HONG KONG, March 3, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Oil prices extended gains and equities fell Tuesday as investors kept tabs on the Middle East as the United States and Israel continued to bombard Iran, while Tehran launched further strikes on neighbours. Iran has responded by unleashing missiles and drones across the Middle East, including Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Dubai, while threatening explicitly to drive up global energy costs. That sent oil prices soaring nearly 14 percent Monday before easing slightly, while European natural gas prices spiked almost 40 percent after Qatar's state-run energy firm said it had halted liquefied natural gas production. "We will also attack oil pipelines and will not allow a single drop of oil to leave the region. "A spike in energy prices creates a dilemma for central banks," said Rodrigo Catril at National Australia Bank.

"From the beginning we projected four to five weeks, but we have capability to go far longer than that," Trump said at the White House. Iran had been ready to strike US forces in the region in response to Israel, so Trump decided to intervene "pre-emptively" alongside Israel, Rubio asserted. Rival Democrats voiced disbelief, with Senator Mark Warner saying it was "unchartered territory" for the United States to be triggered into action by Israel's perception of a threat. Hezbollah, the armed Shiite movement affiliated with Iran, had vowed retaliation for Khamenei's death and launched rockets and drones toward Israel. Rubio said the school incident was under investigation but that the United States "would not deliberately target" children.

Trump suggests US to retaliate 'soon' over embassy strike in RiyadhWASHINGTON, United States, March 3, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - President Donald Trump suggested Monday that the United States would retaliate "soon" after its embassy in the Saudi capital Riyadh was struck by two suspected Iranian drones. Speaking to the NewsNation network, Trump said "you'll find out soon" how the United States would respond, without providing further detail, after the US embassy confirmed a drone attack that caused "a limited fire and minor material damage." After the attack, the embassy issued a shelter in place notification for US citizens in Jeddah, Riyadh and Dhahran.

JERUSALEM, March 3, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Israel said it would reopen a crossing into Gaza on Tuesday to allow for the "gradual entry of humanitarian aid" into the territory. The Kerem Shalom crossing was closed on Saturday when Israel and the United States began striking Iran, which sparked reprisals from Tehran. The Israeli-controlled Kerem Shalom crossing sits at the intersection between the Gaza Strip, Israel and Egypt. Israel on Saturday announced the closure of all crossing points into Gaza as a "security" measure, including Rafah on the border between the Palestinian territory and Egypt. US President Donald Trump warned Monday that his attack on Iran could extend longer than a month, as the war spread with Israel bombarding Lebanon while Tehran targeted Israel and Gulf countries that host US bases.

WASHINGTON, United States, March 3, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in an interview Monday that the Middle East conflict triggered by US and Israeli strikes on Iran won't be "an endless war" but could "take some time." He told Fox News the campaign would be "a quick and decisive action," later adding: "It may take some time, but it's not going to take years."

Successive branches of political speech have festered in the media to compliment the rising demand for increasingly radical ideas. This is what political speech looks like in today's landscape. By these varying degrees of extremism (fundamentally disseminating the same product), they deflect responsibility from Trump if things go awry. The most dangerous political speech in America right now is not the kind that announces itself as extreme. Adrian Belmonte Adrian Belmonte '28 is an Opinion Columnist studying Government in the College of Arts & Sciences.

To save a little time and money, I come back to Okenshields on an empty stomach like a moth to a flame. Though Wok Daikon is probably my favorite soup, I also enjoy Hot and Sour, Tom Yum and the occasional chicken noodle soup. I’ve never really enjoyed Okenshield’s main dishes, and the lines tend to dissuade me even further. They always say bye to you when you leave.”However, I can recall one particularly unpleasant Monday at Okenshields. Keeping in mind all available dining options, and our daily time constraints, food is food — even in a medieval-style cafeteria setting.

US President Donald Trump.Photo: CollectedWASHINGTON, United States, March 2, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - President Donald Trump on Monday said he is not ruling out sending US troops into Iran, while threatening a new, "big wave" of attacks. While so far the assault has focused entirely on aerial attacks by missiles and bombs, Trump refused to rule out sending ground troops -- something far riskier in terms of possible casualties. "I don't have the yips with respect to boots on the ground," Trump said, using a golf term for anxiety. Trump also spoke to CNN on Monday, flagging what he said would be an escalation in the assault on Iran. As for how long the war will last, Hegseth said: "Four weeks, two weeks, six weeks, it could move up.

