Flydubai flight diverted to Saudi Arabia after cockpit stabbing and mid-air struggle
A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted to Tabuk in north-west Saudi Arabia after a cockpit stabbing and an onboard struggle, according to the supplied material. The aircraft was carrying 174 people when the incident unfolded on Wednesday local time. Passengers and crew later helped secure the cockpit before the plane landed safely.The new account adds detail from eyewitnesses who described a sharp drop in altitude and a struggle inside the cockpit. One passenger, Yaniv Hayoun, said he and others pushed into the cockpit after the injured pilot managed to open the door. Israeli officials said the... [Continue Reading]
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Deadly landslides and heavy rain in Nepal strand trekkers and destroy infrastructure
Another wave of landslides and heavy rain has killed about 30 people in Nepal, as the Himalayan country continues to deal with the effects of severe flooding earlier this year. The latest weather-related disaster has hit mountain districts and transport links, leaving roads, buildings and bridges swept away in several areas. Hundreds of trekkers on the Annapurna Circuit have also been forced to cut short their journeys and move to safety.Nepal's national disaster management authority says more than 1,900 families have been affected since late last week, with more than 240 homes damaged. The worst-hit districts mentioned in the report... [Continue Reading]
US Justice Department files ethics complaint against seven Minnesota federal judges
The US Justice Department has filed a misconduct complaint against seven federal judges in Minnesota over public comments they made about immigration-enforcement cases. The complaint focuses on remarks the judges gave to a newspaper this month about the pressure their courts faced during Operation Metro Surge. That operation led to thousands of arrests in the Minneapolis-St Paul area from December to February.Attorney General Todd Blanche said the judges crossed an ethical line by speaking publicly about the cases and accused them of showing obvious bias against the Trump administration. He said the department had no choice but to act and... [Continue Reading]
Russia warns NATO of possible nuclear response over Kaliningrad blockade fears
Russia has warned NATO that it could use its full arsenal, including nuclear weapons, if the alliance tried to cut off Kaliningrad, the Russian exclave on the Baltic Sea. The warning was set out in a diplomatic memo sent to member states and described by Moscow as a response to what it said was a possible air and naval blockade. The exchange has sharpened already high tensions between Russia and NATO in the Baltic region.According to the supporting material, the memo claimed Moscow had information that NATO was preparing a blockade of Kaliningrad. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte rejected the threat,... [Continue Reading]
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Russia launches major attack on Ukraine's energy grid as winter looms
At least seven people have been killed across Ukraine after Russia carried out what officials described as its heaviest wave of attacks on the country's energy grid in months. The strikes hit power facilities and other infrastructure around Kyiv and in several other regions, triggering emergency power cuts and disrupting transport in the capital. Smoke was seen over parts of Kyiv after a key power plant was damaged.Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the attacks included nearly 190 drones and ballistic missiles, and that a child was among the dead. Ukraine's state grid operator, Ukrenergo, said it had imposed its first... [Continue Reading]
Israeli strikes kill at least seven in Gaza as ceasefire tensions deepen
Israeli strikes in Gaza have killed at least seven Palestinians in separate attacks across the enclave, according to health officials and medics cited in the supplied material. The latest incidents were reported in Gaza City, Khan Younis and near Qarara, adding to a series of deadly strikes during the ongoing conflict. Among those killed was a local journalist, Mohammad Al-Najar, who died near a mosque in Khan Younis.In Gaza City, medics said an airstrike on an apartment killed one woman and wounded her husband and several others. Another strike on a vehicle in the Tel Al-Hawa neighbourhood killed at least... [Continue Reading]
Day News Recap: Russia escalates Ukraine strikes as Iraq pullout ends and Gaza ceasefire frays
Russia intensified pressure on Ukraine with its largest attack on energy infrastructure since spring, killing at least six people and injuring 33, while Kyiv said the strikes were hitting power systems and civilian life across the country. Separately, Ukraine's economy minister said air raid alerts are costing the economy about $45m an hour as businesses are forced to stop work. đź”— đź”—Ukraine's Zaporizhstal steelworks has been shut down indefinitely after four waves of Russian missile attacks in August and September, underlining the damage to industrial capacity as the war grinds on. Moscow also warned NATO it could resort to nuclear... [Continue Reading]
Russia ramps up disinformation attacks on French media ahead of 2027 presidential race
Pro-Russian influence operations have sharply increased fake news stories that mimic established media brands in France, according to a report published this week by NewsGuard. The findings say the campaign has intensified over the past year and is now targeting French outlets at a scale that stands out among the 21 countries examined. The report comes as France moves closer to its 2027 presidential election, adding a political dimension to the information campaign.NewsGuard said it identified 950 fake news stories linked to three pro-Russian influence operations, all of which copied 163 supposedly trusted news brands. It said the number of... [Continue Reading]
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Iraq marks full US troop withdrawal as coalition mission ends
United States forces have left their remaining bases in Iraq, bringing a phased withdrawal to a close as the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIL expires in the country. Baghdad is marking the change with four Sovereignty Days from September 30 to October 3, presenting the departure as a symbolic shift in Iraq's security posture. The move ends a long-running foreign military presence that has shaped Iraqi politics and security for more than two decades.The withdrawal follows a two-year process set out in a joint Iraq-US statement in September 2024, which said the coalition would wind down in two stages. Under... [Continue Reading]
Last US and UK troops leave Iraq, ending anti-IS mission
The last British and American troops have left Iraq, bringing an end to the coalition military mission against Islamic State in the country. The withdrawal marks a major security transition for Iraq, which says its own forces are now fully responsible for national security and stability. The final UK personnel departed from Irbil in the northern Kurdistan region, while US forces also left on Wednesday.The exit followed an agreement between the US and the Iraqi government signed two years ago, under which foreign troops were to withdraw by the end of this month. Around 100 British military personnel were among... [Continue Reading]
Noontime News Recap: Russia warns NATO over Kaliningrad as Kyiv, Somalia and Mexico face fresh crises
Russia has warned NATO it could resort to nuclear weapons if the alliance tried to cut off Kaliningrad, the Baltic exclave that sits between Poland and Lithuania, sharpening tensions with the West. đź”—Ukraine said four people were killed in overnight Russian drone and missile strikes on Kyiv and nearby areas, including two women and a 14 year old child, as energy infrastructure was also hit. đź”—In the Middle East and aviation, a FlyDubai passenger flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted to Saudi Arabia after an emergency alert was transmitted shortly after takeoff, with the aircraft later landing safely.... [Continue Reading]
South Korea demands apology over DMZ blasts as North Korea denies planting mines
South Korea has demanded a formal apology from North Korea over landmine explosions in the Demilitarised Zone that injured three soldiers earlier this month. The latest exchange centres on the western section of the border buffer zone, where the blasts took place on 21 September near the military demarcation line. Seoul says the incident was a clear violation of the armistice that ended active fighting in the Korean War.Kang Hyunwoo, the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff's director of operations, said the military strongly urged Pyongyang to apologise and take responsible measures to prevent a repeat. Defence Minister Kang Shin-chul... [Continue Reading]
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Hurricane Polo Brings Flooding and Structural Damage After Category 3 Landfall in Mexico
Flooding and damage have been reported in parts of Mexico after Hurricane Polo made landfall as a Category 3 storm. The storm brought heavy rainfall and strong winds to affected areas, with streets submerged in water in some locations. Images from the scene also showed residents clearing fallen branches and debris from their properties.Several buildings were damaged, including roofs that collapsed under the force of the storm. The available reports do not give a full count of affected homes or businesses, but the visual evidence points to widespread disruption in the areas hit by the system. The storm's impact was... [Continue Reading]
Breakfast News Recap: Russia intensifies Kyiv strikes as Iraq sees end of US troop presence
At least three people, including a child, were killed when Russia launched another overnight wave of strikes on Kyiv and surrounding regions, underlining the renewed intensity of the campaign against Ukraine. đź”—Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia steelworks, Zaporizhstal, has been shut down indefinitely after four waves of Russian missile attacks in August and September, while the economy minister said air raid alerts are costing the country about $45m for every hour businesses are forced to stop work. đź”— đź”—In Iraq, the last remaining US troops have left the country, ending a military presence that began in 2003 and completing a withdrawal agreed in... [Continue Reading]
G20 trade ministers meet in Milwaukee amid tariff tensions and limited breakthrough hopes
