Shibbir Ahmed, WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States imposed new sanctions on Cuba on Thursday, targeting a member of the Castro family, a Cuban state-owned bank and four entities linked to the country’s mining and energy sectors as the Trump administration stepped up pressure on Havana.

The U.S. Department of State said the latest measures target five entities and one individual under President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 14404, which authorizes sanctions against foreign persons determined to meet specified criteria related to repression in Cuba and other threats to U.S. national security and foreign policy.

The administration said the measures are part of a broader effort to disrupt the Cuban government’s financial networks and restrict its ability to obtain resources used to sustain its economic and security apparatus.

Castro Family Member Added to Sanctions List

Among those designated Thursday is Fidel Ernesto Castro Calis, a grandson of former Cuban leader Raúl Castro. According to the State Department, Castro Calis was designated because he is an adult family member of Alejandro Castro Espín, who was previously designated under Executive Order 14404.

Alejandro Castro Espín, the son of Raúl Castro, and his son Raúl Alejandro Castro Calis, the brother of Fidel Ernesto Castro Calis, were designated on June 4, 2026. The latest action expands the administration’s sanctions targeting members of the Castro family and individuals it says are connected to Cuba’s ruling establishment.

Cuban State-Owned Bank Targeted

The United States also designated Banco Exterior de Cuba, a Cuban state-owned bank that specializes in corporate banking, foreign-trade financing and international transactions. The State Department said the bank was sanctioned for operating in or having operated in Cuba’s financial-services sector.

The designation could further complicate Cuba’s access to international financial channels and increase compliance risks for foreign banks and businesses conducting transactions involving the Cuban financial system.

Mining Sector Comes Under Pressure

Two Cuban entities connected to the country’s metals and mining industry were also designated. They are Empresa de Servicios Comandante Rene Ramos Latour (NICAROTEC) and Empresa Importadora y Abastecedora del Niquel (CEXNI).

NICAROTEC is described by the State Department as a Cuban state-owned industrial and technical services company that provides geological and mining support to the country’s nickel industry. CEXNI is a foreign-trade and logistics company that imports and supplies specialized raw materials, machinery and equipment for Cuba’s nickel and cobalt industries. The move puts additional pressure on an important segment of Cuba’s natural-resource economy, particularly its nickel and cobalt operations.

Energy Companies Also Sanctioned

The administration also targeted two companies associated with Cuba’s energy sector. Empresa Importadora de Abastecimiento para el Petroleo (ABAPET) was designated because it is owned, controlled or directed by, or acts on behalf of, Unión Cuba-Petróleo (CUPET), Cuba’s state oil company.

The State Department said ABAPET provides procurement support for CUPET and has imported technological equipment, spare parts, specialized tools and industrial inputs needed to sustain Cuba’s energy sector.

The United States also designated Comercial CUPET S.A., a Cuban state-owned company that represents CUPET in negotiations and joint ventures with foreign companies. The designations could make it more difficult for Cuba’s energy sector to obtain foreign equipment, financing and business partnerships.

Sanctions Block Property and Restrict Transactions

Under Executive Order 14404, property and interests in property belonging to the designated individuals and entities that are located in the United States or under the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). The order also applies to entities that are owned individually or collectively, directly or indirectly, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons.

U.S. persons are generally prohibited from conducting transactions involving property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons unless the transaction is authorized by an OFAC general or specific license or is otherwise exempt. The restrictions include providing or receiving funds, goods or services involving blocked persons.

Foreign Banks and Companies Face Sanctions Risk

The new measures could also have consequences beyond U.S. companies and citizens. The State Department warned that foreign persons engaging in transactions with individuals or entities designated under Executive Order 14404, or operating in certain identified Cuban sectors, could themselves face sanctions.

The sectors identified under the order include energy, defense and related materiel, metals and mining, financial services and security. The warning is particularly significant for foreign financial institutions, which may face increased sanctions and compliance risks when dealing with Cuban entities subject to U.S. restrictions.

The State Department also cautioned non-U.S. persons against returning blocked assets to sanctioned parties or transferring such assets to another jurisdiction for potential use by a designated target.

Part of Broader Cuba Policy

The latest measures are part of a broader Trump administration policy aimed at increasing pressure on the Cuban government. The United States has maintained a longstanding sanctions and embargo framework against Cuba, including the Cuban Assets Control Regulations (CACR). The new measures add further targeted restrictions to that existing framework rather than creating an entirely new Cuba embargo.

The administration has said its Cuba policy is intended to promote human rights, the rule of law, free markets, private enterprise and democratic governance. In its statement Thursday, the State Department argued that the Cuban people continue to face economic hardship while the Castro family and other regime-linked elites retain control over significant economic resources.

Washington Says Goal Is Behavioral Change

The State Department said the purpose of sanctions is not simply to punish individuals or institutions. “The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior,” the department said.

The administration says the sanctions are designed to weaken the financial networks and economic structures that support what Washington describes as Cuba’s repressive government. The measures also reflect President Trump’s stated goal of supporting what his administration describes as a “free Cuba.”

Sanctions Expand in 2026

Thursday’s action is the latest in a series of U.S. sanctions targeting Cuban individuals and state-linked institutions during 2026. The Trump administration has increasingly focused its Cuba policy on individuals associated with the country’s ruling structure as well as strategic sectors of the economy, including financial services, energy, mining and other industries.

