The Times

A Baghdad official says the US military has completed its withdrawal from Iraq, marking the end of the American military presence that lasted for over two decades. The announcement is drawing attention to what comes next for Iraq's security situation and US-Iraq relations, with details about the timing and terms of the pullout still emerging.

Iran's foreign minister says the country is 'ready for diplomacy' and 'war at the same time', signalling Tehran is keeping both options open amid rising tensions. The remarks come in a full interview drawing wide international attention, as observers weigh whether the tough language is a negotiating stance or a warning of escalation with Western powers.

The Pope told French bishops visiting the Vatican that the Catholic Church carries a prophetic authority and must remain a voice in the public square. Vatican News reported the address, in which he framed the Church's role as speaking on moral and social questions rather than retreating to the private sphere. The remarks come amid ongoing debates in France over secularism and the place of religion in public life.

Iran's foreign minister says the country is 'ready for diplomacy' and 'war at the same time', according to an interview with NBC News. The remarks underline Tehran's dual posture as tensions remain high, signalling willingness to negotiate while warning it is prepared for confrontation. The interview is being widely shared across international and regional outlets.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has delivered pointed remarks suggesting the world's major powers no longer command the influence they once did, in comments widely read as a veiled jab at US President Donald Trump. The speech has drawn strong attention, with observers debating whether the UN is openly challenging Washington's dominance and pushing back against unilateralism on the global stage.

France's religious leaders have issued a joint appeal calling for peace and sustained dialogue. The appeal, reported by Vatican News, urges continued conversation between communities at a time of tension. Details of the specific circumstances prompting the appeal were not provided, but the call emphasises unity and ongoing exchange among France's different faith communities.

Iran has signalled it is prepared to pursue diplomacy, while Donald Trump says he expects further talks to follow. The statements point to a possible opening in tensions between Tehran and Washington, though the substance and timing of any negotiations remain uncertain.

Meta has blocked Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's Facebook page and his campaign advertisements, with the suspension coming just two weeks ahead of the country's election. The move is drawing attention given its timing so close to the vote, and the platform's action against a sitting head of state's official campaign presence is likely to fuel debate over content moderation and political speech in Brazil.

Ukraine carried out strikes targeting Moscow on the first day of Russia's presidential election, in which Vladimir Putin was expected to secure another term. The attack marked a symbolic escalation, hitting the Russian capital at a moment meant to showcase Putin's grip on power. Observers say the timing underscores Ukraine's ability to strike deep into Russia and challenge the narrative of Russian invincibility.

South Korea has traditionally avoided any suggestion of involvement in a potential conflict over Taiwan, keeping its policy deliberately vague to balance ties with the United States and China. Writing in The Japan Times, observers argue that maintaining this discretion is becoming increasingly difficult as regional tensions rise and pressure grows on Seoul to clarify its stance.

A powerful U.S. missile system deployed to Japan for joint exercises with the Self-Defense Forces will be stored indefinitely at a key military base in Okinawa Prefecture from mid-October, the Japan Times reports. The open-ended arrangement, rather than withdrawal after training, is likely to fuel debate in Okinawa over the growing U.S. military footprint and tensions with China and North Korea.

EU member states are discussing a plan for collective, Nato-style responses to Russian hybrid attacks, such as sabotage, cyber operations and disinformation targeting European infrastructure. Under the idea, an attack on one country could trigger coordinated countermeasures from the whole bloc. The Financial Times reported the discussions, which reflect growing alarm across Europe about Moscow's grey-zone activities.

The Supreme Court has ruled that the Trump administration can, for the time being, use its revamped federal voter eligibility database. The decision allows federal officials to proceed with the system while legal challenges continue in lower courts. Multiple major outlets, including the Associated Press, are reporting the ruling, which comes amid ongoing disputes over election integrity measures and state voter roll maintenance.

Saudi Arabia's foreign minister has arrived in Washington for talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The visit comes at a time of intense diplomacy in the region, with Washington engaged on issues including the Gaza ceasefire, Gulf security and broader Middle East policy. Details of the agenda have not been officially announced, but the meeting signals continued close coordination between Riyadh and the Trump administration on regional and bilateral matters.

Two giant pandas have arrived at Zoo Atlanta, renewing one of the most visible symbols of China’s soft power abroad. China has long loaned pandas to foreign zoos as a gesture of goodwill, and their arrival in the United States is being read as a small thaw in bilateral relations at a time of ongoing political and trade tensions between the two countries.