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer defended Washington's trade approach in Milwaukee on Tuesday, saying the administration is "not anti-trade." He said countries are facing similar challenges linked to global overcapacity and what he described as non-market policies. The comments came as G20 trade ministers opened two days of talks in the city, with tariffs and trade frictions expected to dominate the discussions. The meeting brings together officials from the Group of 20 major economies, including China, India, Russia, Japan, Germany and France, as well as the European Union and the African Union.Analysts quoted ahead of the talks said they did... [Continue Reading]
Malaysia begins repatriating Myanmar nationals amid UN and rights warnings
Malaysia has begun sending back about 1,500 Myanmar nationals from detention centres, according to the supplied material, as it launches a wider repatriation plan covering 5,000 people. The first group was processed at Lumut naval base before boarding buses under police escort to the Majlis Perbandaran Manjung stadium, where the operation was under way on Tuesday. The move has prompted renewed concern from the UN and rights groups, who say some of those returned could face danger in Myanmar.The interior ministry said the repatriations were part of a government plan to resolve what it called a long-standing "legacy issue" involving... [Continue Reading]
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Morocco appoints Fatima Zahra Mansouri as first female prime minister
Morocco's King Mohammed VI has appointed Fatima Zahra Mansouri as prime minister, making her the first woman to hold the post in the country. The announcement was made on Tuesday, four days after the results of parliamentary elections were published. Mansouri has been asked to form a new government and begin coalition talks.The Royal Palace said Mansouri will lead the next administration after her centrist Authenticity and Modernity Party won the most votes in the election. Morocco's electoral system makes it difficult for any single party to secure an outright majority, which means coalition-building is usually required. Mansouri, who is... [Continue Reading]
Ukraine says missile alerts are costing $45m an hour as Russian strikes intensify
Ukraine's economy minister has said air raid alerts are costing the country an estimated $45m for every hour they force businesses to stop work. Oleksandr Kravchenko said the disruption is part of a wider Russian campaign against industrial and logistics infrastructure, with strikes increasingly hitting warehouses, datacentres and other economic assets. He made the comments in Kyiv as the government tries to keep commercial activity going during repeated alerts.Kravchenko said the attacks have become more frequent and more disruptive, with sirens sometimes lasting up to 10 hours a day. He said workers are sent to shelters whenever a red alert... [Continue Reading]
US forces withdraw from remaining bases in Iraq, raising fears of a security vacuum
US forces are withdrawing from their remaining bases in Iraq on Wednesday, completing a pullout that was agreed in 2024. Iraqi officials and analysts say the move could leave a security vacuum at a sensitive moment for the country. The departure is also being watched closely because of concerns it could give Iran-backed militias and Islamic State remnants more room to operate.The withdrawal was agreed under former President Joe Biden and is being carried out by the current administration. According to the supplied reporting, the move comes as the United States continues to confront Iran, which has influence in Iraq... [Continue Reading]
Qatari PM condemns Gaza atrocities and says ceasefire commitments are being violated
Qatar's prime minister has sharply criticised the conduct of the war in Gaza, saying the situation there is unjustified and that whoever is responsible should be treated as a war criminal. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani made the remarks in an interview on Tuesday, speaking about the conflict and Qatar's role as a mediator. He said the response to the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel had gone beyond what could be justified.He said hospitals and schools had been targeted and argued that nothing could justify the scale of destruction. Sheikh Mohammed also said more than... [Continue Reading]
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Zaporizhzhia steelworks shut indefinitely after repeated Russian missile strikes
Ukraine's Zaporizhstal steelworks has been shut down indefinitely after four waves of Russian missile attacks in August and September, according to the company. The plant, in the southeastern city of Zaporizhzhia, was hit repeatedly despite efforts to restart operations after earlier damage. The attacks have left the site severely damaged and raised fresh concerns about the future of one of Ukraine's most important industrial employers.The company said Russia fired a total of 17 missiles at the steelworks. Eight workers were killed and 31 others were wounded in the strikes, according to Oleksandr Myronenko, chief operating officer of the plant's owner,... [Continue Reading]
Day News Recap: Myanmar strike kills dozens as Middle East tensions and Europe sanctions widen
An airstrike near a market in Myanmar's Rakhine state has killed at least 49 people, according to the Arakan Army and a senior rescue official, in one of the deadliest recent attacks in the conflict zone. đź”—In the Middle East, Iran said it is still waiting for a formal US response to its proposal on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, while Qatar warned that the Iran war is putting an unbearable strain on the global economy as mediation efforts continue in New York. đź”— đź”—Tehran is also facing pressure at home, with residents stocking up on food and medicine amid... [Continue Reading]
Russian Tu-95 bomber crashes in Amur region during training flight, killing six crew members
A Russian military Tu-95 bomber crashed in the far eastern Amur region on Tuesday during a training flight, killing six crew members and injuring one other person. The aircraft went down in an uninhabited area, according to the Russian defence ministry. Officials said the plane was not carrying ammunition at the time of the crash.The ministry said the injured crew member was evacuated to a medical facility. It added that preliminary assessments point to a technical malfunction as the likely cause. Authorities have opened a criminal case, and an investigative commission from Russia's Aerospace Forces has been sent to the... [Continue Reading]
Qatar warns Iran war is straining the global economy as mediation continues
Qatar has warned that the Iran war is placing an unbearable strain on the global economy, as Doha says it is continuing efforts to mediate between Washington and Tehran. The warning came during a press briefing in Doha on Tuesday, where the foreign ministry said talks and message-passing had continued in recent days. Qatar said it was still trying to bridge the gap between the two sides despite the conflict and the wider regional fallout.Foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari said the question was how long the international economy could withstand the effects of the war in the region. He... [Continue Reading]
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EU warns of very high winter energy prices amid war-driven market pressure
The European Union's energy commissioner has warned that the bloc is heading into a difficult winter with very high oil and gas prices. Dan Jorgensen made the comments after an informal meeting of EU energy ministers in Dublin, where he said the outlook was being shaped by the war between the United States and Iran and by the conflict in Ukraine. He said there was no forecast of security of supply problems, but described the price environment as challenging.Jorgensen said the EU had already paid an extra €100bn for energy this year without receiving any additional gas or oil. He... [Continue Reading]
Trump-announced $15bn US steel mill draws scrutiny over Essar's Russia ties
A Trump-announced $15bn steel megaplant in the United States is drawing attention because the project is linked to the Indian Essar Group, which has longstanding business ties to Russia. The mill is being developed by Mesabi Metallics, a Minnesota-based company owned by Essar Group, and is expected to become the largest steel plant in the United States once completed. The announcement was made on Monday from the Oval Office, with Donald Trump presenting the project as a major economic win.Ravi Ruia, a cofounder of Essar Group, stood behind Trump during the announcement, alongside a line of US politicians and cabinet... [Continue Reading]
Estonia says Russia ordered arson attack on defence firm Milrem Robotics
Estonia has said an August arson attack on the defence company Milrem Robotics in Tallinn was ordered by Russian special services, in a case that has sharpened tensions between Moscow and NATO's Baltic flank. The company supplies unmanned ground vehicles to Ukraine, placing it at the centre of Estonia's support for Kyiv. The Kremlin has rejected the allegation.Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said investigators had concluded with certainty that the fire was an act of sabotage ordered by the Russian Federation's special services. He said the perpetrators had been apprehended and no longer posed a threat, and that Estonia had... [Continue Reading]
Iranians stock up on food and medicine as fears grow over US embargo and renewed fighting
People in Tehran are stocking up on food and medicine as fears rise that tighter US pressure on Iran could disrupt imports and trigger shortages. Shoppers in the capital have been watching shelves closely as anxiety grows over the prospect of renewed fighting and further restrictions on trade. The concern comes as the war enters its eighth month and diplomatic prospects appear to be fading.The reported pressure includes a US naval blockade, a move toward stricter sanctions and a ban on Iranian airlines worldwide. The United States is also pressing other countries to cut trade ties with Iran, according to... [Continue Reading]
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Sabotage halts gas flow on Syria pipeline near Deir ez-Zor
A fire broke out on Monday evening after an explosion on a gas pipeline between the Al-Shoula area and Deir ez-Zor in eastern Syria, halting gas flow to power stations. Syrian authorities said the blast was caused by sabotage. The incident affected a pipeline linked to the Al-Jabsah plant, one of the country's main gas processing facilities.The official news agency quoted a Syrian Petroleum Company official as saying the fire stopped gas flow from the Al-Jabsah plant to power stations. Authorities did not immediately say who was responsible. The report said the explosion involved a sectional valve on the pipeline,... [Continue Reading]
