Iran-backed militia coalition Islamic Resistance in Iraq (IRI) has strongly opposed the Iraqi government’s upcoming visit to the United States and the planned meeting between Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi and President Donald Trump. In a statement circulated via Sabereen News, the group denounced the government’s decision, saying the visit comes at a time when the United States and Israel are committing atrocities across Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, Yemen, and Palestine.

The militias called for Iraq’s economy to be freed from American dominance and declared that any U.S. military presence on Iraqi soil would be considered an illegal occupation. Their statement reflects deep resentment toward Washington’s influence in the region and signals growing internal opposition to the government’s diplomatic outreach.

Prime Minister Al-Zaidi’s visit to Washington is expected to include discussions on several oil and gas agreements. However, the militias’ reaction has heightened political tension within Iraq, underscoring divisions over the country’s foreign policy direction.

The Kansat mango market in Shibganj upazila of Chapainawabganj is witnessing daily transactions worth around Tk 15 to 18 crore, with an average of 4,500 to 5,000 tonnes of mangoes traded each day. Farmers from Shibganj and nearby districts bring their produce to the market early in the morning, where wholesalers and traders from across the country, including Dhaka, gather to purchase mangoes. The market, considered the second largest mango hub in Asia, remains vibrant throughout the peak harvesting season.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension and local traders, about 400 to 450 trucks of mangoes are loaded daily from the Kansat market for distribution across Bangladesh. The market attracts around 15,000 to 16,000 people every day, creating significant employment opportunities for the local population. The mango trading season typically runs from late May to the end of July.

This year, mangoes have been cultivated on 37,487 hectares of land in Chapainawabganj, with a production target of 457,900 tonnes. Officials expect the target to be met if no natural disasters occur.

US Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna stated that during his visit to Palestine, he and his delegation were blocked and detained by Israeli settlers who obstructed the road they were traveling on. Khanna said the settlers, armed with M4 rifles, kicked their van’s tires, mocked them, and recorded videos while they were held for about 20 minutes, fearing for their lives. He added that when Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers arrived, they told his translator that they supported the settlers and continued to block the road.

The IDF denied that Khanna was detained or that the road was obstructed. Speaking on the US television program “Meet the Press,” Khanna accused the IDF of lying about the incident, calling it unprecedented and claiming that violent settlers detained American citizens, including a US government official.

The incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories and raises questions about the treatment of foreign officials and civilians in conflict zones.

US-Bangla Airlines has announced a major expansion plan in Bangladesh’s private aviation sector, committing around 1.11 billion US dollars to add 21 brand-new Boeing 737-8 aircraft to its fleet in 2027. The airline disclosed the plan in a letter to the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) chairman, stating that the aircraft will be procured through five leading global leasing companies. A formal announcement will be made jointly by Boeing and US-Bangla on July 29 at Sheraton Dhaka, attended by senior officials from Boeing, the US Embassy, and the aviation industry.

US-Bangla aims to transform Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet into regional aviation hubs, connecting South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. Aviation experts described the move as the largest fleet expansion by any Bangladeshi airline, predicting positive effects on the economy, tourism, exports, and employment. The addition of 21 aircraft will require a large number of pilots, engineers, and technical staff, creating thousands of new jobs.

Experts also noted that increased domestic airline capacity could reduce Bangladesh’s reliance on foreign carriers and retain more foreign currency within the country.

Al Jazeera correspondent Kimberly Halkett reported from Washington DC that U.S. President Donald Trump continues to present an optimistic view of the situation in the Hormuz Strait, claiming that navigation there remains open and normal. However, the actual circumstances appear to differ significantly from his statements.

According to the report, the United States maintains that the Hormuz Strait is an international waterway and that Iran cannot unilaterally impose costs, set routes, or attack vessels. Washington had demanded that Iran publicly acknowledge this position and warned of consequences if it did not comply. Iran ignored the demand, prompting the United States to launch a third round of strikes on about 140 targets, primarily aimed at Iran’s missile capabilities.

