Qatar’s Ministry of Interior announced that residents living near the US Embassy in Doha are being temporarily relocated to safe areas. The ministry said in a statement on social media platform X on Thursday, March 5, that the move is a precautionary measure to ensure public safety. It also confirmed that alternative housing arrangements have been made for those affected.

In a separate incident, a powerful explosion occurred on a tanker anchored off the coast of Kuwait. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that the blast took place about 30 nautical miles southeast of Mubarak Al-Kabir port. According to the ship’s master, the explosion was heard on the port side, followed by smoke, and a small boat was seen leaving the area shortly afterward.

UKMTO added that one of the ship’s cargo tanks was damaged, causing an oil spill that poses an environmental threat. Water also entered the vessel, but all crew members were confirmed safe.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that Canada cannot completely rule out participation in a possible war against Iran. He made the remark during a joint press conference with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Canberra, emphasizing that the possibility of involvement cannot be entirely dismissed.

Earlier, Carney had commented that attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran were not consistent with international law. However, he also affirmed that Canada would stand by its allies, suggesting a balancing stance between legal concerns and alliance commitments.

The statement comes amid heightened tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, though Carney did not specify any immediate military decisions or actions.

The closure of the Hormuz Strait following a joint US-Israel attack on Iran has triggered global concerns over energy supply disruptions. The strait, a key route for global oil transport, has been shut down for strategic reasons, leaving at least 700 oil tankers stranded in Middle Eastern ports. Among them is a vessel carrying 100,000 tons of crude oil for Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation’s Eastern Refinery, which remains stuck at Saudi Arabia’s Ras Tanura port. Another shipment scheduled from the UAE on March 22 is also at risk of delay, raising fears of a raw material shortage at Bangladesh’s only state-owned refinery.

Eastern Refinery officials warned that if crude oil shipments fail to depart within the next week, production could halt, intensifying pressure on Bangladesh’s fuel market. Energy experts have urged immediate exploration of alternative routes and suppliers, suggesting Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Port and refined oil imports from Singapore, Malaysia, China, or Indonesia. Current reserves can sustain operations for about a month, but prolonged disruption could severely impact national energy security.

Fuel prices have already surged globally, with diesel rising from USD 85 to 118 per barrel within days, reflecting the mounting crisis.

Bangladesh’s economy is under severe strain due to declining investment, employment shortages, revenue deficits, and falling export earnings. The situation has worsened following a joint U.S.-Israel attack on Iran that triggered regional conflict, driving up global oil and LNG prices and threatening supply chains. Iran’s retaliatory strikes on neighboring Gulf countries have further destabilized the Middle East, raising fears of a deep economic crisis in Bangladesh if the conflict continues.

Analysts note that Bangladesh is almost entirely dependent on imported crude oil and LNG, mainly from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz and production halts in Qatar have disrupted supply routes, pushing prices higher. Experts recommend austerity measures, prioritizing essential spending, and exploring alternative energy sources such as Malaysia and Brunei. They also urge short- and medium-term plans to ensure energy and food security.

The conflict threatens remittance inflows from the Middle East, where about one million Bangladeshi workers are employed, and could disrupt garment exports to Europe due to shipping route blockages. Analysts warn that prolonged instability may severely impact reserves, trade balance, and currency stability.

Iran has announced that it will continue retaliatory attacks against the United States and Israel. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi conveyed this decision to his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan during a phone conversation, according to Al Jazeera. The Iranian Foreign Ministry stated on X that Araghchi said Iran’s armed forces would not stop until what he called the ‘enemy’s malicious activities’ cease. He added that Iran is only targeting bases used to plan and conduct attacks against it, describing the actions as consistent with international law.

The call followed Turkey’s summoning of Iran’s ambassador in Ankara after a ballistic missile flew toward Turkish airspace. Reuters reported that the missile, launched from Iran, was destroyed over the eastern Mediterranean by NATO’s air defense system. The intended target of the missile remains unclear. Turkey’s Defense Ministry confirmed that debris from the destroyed missile fell near the coastal area of Dortyol, without causing casualties.