King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. Photo: CollectedDHAKA, March 2, 2026 (BSS) - Bahrain King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has conveyed deep condolences to Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman following the death of a Bangladeshi national in a missile-related incident. During the telephone conversation, the Bahraini Foreign Minister conveyed the condolences of His Majesty the King to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and the people of Bangladesh, said a foreign ministry's press release. Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr Rahman expressed sincere thanks to the Bahrain government for its cooperation and support in the matter. Earlier in the afternoon, the Bahraini Foreign Minister had also spoken with his Bangladeshi counterpart over phone regarding the incident.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Photo: CollectedISTANBUL, March 2, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called on Monday for "an end to the bloodbath" in the Middle East, vowing to help reach a ceasefire between the United States, Israel and Iran. "We want neither conflict nor war with our neighbours during this holy month of Ramadan," the president added at a fast-breaking meal for observant Muslims. Erdogan, who maintains good relations with President Donald Trump despite frequently criticising American ally Israel, nonetheless insisted that the US-Israeli strikes on Saturday, which sparked the war and triggered retaliation from Tehran, were "illegal". Turkey, a majority Sunni-Muslim nation which is a member of NATO, shares a 500-kilometre (315-mile) border with Iran.

ABU DHABI, March 2, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - A drone struck a fuel tank terminal in the Emirati capital Abu Dhabi Monday, causing a fire though operations were not impacted, authorities said, as Iran struck more oil facilities on its third day of Gulf attacks. "Abu Dhabi authorities have responded today to a fire resulting from the targeting of a Musaffah fuel tank terminal by a drone. The situation was promptly contained. No injuries were reported and there was no impact on operations," the Abu Dhabi Media Office said in a statement.

Foreign ministers from four Middle Eastern nations have reached out to Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman to express condolences over the deaths of two Bangladeshi expatriates and assure the safety of the expat community amid the escalating regional conflict. The calls were made by Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Bahrain’s Abdullatif bin Rashid Alzayani, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad bin Sultan Al Muraikhi . During the discussions, the Gulf leaders noted that they consider Bangladeshi nationals their own residents, the media statement said. "The ministers described the recent unprovoked attacks in their countries as 'unacceptable' and reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the protection of all civilians," the media statement said. The Gulf representatives also conveyed their gratitude to the Bangladesh government for its solidarity during these difficult times.

DHAKA, March 2, 2026 (BSS) - The Foreign Ministers of Kuwait, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates today expressed deep sorrow and concern over the tragic death of two Bangladeshi nationals and injuries to seven others amid the ongoing regional crisis. During the conversations, they discussed the evolving situation and the safety and security of Bangladeshi expatriates residing in their respective countries. The ministers assured that all necessary measures are being taken to guarantee the overall safety, security and welfare of Bangladeshi expatriates. They also described Bangladeshi expatriates as hardworking, law-abiding and responsible, and highlighted their significant contributions to the economies of the host nations. Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman conveyed Bangladesh's appreciation for the assurances and reiterated Dhaka's priority to safeguard its citizens abroad under all circumstances.

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke met with Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir at his office at Bangladesh Secretariat today. Photo: PIDDHAKA, March 2, 2026 (BSS) - Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir todaysought enhanced investment from the UK especially in Bangladesh's tea,fertilizer and ICT sectors. Muktadir made the request when British High Commissioner to Bangladesh SarahCooke met him at his office at Bangladesh Secretariat in the capital today. The Commerce Minister said Bangladesh is keen to work with the United Kingdomto ensure mutual benefits through effective and sustainable economiccooperation. He highlighted the need for British investment to modernize and boostproduction in the tea industry in Sylhet, noting that the region's teagardens hold significant investment potential.

The historic Flag Hoisting Day was celebrated at Dhaka University (DU) on Monday. Photo: BSSDHAKA, Mar 2, 2026 (BSS) - Dhaka University (DU) today observed the historic ‘Flag Hoisting Day’ with due enthusiasm. Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan inaugurated the programme by hoisting the national flag. Pro-Vice Chancellor (Admin) Prof Dr. Sayema Haque Bidisha presided over the function while Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education) Prof Dr. Mamun Ahmed and Treasurer Prof Dr. M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury spoke as special guests. He expressed his hope that the national flag would continue to keep the nation united.