The September 3 designations further expand that approach by targeting a state-owned bank, companies connected to Cuba’s nickel and cobalt industries, and entities linked to the country’s oil and energy sector. The new measures are expected to increase pressure on Cuba’s ability to access international financial services, obtain industrial equipment and maintain foreign commercial partnerships.

However, the sanctions do not mean that every transaction involving Cuba is prohibited. U.S. sanctions regulations include specific exemptions and licensing provisions for certain activities.

The broader question now is whether the intensified economic pressure will force meaningful changes by the Cuban government—or further deepen the economic difficulties already facing the Cuban population.

Shibbir ahmed, UNITED NATIONS, New York — The United Nations Security Council met Thursday to address Syria’s chemical weapons program, as Damascus begins a major effort to destroy remnants of the arsenal left behind by the former government of Bashar al-Assad.

The meeting comes at a significant moment for Syria’s chemical weapons file. New discoveries made after the fall of Assad’s government have raised fresh questions about the scale of the country’s undeclared chemical weapons program and whether all remaining materials have been identified.

At the same time, Syria has begun destroying chemical weapons materials, marking a potentially important new phase in international efforts to eliminate the country’s chemical weapons legacy. The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has verified the destruction of chemical munitions in Syria for the first time since 2014.

Security Council Focuses on Syria

The Security Council’s meeting was held under the agenda item concerning the situation in the Middle East, with particular attention to efforts to eliminate Syria’s chemical weapons program. The issue remains highly sensitive because Syria’s chemical weapons program has been linked to some of the most serious allegations of chemical weapons use during the country’s civil war.

The international community has spent years attempting to establish the full scope of Syria’s chemical weapons activities, verify declarations made by the former government and ensure that prohibited materials are destroyed. Thursday’s meeting comes as new evidence and discoveries have reopened questions about what remained hidden.

Syria Begins Destroying Chemical Weapons Remnants

Syria has now begun destroying materials connected to the former government’s chemical weapons program. According to Reuters, the materials were discovered in May 2026 by Syria’s new leadership. The cache included raw materials and munitions similar to those associated with deadly chemical attacks during the civil war.

The OPCW has verified the destruction of chemical munitions, representing the first such verification in Syria since 2014. The development has been welcomed as an important step toward removing a major security threat from Syria and the wider Middle East.

New Discoveries Raise Questions

International investigators have uncovered additional evidence concerning the former Syrian government’s chemical weapons infrastructure. The discoveries include an additional production facility, a previously unidentified chemical associated with nerve agents, unfilled munitions and two storage facilities, according to Reuters.

The findings have reinforced concerns that the former Syrian government’s declarations about its chemical weapons program did not provide the international community with a complete picture. For the United Nations and the OPCW, determining the full extent of the undeclared program remains a major priority.

42 Aerial Bombs Permanently Destroyed

Among the developments reported Thursday, OPCW teams confirmed the permanent destruction of 42 aerial bombs in Syria. The destruction represents a concrete step toward eliminating remaining chemical weapons materials and reducing the possibility that such weapons could fall into the hands of armed groups or be used in future conflicts. The process is expected to require continued international monitoring, verification and cooperation from Syrian authorities.

The Ghouta Legacy

Syria’s chemical weapons issue is inseparable from the devastating history of chemical attacks during the country’s civil war. One of the most notorious incidents occurred in the Ghouta area near Damascus in August 2013, when a sarin attack killed and injured large numbers of civilians. More than a decade later, the victims and survivors continue to demand truth, justice and accountability.

At Thursday’s Security Council meeting, Britain’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Kate Foster, said Syria’s progress should receive international support but stressed that this progress must lead to the complete and verified destruction of the former regime’s chemical weapons program. She also emphasized the need for truth, justice and accountability for victims.

Accountability Remains a Central Issue

Destroying chemical weapons is only one part of the international community’s response. Another major question is accountability for those responsible for developing, maintaining or using chemical weapons.

The OPCW has previously identified Syrian government forces as responsible for several chemical weapons attacks. In January 2026, the organization said its investigations had produced further evidence of systematic use of toxic chemicals as weapons by the former Syrian authorities.

The organization has also said that the fall of the Assad government created an opportunity to uncover the full scope of Syria’s chemical weapons program. Since 2025, the OPCW has expanded its presence in Syria, including inspections, sampling, interviews and the collection of documents relating to the former chemical weapons program.

A New Phase for Syria

The destruction process represents a significant change from the situation that existed under the Assad government. Syria has committed to cooperating with international chemical weapons inspectors and fulfilling its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention.

The international community now faces the challenge of ensuring that this cooperation continues and that every remaining chemical weapons facility, stockpile and relevant material is identified and safely destroyed. The process could take considerable time because investigators must not only locate physical materials but also establish whether previous declarations were complete and accurate.

Concerns Beyond Chemical Weapons

The Security Council’s discussions come amid broader questions about Syria’s past weapons activities. The UN has also been examining information concerning undeclared nuclear activities under the former government. Recent findings by the International Atomic Energy Agency have added another layer to international scrutiny of Syria’s former weapons-related programs.

The IAEA has reported evidence consistent with nuclear reactor infrastructure at a site in Deir Az Zor and has said Syria failed to report certain nuclear material, facilities and activities under the Assad government. The combination of chemical weapons discoveries and renewed scrutiny of Syria’s nuclear history has made the country an important focus of international non-proliferation efforts.

