Following recent attacks by the United States and Israel, pro-government rallies have emerged across several Iranian cities. According to analysts, many Iranian citizens are gathering around the national flag as a symbol of patriotism and expressing support for the country’s political system in response to the external assaults.

Abbas Aslani, a senior research fellow at the Tehran-based Center for Middle East Strategic Studies, told Al Jazeera that instead of protesting against Iran’s leaders, many people are now taking to the streets to denounce the US and Israeli attacks and to show solidarity with the government. He noted that some Iranians who were previously dissatisfied with the economic and political situation had once hoped for US assistance, but now realize that such support is not forthcoming.

Analysts suggest that external military pressure often temporarily suppresses internal political divisions, prompting segments of the population to rally around the government as a symbol of national unity.

A Dhaka court has granted a two-day remand for Abdur Razzak Bin Sulaiman Riyad, former leader of the anti-discrimination student movement, in connection with an attempted murder case filed at Gulshan Police Station. The order was issued on Thursday, 5 February, by Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Md. Sefatullah. The court rejected both remand and bail petitions for three other accused—Presidency University students Md. Riyadul Hawlader, Md. Alif Ahmed Ashiq, and Sayem Shikder—and ordered them to be sent to jail.

According to the case statement, the incident occurred on 26 February at Presidency University, where the accused allegedly attacked student Nirjon Sardar Bandhan following a prior dispute. Riyad is accused of instructing others to assault the victim, who sustained serious injuries. Police arrested the suspects that night, and they were initially sent to jail on 27 February. Investigators later sought a five-day remand, leading to the current court hearing.

The case remains under investigation by Gulshan Police, with further proceedings expected following the remand period.

The government of Bangladesh has decided to confer the 2026 Independence Award on former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and 19 other individuals and institutions for their contributions to nation-building. Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani announced the decision on Thursday, March 5, following a cabinet meeting at the Secretariat. The award, the country’s highest civilian honor, recognizes outstanding contributions in various fields of national life.

According to the announcement, Khaleda Zia, a three-time former prime minister and BNP chairperson, has been selected posthumously for her contributions to independence, democracy, and women’s education. In total, 15 individuals and 5 organizations will receive the award this year. The Independence Award, also known as the Independence Day Award, has been presented annually since 1977 to honor exceptional service to the nation.

The award commemorates the martyrs of Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War and is traditionally presented on March 26, the country’s Independence Day.

Six people were injured in Abu Dhabi when debris from a downed drone fell in the ICAD-2 district, according to the Abu Dhabi Media Office. The incident occurred as Iran launched retaliatory actions following joint strikes by US and Israeli forces. Emergency teams quickly reached the affected sites and brought the situation under control.

Authorities confirmed that the injured individuals were citizens of Pakistan and Nepal, sustaining minor to moderate injuries. They received necessary medical treatment, and officials stated that the situation is being closely monitored.

The event comes amid heightened regional tensions linked to Iran’s response to recent attacks, with reports of widespread damage and casualties in multiple areas.

A meeting at the Ministry of Water Resources discussed the implementation of a nationwide program for excavation and re-excavation of rivers, canals, and reservoirs. The meeting was chaired by the Prime Minister’s Political Adviser Mirza Abbas Uddin Ahmed and attended by Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Annie, State Minister Farhad Hossain Azad, and other senior officials. It was announced that the Prime Minister will inaugurate the canal excavation program before Eid at Sahapara Canal in Bororampur, Kaharol upazila of Dinajpur, while ministers, advisers, and MPs will inaugurate similar projects in 63 districts.

During the meeting, Mirza Abbas highlighted the historical significance of canal excavation and urged all concerned to work together to accelerate the program. Minister Annie Chowdhury emphasized that the lack of canal excavation over the years has worsened irrigation shortages and waterlogging, increasing public suffering. He assured that the government, as an elected body, will take all necessary measures for public welfare. State Minister Azad noted growing public enthusiasm and said the government aims to excavate 20,000 kilometers of canals over the next five years under a 180-day implementation plan.