Japan's Defense Ministry is planning a new framework to back startups developing unmanned aerial vehicles and related products, according to the Japan Times. The initiative would give emerging defense technology firms a clearer route into supplying the Self-Defense Forces, reflecting Japan's broader push to strengthen its domestic defense industrial base and catch up on drone capabilities amid regional security concerns.

President Trump publicly criticized the Supreme Court after it blocked Missouri's Republican-favored congressional map for the third time. The repeated interventions have stalled GOP efforts to redraw the state's districts to their advantage, and Trump's comments add to tensions between the White House and the court over redistricting fights heading into future elections.

A federal judge has ordered the White House to respond by 12:30 PM to allegations that it failed to comply with a court order concerning press access. The deadline sets up a rapid test of whether the administration will follow the ruling, and the story is drawing heavy attention as a fresh flashpoint in ongoing disputes between the administration and the press corps over First Amendment access.

The Financial Times examines whether the European Union can construct a 'hybrid defence' against Russia, addressing Moscow's use of non-military pressure such as disinformation, cyberattacks, sabotage and election interference. The debate centres on whether EU institutions and member states can coordinate effectively to counter these tactics alongside traditional military deterrence.

Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has survived a court ruling concerning election ballots, according to Bloomberg. The decision leaves Anutin in office despite a legal challenge tied to the country's electoral process. Thai politics has been in flux, and any court case touching on ballots carries weight for the government's stability and the timing of future elections.

Scientists are developing new methods to control mosquitoes, the world's deadliest animal to humans, as warmer temperatures stretch mosquito seasons and expand the reach of diseases like malaria and dengue. PBS News reports that longer warm periods give the insects more time to breed and spread illness, prompting renewed research into control strategies as climate change shifts where the threat lands.

The America Times is examining how climate change is increasingly framed as a human rights issue, with rising temperatures, extreme weather and displacement affecting basic rights to housing, food, water and safety. The discussion reflects a growing push by advocates and institutions to treat climate impacts not just as environmental problems but as threats to fundamental human rights worldwide.

The US Supreme Court has ruled in favor of Missouri's 2022 congressional redistricting map for the third time, rejecting another challenge to the district boundaries drawn after the last census. The repeated rulings effectively end efforts by map opponents to overturn the state's Republican-favored districts through the courts.

Israel's Uvision and Estonia's Lendurai have agreed to integrate their systems for NATO military use. The partnership pairs Uvision, known for loitering munitions, with the Estonian drone technology startup, in a move that strengthens defense cooperation between Israel and a NATO Baltic member amid heightened security concerns in the region.

China is preparing to send a Pakistani astronaut into orbit, the first time a foreign national from Pakistan will fly on a Chinese space mission. The move is being described as space diplomacy, underlining Beijing's effort to deepen ties with Islamabad and showcase its space programme internationally, following cooperation under the China-Pakistan relationship.

Two giant pandas have arrived in the United States, reviving a long-running symbol of Chinese 'panda diplomacy' that Beijing uses to warm ties with foreign countries. The animals' arrival follows a pause in panda loans between the two nations, and observers see their transfer as a gesture of goodwill amid strained US-China relations.

The New York Times is asking which party is winning the race for control of Congress. The question points to ongoing competition between Democrats and Republicans for seats in the House and Senate, a contest that will shape legislative power in Washington. No further details about specific races, candidates or polling figures were given.

The New York Times has published an analysis asking which party is ahead in the race for control of Congress, dated September 28, 2026. With the midterm elections approaching, the piece examines the state of House and Senate contests and which side currently holds the advantage.

The New York Times reports on Christa Pike, the only woman on death row in Tennessee, as she waits for her execution after decades spent largely in isolation. The piece examines her case, her upbringing and long confinement on death row, and how her coming execution has renewed debate over capital punishment in the state.

A 60 Minutes report highlights that opposition to data centers has become a rare issue uniting Americans across the political spectrum. Communities from both parties are pushing back against large data center projects, citing concerns such as energy and water use, noise, and local impact. The story is drawing wide attention for showing bipartisan agreement on the rapid expansion of data center infrastructure.

Mexico's Baja California peninsula is preparing for the arrival of major Hurricane Polo, with residents and authorities bracing for strong winds, heavy rain and coastal damage. At the same time, Hurricane Nolo remains a threat to Hawaii in the Pacific. Two simultaneous Pacific storms have drawn attention to the region's hurricane activity.