Regional Security at Stake

The issue extends beyond Syria’s borders. Syria sits at the heart of a region already affected by multiple conflicts and competing military interests. Any remaining chemical weapons materials could pose a serious threat if acquired by armed groups or transferred outside the country.

For that reason, the United Nations considers the destruction and verification of Syria’s chemical weapons program an important component of regional security. The goal is not simply to remove existing weapons but to ensure that the infrastructure, knowledge and materials necessary to produce such weapons cannot be reconstituted.

International Cooperation Will Be Critical

The success of the process will depend heavily on cooperation between Syria, the United Nations, the OPCW and other international partners. Inspectors will need access to suspected sites, documents and relevant personnel. Syrian authorities will also need to provide information about facilities and materials that may not yet have been identified.

The international community, meanwhile, will have to provide technical expertise and support for the safe destruction of hazardous materials. Thursday’s Security Council meeting therefore represents more than another diplomatic discussion. It comes at a moment when international investigators are gaining access to previously hidden information and Syria is beginning to destroy remnants of its former chemical weapons program.

What Comes Next?

The immediate priority is to identify and destroy all remaining chemical weapons materials and verify that the process is complete. The OPCW and the United Nations will continue monitoring developments, while the Security Council is expected to remain engaged with the issue. The discovery of previously undeclared materials means the process is unlikely to end quickly.

But the destruction of the first newly identified stockpiles provides an important indication that Syria’s chemical weapons file may finally be entering a new phase. For the victims of Syria’s chemical attacks, however, destruction of the weapons is only part of the story.

The international community continues to face the larger challenge of establishing the truth about what happened, identifying those responsible and ensuring that chemical weapons are never again used against civilians. As Britain’s representative told the Security Council on Thursday, chemical weapons have no place in Syria—or anywhere in the world.

Shibbir Ahmed, WASHINGTON DC — President Donald Trump said Thursday that the United States intends to seek repayment from European countries for military assistance and ammunition previously provided to Ukraine, opening a new front in his administration’s long-running dispute with European allies over the cost of supporting Kyiv. In a social media post, Trump said European nations should reimburse the United States for military aid that Washington provided to Ukraine and NATO without charging European governments directly.

Trump characterized the amount as involving “hundreds of billions of dollars” and said Europe would have paid for the assistance if it had been asked to do so at the time. The president’s comments represent a significant escalation in his criticism of the financial burden the United States has carried during the Ukraine war.

They also come at a particularly sensitive moment for Washington, as the United States is simultaneously engaged in a major military confrontation with Iran and is confronting concerns about the availability of key weapons and ammunition.

U.S. weapons stocks under pressure

Trump’s demand for repayment comes as his administration is focusing heavily on rebuilding American weapons inventories. In his Thursday statement, Trump criticized reports that U.S. ammunition stockpiles have been significantly depleted. He said the United States is now prioritizing weapons for its own military rather than continuing to sell the same quantities to other countries.

Trump indicated that weapons sales to U.S. allies could resume in the near future, but emphasized that American stockpiles are currently receiving priority. The issue has gained additional urgency because of the ongoing U.S. military campaign against Iran.

Reuters previously reported that the U.S. Army has used a substantial portion of its stockpile of highly accurate, long-range missiles during the Iran conflict, raising questions about America’s ability to respond to another major military contingency.

The combination of the Ukraine war and the Iran conflict has therefore created an unusual strategic challenge for the Pentagon: Washington is supporting partners overseas while simultaneously trying to ensure that its own forces retain sufficient weapons for future operations.

Trump challenges the traditional U.S.-Europe arrangement

Trump has repeatedly argued that European countries should shoulder more of the financial burden for their own security and for assistance to Ukraine. His latest comments go further by suggesting that Europe should retroactively compensate the United States for assistance already delivered. That position could create difficult conversations between Washington and European capitals.

European governments have provided substantial military, financial and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. Europe has also increasingly taken responsibility for purchasing American weapons for Ukraine through mechanisms in which NATO allies finance U.S.-made equipment.

A Congressional spending analysis cited by the Council on Foreign Relations estimates that the United States had made available roughly $195 billion in spending related to the Ukraine war as of March 31, 2026. However, that figure includes a wide range of war-related spending and should not be interpreted as money directly handed to the Ukrainian government.

The distinction is important because much of U.S. Ukraine-related spending has supported American military production, logistics, replacement of U.S. stocks and other activities associated with the war.

Europe has already increased its role

European countries have significantly expanded their own support for Ukraine. The United States under Trump has also supported a system in which NATO allies pay for American weapons that are then provided to Ukraine. Under the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List, or PURL, European and other NATO countries finance the purchase of U.S. weapons for Kyiv rather than requiring Washington to bear the full cost. The arrangement has allowed Ukraine to obtain advanced American systems while shifting more of the financial responsibility toward European allies.

A British Parliament research briefing published in August noted that the Trump administration had made clear that the United States would not pay for new assistance supplied through the PURL mechanism; NATO allies would finance the purchases. Trump’s latest demand nevertheless suggests that the president believes the existing burden-sharing arrangements do not go far enough.

Ukraine faces continuing pressure

For Ukraine, the development comes at a difficult time. Kyiv remains heavily dependent on Western military assistance, particularly air-defense systems, missiles, ammunition and other advanced weapons needed to defend against Russian attacks. Any reduction in American weapons availability could place additional pressure on European governments to increase their own contributions.

The issue is particularly sensitive for air defense. Ukraine has relied heavily on American-made systems and interceptors, while European governments have struggled to provide enough comparable equipment from their own inventories. The growing European role has therefore become both a financial and strategic necessity.

