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- 1Russia says it struck military infrastructure and vessels in Ukraine▼Russia says it struck military infrastructure, vessels in Ukraine
Russia's defence ministry said its forces carried out strikes on military infrastructure and vessels in Ukraine. The claim, reported by Reuters and other international outlets, comes as the war continues with both sides exchanging long-range attacks. Ukraine has not confirmed the specific targets, and independent verification of the strikes and their impact remains limited.
- 2US assessment warns Saudi Arabia may still pursue nuclear arms▼Saudi Arabia may still pursue nuclear arms, US assessment warns
A US assessment warns that Saudi Arabia could still seek nuclear weapons despite ongoing diplomatic engagement with Washington. The finding raises questions about the future of non-proliferation in the Gulf, especially as Riyadh continues to insist it would match any Iranian nuclear capability. Analysts say the warning could complicate efforts to conclude a US-Saudi defence and normalisation package.
- 3Kyiv Hit by Third Consecutive Night of Russian Attacks▼Ukraine War, Day 1,676: 3rd Straight Night of Russian Attacks on Kyiv
Ukraine's capital has come under Russian attack for a third consecutive night, as the war reaches its 1,676th day. The repeated overnight strikes on Kyiv underline Russia's continued campaign of long-range bombardment against Ukrainian cities, keeping air defense units active and residents in shelters. The sustained pace of attacks is drawing attention to the strain on Ukraine's defenses and civilians.
- 4Israeli minister Smotrich calls for war in West Bank▼Israeli minister Bezalel Smotrich calls for war in occupied West Bank
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has publicly called for war in the occupied West Bank, according to Al Jazeera. The statement from a senior member of Israel's government drew immediate attention, with critics warning it escalates rhetoric over Israel's conduct in Palestinian territories amid ongoing tensions and military operations in the region.
- 5Russian strikes kill two in Ukraine after Moscow rebuffs German mediation▼Russian strikes kill 2 in Ukraine after Moscow rejects German calls to de-escalate
Russian strikes killed two people in Ukraine, shortly after Moscow rejected German calls to de-escalate the conflict. The refusal of German diplomatic overtures, followed by renewed attacks causing civilian deaths, has drawn wide international attention. The sequence underscores stalled peace efforts and the continued toll on Ukrainian civilians as Western capitals press for a reduction in hostilities.
- 6Fed's Barr Signals More Rate Hikes Needed to Tame Inflation▼Fed’s Barr Says More Rate Hikes Likely Needed to Return Inflation to Target
Federal Reserve official Michael Barr said additional interest rate increases are likely needed to bring inflation back to the central bank's target. The remarks add to signals from Fed policymakers that monetary policy may stay restrictive, keeping attention on upcoming inflation data and the outlook for future rate decisions.
- 7Germany and Russia hold first talks since Ukraine invasion●First Germany-Russia talks since Ukraine invasion: Why now?
Germany and Russia have held their first direct talks since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The meeting marks a notable diplomatic thaw between Berlin and Moscow, prompting debate over why the contact is happening now and what it could signal for the future of the war, European security and Western policy toward Moscow.
- 8
The UN General Assembly's annual general debate has reached its fifth day in New York, with world leaders continuing to deliver set-piece speeches on global challenges. The marathon session remains the main forum for heads of state and government to set out their foreign policy positions, and UN News is providing a daily takeaway summarising the key moments and statements as the debate winds down.
- 9Israeli minister Smotrich calls for war in West Bank▼Israel’s Smotrich calls for ‘war’ in West Bank: Rhetoric or real threat?
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has called for war in the occupied West Bank, prompting debate over whether his words reflect actual policy or political rhetoric. The remarks come amid heightened Israeli military operations in the territory, and observers are weighing how far the government may act on his call and what it means for Palestinians and regional stability.
- 10Russian attacks kill eight in Ukraine as Moscow vows to fight on●Russian attacks kill eight in Ukraine after Moscow vows to continue war
Russian strikes killed at least eight people in Ukraine, coming shortly after Moscow declared its intention to press on with the war. The attacks add to a steady toll of civilian casualties and underline the absence of any breakthrough toward peace negotiations. Officials in Ukraine have repeatedly called for stronger air defences and continued Western support as Russian bombardments target populated areas.