In Rangpur, members of the July fighters and families of martyrs have expressed fear after Awami League leaders and activists, whose activities were previously banned, allegedly began threatening plaintiffs and witnesses following their release on bail. The families claim that these individuals, accused in murder and sedition cases, are moving freely and issuing warnings to those involved in the cases. They also accuse the police of remaining inactive despite repeated complaints.

According to local sources, several Awami League leaders in Gangachara, Pirgacha, and Badarganj upazilas are openly engaging in political activities and intimidating witnesses. Allegations suggest that some police officers and BNP leaders are supporting or overlooking these actions, allowing the accused to operate publicly. Concerns have grown that this situation could lead to serious incidents if arrests are not made.

Police officials, including the Rangpur Metropolitan Police Commissioner and the DIG of Rangpur Range, stated that law enforcement will act according to legal directives and that no offenders will be spared. Civil society representatives and university academics have urged authorities to arrest those involved in the July violence.

US President Donald Trump has threatened to continue war indefinitely amid ongoing US and Israeli attacks on Iran. In a post on Truth Social on Tuesday night, Trump said the United States has enough weapons to fight forever, responding to expert discussions suggesting US stockpiles were running low. The conflict, now in its fifth day, has already left over a thousand people dead in Iran, with additional casualties reported in Lebanon and across the region.

Iran has reportedly launched missiles toward Turkey and Saudi Arabia, attacked a major Aramco refinery, and claimed full control of the Strait of Hormuz. The US confirmed sinking an Iranian warship near Sri Lanka, killing 80, while Iran retaliated with missile strikes on Israel and US bases in Qatar. Tehran has postponed the state funeral of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in earlier strikes.

Iranian officials declared readiness for a prolonged war and rejected further talks with Washington. Meanwhile, Israel warned that whoever succeeds Khamenei will be targeted if hostile actions continue, signaling an escalation with no clear end in sight.

The Arab League has condemned Iran’s attacks on neighboring Arab countries, describing them as a clear violation of international law. In a statement issued on Wednesday, Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit said the assaults not only breach international law but also strike at the fundamental principles of good neighborly relations.

Gheit added that Iran’s aggression has created an unprecedented hostility between Tehran and Arab nations, which could have a profound impact on future relations among these states. He emphasized that while Arab countries recognize the internal crisis Iran is facing, such challenges cannot justify attacks on any sovereign state.

The statement underscores growing regional tension following the reported Iranian strikes, with the Arab League warning of long-term consequences for diplomatic and security dynamics in the Middle East.

Iran has sharply criticized US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, calling him the 'Minister of War Crimes'. The statement came from Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei, who made the remarks in a social media post citing Hegseth’s public comments. According to Baghaei, Hegseth had said that US and Israeli warplanes were flying over Tehran, bringing death and destruction from the skies.

Baghaei described Hegseth’s words as an admission of war crimes and crimes against humanity. He further stated that only a 'Nazi mentality' could coldly unleash death and destruction on another nation merely to fulfill a leader’s wishes. The comments were reported by Al Jazeera.

The exchange comes amid reports of heavy attacks on Tehran and significant civilian displacement, with the UNHCR noting that around 100,000 people left the city within the first two days of the assault.

A majority of members in the United States Senate have expressed support for President Donald Trump’s military campaign against Iran. They voted to block a bipartisan proposal that sought to require congressional authorization for any further military action against Iran and to halt aerial combat operations. According to Al Jazeera, the Senate voted 52 against and 47 in favor of the measure, preventing it from advancing.

The blocked proposal, known as the War Powers Resolution, aimed to restrict the president’s ability to engage in hostilities without congressional approval. If passed, it would have required the withdrawal of US forces from ongoing operations in Iran unless Congress explicitly authorized them. Similar attempts had been made previously but also failed to pass.