Trump’s comments linked to Iran war

The timing of Trump’s announcement is significant. The president’s comments came while the United States is engaged in the separate war with Iran, which has created additional demand for American precision-guided weapons. The Iran conflict has raised concerns inside Washington about whether U.S. weapons inventories are sufficient to sustain prolonged operations while simultaneously meeting commitments to allies.

Trump’s message indicates that the administration is responding by putting U.S. military requirements ahead of some foreign sales. That could affect not only Ukraine but also other American allies that depend on U.S.-manufactured weapons. The president said weapons sales to allies would eventually resume, suggesting that the administration views the current restrictions as a temporary measure while American stockpiles are rebuilt.

A new burden-sharing debate

Trump’s demand could also reopen a broader debate over NATO and transatlantic security. For decades, the United States has provided the backbone of NATO’s military capabilities, while European allies have often spent less on defense than Washington. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine dramatically changed that calculation.

European governments have increased defense spending and begun expanding domestic weapons production. But European militaries remain dependent on the United States for several critical capabilities, including strategic airlift, intelligence, missile defense and advanced weapons systems.

A report released Thursday by the European Court of Auditors warned that the European Union still faces major challenges in achieving its goal of defense readiness by 2030, including fragmented national systems, industrial bottlenecks and continued reliance on the United States. The report illustrates why Trump’s pressure on European allies is likely to continue.

Potential impact on NATO

Trump’s demand also raises questions about the future relationship between Washington and European allies. European governments may argue that they have already spent enormous sums supporting Ukraine and strengthening their own militaries. Washington, meanwhile, can point to decades of American spending on NATO’s collective defense and the extensive U.S. military assistance provided to Ukraine.

The disagreement is therefore about more than a single bill. It reflects a fundamental question about how the transatlantic alliance should divide the costs of security in an increasingly dangerous international environment. If European countries are asked to make retroactive payments for American assistance, negotiations could become particularly complicated.

There is also the question of how such payments would be calculated and whether the proposed reimbursement would cover the cost of weapons transferred directly from U.S. stockpiles, the cost of replacing those weapons, or broader U.S. spending related to the war. Trump did not provide a detailed mechanism for calculating or collecting the payments in his Thursday statement.

Russia watches the dispute

The growing disagreement between Washington and Europe is also being closely watched in Moscow. Russia has long sought to weaken Western unity over support for Ukraine and has portrayed the war as evidence of a broader confrontation between Russia and NATO.

Any significant reduction in U.S. support or disagreement among NATO members could therefore have consequences beyond the immediate financial dispute. At the same time, European governments are unlikely to abandon Ukraine simply because Washington is demanding greater financial responsibility.

Instead, Trump’s latest comments could encourage Europe to accelerate efforts to build an independent defense industry and reduce its reliance on American weapons. That process, however, would take years rather than months.

What comes next?

Trump’s announcement is likely to trigger discussions between Washington and European governments over the financial responsibilities associated with Ukraine. The immediate question will be whether European allies accept the principle of retroactive reimbursement or reject the proposal. A second question will be how the dispute affects future American weapons sales.

If U.S. weapons production remains under pressure because of the Iran conflict, European countries could face stronger incentives to finance American weapons directly for Ukraine while simultaneously increasing their own defense production.

For Ukraine, the key concern will be whether American weapons deliveries continue at a level sufficient to meet battlefield requirements. For Europe, the challenge will be balancing continued support for Kyiv with the need to rebuild national military inventories. And for Washington, the administration must balance support for allies with the increasingly urgent requirement to maintain adequate U.S. weapons stocks.

A changing transatlantic relationship

Trump’s latest demand is another sign that the traditional model of American leadership in European security is changing. The president has repeatedly called for NATO allies to spend more and take greater responsibility for their own defense. His demand that Europe reimburse the United States for past Ukraine assistance pushes that argument into new territory.

Whether European governments ultimately agree to Trump’s proposal remains uncertain. But the message from Washington is unmistakable: the Trump administration wants America’s allies to carry a much larger share of the financial burden for military security.

With the Ukraine war continuing, the Iran conflict consuming American weapons and Europe confronting its own defense shortcomings, the dispute over who should pay for Western security is likely to remain one of the most important issues shaping the transatlantic alliance.

Shibbir Ahmed, WASHINGTON DC — President Donald Trump has warned Iran that the United States is prepared to launch additional military strikes, as the latest round of fighting between Washington and Tehran threatens to widen into a broader regional conflict.

Trump’s warning came after U.S. forces conducted a major wave of strikes against Iranian targets, which the U.S. military said included air-defense systems, radar installations, maritime assets, mine-laying capabilities and communications facilities.

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Wednesday, Trump said the United States had hit Iran “very hard” and was prepared to carry out another attack whenever he believed it was necessary. The warning came as Iran continued its retaliation against U.S. positions and regional countries hosting American forces.

Iran launches missiles and drones toward Kuwait

The conflict took another dangerous turn Thursday when Kuwait said its air-defense systems confronted incoming Iranian missiles and drones. Kuwait hosts several U.S. military facilities and has become increasingly exposed to the consequences of the widening U.S.–Iran confrontation. The Kuwaiti military said the attacks were hostile missile and drone strikes originating from Iran, although it did not immediately report casualties.