- 11
Israeli forces have reportedly violated the ceasefire in Gaza, killing one Palestinian and wounding six others, according to IMEMC News. The incident adds to ongoing tensions over compliance with the truce, with reports of continued strikes and casualties in the territory despite the agreement.
- 12Russia and Ukraine trade claims of strikes on military targets▼Russia claims strikes on military targets as Ukraine says it hit drone launch site
Russia says its forces carried out strikes on Ukrainian military targets, while Ukraine reports hitting a Russian drone launch site. The duelling claims come as the war continues with both sides targeting infrastructure and military assets deep behind the front lines. Neither claim could be independently verified, and the fuller operational impact of the reported strikes remains unclear.
- 13Report: Netanyahu told forces to ease Gaza tensions days before Oct. 7▼Days before Oct. 7, PM ordered security forces to ‘minimize escalation’ in Gaza – report
A report says Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered security forces to 'minimize escalation' in Gaza just days before Hamas's October 7 attack. The claim has drawn attention amid ongoing debate over whether Israeli leadership underestimated threats from Gaza and whether earlier signals of an attack were ignored ahead of the assault.
- 14Russian strikes on Ukraine kill five, including in Kyiv●Russian strikes on Ukraine kill 5, including in Kyiv
Russian strikes across Ukraine have killed five people, including residents of the capital Kyiv. The attacks hit multiple locations, adding to the civilian toll of the war, which continues despite ongoing international efforts to push toward a ceasefire or peace negotiations.
- 15Strait known as 'Gate of Tears' becomes new flash point in Iran war▼A new flash point in the Iran war: The narrow strait called the ‘Gate of Tears’
Attention is turning to the Bab el-Mandeb strait, nicknamed the 'Gate of Tears', as a new flash point in the war involving Iran. The narrow waterway is a critical chokepoint for global shipping, and its emergence as a battleground raises concerns about disruptions to trade routes and a widening of the regional conflict.
- 16
Commentary published by Asharq Al-Awsat and Arab News examines why ceasefire agreements reached in Jeddah between Sudan's warring army and the Rapid Support Forces have repeatedly failed, and how the issue has moved to the diplomatic stage in New York. The pieces argue that successive truces have not held, leaving Sudan's civil war grinding on despite international mediation efforts.
- 17Bill Gates warns unchecked AI could cause a billion deaths▼Bill Gates says unchecked AI could ‘cause a billion deaths’ in call for regulation
Bill Gates has warned that artificial intelligence left unregulated could 'cause a billion deaths', urging governments to put robust safeguards in place as the technology advances rapidly. The stark comments have fuelled ongoing debate over how quickly regulators should act on advanced AI and its potential risks.
- 18Smotrich calls for Gaza-style war in West Bank▼'Do there what we did in Gaza': Smotrich calls for full-scale war in occupied West Bank
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has called for a full-scale military campaign in the occupied West Bank, saying Israel should 'do there what we did in Gaza'. The remarks drew immediate attention as Israeli operations in the territory intensify, with critics warning such a campaign would bring Gaza-level destruction and deepen the humanitarian crisis in the occupied Palestinian territory.
- 19EU warns of urgent energy price crisis before winter▼EU warns members of urgent energy price crisis before winter season
The European Union has issued a warning to member states about an urgent energy price crisis ahead of the winter season. The alert signals growing concern in Brussels that households and industry could face sharply higher costs as demand rises. Governments across the bloc are expected to weigh coordinated measures to ease prices and secure supplies in the coming months.
- 20Israeli army kills two Palestinians in new Gaza truce violations▼Israeli army kills 2 Palestinians, wounds 7 others in new Gaza truce violations
Israeli forces have killed two Palestinians and wounded seven others in what are described as new violations of the Gaza ceasefire. The incident adds to a series of reported breaches of the truce, raising questions about its durability and fuelling renewed international concern over the situation in Gaza.
- 21
Analysts and officials expect Russia to step up hybrid warfare against European countries, including sabotage, disinformation and cyberattacks targeting infrastructure and institutions. The warning, reported by German broadcaster DW, reflects growing concern among European governments over continued Russian aggression beyond the battlefield in Ukraine and preparations to defend against covert attacks.