The Senate’s decision effectively maintains the president’s authority to continue military actions in Iran without new congressional approval, leaving the scope of future operations unchanged for now.

Iran has accused the United States and Israel of carrying out recent airstrikes that damaged numerous civilian facilities across several Iranian cities. According to the Iranian Foreign Ministry, at least 33 sites, including hospitals, schools, residential areas, and markets, were targeted. The ministry’s spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, stated on social media that civilian infrastructure such as schools and hospitals had been deliberately chosen as targets.

The list of affected locations includes residential buildings in Tehran’s Niloufar Square, hospitals in Tehran and Ahvaz, Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, the historic Golestan Palace complex south of the capital, and a primary school in Minab. Additional sites reportedly hit include residential areas in Maragheh and a sports hall in Lamard, Fars Province. Iran also claimed that civilian casualties occurred during the attacks.

Iranian officials said they have evidence of 33 targeted sites but noted that neither the United States nor Israel has yet issued an immediate response to the allegations.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned of 'terrorist activity' near the Iraq border, as reports emerge of a ground operation by Kurdish-Iranian militias in Iran’s northwestern region. The claim of the operation has not yet been officially confirmed by any side.

Araghchi has reportedly spoken with Bafel Talabani, leader of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, while U.S. President Donald Trump also held a conversation with Talabani earlier this week. According to Axios journalist Barak Ravid, a U.S. official said that Kurdish-Iranian militias had launched a ground offensive in northwestern Iran. However, Al Jazeera has not independently verified this information.

Despite the lack of confirmation, indications of possible military activity in Iran’s western region are reportedly increasing, suggesting heightened tensions along the Iran-Iraq border.

Iran has warned that it could target Israel’s Dimona nuclear facility if the United States and Israel attempt to change the Iranian government. The warning was issued by an Iranian military official, according to the country’s semi-official ISNA news agency, and reported by Al Jazeera. The statement specifically mentioned the Dimona site in southern Israel as a potential target.

The Dimona facility, located in Israel’s Negev desert, is widely regarded as the center of the country’s nuclear program. For many years, it has been considered a key site for Israel’s nuclear research and capabilities. The Iranian warning highlights ongoing tensions between Tehran and both Washington and Tel Aviv over regional security and political influence.

The report did not include any immediate response from Israel or the United States, leaving uncertainty about how the warning might affect future diplomatic or military developments.

Most Americans oppose a U.S. military strike on Iran, according to several recent surveys reported by Al Jazeera. A Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 43 percent of respondents opposed such an attack, while only about one-quarter supported a joint U.S.-Israel operation. The survey, conducted over the weekend, included more than 1,200 American adults.

A separate CNN-commissioned SSRS poll, conducted between February 28 and March 1, showed even stronger opposition, with about six in ten Americans rejecting military action against Iran. In that poll, 41 percent supported the move. Around 60 percent of respondents said President Donald Trump lacked a clear plan for handling the Iran situation, and 39 percent believed the U.S. had not pursued sufficient diplomatic efforts before considering force.

Both polls revealed sharp political divisions: 82 percent of Democrats and 68 percent of independents opposed the strike, compared with only 23 percent of Republicans expressing opposition.

The United States offered Iran a joint civilian nuclear program before launching a military attack, according to White House spokesperson Caroline Levitt. Speaking to reporters, Levitt said President Donald Trump’s negotiators engaged with Tehran in good faith, but Iran rejected the proposals. The offers reportedly included lifting economic sanctions, supplying nuclear fuel for peaceful use, and establishing a US-funded joint civilian nuclear initiative. In return, Iran would have had to dismantle its uranium enrichment infrastructure permanently.

However, Oman’s foreign minister, who mediated the talks, presented a different account. He claimed Iran had agreed to make significant concessions on its nuclear program and that the US attack occurred while negotiations were still ongoing. Observers expressed concern that the situation could heighten regional tensions.

The conflicting narratives from Washington and Muscat highlight uncertainty over the final stages of the talks and the motivations behind the US strike on Iran.