The latest attack follows Iranian strikes and attempted strikes against locations associated with U.S. forces across the Gulf and surrounding region. The developments have raised fears that the conflict could increasingly involve U.S. allies and partners, turning the confrontation between Washington and Tehran into a wider regional crisis.

U.S. strikes target Iranian military infrastructure

The Pentagon’s Central Command said the latest U.S. operation targeted Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps facilities and military infrastructure. Among the targets were air-defense sites, radar systems, maritime equipment, communications facilities and capabilities that the United States says could threaten shipping through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

The waterway is one of the world’s most important energy corridors, carrying a significant portion of global oil shipments. The renewed fighting has already disrupted commercial shipping through the area. Reuters reported Thursday that only six vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, compared with a normal daily average of about 13.

Civilian casualties increase pressure on Washington

The latest U.S. strikes have also generated concern over civilian casualties. Iranian officials reported that a strike in southern Iran hit a wedding gathering, with civilians among those killed and wounded. U.S. Central Command said the American military does not target civilians and said it was reviewing the reports.

Reuters reported Thursday that Iranian officials had reported 18 civilian deaths and more than 100 people wounded in the latest U.S. strikes. The competing claims have become another source of tension as the two sides present sharply different accounts of the conflict.

The United States maintains that its operations are directed against Iranian military capabilities, while Iranian officials accuse Washington of attacking civilian infrastructure and violating international law.

Iran reports military casualties

Iran has also suffered significant military losses during the latest American strikes. According to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency, at least 13 Iranian military personnel have been killed in U.S. strikes this week. The reported dead include members of Iran’s regular military, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its paramilitary forces.

The casualties come after a month-long lull in major direct hostilities. The latest fighting began again over the weekend, with the United States saying it had attacked Iranian launchers preparing to fire rockets into the Strait of Hormuz. Iran then retaliated against U.S.-linked targets in the region.

Gulf states caught between Washington and Tehran

The widening conflict is placing America’s Gulf partners in an increasingly difficult position. Countries including Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates host important U.S. military facilities while maintaining their own relationships with the United States and other international powers.

Iran’s attacks or attempted attacks against locations in these countries raise the possibility that regional governments could become directly involved in the conflict even if they do not seek confrontation with Tehran.

Kuwait’s latest experience illustrates the problem. Although Kuwait is not a direct party to the U.S.–Iran war, its territory and military infrastructure are exposed because of the presence of American forces. Analysts have warned that Gulf states could face increasing pressure if Washington and Tehran continue exchanging attacks.

Strait of Hormuz becomes critical flashpoint

The Strait of Hormuz has emerged as one of the most important flashpoints in the conflict. The narrow waterway connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea and is critical to international energy markets. Any prolonged disruption could affect oil supplies, shipping costs and fuel prices around the world.

Oil markets reacted sharply to the latest escalation. Reuters reported Thursday that Brent crude rose to around $96 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude approached $92 a barrel, putting both benchmarks near six-week highs. Higher energy prices could eventually increase transportation and consumer costs and add to inflationary pressures in the United States and other economies.

Pentagon prepares for a prolonged conflict

The military situation also suggests that Washington is preparing for the possibility that the conflict could last longer than initially expected.The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has extended Middle East deployments into 2027. Approximately 50,000 U.S. troops remain in the region, supported by warships, air-defense systems, fighter aircraft and other military assets.

The deployment decisions indicate that, despite Trump’s public suggestion that the renewed campaign would not continue indefinitely, the Pentagon is maintaining a substantial military presence in the region.

That creates a complicated policy situation for the Trump administration. On one hand, the president has signaled that he wants to maintain pressure on Iran and has repeatedly warned Tehran against attacking American forces. On the other, prolonged military operations carry significant costs and risks, particularly if American forces become increasingly exposed to Iranian retaliation.

Political pressure grows ahead of midterm elections

The conflict is also unfolding against the backdrop of the November 2026 midterm elections. Reuters has reported that some Trump administration officials want to avoid allowing the war to dominate the political environment before voters go to the polls, while internal discussions have continued over whether the military campaign should be expanded or brought toward an end.

That creates a difficult political calculation for the White House. A continued military campaign could increase pressure over casualties, military spending and civilian deaths.But stepping back without achieving the administration’s stated objectives could create its own political challenges.

Trump has attempted to maintain flexibility, suggesting that the United States can strike again if necessary while also indicating that the renewed campaign will not necessarily continue indefinitely.

No clear diplomatic breakthrough

Despite occasional references to diplomacy, there is currently no clear indication of a comprehensive agreement between Washington and Tehran that would bring the conflict to an end. Instead, the latest developments point toward continued military pressure and retaliation.

The danger is that an attack initially directed at U.S. or Iranian military targets could trigger a chain reaction involving Gulf states, commercial shipping or other regional actors. The reported Iranian attack on Kuwait demonstrates how quickly the geographic scope of the conflict can expand.

A conflict with global consequences

The U.S.–Iran confrontation is no longer simply a bilateral military dispute. It has become a major international security and economic issue. The conflict is affecting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, pushing oil prices higher and forcing Gulf governments to strengthen their defenses. It is also placing thousands of American service members across the Middle East in an increasingly dangerous environment.

For Iran, continued U.S. strikes threaten military infrastructure and economic interests while creating pressure on Tehran to demonstrate that it can retaliate. For Washington, the central challenge is balancing military pressure against the risk of a wider war.