- 22Diplomatic push assessed on ending US-Iran conflict▼Did the biggest week of diplomacy make headway in ending the US-Iran war?
A intense week of international diplomacy has raised the question of whether negotiations made real progress toward ending the war between the United States and Iran. Commentators and analysts are weighing what the round of high-level talks actually achieved, with observers divided on whether the diplomacy brought the two sides closer to a ceasefire or a lasting settlement.
- 23Seven killed in strike on Yemen market▼Seven people killed in strike on market in Yemen, Houthi-run health ministry says
Seven people were killed in a strike on a market in Yemen, according to the Houthi-run health ministry. The statement gives no further details on who carried out the strike or the circumstances surrounding it. Markets have repeatedly been hit during Yemen's long-running conflict, and such strikes typically draw calls for investigations and renewed concern over civilian casualties.
- 24US intelligence says Saudi Arabia has not ruled out nuclear weapons▼US intelligence says Saudi Arabia has not ruled out developing nuclear weapons
US intelligence agencies assess that Saudi Arabia has not ruled out developing nuclear weapons, according to a report circulating in international news coverage. The finding underscores longstanding concerns about nuclear proliferation in the Middle East, where Riyadh has previously signalled it could pursue a bomb if regional rival Iran acquires one.
- 25Last residents of occupied Oleshky 'eat weeds to survive'▼‘Hell on earth’: last residents eat weeds to survive in Russian-occupied Oleshky
The last remaining residents of Oleshky, a Ukrainian city in Kherson region under Russian occupation, are reportedly eating weeds to survive, with conditions described as 'hell on earth'. The report highlights severe food shortages and worsening humanitarian conditions in the occupied city, drawing international attention to the plight of civilians left behind.
- 26Sudan's Burhan vows to defeat RSF no matter how long it takes▼Sudan's Burhan vows to defeat RSF 'no matter how long it takes' - War in Sudan - World
Sudanese army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan has pledged to defeat the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, saying the military will continue its campaign 'no matter how long it takes'. The vow comes as the war between the army and the RSF, which erupted in April 2023, continues to devastate Sudan, displacing millions and creating one of the world's worst humanitarian crises.
- 27Russia Has Restored Its 'Dead Hand' Nuclear Retaliation System, Report Says▼Russia Has Restored the Perimeter Retaliatory Nuclear Strike System, The Sunday Times Says
Russia has restored its Perimeter system, a semi-automated mechanism designed to launch a retaliatory nuclear strike if Russian leadership is wiped out, according to The Sunday Times. The Cold War-era system, sometimes called 'Dead Hand', is intended to guarantee retaliation even if command structures are destroyed. Confirmation is difficult given the system's secrecy, and Moscow has not officially commented on the report.
- 28Iran says ready to restart war with US but diplomacy open▼Iran says it's ready to restart war with U.S., but diplomacy an option
Iranian officials have declared the country prepared to resume hostilities with the United States while simultaneously keeping the door open to diplomatic negotiations. The dual message signals both defiance and willingness to de-escalate, reflecting ongoing tensions in the region and uncertainty over the direction of US-Iran relations.
- 29World War II-Era Feud Threatens Key Ukraine Alliance●A World War II-Era Feud Is Threatening a Pivotal Alliance for Ukraine
A long-running dispute rooted in World War II history is straining an alliance that Ukraine considers pivotal to its defense, according to a Wall Street Journal report. The exact countries and parties involved are not detailed in the headline, but the friction risks complicating support for Kyiv at a critical point in the war.
- 30Hamas chief calls for talks with Abbas, backs Gaza roadmap▼Hamas chief calls for talks with Abbas, endorses Gaza roadmap
The head of Hamas has called for direct talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and endorsed a roadmap for Gaza's future, according to The New Arab. The move signals a possible thaw between the rival Palestinian factions and could shape international efforts over Gaza's governance and reconstruction after the war.
- 31FAO warns 40% of Sudan's population faces severe food crisis▼40% of Sudan’s population faces severe food crisis, FAO warns
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization has warned that 40% of Sudan's population is facing a severe food crisis. The warning highlights the deepening hunger emergency gripping the country, where conflict and economic collapse have left millions unable to access adequate food. Observers say the situation is rapidly deteriorating and in urgent need of international humanitarian response.