Putin signs decree adding 15,500 troops to Russian army
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree increasing the authorised size of the Russian armed forces by 15,500 personnel. The order is the fourth expansion decree issued this year and raises the official strength of the army to 2,441,630 units, including 1,550,500 military personnel. The move comes as Russia's war in Ukraine continues and battlefield conditions remain fluid.The decree follows earlier orders in March, June and July, bringing the combined increase since March to 47,860 soldiers. The president did not give a public explanation for the decision. The timing is notable because it comes amid reports of rising losses... [Continue Reading]
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Breakfast News Recap: Myanmar strike toll climbs as Ukraine, Nepal and Iran tensions deepen
At least 49 people have been killed in an airstrike near a market in Myanmar's Rakhine state, according to the Arakan Army and a senior rescue official, in one of the deadliest recent attacks reported from the conflict zone. đź”—In Ukraine, Russian drone and missile strikes hit Kyiv and Dnipro on 28 September, killing at least seven people and wounding more than 80, while a separate rescue effort is under way to extract teenage boys from Russian controlled territory. đź”— đź”—Nepal is also dealing with a severe weather emergency after storms triggered fresh landslides, flooding and an avalanche, leaving at... [Continue Reading]
Australia raises interest rates to 15-year high amid inflation pressure
Australia's central bank has raised its benchmark interest rate to a 15-year high, increasing borrowing costs for households and businesses across the country. The Reserve Bank of Australia lifted the cash rate by 0.25 percentage points to 4.6%, the highest level since 2011. The move comes as policymakers continue to confront persistent inflation and renewed pressure on energy prices.The bank said inflation remained elevated and that previously identified upside risks had materialised. In a statement, its monetary board said there were heightened uncertainties about domestic economic activity and inflation. It added that the unresolved Middle East conflict and global oil... [Continue Reading]
Myanmar airstrike kills at least 49 near market in Rakhine state
The death toll from an airstrike near a market in Myanmar's Rakhine state has risen to at least 49, according to the Arakan Army and a senior rescue official. The attack took place in Kyauktaw township, in territory controlled by the armed group, and injured 58 others. The strike hit a busy civilian area around noon local time, according to the accounts provided.The Arakan Army said a fighter jet dropped two bombs near the local market, killing vendors, shoppers and pedestrians. Wai Hun Aung, a senior rescue official in Rakhine, confirmed the casualties and said the market was the region's... [Continue Reading]
US import ban on Canadian alcohol, dairy and motorcycles takes effect amid trade dispute
A US ban on several Canadian imports, including alcohol, dairy products and motorcycles, has come into force, marking a new step in the trade dispute between the two countries. The measure affects goods shipped from Canada to the United States and follows a breakdown in trade talks earlier this month. It comes after the Trump administration announced the restrictions in executive orders signed on 8 September.The latest action is being enforced in response to Canada's tariffs on a range of US goods. According to the supporting material, the US says the move is tied to what it describes as continued... [Continue Reading]
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EU Council approves first five European Defence Projects of Common Interest
The Council approved the first five European Defence Projects of Common Interest, moving EU-backed defence industrial cooperation into the funding phase. The projects are intended to strengthen Europe's defence readiness and industrial capacity and to support capabilities in drones and counter-drone systems, maritime and seabed defence, space, air and missile defence, and protection of Europe's eastern flank. The Council said the projects are designed to bring European countries together on defence initiatives that are too large or too complex for individual states to develop alone. The five selected projects are now eligible for EU funding through the European Defence Industry... [Continue Reading]
EU sanctions 10 people and 17 entities over deportation of Ukrainian children
The Council of the European Union has adopted restrictive measures against 10 individuals and 17 entities linked to actions against Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence. The measures are directed at those responsible for the systematic unlawful deportation and forcible transfer of Ukrainian children to the Russian Federation and to temporarily occupied territories. The Council said the conduct also includes forced assimilation, indoctrination and militarised education. It identified listed entities as including the Moscow City Tourism Committee and two Russian companies operating in children's recreation, tourism and entertainment services, which were described as organising activities focused on Russian history, war... [Continue Reading]
EU sanctions ten Russian officials over Yabloko election exclusion
The Council adopted today restrictive measures against ten individuals for supporting the repression of democratic opposition and seriously undermining democracy and the rule of law in Russia. Yabloko was the only political party that openly opposed Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. Today's listings also include the judge that sentenced Lev Shlosberg, an opposition politician from the Yabloko political party, to 11 years and one month of imprisonment for discrediting the Russian army and "fake news" regarding Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, as well as the state prosecutor that requested such stern sentence. Lastly, the Council listed the judges... [Continue Reading]
Italian court convicts three Egyptian security officials in Giulio Regeni kidnapping case
An Italian court has convicted three Egyptian security officials in absentia over the kidnapping of Giulio Regeni, the Italian student whose death in Egypt in 2016 triggered years of diplomatic tension. The men were each sentenced to 10 years in prison for aggravated kidnapping, while a fourth defendant was acquitted. The ruling was delivered on Monday in Rome and marks a major new step in a case that has remained unresolved for a decade.Regeni, a postgraduate student at the University of Cambridge, disappeared in Cairo in January 2016 while researching union activity among street vendors. His body was later found... [Continue Reading]
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India releases American Matthew VanDyke and six Ukrainians after months in jail
India has temporarily released American Matthew VanDyke on bail and freed six Ukrainian nationals after more than six months in detention over allegations linked to weapons and drone smuggling. VanDyke returned to the United States on Saturday morning and reunited with his family, according to a family spokesperson. The releases mark a significant development in a case that had drawn attention in both India and the United States.VanDyke, 47, was detained in March by Indian authorities along with the six Ukrainians. Prosecutors earlier this month declined to bring terrorism charges against him and the others, instead formally accusing them of... [Continue Reading]
Trump backs possible US diesel export ban as fuel prices surge
US President Donald Trump has said he would back a ban on diesel producers selling overseas, as fuel prices remain near record highs and governments assess the possible fallout. The proposal comes amid tight global supplies and concern that any restriction on exports from the United States could ripple through transport and food supply chains. Diesel is a key fuel for freight trucks, farm machinery and cargo trains, making it especially sensitive for both consumers and businesses.Average US diesel prices are hovering around $6.45 per gallon, according to the American Automobile Association, with some reports putting the figure above $6.50.... [Continue Reading]
North Korea opens first road bridge to Russia as China link nears completion
North Korea has opened its first road bridge to Russia, with trucks already using the crossing to move cargo between the two countries. The bridge spans the Tumen River and is about 1 kilometre long, according to the supplied report. A second bridge linking North Korea and China is also nearing completion, adding to a small but strategically significant expansion of cross-border infrastructure.The Russia bridge was opened on 7 September, and Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin described it as a "powerful impetus" for trade, economic, scientific, technological and cultural cooperation. He also called the relationship between Moscow and Pyongyang "unprecedented".... [Continue Reading]
Ukraine rescue team races to extract teenage boys from occupied territory
A Ukrainian rescue team is working against the clock to move a group of teenage boys out of Russian-controlled territory, with one extraction described as due to take place the following day. The operation is being coordinated from Kyiv by Kateryna Fedosenko, who works with the non-governmental organisation Save Ukraine. The boys are being taken across Ukraine toward the Belarusian border crossing as part of an effort to get them out of areas where they could face pressure to accept Russian control.Fedosenko said four boys were expected to be moved the next day, and one of them, 17-year-old Bogdan, had... [Continue Reading]
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France declares Gironde megafire extinguished after 69 days
France has declared the massive wildfire in Gironde extinguished after burning for 69 days in the southwest of the country. The fire began in July near the village of Saumos and spread across a wide area of forest land before being brought under control on 1 August. Authorities said the blaze is now out after continuing to smoulder underground for weeks.State services said the Saumos forest fire burned 42,000 hectares this summer, including 37,296 hectares that were destroyed. They also said no deaths were reported. The fire forced the evacuation of around 224,000 people and sent a thick plume of... [Continue Reading]