Trump’s latest warning that the United States can launch another strike whenever it chooses underscores the uncertainty. Whether that warning becomes another military operation or part of a broader effort to force Iran back toward negotiations could determine the next phase of the conflict.

For now, however, the message from Washington is clear the United States has not ruled out further strikes, while Iran continues to retaliate. And with Gulf states increasingly exposed and the Strait of Hormuz under growing pressure, the consequences of the next move could extend far beyond the battlefield.

Shibbir Ahmed, WASHINGTON DC — President Donald Trump has signed a short-term government funding bill designed to keep the U.S. federal government operating through December 11, averting the threat of another government shutdown just weeks before the November midterm elections.

Trump signed the legislation Wednesday, September 2, after the U.S. House of Representatives approved the measure by an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 370–48. The Senate had already approved the legislation in August.

The measure, known as a continuing resolution, extends federal funding beyond the beginning of the new fiscal year on October 1. It largely maintains existing funding levels while giving Congress additional time to negotiate and approve the full set of spending bills needed to finance the federal government through fiscal year 2027.

Shutdown threat pushed beyond midterm elections

Without congressional action, federal funding was scheduled to expire at the end of September. That would have raised the possibility of a government shutdown during the final weeks of the midterm-election campaign. Instead, lawmakers have moved the deadline to December 11.

The timing is politically significant. Americans will vote in the November 3 midterm elections, and both Republicans and Democrats had strong incentives to prevent another prolonged disruption of federal services during the campaign season. The legislation gives Congress roughly two additional months to negotiate a longer-term agreement.

However, the agreement does not resolve the underlying budget dispute. Congress still has to complete the regular appropriations process covering major areas of federal spending, including defense, housing, energy and homeland security.

Bipartisan House vote

The House vote demonstrated unusually broad support for the temporary measure. The bill passed 370–48, reflecting support from members of both parties. Its passage followed the Senate’s earlier approval in August, allowing the legislation to reach Trump’s desk before the September 30 funding deadline. The overwhelming vote also underscored the political desire in Washington to avoid another shutdown. The United States experienced major funding disruptions during Trump’s second presidency, making another shutdown particularly politically risky as voters prepare to go to the polls.

What happens next?

The immediate crisis has been postponed, but the budget battle is far from over. Congress must now return to the more difficult task of reaching agreement on full-year appropriations for fiscal year 2027. The December 11 deadline will give lawmakers another opportunity to negotiate, but it also creates a new potential funding showdown later this year.

The outcome of the November elections could significantly influence those negotiations. If control of either chamber changes, the political balance surrounding federal spending, taxation, immigration, defense and domestic programs could shift substantially. For now, however, federal agencies have greater certainty that funding will continue beyond October 1.

A temporary solution, not a permanent budget

The legislation should therefore be viewed as a temporary political compromise rather than a final budget agreement. A continuing resolution allows the government to operate while Congress works toward completing its annual appropriations bills. It prevents the immediate disruption associated with a funding lapse but leaves many of the major disagreements unresolved.

The temporary agreement also means that the next major budget confrontation is likely to occur after the midterm elections, when lawmakers return to Washington with a new political landscape.

For federal employees, contractors and millions of Americans who depend on government services, the immediate message is straightforward: there will be no federal government shutdown at the beginning of October because of the current funding deadline.

But Washington’s budget battle has only been delayed. The next deadline — December 11, 2026 — could once again put Congress and the White House under pressure to reach a deal. With the midterm elections approaching and major disagreements over federal spending still unresolved, the temporary peace in Washington may prove to be just that — temporary.

DHAKA – A financing agreement for “Modernization and Expansion of Eastern Refinery in Bangladesh” amounting to USD 1004.29 million was signed today during the visit of the Islamic Development Bank Group Chairman, Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser to Dhaka. The agreement has been signed between the Government of Bangladesh (GoB) and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).

Dr. Mohammad Mizanur Rahman, Additional Secretary, Economic Relations Division, Ministry of Finance, and Anasse Aissami, Director General, Country Programs, IsDB, signed the agreement on behalf of the GoB and IsDB, respectively. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, Chairman, Islamic Development Bank Group, graced the signing ceremony. The above-mentioned project will be implemented by Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) under the Energy and Mineral Resources Division.

Proper implementation of the project will enhance the BPC’s current refining capacity from 1.5 million MT to 4.5 million MT, contributing to further strengthening the country’s energy security, producing environmentally friendly (Euro-5 standard) petroleum oil, and reducing dependence on imported refined fuel oil, said an ERD press release.

IsDB is one of the trusted multilateral development partners of Bangladesh and has provided continuous support for the socioeconomic development of Bangladesh since its inception, in the form of grants, project loans, trade financing, private-sector financing, export credit guarantees, etc.

Immediately after the signing ceremony, the IsDB Group Chairman called on the Prime Minister and expressed his deep commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s development priorities. The Prime Minister emphasized that the IsDB should explore opportunities for low-cost financing for its members and stated that Bangladesh will extend all possible cooperation to further deepen the Bangladesh-IsDB partnership.

DHAKA – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today said the government’s goal of building a trillion-dollar economy by 2034 is not a slogan but a plan to double the size of the economy through exports, investments, and financial discipline. “Bangladesh has a new government, and Bangladesh has a new direction. Our goal is to build a trillion-dollar economy by 2034. This is not a slogan. It is a plan. We intend to double the size of our economy this decade through exports, investments, and financial discipline,” he said.