- 32Sudan war: besieged civilians face chemical attacks, denied safe passage▼SUDAN’s War & besieged civilians: From chemical attacks to denial of safe passage
Sudan's civil war is drawing renewed scrutiny over the treatment of civilians trapped in besieged areas. Reports and advocacy material allege the use of chemical weapons and the systematic denial of safe passage to people trying to flee fighting, mainly between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces. Rights groups are urging international attention and accountability as humanitarian conditions deteriorate.
- 33Iran Insists on Diplomacy After Trump Rejects Peace Plan▼Iran insists on diplomatic solution after Trump rejects peace plan
Iran says it remains committed to a negotiated, diplomatic resolution after US President Donald Trump rejected a proposed peace plan. The rejection has been picked up by major international outlets including Reuters and Ynetnews, highlighting renewed uncertainty over negotiations between Washington and Tehran. Iranian officials are signalling they still want talks despite the setback, while observers watch for how the US responds next.
- 34Strikes kill six in Ukraine and one in Russia▼Strikes kill 6 in Ukraine, 1 in Russia after Moscow rejects German calls to de-escalate
Russian strikes killed six people in Ukraine, while one person died in a strike inside Russia, according to wire reports. The escalation came after Moscow rejected German calls to de-escalate the conflict. The tit-for-tat attacks underscore the failure of recent diplomatic efforts and the continued heavy civilian toll as the war grinds on with no ceasefire in sight.
- 35Russian drones kill five across Ukrainian regions, officials say▼Russian drones kill two in market outside Kyiv, three others in different regions, officials say
Russian drones struck a market outside Kyiv, killing two people, while three others died in attacks across different Ukrainian regions, according to Ukrainian officials. The overnight drone assault is the latest in a series of aerial attacks on Ukrainian towns and infrastructure as the war grinds on. The deaths drew fresh attention to the continuing toll on civilians.
- 36Seven dead as Russia and Ukraine exchange intensified air strikes▼7 dead as Russia, Ukraine exchange strikes and aerial war intensifies
Seven people have been killed as Russia and Ukraine carried out fresh exchanges of long-range strikes, with the aerial war between the two countries intensifying. The attacks mark a further escalation in the conflict, with both sides hitting targets deep in each other's territory and air defences engaging waves of drones and missiles.
- 37Europe relieved by US-China trade truce but wary ahead▼Why Xi’s US trip leaves Europe relieved by trade truce – but wary of the future
Xi Jinping's trip to the United States has produced a trade truce between Washington and Beijing, and European policymakers are breathing a sigh of relief that renewed superpower tariff escalation has been avoided. But analysts and officials in Europe remain uneasy: a bilateral US-China détente could leave the EU sidelined on trade questions, and the underlying tensions between the two powers are unresolved.
- 38Russia blames Europe for blocking Ukraine peace talks as Trump urges Zelenskyy to deal with Putin▼Russia accuses Europe of blocking Ukraine peace talks as Trump calls on Zelenskyy to "settle with Putin"
Russia has accused European governments of obstructing peace negotiations over Ukraine, while Donald Trump urged Volodymyr Zelenskyy to "settle" with Vladimir Putin. The statements highlight growing pressure on Kyiv to reach a deal and deepen tensions between Washington, Moscow and European allies over how to end the war.
- 39
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared that Iran is ready for a 'doomsday war', according to Al Jazeera. The stark statement comes amid heightened regional tensions and ongoing concerns over Iran's confrontation with Israel and Western powers. The remark is being read as a signal of Tehran's readiness for a wider conflict.
- 40Trump rejects Iranian proposal to reopen Strait of Hormuz●Trump rejects Iranian proposal to open Hormuz and end fighting
President Donald Trump has rejected an Iranian proposal that would have opened the Strait of Hormuz and brought an end to fighting between the two countries. The strait is a critical artery for global oil shipments, and the rejection keeps tensions high and raises questions about the risk of further escalation in the region. Markets and governments are watching closely for Tehran's next move.