Iran claims attacks on ships near the Strait of Hormuz as US warships move farther offshore
Iran has claimed that attacks on ships, including US Navy vessels, near the Strait of Hormuz have pushed US warships farther from the Iranian coast. The claim comes amid continuing tension in one of the world's most sensitive maritime chokepoints, where shipping routes and military movements remain closely watched. The latest statements also follow reports that US vessels have shifted position into deeper waters in the central Arabian Sea.The immediate trigger for the renewed focus is reporting that eight US Marines suffered smoke inhalation and possible traumatic brain injuries after an Iranian antiship cruise missile strike on 14 September. US... [Continue Reading]
Day News Recap: Floods, drone attacks and Middle East tensions dominate a grim global day
At least 62 people have been killed in northern India after days of heavy rain and flooding in Uttar Pradesh, with officials saying the water has now begun to ease even as damage and displacement remain severe. The flooding affected several districts and left a wider trail of destruction across the state. đź”—In Germany, authorities said explosive laden drones struck a Ukrainian Antonov aircraft at Leipzig Airport after it had been refuelled, in what police are treating as a suspected Russian hybrid attack. The incident has deepened concern over sabotage risks at critical infrastructure. đź”—Violence also escalated in Africa, where... [Continue Reading]
South Korea summons Ukraine envoy over secret transfer of North Korean POWs
South Korea has formally protested to Ukraine after President Volodymyr Zelensky disclosed the transfer of two captured North Korean soldiers to Seoul. Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo summoned Ukraine's acting ambassador, Andrii Vieshkin, and lodged what Seoul described as a strong complaint over the disclosure. South Korean officials say the handover was meant to remain secret because of national security concerns and the sensitivity of the prisoners' families.The dispute centres on two North Korean soldiers who were captured by Ukrainian forces in Russia's Kursk region in early 2025. According to the account given by Seoul, the men were among thousands... [Continue Reading]
Ben-Gvir joins hundreds of Israelis at Al-Aqsa compound as holiday restrictions tighten
Hundreds of Israelis entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem on Monday under police protection, with National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir among those taking part. The incursion took place on the third day of the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, a period that has repeatedly seen heightened restrictions and tensions around the site. Streets and intersections around the Old City were closed as the visit unfolded, according to the Jerusalem governorate.The governorate said about 900 people entered the compound in the morning, and reported that some danced in circles and sang inside the courtyards. Ben-Gvir said: "We are the... [Continue Reading]
Iraq seeks oil export alternatives as Strait of Hormuz blockade cuts revenues
Iraq is looking for alternative ways to export oil after the continued blockade of the Strait of Hormuz cut off most of its sea-based trade. The disruption has hit a key source of state income and left Baghdad facing a widening financial squeeze. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi raised the issue in a speech to the United Nations General Assembly on Friday.According to the supplied report, Iraq says it has been unable to export about 90% of its oil via the Gulf. Officials say the country has lost about $60bn in oil revenues since the war between the United States and... [Continue Reading]
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Kremlin says Russia-US arms control talks are far behind schedule
The Kremlin said on Monday that arms control talks between Russia and the United States are now very far behind schedule. It said that if the discussions resume, they would need to be lengthy and carefully handled. The statement adds to signs that the wider bilateral relationship remains strained.Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia wants to restore relations with Washington, but that disagreements over the war in Ukraine have so far blocked any meaningful reset. He also addressed calls by Donald Trump for trilateral arms control talks involving China. According to Peskov, Beijing's position against taking part has not changed.China... [Continue Reading]
Noontime News Recap: Floods, drone strikes and oil shock dominate a grim global noon brief
At least 62 people have been killed in Uttar Pradesh after days of heavy rain and flooding in northern India, with officials saying the waters have affected several districts as the rain begins to ease. đź”—Ukraine faced another deadly night of Russian drone attacks, with strikes on Kyiv and Odesa contributing to a nationwide toll of at least 14 dead and 57 injured, according to officials. đź”—In Britain, counter terror police are continuing their investigation after five men were arrested near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire following reports of three suspicious incidents around the base. đź”—Oil markets were jolted after Donald... [Continue Reading]
At least 62 killed in northern India flooding as rain eases
At least 62 people have been killed after days of heavy rain and flooding in Uttar Pradesh, in northern India, officials said. The flooding affected several districts after three days of intense rainfall, and the state government said 46 people were injured. More than 1,000 houses were damaged, while schools were closed in parts of the state, including the capital, Lucknow.Rescue teams were moved into flooded areas to help shift residents to safer locations. Authorities also advised people to avoid unnecessary travel through waterlogged areas and to stay away from fast-flowing rivers, streams and drains. A senior scientist at the... [Continue Reading]
Breakfast News Recap: Ukraine under renewed attack as Europe probes suspected Russian hybrid strike
Russian strikes have killed and injured civilians across Ukraine as attacks intensified, with the latest reported hit on Kharkiv and damage also reported in other regions, underlining the widening pressure on the country’s air defences and civilian areas. 🔗In Germany, authorities say explosive laden drones were used in a suspected Russian hybrid attack at Leipzig Airport, where a Ukrainian Antonov aircraft was struck after refuelling, prompting a police investigation into the incident. 🔗In the Middle East, fighting has intensified on the front line near Taiz in south western Yemen, where BBC reporting says Saudi backed pro government forces are trying... [Continue Reading]
Bangkok flooding continues as disaster declaration covers all 50 districts
Parts of Bangkok remained under water on Monday after days of heavy rain overwhelmed the city's drainage system. The flooding has affected streets, homes and transport links across the capital, with some areas still difficult to access. In Bang Kapi, residents were seen wading through knee- and waist-deep water to collect essential supplies, while small boats were used to reach shops.Officials said some parts of the city recorded more than 30 centimetres of rain, with around 300 millimetres falling in 48 hours in sections of the capital. Authorities declared a disaster across all 50 districts and made Monday and Tuesday... [Continue Reading]
Serbia calls snap parliamentary election for 25 October amid student revolt
Serbia has moved to an early parliamentary election on 25 October, after President Aleksandar Vucic announced the vote in response to months of student-led protests and wider political pressure. The election had originally been due in December 2027, making the new timetable a significant acceleration of Serbia's political calendar. Analysts quoted in the supplied reporting say the decision is intended to reduce political risk rather than settle the crisis.The protests have been driven by anger over a 2024 railway-station canopy collapse that killed 16 people, with student demonstrators accusing the authorities of negligence and corruption. The unrest has continued for... [Continue Reading]
Tokyo and Asia-Pacific Close Higher as Nikkei Surges, Gold Slumps and Oil Firms
Executive summary: Tokyo and broader Asia-Pacific trading ended with a clear risk-on split, Japanese and Korean equities rallied sharply while Hong Kong and Australian shares slipped. The Nikkei 225 jumped +2.7%, the Kospi rose +2.9%, and the Nikkei 225 ETF tracked the move higher. In commodities, gold and silver sold off hard, while WTI crude extended gains. FX moves were modest, with USD/JPY little changed and USD/CNY edging higher. [Continue Reading]
Northern Ireland Drumcree parade blocked by protesters in Portadown
Hundreds of protesters blocked a road in Portadown, County Armagh, on Sunday, preventing a contentious Orange Order parade from going ahead. The Drumcree procession had been due to proceed for the first time in 30 years after late legal challenges, but the route remained blocked as police vehicles stood nearby. The scene drew in senior political figures and revived one of Northern Ireland's most sensitive parade disputes.Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill joined the protesters, while Orange Order members and Democratic Unionist Party politicians gathered about a mile away waiting for the road to clear. The supplied report says most... [Continue Reading]
Powerful nor'easter floods US Northeast as outages rise and storm lingers
The nor'easter continued to flood low-lying areas in New Jersey and New York City on Sunday, while strong winds and heavy rain left tens of thousands of homes without power across the Northeast. Tidal surges swamped coastal neighbourhoods in New Jersey, and streets in Howard Beach in Queens were inundated as the slow-moving storm pressed on into a second day. The weather system was expected to linger through Sunday, with impacts extending into New England.Officials and weather forecasters said the storm had already produced more than 10cm, or 4 inches, of rain in some parts of New Jersey since Friday.... [Continue Reading]
Cuba warns US military action would be an international crime amid rising tensions with Washington