The Prime Minister made the remarks during the signing of a financing agreement under which the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) will provide around US$1 billion for the modernization and expansion of Eastern Refinery Limited (ERL) at the Bangladesh Secretariat here today, said Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu.

Tarique Rahman said his government’s mission is to transform Bangladesh into a manufacturing hub and a gateway to the region. “Garments built our first growth story. Now we want electronics, pharmaceuticals, light engineering, and green industry to build the next one. We want factories that create jobs and jobs that create dignity,” he said.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the government’s social protection initiatives, including the Family Card and Farmer Card, while saying the Health Card is being processed. Against the backdrop of growing geopolitical tensions, disruptions to global supply chains, energy and food insecurity, climate change, technological transformation, and rising development-financing costs, he said partnerships had become more important than ever.

In this context, Prime Minister Tarique called for a new approach to Bangladesh-IsDB cooperation that would be “more innovative, responsive, results-oriented, and closely aligned with Bangladesh’s evolving development priorities.” To reiterate, Bangladesh is focusing more on IsDB and its affiliates as reliable sources of development financing, he said.

Welcoming Dr Al Jasser to Bangladesh, Prime Minister congratulated him on his re-election as chairman of the IsDB Group, saying the bank had achieved significant results for its member countries and the Muslim Ummah under his leadership over the past five years.

“We have every confidence that your second term will bring greater achievements, and my government looks forward to working side by side with you to achieve our mission,” he said.

Describing the financing agreement as a milestone, the premier said it was “more than a transaction” and a statement of confidence that the Islamic Development Bank believes in Bangladesh.

“For decades, the Islamic Development Bank has stood by Bangladesh, and we are proud to be a founding member of this Bank,” he said, adding, “That membership means a lot to us. It is built on more than finance. It is built on trust, solidarity, and shared purpose as members of the Islamic Ummah.”

The Prime Minister appreciated Dr Al Jasser’s leadership in establishing the Islamic Concessional Fund (ICF) as a low-cost financing window for developing-country members. He said Bangladesh was deeply committed to benefiting from the ICF and expressed hope that the fund would expand its concessional financing assistance to member countries amid growing global challenges.

The Prime Minister said officials of the ERD were working with their counterparts at the IsDB Regional Hub in Dhaka to identify potential projects. Turning to the broader role of the IsDB, the Prime Minister said the bank could help connect its member countries by leveraging their respective strengths. “Some member states lead in energy. Others lead in infrastructure. The Bank can be the bridge between them—let the members build with each other, not just alongside each other,” he said.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman expressed gratitude to Dr Al Jasser for visiting Bangladesh and for his leadership in strengthening bilateral relations, saying, “Your presence today speaks to the strength of the bond between us. Let this occasion renew our shared commitment—to partnership, solidarity, innovation, and shared prosperity.”

“Let this occasion renew our shared commitment—to partnership, solidarity, innovation, and shared prosperity,” he added.

The Prime Minister added, “Today’s signing shows what partnership can do. It turns shared goals into real outcomes. The Eastern Refinery Modernization and Expansion Project is not just an energy investment. It is an investment in our energy security, our economic resilience, and our long-term capacity to grow.”

The financing agreement for ‘Modernization and Expansion of Eastern Refinery in Bangladesh’ amounting to USD 1004.29 million was signed between the Government of Bangladesh (GoB) and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).

Dr. Mohammad Mizanur Rahman, Additional Secretary, Economic Relations Division, Ministry of Finance, and Anasse Aissami, Director General, Country Programs, IsDB, signed the agreement on behalf of the GoB and IsDB, respectively.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, Chairman, Islamic Development Bank Group, graced the signing ceremony. The project will be implemented by Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) under the Energy and Mineral Resources Division. Proper implementation of the project will enhance the BPC’s current refining capacity from 1.5 million MT to 4.5 million MT, contributing to further strengthening the country’s energy security, producing environmentally friendly (Euro-5 standard) petroleum oil, and reducing dependence on imported refined fuel oil.

IsDB is one of the trusted multilateral development partners of Bangladesh and has provided continuous support for the socioeconomic development of Bangladesh since its inception, in the form of grants, project loans, trade financing, private-sector financing, export credit guarantees, etc. Immediately after the signing ceremony, the IsDB Group Chairman called on the Prime Minister and expressed his deep commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s development priorities.

Shibbir Ahmed, WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald J. Trump will mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks at the Pentagon on September 11, while Vice President JD Vance is expected to represent the Trump administration at the annual memorial ceremony in New York City. The developments come as the White House prepares for a separate September 8 commemoration featuring a massive piece of World Trade Center steel at the White House.

On September 8, Trump is expected to host 9/11 first responders and other officials as the “Steel Across America” tour arrives in Washington. A 21-foot-long, 16,900-pound steel beam recovered from the South Tower of the World Trade Center will be displayed on the White House Ellipse. Trump and Tunnel to Towers Foundation CEO Frank Siller are expected to speak at the event.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation launched the nationwide Steel Across America campaign to carry the historic World Trade Center beam through communities across the country ahead of the 25th anniversary of the attacks. The tour is intended to connect Americans with the history of September 11 and honor the victims, first responders and military veterans whose lives were changed by the attacks and their aftermath.

Trump to observe 9/11 at Pentagon

On September 11, Trump will attend the official 9/11 observance at the Pentagon rather than the annual ceremony at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in Lower Manhattan. Trump confirmed that he would commemorate the anniversary at the Pentagon, one of the three locations directly targeted on September 11, 2001. The president also marked the anniversary at the Pentagon last year.