Halkett noted that President Trump faces a dilemma as he tries to project stability and minimize the impact on global financial markets, while both the U.S. and Iran remain firm in their stances, further escalating tensions.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed responsibility for destroying a US HIMARS missile launcher stationed in Kuwait through what it described as a precision drone operation. According to a statement published by Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency, the IRGC said the destroyed systems were surface-to-surface missile launchers and pods allegedly prepared for attacks against Iran. The statement also claimed that three US officials were killed and several others injured in the strike.

The IRGC further asserted that the United States had used short-range HIMARS missiles in recent attacks on Iran’s southern coastal areas during joint US-Israel military operations that began in February. However, there has been no immediate comment from US or Kuwaiti authorities regarding Iran’s claims.

Earlier, Kuwait reported attacks on three northern border posts and an offshore drilling platform operated by Kuwait Oil Company, which caused infrastructure damage and injured one worker. Kuwait did not attribute responsibility for those incidents.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a dominant figure in US politics for over two decades, died on Saturday evening, according to a statement from his office. His family requested privacy following his death. Graham, first elected to the Senate in 2002, became one of the most influential Republican voices on foreign policy, defense, and national security. Known for his hawkish stance, he was a staunch supporter of Israel and a vocal advocate of US military intervention abroad.

Throughout his career, Graham’s positions on Gaza, Iran, and the International Criminal Court drew international criticism. He supported Israel’s military actions in Gaza, opposed limiting US aid to Israel, and made controversial remarks about Palestinians that were condemned by rights groups. He also backed strong military measures against Iran and urged the White House to assert control over the Strait of Hormuz. His confrontational approach often sparked diplomatic tensions, including with European and Gulf states.

Days before his death, Graham visited Kyiv to meet President Volodymyr Zelensky, discussing legislation to increase pressure on Russia. He remained one of Washington’s most vocal supporters of military aid to Ukraine.

Typhoon Bavi struck China’s Zhejiang province on Saturday, causing severe weather across the southern and eastern regions and disrupting travel plans for thousands of passengers. According to Global Times, more than 2,800 domestic and international flights were canceled on Sunday, with hundreds more delayed or suspended in major cities including Nanjing, Hangzhou, Wuhan, Shenyang, Dalian, and Chengdu.

Heavy rainfall in northern China led to widespread flight delays at Beijing Capital and Beijing Daxing international airports. Shanghai Pudong and Hongqiao airports reported that about 30 percent of their flights could be canceled due to adverse weather. Thunderstorm warnings were issued at 45 airports, including those in Hangzhou and Changzhou in Jiangsu province.

Rail services were also affected, with several high-speed train routes temporarily suspended for passenger safety. Airports in Fujian, Zhejiang, Guangxi, and Hainan provinces experienced major disruptions. The weather bureau warned that heavy rain and flash floods could persist through Sunday night, potentially worsening transport difficulties across the country.

US President Donald Trump said during NBC’s Meet the Press on Saturday that the United States had carried out a massive bombing campaign against Iran’s military forces. According to Al Jazeera, the statement came amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that strikes targeted 140 Iranian military sites. It also claimed that no American troops were injured and no significant damage occurred in retaliatory attacks by Iran in Gulf countries. Several US media outlets, citing unnamed officials, reported that American strikes on Iranian military targets and small vessels in the Strait of Hormuz were still ongoing.

Trump reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz remained open, a claim that contradicted Iran’s position. The continued exchange of attacks appeared to undermine the fragile ceasefire Trump had mentioned earlier in the week.

At a symposium titled 'Accountability, Justice and Healing in Post-July Bangladesh' held at the Bishwo Shahitto Kendro in Dhaka on Sunday, political leaders, journalists, human rights activists, and former advisers demanded justice for those killed during the July uprising. They declared that there could be no reconciliation or forgiveness for Sheikh Hasina and others convicted of crimes related to the former regime. Participants emphasized that the July movement represented a 'second independence' for Bangladesh and vowed to protect its legacy.