A senior Cuban official has warned that any United States military action against Cuba would amount to a serious international crime. Carlos Fernandez de Cossio, Cuba's deputy foreign minister, made the remarks in an interview on Sunday as tensions rose after comments by US President Donald Trump about the island. He also rejected Trump's description of Cuba as a failed state.Fernandez de Cossio said it would be an "atrocious international crime" for the US to use military force against what he described as a peaceful neighbouring country. He also accused Washington of coercive measures that he said were designed to... [Continue Reading]
Explosive-laden drones found at Leipzig Airport in suspected Russian hybrid attack
German authorities say a drone attack at Leipzig Airport involved explosive-laden drones striking a Ukrainian Antonov aircraft after it had been refuelled. Police later found additional drones carrying explosives, raising concern that the incident could have caused a major fire or mass casualties. The airport is one of Europe's busiest cargo hubs and the aircraft was parked in an area used for night operations.According to the supplied account, a bus driver ferrying pilots on the night shift first noticed drone debris near the aircraft almost midnight on a warm August evening. The driver approached the wreckage and saw what appeared... [Continue Reading]
Afghanistan says 28 fighters killed in Nuristan border clash with Pakistan-linked accusations
Afghanistan says its forces killed 28 fighters in the eastern province of Nuristan after cross-border fighting with a group it says had entered from Pakistan. The Taliban-run Ministry of Defence said the clash took place on Sunday and was confirmed in a statement posted online. Pakistan rejected the allegations and denied any role in the incident.The Afghan defence ministry said the fighters crossed the border from Pakistan before the confrontation. It also alleged that most of those killed were former Afghan government security personnel recruited by Pakistan's intelligence services with promises of asylum and paid work abroad. The ministry further... [Continue Reading]
Swiss voters reject stricter neutrality rules as all cantons back the no vote
Swiss voters have decisively rejected a proposal to tighten the country's neutrality rules, with final results showing about 70% voting against the measure. All cantons rejected the motion, confirming the scale of the defeat for supporters of the initiative. The proposal would have written a stricter version of neutrality into the constitution and limited Switzerland's room to cooperate with NATO and impose sanctions on warring states.The final tally was released by the Federal Statistical Office and confirmed the earlier projection that the initiative would fail by a wide margin. The motion had been promoted by the Swiss People's Party, with... [Continue Reading]
US-led Board of Peace excludes UNRWA from Gaza reconstruction role amid stalled ceasefire terms
The US-led Board of Peace has said the UN agency for Palestinian refugees will have no role in Gaza, sharpening a dispute over who will help manage aid and reconstruction in the territory. The board said it would work only with partners it considers reliable and able to meet the needs of Gaza's population. The decision comes as the board advances a multibillion-dollar reconstruction blueprint and key ceasefire terms remain unresolved.The plan was unveiled on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly and includes 66 projects, with $2.4bn proposed for work intended to begin Gaza's recovery. According to the... [Continue Reading]
Germany debates blocking AfD from sensitive intelligence after Saxony-Anhalt election win
Germany is facing a new political-security dispute after the far-right Alternative for Germany, or AfD, won a regional election in Saxony-Anhalt and is trying to form a coalition government. The prospect of the party entering office has raised questions over whether it could gain access to classified intelligence gathered by German agencies. The debate has also drawn in allies, after reports that French domestic intelligence signalled it may withhold sensitive information if the AfD governs in the eastern state.The concern centres on Saxony-Anhalt, one of Germany's 16 states, which has broad powers under the country's federal system. According to the... [Continue Reading]
Ireland sees higher energy, fuel and mortgage costs after Iran war escalation
Irish consumers are paying more for fuel, energy and mortgage repayments after the escalation of the war involving Iran, according to a report published on Sunday. The article says the latest conflict in the Middle East has continued for nearly seven months and is still feeding through to household costs in Ireland. It links the increases to the period after the United States began launching strikes on Iran at the end of February.The report says diesel and petrol prices in Ireland were around €1.70 a litre at the end of February, before the escalation intensified. It says diesel is now... [Continue Reading]
Cuba condemns US oil blockade at UN as Trump predicts a deal
Cuba's foreign minister has condemned the United States' oil blockade against the island during a speech at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Bruno Rodriguez described the measure as an act of collective punishment and said it was intended to trigger a humanitarian crisis. His remarks came as tensions between Washington and Havana remained high, with Donald Trump saying he expects the two countries to reach an agreement.Rodriguez told delegates that Cuba remained open to talks with the US, but only on the basis of sovereign equality and without preconditions. He said Havana had always been prepared for... [Continue Reading]
Russian Aeroflot plane remains stranded at Geneva airport after sanctions ban flights
A Russian passenger plane has remained parked at Geneva airport since the start of the full-scale war in Ukraine, after sanctions prevented it from leaving Switzerland. The Aeroflot Airbus A321, registered VP-BOE and named after Russian soprano Galina Vishnevskaya, landed in Geneva on 27 February 2022. It has stayed there ever since, becoming one of the more visible examples of how aviation sanctions have affected Russian carriers.The aircraft was due to return to Russia, but the following day Switzerland joined European countries in banning Russian aircraft from landing or taking off from its airports. That decision left the plane stranded... [Continue Reading]
At least 12 killed in suicide bombing at police checkpoint in northwestern Pakistan
At least 12 people were killed and 30 wounded in a suicide bombing at a roadside police checkpoint in Pakistan's northwestern Dera Ismail Khan district, according to police. The blast hit near Aman Mela in the Darazinda area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Saturday. Police said most of those killed and injured were security personnel, with passersby also among the casualties.Local police chief Safdar Baloch said the injured included police officers, customs personnel and two civilians. Rescue 1122 said teams from the Darazinda station reached the scene and began relief work, including medical assistance and transfers to hospital. No group... [Continue Reading]
US and China open AI incident channel as trade truce is extended to January
The United States and China have agreed to establish a bilateral communication channel for artificial intelligence incidents after a summit in Washington, according to the White House. The announcement came after a three-day state visit and talks between President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping that also covered trade and other disputes. There was no immediate comment from Beijing on the White House statement.The AI channel was one of the clearest new outcomes from the meeting, which the White House said also produced an extension of the trade truce from November to January. The move gives both sides more time... [Continue Reading]
Iraq says oil revenue losses and trade disruption deepen economic strain after Iran war spillover
Iraq says the war involving Iran has triggered a sharp economic shock, cutting oil revenues and disrupting trade routes that pass through the Strait of Hormuz. The government says the impact has been felt in exports, imports and transport costs, adding pressure to an economy that depends heavily on oil income. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has described the country as facing extraordinary economic challenges.According to the supplied report, Iraq says it has lost about $60bn in oil revenues since the conflict began. Officials say that, for a period, the country was unable to export about 90% of its oil through... [Continue Reading]
Gaza families shelter in damaged buildings at risk of collapse
Families in Gaza City are living inside damaged buildings that local rescue teams say could collapse, as repeated displacement leaves many with nowhere safer to go. One family is sheltering in a partially collapsed apartment near Palestine Square, where a tent has been pitched beneath a roof broken open by concrete and exposed steel. The case highlights the wider housing crisis across Gaza after years of war and severe damage to homes and infrastructure.The family's situation became more urgent after the Palestinian Red Crescent and Civil Defence visited last week and warned them to leave the building. The apartment belongs... [Continue Reading]
Yemen leader calls for mobilisation and offers amnesty to Houthi defectors as fighting shifts toward Bab al-Mandeb
Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council chair Rashad al-Alimi has called on people to mobilise and join the government-aligned armed forces as the conflict shifts toward the western Red Sea coast and the Bab al-Mandeb strait. In a recorded speech on Friday, he also pledged amnesty for any Houthi fighter who defects to government forces. The appeal came after government losses on the western Red Sea coast and as the Houthis pressed advances toward the strategic waterway.Al-Alimi said Yemenis should rally around the armed and security forces and enlist through official channels. He said the amnesty would take effect immediately for those... [Continue Reading]
Trump and Xi end Washington summit with limited progress and tariff truce extension
President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping have ended a Washington summit with no major breakthroughs, but with an agreement to extend a tariff truce for two months. The talks concluded after a three-day state visit marked by formal ceremonies, a state banquet and a final stop at the National Archives. The visit also included tea at the White House and a series of public appearances designed to project momentum in the relationship.The clearest confirmed outcome was the tariff pause, which both sides said would continue for two more months. Trump and Xi also said they would meet again... [Continue Reading]