Senior secretaries from the Land, Disaster Management, and Local Government ministries, along with the Director General of the Water Development Board, were also present at the meeting.

Freedom fighter Iqbal Chowdhury has testified as the fourth witness in a case involving abduction and torture at the Joint Interrogation Cell, known as Ayenaghar, during the Awami League’s fifteen-year rule. He gave his statement before the three-member panel of International Crimes Tribunal-1, chaired by Justice Golam Mortuza Mojumdar, describing severe torture after being abducted for his writings critical of India and the Awami League.

In his testimony, Iqbal said he was subjected to electric shocks and beaten with sticks on his legs and ankles. He recounted being interrogated about his war role and his Facebook posts criticizing the government and Indian influence. He described being detained for a year, held in a high-walled room with blood-like stains and writings, and hearing sounds suggesting proximity to the Dhaka Cantonment area. He later recognized Lt. Col. Hasinur Rahman during detention.

Iqbal stated he was released on April 25, 2019, and later learned the facility was under DGFI control. He held then–Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and several military officials responsible for his torture and demanded justice.

Several European countries are sending naval equipment to Cyprus following a recent drone attack that raised security concerns. According to Al Jazeera, Italy’s Defense Minister Guido Crosetto told parliament that Italy, Spain, France, and the Netherlands will deploy various naval assets to the island within the next few days to strengthen its security. Spain’s Defense Ministry confirmed that Madrid will send a frigate as part of the coordinated effort.

The move follows Monday’s incident in which a British airbase in Cyprus was targeted by an Iran-made drone, prompting heightened alert across the region. In response, Greece and France also announced plans to send military resources to the island. The coordinated deployments reflect growing European concern over regional stability and the safety of strategic installations in Cyprus.

The increased military presence is aimed at deterring further attacks and ensuring the protection of European and allied interests in the eastern Mediterranean.

Former three-time Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, along with 14 other individuals and five institutions, will receive the Independence Award 2026, Bangladesh’s highest civilian honor. Cabinet Secretary Mohammad Nasimul Gani announced the decision on Thursday, March 5, 2026, following a Cabinet meeting at the Secretariat. Khaleda Zia has been selected posthumously for her contributions to independence, democracy, and women’s education.

The list of honorees includes figures from diverse fields such as science, literature, culture, sports, rural development, social service, public administration, research, and environmental conservation. Institutions like Faujdarhat Cadet College, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, PKSF, Gonoshasthaya Kendra, and SOS Children’s Village International in Bangladesh are among the awardees.

The Independence Award, introduced in 1977, is presented annually on March 26 to honor individuals and organizations for their distinguished contributions to national life and the memory of the 1971 Liberation War.

Iran’s Tasnim news agency, citing the Revolutionary Guard, reported that any U.S., European, or Israeli ships appearing in the Strait of Hormuz would be targeted. The Guard asserted that during wartime, navigation through the strategic waterway would remain under Iran’s control.

A deputy chief of Iran’s Khatam al-Anbia Headquarters, responsible for major military operations and strategic coordination, stated that Iran has not closed the strait and continues to act in accordance with international protocols. He emphasized that Iran is prepared to continue the conflict for as long as necessary to achieve its declared objectives.

The Khatam al-Anbia Headquarters also warned that what it described as ongoing “U.S. deception” could lead to the collapse of the region’s military and economic infrastructure if it persists.

Following recent attacks by the United States and Israel, a large segment of Iran’s population is showing solidarity with the government, according to a Tehran-based analyst cited by Al Jazeera. The report notes that despite US President Donald Trump’s call for Iranians to ‘take back their country,’ many citizens have instead rallied in support of the state.