Former adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki said the July revolution was driven by the people, not civil society, and that the new generation reclaimed national sovereignty. MP Mir Ahmad Bin Kasem called for full implementation of the July Charter and establishment of a July Museum to educate future generations about fascism. Other speakers, including Shafiqul Alam, Sarwar Tushar, Nabila Idris, and Shahidul Alam, criticized the lingering influence of the former ruling party and urged institutional reforms to ensure accountability and justice.

Speakers warned that attempts to downplay the July events or delay justice could undermine the revolution’s goals and risk diminishing its moral and political significance.

Pakistan has expressed deep concern over escalating tensions between Iran and the United States following a series of renewed retaliatory attacks in the Middle East, according to a report citing CNN. In an official statement, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the recent developments are further aggravating regional instability and that Islamabad is closely monitoring the situation with serious concern.

The ministry noted that Pakistan, which has played an important mediating role in peace discussions between Washington and Tehran in recent months, has urged all parties to exercise restraint. It further called on all sides to take immediate steps to de-escalate the situation and to adhere to the commitments made under the memorandum of understanding signed between the United States and Iran last month.

The statement reflects Islamabad’s continuing diplomatic engagement in regional peace efforts amid growing instability in the Middle East.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for an immediate end to the ongoing exchange of attacks between the United States and Iran in the Gulf region. In a post on social media platform X, he expressed deep concern over US strikes on Iran and Iran’s retaliatory attacks on targets in neighboring countries. Guterres warned that if the confrontation continues, it could bring devastating consequences not only for the Middle East but for the entire world.

According to the report, Guterres emphasized that all attacks must stop and urged both nations to resolve their disputes through diplomatic means. He cautioned that a full-scale war would be disastrous for the region and beyond. The statement comes amid reports of repeated Iranian strikes on US bases in Oman and escalating tensions across the Gulf.

The UN chief’s appeal highlights growing international alarm over the potential for the conflict to spiral into a wider global crisis if immediate restraint is not exercised by both sides.

The Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) has supplied generators, drinking water, and dry food to residential students affected by waterlogging and power outages caused by heavy rain on July 12. DUCSU Vice President Abu Sadiq Kayem said the organization coordinated with the city corporation to drain water and arranged two generators for electricity supply. He also blamed the university administration for delays in several development projects, including hall and playground renovations.

DUCSU announced several emergency measures, including four vans for student movement in flooded areas and additional university bus trips. Free van services were provided near Bangladesh-Kuwait Maitree Hall and Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall. WASA supplied two trucks of drinking water, and candles were distributed to students. DUCSU also urged the administration, state office, and Dhaka South City Corporation to expedite drainage work and raised concerns about exam disruptions.

The university administration later suspended all exams scheduled for July 13 due to heavy rainfall, campus flooding, and adverse weather conditions affecting students’ safety and accessibility.

The name 'Muhammad' has been ranked as the most popular baby boy name in England and Wales for the third consecutive year, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The 2025 birth registration data show that 5,957 newborn boys were named Muhammad, nearly 2,000 more than those named Noah, which placed second.

The ONS data indicate that Muhammad’s popularity has been steadily increasing for decades. The name first entered the top 100 list in 1997, reached the top 10 in 2016, and became the most popular boy’s name in 2023. Since then, it has maintained the top position for three years. In the 2025 list, Leo ranked third and Luca fourth, pushing Arthur, Oliver, and George lower in the rankings.

The report also notes that various spellings of the name, such as Mohammad, have appeared in official records for many years. Three different spellings were already in the top 100 by 1954, and the Mohammad spelling first appeared in 1924 at the 91st position.

Pope Leo has called for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the renewed conflict between Iran and the United States. His appeal came after reports of fresh attacks and counterattacks between the two nations. In a message posted on social media platform X, he warned that the 'winds of war' across the Middle East, Ukraine, and other regions are sowing seeds of violence, fear, and death.

Pope Leo emphasized that only through dialogue, mutual engagement, and diplomacy can a just and lasting peace be achieved. He stated that such a path would allow people to live in reconciliation, mutual security, and respect for human dignity. His message comes at a time of heightened regional instability and growing concern over escalating hostilities.

The Pope’s statement underscores the Vatican’s continued advocacy for peaceful resolution of international conflicts through negotiation rather than confrontation.