Ukraine says Russia widened attacks to hit data centres and internet providers
Ukraine says Russian strikes have widened to include data centres and internet providers, after a drone hit a business centre in Kyiv and damaged a data centre. Ukrainian officials said four people were killed in the attack, while a separate strike killed a 14-year-old boy. The latest damage has also affected internet access and public information systems in parts of the country.President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia was expanding what he described as an escalation campaign against ordinary life, including American and other businesses, data centres and internet providers. He said the aim was to cause maximum disruption for civilians, affecting... [Continue Reading]
Poland raises air-defence posture after alleged Russian airspace incursions
Poland has raised its air-defence posture after what it described as repeated alleged Russian incursions into its airspace in recent weeks. The move comes as Warsaw says it is expanding protection of the country's airspace and increasing air force activity, including F-16 aircraft and helicopters. Officials say the measures are intended to secure the eastern part of Polish airspace and respond to what they see as a growing pattern of pressure.Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said he had decided to expand airspace protection after the latest Russian provocations and acts of aggression. The Polish Air Force launched preventive air patrols on... [Continue Reading]
Canada's Carney says he has examined remote risk of US military attack amid tensions with Washington
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has said he examined the possibility of a US military attack against Canada, describing it as an extreme tail risk. His comments were made in an interview published on Wednesday and come as trade and sovereignty tensions between Ottawa and Washington continue to deepen. The remarks place an unusual national-security question inside a broader dispute that has already been shaped by tariffs, collapsed trade talks and repeated political rhetoric about Canada's future.Carney said the scenario was so unlikely that it should still be considered in risk planning, but not as a forecast of war. He... [Continue Reading]
Sudanese refugee arrivals surge into eastern Chad as UN warns of funding shortfall
More than 55,000 Sudanese refugees have crossed into Chad this year, with arrivals into the country's eastern border areas rising sharply in recent days, according to the UN refugee agency. The agency said about 400 people a day are now entering via Adre and Tine, around 20 times the rate seen in previous months. It said the increase is adding pressure to an already strained humanitarian response in eastern Chad.UNHCR said the surge has accelerated over the past week and is outpacing available support. The agency said the Tine transit centre is under severe pressure and is currently hosting more... [Continue Reading]
Kazakh officials detained after Caspian Sea training deaths as investigation widens
Five senior military officials have been detained in Kazakhstan after 14 service members died when they were swept into the Caspian Sea during a combat training mission, authorities said. The detentions came as investigators examined decisions made during the organisation and execution of the exercise, including whether safety requirements were followed and whether weather conditions were properly taken into account. Officials said the incident happened some 43km from Aktau in south-western Kazakhstan.Those detained include the chief of staff and first deputy commander of Kazakhstan's Naval Forces, two military unit commanders, and the commanders of a marine company and a boat.... [Continue Reading]
Pope Leo warns UN risks becoming a 'charade' during Paris visit
Pope Leo has warned that the United Nations and other multilateral bodies are in crisis, using a speech in Paris to question whether international dialogue is still serving the common good. Speaking at the headquarters of UNESCO, the UN culture and education agency, he said diplomacy risked becoming a "charade" rather than a path to peace. He also raised concerns about artificial intelligence and the possibility of "losing our humanity".The pontiff made the remarks during a weekend visit to France, while the UN General Assembly was taking place in New York. He said that those in power sometimes invoke the... [Continue Reading]
Hawaii warns of catastrophic flash flooding as Hurricane Nolo nears Big Island
Authorities in Hawaii have warned of catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding on the Big Island as Hurricane Nolo moves close to the island. The alert comes as the storm strengthens and tracks near one of the state's most populated islands. Officials say the main risks now include extreme rainfall, mudslides and dangerous flooding in steep terrain.The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has issued an alert for possible catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding this weekend. The National Hurricane Center said Nolo could bring as much as three feet of rain, with maximum sustained winds of up to 80 mph. The... [Continue Reading]
Hurricane Polo barrels toward Baja California as powerful east Pacific storm
Hurricane Polo is moving toward Mexico's Baja California region as a powerful east Pacific storm, with forecasters warning of damaging winds, torrential rain and dangerous seas. The hurricane was described as the second-most intense on record in the east Pacific after a pressure reading of 892 millibars was recorded on 22 September. It is expected to turn west-north-west before taking a more north-westerly track on Saturday.The storm has maximum sustained winds of around 150 mph, with stronger gusts in the most intense parts of the system. Hurricane-force winds extend about 40 miles from the centre, while tropical-storm-force winds reach as... [Continue Reading]
Trump said to make final decision on Ukraine Patriot production licence, Zelenskyy says
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Donald Trump has made a final decision to grant Ukraine a licence to produce Patriot missiles. Zelenskyy said the two leaders discussed the issue at their last meeting, and that Ukraine would receive licences for domestic production. The announcement adds a new element to Kyiv's long-running effort to strengthen its air defences during the war with Russia.Zelenskyy made the remarks in a voice note to reporters on Friday. He said Trump had told him: "Yes, I have made a final decision. Ukraine will receive licences for the production of Patriot missiles." Zelenskyy also said on... [Continue Reading]
Netanyahu delivers defiant UN speech amid protests and walkouts in New York
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu used his address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York to mount a forceful defence of Israel's conduct in Gaza and its campaign against Iran. The speech came as planned protests took place outside the venue and dozens of delegates walked out of the hall as he approached the podium. Netanyahu, who is preparing for Israel's legislative elections in October, turned the appearance into a broad attack on critics at home and abroad.During the speech, Netanyahu accused opponents of Israel's war in Gaza of moral failure and criticised media outlets and international partners.... [Continue Reading]
Pakistan-Afghanistan border fighting escalates as cross-border fire continues
Pakistani security sources said several Afghan Taliban members were killed in an intermittent exchange of fire in the Gulistan area on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border on Friday, as fighting continued after a fresh round of air and drone strikes. The latest violence follows Pakistani attacks on sites in Afghanistan that Islamabad said were linked to drone infrastructure and militant hideouts. There has been no official confirmation from either government on the reported deaths in Gulistan.The Afghan government said on Thursday that it would deliver an appropriate response to the Pakistani strikes, which it said hit 10 locations in Afghanistan, including Kandahar,... [Continue Reading]
UK warns Iran over hostile activity on British soil at UN meeting
The United Kingdom has warned Iran that it will not tolerate intimidation, threats or hostile activity on British soil, in a face-to-face meeting between Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in New York. The talks took place on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, where the two ministers also discussed the war in the Middle East and the detention of a British couple in Iran. The warning adds to a period of strained relations between London and Tehran, with British officials linking the issue to alleged Iranian involvement in threats and attacks in the UK.According... [Continue Reading]
US Navy confirms eight suicide attempts during USS Abraham Lincoln deployment as new details emerge
Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao has confirmed that eight sailors attempted suicide while deployed with the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group during its extended time at sea. The disclosure was made in a letter to Senator Kirsten Gillibrand after she asked about conditions aboard the ship and its supporting vessels. The carrier group had spent a record-setting uninterrupted period at sea before docking in Thailand for a rest stop.The new information adds to earlier concerns about crew welfare on the deployment, which had already drawn attention because of reports of stress, poor mental health and shortages of basic supplies... [Continue Reading]
Albanese warns of breakdown in global rules in UN speech on AI and climate
Australia's prime minister has used a speech to the United Nations General Assembly in New York to warn that the international rules-based system is under severe strain. Anthony Albanese said climate change and artificial intelligence were among the most urgent issues requiring global cooperation. He also used the address to support Australia's bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council.Mr Albanese told delegates that the multilateral system had come under immense pressure and that the order based on agreed rules and institutions faced major disruption. He said Australia supported the rules and institutions that underpin open trade and... [Continue Reading]
