Staff Reporter :
The latest Israeli airstrikes on Iran, which reportedly killed several top Iranian commanders and nuclear scientists, have significantly raised tensions across the Middle East.
The strikes, targeting key nuclear facilities, ballistic missile production sites, and senior military figures, have drawn widespread international condemnation and sparked concerns in Bangladesh over potential economic repercussions.
Iran confirmed that among those killed were high-ranking commanders and six nuclear scientists. Reports indicate that at least 20 senior Iranian officials, including the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Aerospace Force, Amir Ali Hajizadeh, were killed in the targeted attacks on Friday. Iran has vowed to retaliate, stoking fears of a wider conflict in the region.
Following the strikes, Israel closed its embassies in several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Russia, citing security threats. A statement from Israel’s foreign missions said consular services had been suspended worldwide “in light of recent developments.”
Russia, a close ally of Iran, denounced the attacks as “unprovoked and illegal,” warning that such actions could destabilise an already
fragile geopolitical landscape.
The fallout from the conflict has extended far beyond the region, with Bangladesh expressing deep concern. In a statement issued on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh condemned the Israeli attacks and called for restraint.
“Bangladesh unequivocally condemns the Israeli military strikes against the Islamic Republic of Iran,” the statement read. “Such acts constitute a blatant violation of the sovereignty of Iran and the principles of the United Nations Charter. This escalation threatens regional stability and global peace.”
Bangladesh further urged the United Nations and the international community to take coordinated action to restore calm and pursue diplomatic solutions, reaffirming that “mutual respect and dialogue are the only viable paths to lasting peace.”
Domestically, concerns are mounting about the economic impact of the conflict, particularly on energy prices. Adviser to the Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources Ministry, Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, described the situation as “alarming,” noting that global oil prices have already surged by over 10% since the escalation.
“This conflict is troubling for a country like Bangladesh, which relies heavily on energy imports,” he told local media. “We have sufficient reserves to manage until July and can absorb price hikes up to Tk 18-20 per litre. Beyond that, however, we would face difficulties.”
He added that while the country may manage immediate fuel needs, the situation is more precarious for liquefied natural gas (LNG), which is subject to volatile spot market pricing. “We are likely to feel greater pressure on LNG imports,” he said.
The business community has also voiced concern. Newly elected President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Mahmud Hasan Khan Babu, warned of further disruptions to exports.
“The earlier Red Sea disruptions due to Houthi attacks already delayed shipments and increased costs. A prolonged conflict involving Iran will only worsen the shipping situation,” Babu said.
He stressed that port operations could suffer additional strain if shipping lines continue to avoid the Red Sea and Gulf routes. To mitigate the impact, BGMEA plans to formally urge the government to enhance capacity at Chattogram Port.
As the international community watches closely, the unfolding Iran-Israel conflict is not only a major geopolitical crisis but also a potential blow to economies far beyond the Middle East.
For Bangladesh, the hope remains that global diplomacy will prevail before the ripple effects deepen.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov expressed deep concern over the escalating situation, urging restraint from all sides.
In a strongly worded statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry condemned Israel’s use of force, labelling it a violation of international law and the UN Charter.
“The international community cannot afford to be indifferent to such acts, which jeopardise peace and undermine regional and global security,” it stated. Moscow emphasised that diplomatic solutions must be pursued to address concerns surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme.