- 41
Pope Leo has pledged concrete action against clergy abuse after meeting French survivors of abuse by Catholic clergy. The pledge is being reported worldwide by Reuters and other outlets. The meeting puts fresh attention on the Vatican's handling of abuse cases and on how the new pope will respond to mounting pressure from victims' groups seeking accountability and reform.
- 42US intelligence says Saudi Arabia's nuclear weapons option remains open▼‘Nuclear weapons’ option still open for Saudi Arabia, US intel says; senators target Trump deal
US intelligence officials have assessed that Saudi Arabia still retains the option to pursue nuclear weapons, even as the kingdom weighs an agreement with the United States. At the same time, US senators are moving against a nuclear cooperation deal tied to the Trump administration, arguing it could pave the way for Riyadh to develop an atomic arsenal. Critics warn any pact must include binding limits on uranium enrichment.
- 43Iran urges diplomacy after Trump rejects peace plan▼Only diplomacy can solve conflict, says Iran after Trump rejects peace plan
Iran says only diplomacy can resolve the ongoing conflict, speaking out after Donald Trump rejected a proposed peace plan. The statement underscores Tehran's position that negotiation, not military pressure, is the path forward. It comes amid heightened tensions and competing international efforts to broker an end to the fighting.
- 44SpaceX's Starship megarocket to launch to orbit for first time Sept. 28●SpaceX's Starship megarocket launching to orbit for 1st time ever on Sept. 28: Watch it live
SpaceX is preparing its Starship megarocket for a launch attempt to orbit on September 28, the first time the vehicle would reach orbit. The flight is expected to be streamed live, drawing wide attention from space enthusiasts and industry watchers. Starship is central to SpaceX's plans for deep-space missions and NASA's lunar ambitions.
- 45China Weighs Letting ByteDance, Alibaba Buy New Nvidia Chips●China weighs allowing ByteDance, Alibaba to buy new Nvidia chips, The Information reports
Chinese authorities are considering allowing ByteDance and Alibaba to purchase Nvidia's newest AI chips, according to a report by The Information picked up by Reuters. The possible approval would ease restrictions on two of China's largest technology companies as they race to build computing power for artificial intelligence. The report is drawing attention because it signals a potential shift in how Beijing balances domestic chip policy against its tech sector's demand for leading-edge semiconductors.
- 46Zelenskyy: Russia launched over 2,200 drones at Ukraine in a week▼Zelenskyy says Russia launched over 2,200 drones at Ukraine in a week
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia fired more than 2,200 drones at Ukraine over the past week, underlining the scale of Moscow's escalating aerial campaign against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. The claim highlights growing pressure on Ukraine's air defenses and renewed international concern over the pace of Russian drone attacks in the war.
- 47Venezuela frees 39 political prisoners after talks▼Venezuela frees 39 political prisoners after post-Maduro talks
Venezuela has released 39 political prisoners, according to Al Jazeera, following talks described as taking place after Maduro. The report attributes the releases to negotiations in a post-Maduro context, though the snippets provide no further detail on who was freed, when, or who took part in the talks. The move is being read as a human rights development in a country long criticised for jailing government opponents.
- 48UN General Assembly begins its annual High-level Week▼United Nations' General Assembly 'High-level Week'
The United Nations General Assembly's High-level Week is under way in New York, drawing heads of state and government for the annual round of speeches and diplomatic meetings at the world body's headquarters. The event is one of the busiest diplomatic gatherings of the year, with leaders using the podium to address conflicts, climate and global security.
- 49
Gaza's sewage treatment infrastructure has been destroyed in the conflict, causing untreated wastewater to spread pollution across the territory. With plants non-functional, raw sewage is flowing into streets, farmland and the sea, raising serious public health and environmental concerns alongside the humanitarian crisis. Observers warn the damage could have lasting effects on water resources and disease risks in the densely populated enclave.
- 50Israel warns Iran over nuclear programme as US talks stall▼West Asia Conflict: Israel warns Iran on nuclear push, signals fresh strikes as US-Iran talks stall & tensions escalate
Israel has issued a fresh warning to Iran over its nuclear programme, signalling it may carry out new strikes as negotiations between Washington and Tehran stall. The development points to escalating tensions across West Asia, with renewed military action looming as diplomatic efforts appear to be losing momentum.