Croatian court approves extradition in Nord Stream bombing case
A Croatian court has approved the extradition of a Ukrainian man wanted by Germany in connection with the 2022 Nord Stream pipeline explosions. The ruling concerns a suspect identified by German prosecutors as Vladimir Z., but the decision is not yet final. His lawyer said the case will be appealed, leaving the timing of any transfer uncertain.The man was arrested in the northern Croatian town of Pula in August on a European warrant, while he was reportedly working on a film dramatization of the attack. According to the account provided by his lawyer, the court approved extradition on September 18.... [Continue Reading]
Trump hosts Xi Jinping at the White House as state dinner follows talks on AI and security
US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump have hosted a welcome ceremony at the White House for visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan. The visit then moved into formal talks covering artificial intelligence, Iran, Ukraine, the Middle East and the Korean Peninsula. Later in the day, Mr Xi was expected to join Mr Trump for a state dinner at the White House, with technology and business leaders also on the guest list.The new details add clearer scope to a meeting already framed as a major diplomatic moment between Washington and Beijing. The supplied material... [Continue Reading]
Ethiopia conflict escalates as Tigrayan forces say they are in full-blown war
Tigrayan forces say they are in a "full-blown war" with Ethiopia's army as fighting spreads across three regions in the north of the country. The latest clashes involve Tigray, Amhara and Afar, according to the supplied material, marking the most serious escalation since the 2022 peace deal. The Tigray People's Liberation Front has also joined with former rivals to form a new opposition alliance, raising the stakes of the confrontation.The fighters say their aim is to overthrow the government in Addis Ababa, while both the federal authorities and the TPLF accuse each other of breaching the terms of the 2022... [Continue Reading]
Danish intelligence warns Russia could launch limited attack on NATO country within months
Danish intelligence has warned that Russia could carry out a limited military attack against a NATO country in the coming months. The assessment, published on Thursday, said there was a low but growing risk of action against NATO infrastructure supporting Ukraine. It also said Moscow could attempt a limited incursion into a neighbouring country using a small number of troops, potentially operating without insignia.The warning came hours after a fire at a Starlink satellite station in central Poland, which local authorities described as an act of sabotage. Poland's deputy prime minister said the blaze in the Masovian voivodeship had been... [Continue Reading]
NATO says it is ready for Russian hybrid attacks amid rising concern in Europe
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has said the alliance is ready for Russian cyberattacks and other forms of hybrid warfare, as European concern grows over Moscow's tactics. He said NATO has response options in place and urged member states to provide more support for Ukraine. His comments came amid warnings from Danish intelligence that Russia is likely to step up hybrid attacks against Western targets.Rutte said Russia is doing more in the cyber domain and that NATO is prepared to respond. He linked stronger support for Ukraine with sending a signal to Moscow after any hybrid incident or attack. The... [Continue Reading]
Mahmoud Abbas addresses UN General Assembly by video after US visa denial
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas delivered a recorded address to the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday after the United States denied visas to him and his delegation. He was not present in the chamber, and his speech was instead transmitted to delegates. Abbas used the appearance to criticise the visa decision and to accuse Israel of deepening the fragmentation of Palestinian territory.Abbas said the denial of entry amounted to a breach of the obligations of the United States as host country for the General Assembly. He argued that Palestinians and their leadership should not be punished for demanding an... [Continue Reading]
RAF Hawk training jet crashes in north Wales as investigation continues
A Royal Air Force Hawk training jet has crashed during a training exercise in north Wales, with footage showing the aircraft coming down on the island of Anglesey. The video appears to show the jet flying low before nosediving and bursting into flames after impact. Two pilots can be seen ejecting moments before the crash, according to the available footage.The incident happened on Wednesday, and the defence minister said an investigation is underway. The aircraft was a Hawk fighter jet used for training, and the crash took place during a routine exercise rather than in combat. The available material does... [Continue Reading]
EU sanctions Russian commentator Xenia Fedorova after France expulsion
The European Union has imposed sanctions on Russian commentator Xenia Fedorova, according to a notice published in the bloc's Official Journal. The move follows her expulsion from France in August over allegations that she was spreading pro-Russian narratives. Fedorova is a former senior executive of RT France and has been described by the EU as active in the dissemination of pro-Russian narratives in France and across the bloc in the context of Russia's war against Ukraine.The sanctions were published on Thursday, making Fedorova subject to European restrictive measures. France had already barred her from entering the country after a court... [Continue Reading]
Hurricane Polo remains powerful off Mexico as Tropical Storm Nolo prompts Hawaii watch
Hurricane Polo is continuing to bring heavy rain and strong surf to Mexico's Pacific coast, while Tropical Storm Nolo is prompting preparations in Hawaii. The US National Hurricane Center said Polo was about 130 miles south-southwest of Zihuatanejo early on Thursday, moving northwest at 7 mph before a later turn west-northwest and then northwest again over the weekend. Forecasters said the storm was expected to keep Category 5 strength as it tracks along the coast over the next few days.The main concern in Mexico is not a direct landfall but the rainfall and coastal impacts associated with the storm's outer... [Continue Reading]
Oil and fuel markets under pressure as key energy routes strain
Pressure on major energy shipping routes is testing the resilience of the global oil market, with disruption stretching from the Strait of Hormuz to the Red Sea and the Black Sea. The strain is affecting the movement of crude and fuel at a time when markets are already tight. Shuttle tankers are helping keep oil flowing through Hormuz, but at a much higher cost.The wider result is a market shock that is feeding through to transport and fuel prices. The immediate concern is not a complete halt in supply, but the rising cost and complexity of moving energy. The supplied... [Continue Reading]
Russia accused of using North Korean workers in Alabuga drone production
Russia is being accused of recruiting thousands of North Korean workers to assemble drones at the Alabuga special economic zone in Tatarstan, according to a report cited in the supplied material. The site is described as a key hub for producing Russian versions of Iran's Shahed drone, which are used in attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. The reporting says the labour scheme is part of a wider effort to sustain Russia's defence production while bypassing sanctions.The material says the UN Security Council's Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team found that between 15,000 and 30,000 North Korean workers were present in Russia... [Continue Reading]
Poland says fire at Starlink station was deliberate sabotage
Poland has said a fire at a Starlink satellite station in central Poland was a deliberate act of sabotage. Deputy Prime Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski said the blaze in Masovian Voivodeship was designed to disable the site and disrupt internet access for several institutions, including the Ukrainian army. The station remains operational, but officials say the incident is being treated as intentional.Gawkowski said the fire broke out on Wednesday night in Wola Krobowska, and that an investigation is under way. He told Polish public broadcaster TVP Info that many indications suggest the attack fits a new Russian doctrine of attack, although... [Continue Reading]
Venezuela's Delcy Rodriguez thanks Trump at UN after years of confrontation
Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez used her address at the United Nations General Assembly in New York to thank United States President Donald Trump for resuming diplomatic relations and cooperation with Venezuela. The remarks marked a sharp contrast with her speech at the same forum in 2019, when she accused Washington of economic warfare and regime-change efforts. The shift in tone came as Venezuela remains at the centre of a wider political dispute involving its leadership and relations with the United States.According to the supplied material, Rodriguez spoke at the UN stage in New York on Tuesday and later appeared... [Continue Reading]
Yemen government forces claim to repel Houthi attacks in Taiz as fighting continues
Yemen's government-aligned forces say they have repelled coordinated Houthi attacks on several fronts in the southwestern governorate of Taiz. The fighting was reported on Thursday and follows renewed clashes in an area that has become increasingly important for control of roads and high ground. According to the reported account, the battles are continuing in the country's southwest, where both sides are competing for strategic positions.Colonel Majid al-Nuzaili, spokesman for the Saudi Arabia-backed government forces, said the Houthis launched the attacks on Wednesday night in an attempt to reach positions on a key road linking the Aden, Lahj and Taiz governorates.... [Continue Reading]
Poland warns residents to prepare evacuation backpacks after Russian helicopter incursion
Poland has urged residents to be ready for emergencies after a Russian Mi-8 helicopter crossed into its airspace from the Kaliningrad region, in an incident that also prompted NATO fighter jets to scramble. The aircraft was reported to have flown over Polish territory for about 42 seconds, with officials saying it came from the heavily militarised exclave near the town of Braniewo. Polish authorities described the episode as a fresh test of air defences and a reminder that civilians should have basic supplies ready in case of disruption.Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski said he already keeps an... [Continue Reading]
