Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi directly addressed U.S. President Donald Trump, declaring that his Plan A had failed and that Plan B would face an even greater failure. Posting on the social media platform X, Araghchi wrote that the attempt for a quick military victory under Plan A did not succeed and warned that any follow-up strategy would meet a worse outcome. He added that the opportunity for a unique agreement had ended with the last round of negotiations.

Araghchi further stated that the approach of prioritizing Israel, which he described as “Israel First,” always results in “America Last.” His remarks came amid heightened tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel, as reported by Al Jazeera.

The statement underscores Iran’s firm stance against U.S. policy directions and signals that diplomatic openings for compromise have closed, according to the Iranian minister’s comments.

U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that he believes he must personally be involved in the selection of Iran’s next supreme leader following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In an interview with Axios, Trump said Iran would be “wasting time” if it attempted to appoint a successor without U.S. participation.

Trump acknowledged that Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba Khamenei, is being viewed as a possible successor but declared that he would not accept him. He described Mojtaba as weak and said he was unacceptable to him, emphasizing that the United States wants someone who can bring harmony and peace to Iran.

The president further warned that he would reject any new Iranian leader who continues the policies of the previous leadership, cautioning that such continuity could lead to renewed conflict with the United States within five years.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has threatened to unleash Gaza-style destruction on Beirut’s southern suburbs, warning that the area could face devastation similar to that seen in Gaza. The statement came after Israel’s military ordered residents of the entire area to evacuate. Smotrich, a far-right member of Israel’s government, made the remarks during a video statement while visiting Israel’s northern border.

He referred to the extensive damage in Khan Younis, a city in southern Gaza, saying that Beirut’s Dahieh district would soon resemble it. Smotrich accused Hezbollah of making a grave mistake and vowed that the group would pay a heavy price. He also claimed that Israel was striking at Iran’s leadership while simultaneously targeting Hezbollah. The comments were reported by Al Jazeera.

The warning marks an escalation in rhetoric amid heightened regional tensions, as Israel signals readiness to expand its military operations beyond Gaza if provoked.

The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Interior has issued a nationwide emergency alert, warning residents of a possible missile attack. According to the report, the government urged people to immediately take shelter in the nearest safe buildings and to stay away from windows, doors, and open areas. The alert was issued late on March 5, 2026.

The warning came about an hour after the UAE Ministry of Defense announced that it would respond to missile and drone attacks originating from Iran. Earlier, the UAE confirmed that it had intercepted six missiles and 131 drones launched from Iran, though one missile and six drones had struck its territory.

Authorities have not provided further details on potential damages or casualties. The emergency alert indicates heightened security measures across the country as officials monitor the situation closely.

National Citizen Party (NCP) convener and opposition chief whip Nahid Islam has called for the immediate formation of a constitutional reform council, warning that key state institutions are being systematically politicized. He made the remarks on Thursday evening at an iftar event in a Gulshan hotel, organized in honor of foreign diplomats to mark the NCP’s founding anniversary.

Nahid Islam alleged that the reform process promised under the July Charter has been disrupted, accusing the government of politicizing major state bodies such as Bangladesh Bank and the Anti-Corruption Commission. He emphasized that the establishment of the reform council is clearly stated in the July Charter and urged the international community to take note of the situation. According to him, depoliticizing state institutions is essential to ensure they serve public welfare.

His statement reflects growing opposition concern over institutional neutrality and the pace of promised political reforms under the July Charter framework.

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis central Naib-e-Ameer Maulana Rezaul Karim Jalali has called on the government to immediately implement the recently concluded referendum verdict and the July Charter. He made the remarks on Thursday, March 5, during a discussion, prayer, and iftar gathering organized by the party’s Sylhet district branch at Talotola in Sylhet city.

During the event, Jalali emphasized that the people of the country are eagerly waiting to see the implementation of the referendum verdict and the July Charter, warning that the public will not tolerate any delay. He also highlighted the spiritual significance of the holy month of Ramadan, describing it as the month of the Quran’s revelation and urging everyone to stay connected with the Quran for success in this world and the hereafter.

The meeting was presided over by Sylhet district president Maulana Muhammad Iqbal Hossain and attended by several senior leaders of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis and allied parties, including former MP Maulana Advocate Shahinur Pasha Chowdhury and other local political and religious figures.

Police in Gazipur recovered the body of Kamruzzaman Molla, 65, vice president of the Citizens for Good Governance (Sujon) Gazipur district branch, who was found dead with his hands and feet tied and a rope around his neck. The body was discovered beside a road in the Dhirashram area under Gazipur Metropolitan’s Sadar Police Station. The incident was confirmed by Officer-in-Charge Aminul Islam on Thursday.

According to police and family members, Molla went missing on Wednesday after visiting the Gazipur court for a case-related matter. When he did not return home, relatives began searching for him. Later that night, locals found a body by the roadside, which was identified as Molla’s. His brother said he had no known disputes but suggested possible business-related enmity. Sujon’s general secretary described Molla as a responsible and active leader, while police suspect he was strangled before his body was dumped.

The body was sent to Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College Hospital for autopsy. Molla’s son filed a case, and police said the investigation is ongoing to uncover the motive and perpetrators.

The Israeli military has claimed responsibility for killing a Hamas commander named Wasim Attallah Ali in an attack in the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli. According to a statement posted on Telegram, Israeli naval forces carried out the operation that resulted in Attallah’s death. The military described him as a trainer of Hamas fighters.

The report stated that Hamas has not yet issued any immediate response to Israel’s claim. The incident adds to ongoing tensions between Israel and Hamas, with recent developments in the region drawing international attention. The killing took place amid heightened regional instability and continued hostilities involving multiple fronts.

