U.S. President Donald Trump criticized countries that did not respond to Washington’s call for assistance in securing the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking on March 17, 2026, he said some nations preferred not to get involved, even though the United States continues to protect them. Trump remarked that while America defends others, those same countries might not stand by the U.S. if help were ever needed.

Trump stated that the United States has neutralized Iran’s capacity to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. According to him, all 30 Iranian ships allegedly involved in laying mines have been destroyed. However, he admitted uncertainty about whether Iran has deployed additional mines in the area. He declared that the U.S. has already “dealt with Iran.”

The president urged other nations to join efforts in maintaining security in the Strait, claiming that several countries are already moving toward cooperation.

Cuba has plunged into darkness following a severe nationwide power outage triggered by the United States’ strict oil blockade. Speaking at the White House on Monday, US President Donald Trump warned that Washington could either “liberate” or “occupy” Cuba, claiming the island nation was now in a weakened state. The AFP reported the remarks from Havana as the crisis deepened across the Caribbean country of 9.6 million people.

Cuba’s national electricity company, Unión Nacional Eléctrica, said the entire grid had collapsed, leaving many areas without power for up to 20 hours a day. The oil import halt has crippled the energy sector, disrupting transport and tourism. Following political changes in Venezuela, the US maintained its oil embargo, cutting off supplies since early January. In response, Havana introduced policy shifts allowing Cuban expatriates to invest and own businesses, with Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Oscar Pérez-Oliva expressing readiness for trade with US firms and diaspora investors.

Public frustration has grown amid fuel shortages, food and medicine scarcity, and sporadic protests. President Miguel Díaz-Canel acknowledged citizens’ anger but condemned violence as unacceptable.

The United Kingdom and Ukraine are moving toward a new defense partnership aimed at addressing security risks from low-cost drones. Downing Street announced the initiative ahead of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to London. According to AFP, the agreement seeks to strengthen global defense capabilities against the spread of affordable yet advanced military technologies, particularly drones.

Under the deal, Ukraine’s battlefield experience in countering drones during its prolonged war with Russia will be combined with the UK’s industrial capacity. The partnership plans to expand production and supply of drones and other innovative defense technologies. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that drones, electronic warfare, and rapid battlefield innovation have become vital to national and economic security, a significance heightened by recent Middle East conflicts.

As part of the agreement, the UK will provide about £500,000 to establish an “AI Center of Excellence” in coordination with Ukraine’s defense ministry. Zelensky’s visit comes amid his concern that Middle East tensions could divert global attention from the Ukraine-Russia war, though European allies have reaffirmed their continued support for Kyiv.

British Airways has suspended flights on several Middle Eastern routes until June 2026 due to the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. The airline announced that flights to Amman, Bahrain, Dubai, and Tel Aviv will remain canceled until May 31, while services to Doha are suspended until April 30. A company spokesperson said the decision was made to ensure passenger safety and convenience amid unstable airspace conditions in the region.

The spokesperson added that the airline is continuously monitoring the situation and directly contacting affected passengers to offer alternative arrangements. Customers whose flights have been canceled can choose to rebook with another airline, change their travel dates, or receive a full refund. Despite the suspensions, British Airways continues to operate flights to Riyadh and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia.

The airline indicated that the suspension period could be extended further depending on developments in the region, as it continues to assess security and operational risks.

Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz has claimed that Iran’s national security chief Ali Larijani has been killed. In a statement issued on Tuesday, Katz said the Israeli military was responsible for the attack. The Israeli army also claimed responsibility for killing Gholamreza Soleimani, commander of the Basij Force under Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), in an assault on Monday night.

According to the Israeli military, Soleimani’s death represents a major blow to Iran’s command-and-control structure. Israel further pledged to continue using force against Iranian commanders. As of now, Iranian authorities have not issued any official response or comment regarding these claims.

The report noted that since the war began on February 28, Israel and the United States have been targeting Iran’s senior leadership, resulting in the deaths of several top military commanders, including the country’s 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Analysts believe Soleimani’s killing could further weaken the Basij Force’s control system.

Preparations are underway at the government residence on 29 Mintoo Road in Dhaka for the opposition leader’s Eid program. According to the report, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition Dr. Shafiqur Rahman will exchange Eid-ul-Fitr greetings at this residence. On the day of Eid, he is scheduled to meet diplomats from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., followed by meetings with politicians and distinguished guests from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

A delegation led by Dr. Abdul Mannan, Assistant Secretary of Dhaka South Jamaat-e-Islami, visited the residence on Tuesday to inspect the preparations. Other local leaders, including Assistant Publicity Secretary Abdus Sattar Suman, were also present during the visit. Dr. Mannan stated that the residence is nearly ready for the opposition leader’s use.

He added that Dr. Shafiqur Rahman is expected to move into the residence before Eid-ul-Fitr and will host the scheduled greeting sessions there.

Said Uddin Ahmed Hanzala, the 11-party alliance MP from Madaripur-1 (Shibchar), described his recent remark about the BNP as a 'slip of the tongue'. He made the clarification after a video of his statement, made during an iftar event at Bahadurpur field in Shibchar on Friday, went viral on social media. The MP had said that if he acted against the BNP, the party would not be able to exist in the country. Shibchar Upazila BNP member secretary Sohel Rana was present at the time.

Speaking to local journalists, Hanzala explained that his earlier comment had been misunderstood and that only part of his speech was being circulated online. He said that if the full version were heard, people would understand his intended meaning. He emphasized that his words were not meant as they sounded and that he later clarified them differently.

The incident has drawn attention on social media, prompting Hanzala to urge listeners to consider the full context of his remarks before forming opinions.