Australia faces diesel price spike as US export curbs are considered
Australian diesel prices could rise above $3 a litre if the Trump administration moves ahead with a ban on US diesel exports, according to market reporting on Thursday. The warning comes as fuel costs climb amid disrupted global supply and renewed pressure on international oil markets. Canberra is currently recording the highest diesel price among the capital cities, at 298.7 cents per litre.The same reporting said unleaded petrol in Canberra was priced at 250 cents per litre, while diesel prices in other cities were not far behind. Prices have risen by nearly 40 cents a litre since the start of... [Continue Reading]
Ukraine and Russia intensify long-range drone war over occupied Luhansk
Ukraine and Russia are intensifying a long-range drone war that is increasingly shaping the conflict far from the front line. A report from eastern Ukraine describes Ukrainian Fire Point FP-2 drones being prepared for a mission into occupied Luhansk, more than 200 miles away. The account also says Russia has rapidly upgraded its own drone arsenal, including a jet-powered shift that has changed the scale and pace of attacks.The Ukrainian unit involved is the 413 Raid drone regiment, a specialist formation created two years ago and operating FP-2 attack drones since last autumn, according to one of its commanders. The... [Continue Reading]
Turkey agrees to gradual handover of Bashiqa base to Iraq amid wider security deal
Turkey and Iraq have agreed to a gradual transfer of the Bashiqa military base to Baghdad, according to a statement from the Iraqi prime minister's office. The announcement followed a meeting in New York between Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. The two sides also said they would deepen security cooperation and expand bilateral trade and investment.The statement said the agreement also covered steps to fully establish state authority in Sinjar and end the presence of foreign armed elements there. It referred to the Kurdistan Workers'... [Continue Reading]
The Ghosn Paradox The Imperial Savior, His Cinematic Escape, and the Desperate Call to Salvage a Crumbling Nissan
The Man Who Defied Corporate Gravity Few corporate sagas in modern history possess the cinematic drama, geopolitical friction, and sheer psychological tension as the rise and fall of Carlos Ghosn. Once lauded as the ultimate transnational executive, a multi-lingual titan capable of bridging disparate business cultures, Ghosn became the absolute center of a global firestorm. His story cuts through the pristine facade of global corporate governance to reveal a messy underbelly of nationalism, legal vulnerability, and strategic failure. Rebuilding an Empire from the Ashes of Bankruptcy The mythos of Carlos Ghosn began in 1999. Nissan, one of Japan's proudest manufacturing... [Continue Reading]
THE BATTLE FOR ALI AL-TAHER: HOW A SOUTHERN LEBANON AMBUSH SHATTERED TRUMP’S WASHINGTON AGREEMENT
A catastrophic military escalation in Southern Lebanon has successfully disrupted the highest levels of global diplomacy. Just days after the signing of the United States and Iran Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), an armoured battlefield clash on the strategic heights of Ali al-Taher has effectively frozen implementation talks scheduled to begin today in Switzerland. The crisis provides an alarming look at how kinetic actions on the ground can instantly sabotage geopolitical blueprints designed in Washington. The Official Statement from Hezbollah Following the midnight clashes, the media wing of Hezbollah issued a formal, comprehensive statement outlining their strategic justification and rejecting accusations... [Continue Reading]
Fear the Shia, Arm the Sunnis: The Uncomfortable Numbers Behind America’s War Narrative
“When fear is managed carefully enough, a nation can be taught to look away from the blood on the floor and stare instead at the shadow on the wall.” A friend of mine, whose name I will not reveal because he asked me not to, sat across from me over dinner and placed a question on the table that would not leave me alone. He was born into a Muslim Shia background, and for the angle of this article, that detail matters, not because I wish to reduce a man to a sect, but because sect has become one of... [Continue Reading]
The Great Uncoupling: Abu Dhabi’s Sovereign Gambit
The UAE’s decision to cut ties with OPEC is far more than a mere adjustment of energy policy, for it functions as a political telegram written in barrels and sent directly to the heart of the global order. For nearly six decades, Abu Dhabi operated within the rigid architecture of producer discipline, where it accepted the rituals of quotas, the formality of communiqués, and the heavy burden of collective restraint. It played the long game of oil diplomacy with a patient hand, balancing its own massive national ambitions against the gravity of cartel discipline and the delicate logic of Gulf... [Continue Reading]
The Mirage of the Umbrella: The Shifting Sands of the U.S.-Israel-GCC Alliance
As I sat in a recent debate at the historic Carlton Club in London, listening to Faisal Abbas, the Editor-in-Chief of Arab News, I felt a tangible shift in the room, not because a new fact had been revealed, but because an old illusion had finally lost its last breath. The old-world order has not merely changed, it has evaporated, leaving the Gulf to realize it is no longer watching a distant fire from the safety of marble towers and air-conditioned ministries, but is instead standing directly inside the smoke. The GCC today is caught in a lethal crossfire between... [Continue Reading]
The Glass Elevator to Nowhere: A World Trapped in a Chocolate Factory
As a journalist in my mid-fifties, I thought my skin had thickened to the point of being impenetrable. I have covered the rise and fall of regimes, the grinding gears of the Cold War's leftovers, and the digital revolutions that promised to unite us. I thought I had seen every trick in the political playbook. Then came Donald Trump’s 2026 foreign policy, and I realized I was not watching a statesman; I was watching a child play with a chemistry set he does not understand. The Willy Wonka of the West: Rule by Whim Walking into a press briefing lately... [Continue Reading]
Lessons learned from Dubai … or not?
It might be early to assess the impact of war on Dubai, the self-declared crisis proof planet, but some lessons can be drawn from its magic well, right now. First and foremost, I remember a saying about fairness: No, not the boomerang, and that what goes around comes around (the dark tales related to Lebanon and Gaza), but about a simple rule of thumb. If you expect the world to be fair with you because you are fair, you’re fooling yourself: that’s like expecting the lion not to eat you because you didn’t eat it. It applies to humans and... [Continue Reading]
When Deterrence Becomes Reality
Yesterday the war crossed a line! For years the Sejjil ballistic missile existed mostly as a symbol. A weapon paraded in military videos, discussed in defense briefings, whispered about in strategic circles as one of Iran’s most serious capabilities. A weapon that analysts described as deterrence, not something meant to be used. But on March 15, 2026, that line disappeared. Iran reportedly launched the Sejjil (also known as Ashoura) as part of what Tehran called the 54th wave of Operation True Promise 4, a massive strike package that also included the Fattah hypersonic missile and the Qadr ballistic missile system.... [Continue Reading]
The Madness of Power, From Balfour to the Edge of World War Three
A Voice in the Wilderness of War: Who Still Dares to Speak Truth While Empires March There are moments in history when the world suddenly accelerates toward disaster, moments when anyone who has studied history can feel the temperature rising even before the explosions reach their peak. The current escalation in the Middle East is one of those moments. According to the facts we now see unfolding, the United States and Israel made the unilateral decision to attack Iran without the approval of the United Nations, without a global coalition mandate, and without the support of most of the international... [Continue Reading]
The Proving Ground, When “Decent” Reporting Meets High-Tech Warfare
For two decades I have watched wars unfold not only on battlefields, but on screens. Today’s incident over Kuwait, involving the downing of a U.S. F-15 Strike Eagle, is not just another headline in the Iran conflict. It may be a signal that something larger is unfolding behind the noise. Iranian state outlets rapidly circulated imagery of an ejected pilot. Washington responded cautiously. But beneath the spectacle lies a deeper question, whose technology was truly being tested? The Gulf as a live-fire laboratory For years, China has refined export-ready variants of its air defense systems, particularly the HQ-9 family and... [Continue Reading]
Shadows of Fire: The Long Arc of Iran–United States Tensions
A Region on Edge: The Latest Escalation In recent months, tensions between Iran and the United States have intensified once again, fueled by disputes over regional security, nuclear development, maritime incidents in the Persian Gulf, and the broader strategic balance in the Middle East. Officials in Washington have expressed renewed concern over Iran’s uranium enrichment levels, while leaders in Tehran have accused the United States of economic warfare through sanctions and diplomatic isolation. The fragile equilibrium that followed earlier rounds of indirect negotiations appears increasingly strained, with both sides engaging in sharp rhetoric at the United Nations, reinforcing military postures... [Continue Reading]
There Is Good in Every Bad
Power, Greed, Oil, and the Theater of Modern Geopolitics The Business Model of Power Donald Trump does not govern like a traditional politician. He governs like a negotiator who believes every geopolitical crisis is leverage, every war threat is a bargaining chip, and every market panic is an opportunity. When markets tremble, someone profits. The question is, who? Global markets react instantly to political tension. Gold rises when conflict looms. Oil spikes when instability threatens production. Stock markets collapse on fear, then rebound on reassurance. Volatility is not chaos, it is opportunity. Historically, gold has surged during major geopolitical crises,... [Continue Reading]