Vice President JD Vance is expected to attend the memorial ceremony at the World Trade Center site in New York City. The New York ceremony traditionally focuses on the victims and their families and does not feature political speeches. Family members read the names of those killed in the attacks, while moments of silence mark the timeline of the attacks and their aftermath.

The 2026 observance will carry particular significance as the United States marks 25 years since the September 11 attacks, which killed nearly 3,000 people and reshaped U.S. national security and foreign policy for decades.

Trump’s decision to attend the Pentagon rather than the New York ceremony has drawn attention because he is a native New Yorker and had previously been expected to participate in the Ground Zero commemoration. Trump has rejected reports that his decision was related to restrictions on political speeches at the New York memorial.

The three major sites of the September 11 attacks — New York, the Pentagon and Shanksville, Pennsylvania — will all be represented in the nation’s 25th-anniversary commemorations, with administration officials expected to participate in ceremonies across the three locations.

For the Trump administration, the September 8 White House event and the September 11 Pentagon ceremony will provide two separate opportunities to honor the victims, first responders and military personnel connected to the attacks and the wars that followed.

Shibbir Ahmed, United Nations, New York: The devastating floods in Nepal and recent wildfires in Europe should serve as a wake-up call for the world to take more urgent action against the growing risks of climate change, said Mafalda Duarte, Executive Director of the Green Climate Fund (GCF).

In an interview with Agence France-Presse (AFP) in Palau, Duarte said climate change was receiving less urgency in global politics than other major crises. While the international community has demonstrated the ability to mobilise large amounts of funding quickly in response to wars, conflicts and other emergencies, climate-related challenges have not received a similar response, she said.

Duarte warned that the world is moving closer to several climate “tipping points”, beyond which reversing environmental damage could become increasingly difficult or even impossible.

“We can mobilise money quickly when we choose to respond to an emergency,” Duarte said, stressing that climate change should be treated with the same sense of urgency.

She cited Nepal’s recent floods, along with heatwaves and wildfires in Europe, as examples of the increasingly widespread impacts of climate change. According to Duarte, climate-related disasters are no longer confined to developing countries. Both developed and developing nations are increasingly facing the consequences of a changing climate.

Growing Concern Over Nepal Disaster

The recent floods and landslides in Nepal’s Himalayan region have caused extensive destruction and raised fresh concerns about the vulnerability of mountain communities to extreme weather events. The disaster occurred in the Himalayan region near the Nepal-China border, with sudden flows of water and large amounts of debris affecting several areas.

Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah has also described the disaster as a serious warning about the growing risks associated with climate change and called for stronger international action to support countries vulnerable to climate-related disasters.

Experts say rising global temperatures are contributing to changes in Himalayan glaciers, snow cover and other environmental conditions, potentially increasing the risks of floods, landslides and glacier-related disasters. However, determining the precise contribution of climate change to any individual disaster requires further scientific analysis.

Concerns Over Climate Finance

The Green Climate Fund provides financial support to developing countries for climate adaptation, resilience and efforts to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions. According to the BSS/AFP report, the fund has invested about $19 billion across 134 developing countries.

However, concerns remain over the future of international climate finance. The report said the United States withdrew from the fund in January, while Britain halved its contribution in May. Duarte stressed that climate-vulnerable countries need faster and more accessible financing to prepare for and respond to the growing impacts of climate change.

Pacific Region Sees Increased Investment

Duarte is currently in Palau, where leaders of Pacific island nations are attending their annual summit. For many of these small island states, climate change represents a major threat to their security, economies and long-term survival. The Green Climate Fund has increased its investment in the Pacific region significantly. Over the past three years, its investment there has doubled to around $1 billion.

Duarte acknowledged that accessing climate finance remains difficult for many small island nations. She said efforts were under way to streamline the process, with the average approval period now taking about nine months.

Tina Stege, the climate envoy of the Marshall Islands, has also called for faster and more tangible progress on climate finance. She expressed frustration over the limited funding available through the separate United Nations-backed “loss and damage” mechanism, which is intended to help vulnerable developing countries address the impacts of climate-related disasters.

Duarte said there was still time to act on climate change, but the window for effective action was narrowing. She urged governments and the international community to move faster, increase climate financing and work together to address the growing risks posed by a warming planet.

DHAKA – LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan has expressed hope that the World Bank will further strengthen its support for the country’s sustainable development and improvement of people’s quality of life. He said various government initiatives are underway in important areas such as water supply, sanitation, rural development and addressing the impacts of climate change.

Continued support from development partners is necessary to make these activities more effective and sustainable, he said when World Bank Division Director for Bangladesh and Bhutan Jean Pesme paid a courtesy call on him at his office at the Secretariat today.

Various issues including the World Bank’s support for various ongoing development projects in Bangladesh, water supply and sanitation systems, rural development, climate change and local government sector were discussed.

The minister said the government and development partners need to work in coordination to accelerate and sustain the country’s development activities. He said WB support could play an important role in strengthening the capacity of the local government sector and ensuring quality civic services reach people at their doorsteps.

The minister expressed gratitude for the World Bank’s longstanding support for Bangladesh’s development journey and hoped that the bank would continue its support for the country’s key development initiatives in the future.

During the exchange of views, emphasis was placed on further strengthening the existing cooperation between Bangladesh and the World Bank. LGD Md Shahidul Hassan, senior officials from the ministry and the WB were present at the meeting.