Nearly 12,000 houses in Tehran have been partially or completely destroyed in attacks carried out by the United States and Israel over the past 18 days, according to Tehran Governor Mohammad Sadegh Motamedian. The information was reported by Iran’s Mehr News Agency and cited by Middle East Eye.

Motamedian stated that residents whose homes were damaged can apply for compensation through their respective municipal offices. The report did not specify the exact dates or nature of the strikes, nor did it mention any casualties or further details about the affected areas.

The statement highlights the scale of destruction in Iran’s capital following the recent attacks, though broader political or military responses were not included in the report.

An Israeli military official confirmed that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) targeted Ali Larijani, the secretary of Iran’s National Security Council. The incident was reported on March 17, 2026. It remains unclear whether Larijani was killed or injured in the attack.

The same Israeli military source also claimed responsibility for killing Gholamreza Soleimani, the commander of Iran’s Basij force. The report did not specify where or how the attacks took place, and no further details were provided by either side.

The situation adds to ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran, though the immediate consequences of the reported attacks remain uncertain.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed the arrest of ten foreign spies during its ongoing conflict with Israel and the United States. According to a report by AFP citing Iran’s ISNA news agency on Tuesday, the IRGC’s intelligence branch in the northeastern province of Razavi Khorasan stated that the individuals were identified and detained after being labeled as mercenaries and traitors.

The ISNA report did not disclose the nationalities of those arrested. The IRGC alleged that four of the detainees were gathering information about Iran’s sensitive facilities and economic infrastructure, while the others were linked to a group described as a “monarchist terrorist” organization.

No further details were provided about the timing of the arrests or the specific charges, leaving uncertainty about the broader implications of the detentions.

All import and export activities through the Banglabandha land port in Panchagarh will remain suspended for 11 days from Tuesday, March 17, in observance of Eid-ul-Fitr. The announcement was confirmed by Abul Kalam Azad, manager of Banglabandha Land Port Limited. The decision was communicated through a letter signed by Sadequl Islam, general secretary of the Banglabandha C&F Agents Association, following a meeting held on March 10.

According to the association’s letter, the suspension will last from March 17 to March 27, with regular operations scheduled to resume on Saturday, March 28, after the Eid holidays. The closure affects all import and export activities handled by C&F agents at the port’s customs station.

Despite the suspension of trade operations, passenger movement through the port’s immigration facilities will continue as usual during the holiday period, the port manager confirmed.

The Israeli military has claimed responsibility for killing Gholamreza Soleimani, commander of Iran’s Basij Force, a paramilitary unit under the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). According to the Israeli statement, Soleimani was killed in an attack on Monday night. Israel described his death as a major blow to Iran’s command-and-control structure and vowed to continue using force against Iranian commanders. Iran has not yet issued any official response to the claim.

The report comes amid heightened regional tensions following failed nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington that took place from February 6 to 27 without reaching an agreement. On February 28, the United States launched “Operation Epic Fury” in Iran, while Israel simultaneously began its own campaign called “Operation Roaring Lion.”

In retaliation, Iran has been launching waves of drone and missile strikes targeting U.S. bases in Israel and six Gulf countries—Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman. These attacks are reportedly ongoing, according to Al Jazeera.

Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Maulana Abdul Halim has accused the government of breaching democratic traditions by appointing party-affiliated administrators to city corporations and district councils. Speaking at an emergency press briefing at the party’s central office in Moghbazar on Tuesday, he condemned the decision and announced plans for phased protest programs. He said the government appointed administrators in 11 city corporations and 42 district councils, many of whom were defeated candidates from the ruling party.

Halim argued that these appointments ignored public opinion and undermined the spirit of democracy. He cited examples of defeated candidates being appointed as administrators in Dhaka North and Khulna city corporations, as well as in several districts where opposition candidates had won. He also criticized recent changes in university vice-chancellors and the Bangladesh Bank governor, calling them politically motivated and disrespectful to merit and public sentiment.

He urged the government to respect public opinion, cancel partisan appointments, and cooperate with the Election Commission to hold local government elections soon to remove public confusion.

Ahead of the upcoming Eid festival, a large number of people are traveling home across Bangladesh, leading to increased passenger and vehicle pressure on the Paturia-Daulatdia and Aricha-Kazirhat ferry routes. Despite the surge, no reports of passenger suffering or major disruptions have been recorded so far.

The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC), along with the district and police administrations, is coordinating efforts to maintain normal ferry operations. According to BIWTC officials, 17 ferries are currently operating on the Paturia-Daulatdia route and 5 on the Aricha-Kazirhat route, while 35 launches have been deployed to ensure uninterrupted passenger movement. Additional law enforcement personnel have been stationed at the terminals to maintain order, and special measures have been taken to prevent traffic congestion.

Authorities noted that favorable weather and proper management have contributed to a comfortable Eid travel experience so far, though passenger numbers are expected to rise further in the coming days.

Roads and Bridges Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam announced that the government has decided to ensure adequate fuel supply for public transport to facilitate smooth Eid travel. He said the administration is actively working to maintain fuel distribution in phases amid national and international supply challenges. The minister made these remarks on Tuesday morning at Lebukhali in Galachipa, Patuakhali, during the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Rabnabad Bridge on the Lebukhali-Bauphal-Galachipa-Amragachia road.

Sheikh Robiul Alam stated that the current 25-day-old government is functioning with collective effort, prioritizing public expectations and aspirations. He emphasized that the construction of the Rabnabad Bridge will ease public suffering, boost the local economy, and improve transport of goods for working people. The bridge is expected to establish uninterrupted connectivity between upazilas, the district, and the capital, marking a significant step in regional development.

The minister reiterated that the government remains committed to overcoming the ongoing fuel crisis with utmost importance to ensure public convenience during the Eid season.