Further details about the operation, including the exact timing and circumstances of the attack, were not provided in the available statement.

Hasanat Abdullah, the chief organizer (southern region) of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and a member of parliament, has issued an apology after a video of him making objectionable comments about a senior BNP leader spread on social media. In a post on his verified Facebook account on Thursday night, he acknowledged the incident and expressed regret, noting that a child’s voice was also heard in the video, making the matter more sensitive.

Abdullah explained that the video had been recorded during the election period and was originally intended for a closed group, but it was later circulated widely online. He offered an unconditional apology, stating that such behavior was inappropriate and pledging to prevent similar incidents in the future. He emphasized the importance of maintaining decency and harmony in political discourse.

The NCP leader further stated that in post-fascist politics, personal attacks and the spread of hatred or hostility should not be tolerated, reaffirming his commitment to healthy, tolerant, and responsible political practices.

Azerbaijan has temporarily closed part of its southern airspace after alleging that four Iranian drones crossed its border. According to an official notice issued by Azerbaijani authorities, the closure will last for 12 hours. The decision follows rising tensions between the two neighboring countries over drone-related incidents.

Earlier, Azerbaijan had accused Iran of carrying out drone attacks in the Nakhchivan region, a claim that Tehran has denied. In response, Iran blamed Israel for the alleged strikes, rejecting any involvement in the incident. The exchange of accusations has added to the already strained relations between Baku and Tehran.

The temporary airspace closure indicates heightened security concerns along the Azerbaijan-Iran border, though it remains unclear whether further restrictions or diplomatic measures will follow.

Road Transport, Bridges, Rail and Shipping Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam announced that garment factories will grant holidays in phases ahead of Eid to prevent excessive travel pressure. He made the statement at a press conference following a meeting on Eid travel held at the Secretariat on Thursday afternoon. The minister emphasized that no unethical advantage or extortion will be tolerated during the holiday period, and any unregistered group collecting money from owners or workers will face immediate action.

The minister said that around 15 million people are expected to leave Dhaka within two to three days before Eid, posing a major challenge. To ensure smooth travel, all relevant agencies, transport owners, workers’ associations, and law enforcement bodies have been instructed to remain vigilant. He warned that any transport charging fares above the fixed rate would face penalties, including possible route permit cancellation.

Authorities will also control illegal parking, roadside stalls, and unfit vehicles on highways. The minister added that additional BRTC buses will be kept ready if needed to ensure passengers reach their destinations safely.

An oil tanker named Skylight, sailing under the flag of Palau, was attacked near the Musandam Peninsula in the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in the deaths of two Indian nationals. The victims were identified as Captain Ashish Kumar from Bihar and crew member Dalip Singh from Rajasthan. The incident occurred amid heightened tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran in the region. The tanker had departed on February 22 and came under attack off the coast of Oman.

According to a statement from Oman’s Maritime Security Center, the Palau-flagged oil tanker was targeted about five nautical miles north of Khasab port in Musandam Governorate. The vessel carried 20 crew members, including 15 Indians and 5 Iranians, all of whom were rescued. Official reports confirmed that the bodies of the two deceased were recovered, with Captain Kumar’s remains found in his cabin.

The statement did not specify the nature of the attack. The incident follows a recent drone strike near Oman’s Duqm port, further highlighting instability in the area.

An interdepartmental committee of the Chattogram district administration conducted an on-site inspection at GPH Ispat Limited in Sitakunda to investigate allegations of environmental pollution, hill stream filling, and encroachment on government roads and water channels. The seven-member committee, led by Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) Sakhawat Jamil Soikat, visited the factory and surrounding areas for several hours on Wednesday.

Local residents alleged that GPH Ispat has long occupied government roads and natural water flow paths between Kumira and Banshbaria unions, causing persistent waterlogging in several villages and severe disruption to public movement. They also complained about noise pollution from high-decibel machinery. Despite repeated complaints to local and district authorities, no resolution had been achieved until the committee was formed in November last year.

Assistant Commissioner Abdullah Al Mamun stated that the team inspected multiple points for about one and a half hours to verify claims of stream filling and road occupation. The findings will be compiled and submitted to senior officials for further action.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Jahir Uddin Swapon announced that the President’s upcoming address to the first session of the National Parliament, scheduled to begin on March 12, will reflect the government’s welfare-oriented initiatives. He said the speech will particularly emphasize key programs such as the Family Card, Farmer Card, and agricultural loan waivers.

Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on Thursday, March 5, after a Cabinet meeting, the minister explained that the Cabinet has prepared to ensure the government’s initiatives are properly represented in the President’s address. Discussions also covered the implementation of various promises and programs already undertaken by the government.

Swapon added that the Prime Minister will soon convene a meeting with relevant ministries to discuss the global war situation, with the finance, power, and energy ministers expected to attend. Regarding public uncertainty over Eid holidays, he said the Cabinet Secretary will provide official information on the matter.

Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB has reported that the Azadi Stadium in Tehran, one of the country’s main international football venues, has been destroyed in a recent attack. According to the report, the stadium suffered severe damage during the assault, with footage shared on social media showing thick smoke rising from the stands and widespread destruction.

The Azadi Stadium is among Iran’s largest sports facilities and has hosted numerous international football matches. With a seating capacity of around 78,000, it serves as the regular home ground for Iran’s national football team. The report did not specify who carried out the attack or provide further details about casualties or the broader context of the incident.

The destruction of such a major sporting venue could disrupt upcoming national and international football events in Iran, though no official statement on future matches has been issued yet.