attack. Authorities are investigating whether others were involved.

The Bangladesh government is preparing to extend the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr holidays by one additional day to ease public travel before the festival. According to official sources, March 18 may be declared a public holiday through an executive order, making March 16 the final working day for government employees before the Eid break. The proposal is expected to be approved at the next cabinet meeting.

The official holiday list already includes March 19 to 23 for Eid-ul-Fitr, and March 17 is a public holiday for Shab-e-Qadr. If March 18 is confirmed as an additional holiday, government employees will enjoy a continuous seven-day break from March 17 to 23. Offices will reopen on March 24 and 25, followed by another general holiday on March 26 for Independence Day.

With the weekly holidays on March 27 and 28, government officials will effectively have another three consecutive days off after the Eid holidays, extending the overall period of leave for many employees.

Opposition Chief Whip and NCP convener Nahid Islam announced that he will raise questions in the national parliament regarding alleged politicization across six city corporations and various government offices. Speaking as the chief guest at the party’s divisional iftar gathering in Sylhet on March 4, he said the issue would be addressed firmly from a position of parliamentary accountability. He also urged party members to prepare for the upcoming local government elections, emphasizing the need for full organizational strength.

At the same event, NCP’s chief organizer Nasiruddin Patowary vowed not to compromise on justice for the murder of Hadi and called for an end to extortion, terrorism, and corruption. He also criticized partisan appointments in the administration and highlighted the poor condition of the Dhaka–Sylhet highway. Northern organizer Sarjis Alam stated that the party accepted the election results but warned against any manipulation in future local polls, threatening strong resistance if such attempts occur.

Central leaders added that if demands for implementing the “July Charter” ordinance and impeaching the president are not met, the party will take to the streets.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has claimed that Iran’s president attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump, but Trump managed to overcome the attempt. Speaking at a Pentagon briefing alongside Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Dan Kane, Hegseth said the United States had located and killed the leader of the unit allegedly responsible for the assassination attempt.

According to the report, in 2024, before that year’s presidential election, the US government filed charges against an Afghan national accused of involvement in an alleged Iranian plot to kill Trump. The US Department of Justice stated that 51-year-old Farhad Shakeri had been assigned to develop a plan for Trump’s assassination and was believed to be residing in Iran.

A criminal complaint filed in Manhattan court alleged that an officer of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard instructed Shakeri in September to create a surveillance and assassination plan targeting Trump.