Abbas Aslani, a senior researcher at the Middle East Strategic Studies Center, stated that instead of protesting against national leaders, people in Tehran and other cities are holding gatherings condemning the attacks and expressing loyalty to Iran’s political system. He added that some Iranians who once hoped for US assistance due to dissatisfaction with economic or political conditions now realize that Washington is not coming to their aid.

The report also mentions that Iran has accused the attackers of targeting civilian areas to cause maximum casualties and claimed that an international football stadium was destroyed in the strikes.

Qatar’s authorities have issued a “high” emergency alert for residents after multiple explosions were heard in the capital, Doha, according to Al Jazeera. An AFP reporter based in Doha confirmed hearing the blasts on Wednesday. Earlier, the Qatari government announced that residents near the U.S. Embassy in Doha would be relocated as part of precautionary measures.

The alert follows a series of escalating incidents across the Middle East. After a joint U.S.-Israel attack on Iran last Saturday, Iran reportedly targeted American facilities in several regional locations. This week, U.S. embassies in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, as well as the U.S. consulate in Dubai, have come under attack.

The situation has heightened regional security concerns, with Gulf nations closely monitoring developments as tensions between Iran and Western allies continue to rise.

Russia has accused the United States and Israel of deliberately pushing Arab countries toward war. According to a statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry, Washington and Tel Aviv have created conditions that could compel Iran to retaliate against certain Arab states. The ministry expressed deep regret over the resulting loss of life and property damage.

The statement further alleged that the US and Israel are attempting to involve Arab nations in conflict for the benefit of others. Russia emphasized that halting attacks on Iran is the only way to prevent further destabilization in the region. However, the ministry noted that there are currently no signs of the conflict easing.

The report also referenced related developments, including Iran’s denial of attacks on Azerbaijan and concerns from Gulf countries and the European Union about potential civil unrest in Iran, alongside market reactions in South Korea.

Iran’s Armed Forces General Staff has denied reports that a missile was fired toward Turkey. The denial came after Turkey announced that a missile approaching its airspace had been intercepted by NATO’s defense system on Wednesday. According to Iran’s Mehr News Agency, the military stated that the Islamic Republic respects Turkey’s sovereignty and rejected claims of launching any missile toward its territory.

Turkey’s defense ministry said the projectile had flown over Iraq and Syria before nearing Turkish airspace, but no casualties occurred after it was intercepted. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said Turkey is consulting with NATO allies and taking all necessary precautionary measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The exchange occurred as regional hostilities intensified, with Iran launching missiles toward Israel the previous night amid ongoing airstrikes across the Middle East. Israeli and U.S. forces had recently increased bombardments on Iranian targets, while explosions were also reported in Tehran and casualties rose in Lebanon due to Israeli air raids.

Iranian military leader General Kiomars Heydari stated that Iran is not concerned about how long the ongoing war with the United States and Israel will last. Speaking in an interview with the semi-official Tasnim News Agency, the deputy commander of Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said the country's defense forces are focused on achieving their objectives and delivering a strong response to the United States.

Heydari emphasized that Iran’s experience from the eight-year Iran-Iraq war has prepared it for prolonged conflict if necessary. He added that the current war would continue until Iran meets its goals and gives what he described as a tough reply to the United States.

The statement reflects Iran’s stance of resilience amid ongoing hostilities involving the US and Israel, highlighting a focus on strategic outcomes rather than the duration of the conflict.

Iraq has stated that it will not tolerate any form of threat against Iran from within its territory. The assurance came from Iraqi Prime Minister Shia al-Sudani, according to a written statement released by Iran’s Foreign Ministry on Wednesday. The statement followed a telephone conversation between Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and the Iraqi leader amid Iran’s ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel.

According to the Iranian Foreign Ministry’s post on social media platform X, the Iraqi prime minister expressed respect for Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during the call. He also reaffirmed that his government would not permit any hostile activities against Iran to be launched from Iraqi soil or along its borders.

The statement underscores Iraq’s attempt to balance its regional relations while maintaining stability amid heightened tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.