A group of U.S. Senate Democrats has introduced legislation seeking targeted sanctions against companies, individuals and other entities that facilitate the development of Israeli settlements in the E1 area of the occupied West Bank.

Senators Ruben Gallego of Arizona, Chris Coons of Delaware, Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Ron Wyden of Oregon introduced the bill on Wednesday, September 23. The legislation focuses on Israel’s E1 settlement project, an area east of Jerusalem that Palestinian and international officials have warned could affect the territorial continuity of a future Palestinian state.

Gallego said the measure sends a clear message to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and reflects U.S. support for a two-state solution as a path toward long-term peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians.

The legislation follows a broader campaign by Democratic senators against Israel’s planned expansion of settlements in the West Bank. On August 28, Gallego led 28 other Democratic senators in opposing tenders for the construction of 1,234 housing units in the E1 area. The senators said construction there could separate East Jerusalem from major Palestinian population centers and make a contiguous Palestinian state more difficult to establish.

According to the lawmakers, Israel had already approved more than 3,000 housing units in the E1 area, while tenders were subsequently opened for companies to bid on construction. Israeli officials have publicly discussed the political implications of settlement expansion for the prospects of a Palestinian state.

The latest initiative comes amid growing disagreement in Washington over U.S. policy toward Israeli settlement expansion and the war in Gaza. In August, 45 Democratic senators separately urged Netanyahu to address rising settler violence in the West Bank, including attacks involving U.S. citizens, and called for an end to further settlement expansion.

The U.S. Senate initiative also comes as several Western governments have adopted or considered measures targeting Israeli settlement activity. Britain, France and Canada announced restrictions on imports from Israeli settlements earlier this month, while a group of European countries reiterated their support for a two-state solution and said settlement expansion undermines that objective.

The proposed U.S. sanctions would require further congressional action before becoming law. The measure is part of a broader effort by Democratic lawmakers to use economic and diplomatic pressure over Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank.

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A motorcyclist was killed after a vehicle belonging to a convoy of Russian tourists collided with a motorcycle on the Kashm–Faizabad highway in northeastern Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province, local officials said.

Ehsanullah Gamgar, head of the media office of the Badakhshan police command, said the accident occurred at about 3 p.m. Wednesday in the Pul-e Begum area along the main Kashm–Faizabad highway.

Gamgar said the motorcyclist died in the collision and that the victim’s body was transferred to the district hospital in Kashm for further examination.

He added that security forces detained four foreign nationals, three men and one woman, who were reportedly members of the Russian tourist convoy, along with two interpreters, for questioning in connection with the incident.

Authorities have not provided further details about how the collision occurred or identified the deceased motorcyclist. They also have not reported any injuries among the tourists or interpreters.

The incident comes shortly after a group of 22 Russian tourists arrived in Badakhshan to visit the Wakhan District and other natural and tourism sites in the province. According to reports, the group entered Badakhshan through Panjshir and Kiran wa Manjan before travelling toward Wakhan.

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A Pakistani drone was shot down in Afghanistan’s Helmand province, according to local media reports

Taliban-linked media claimed Thursday that the group’s forces shot down an armed Pakistani drone in Afghanistan’s southern Helmand province, days after Pakistan carried out airstrikes in several Afghan provinces amid escalating cross-border tensions.

Hariyat Media, a platform affiliated with Taliban intelligence, reported that the drone was intercepted over the Garmsir district of Helmand while flying near a Taliban border brigade position. The outlet cited local sources as saying the unmanned aircraft was carrying explosives and was destroyed during the operation.

The report said the incident occurred over an area close to the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, where Taliban border forces have recently increased security deployments following a series of Pakistani military operations.

Neither the Taliban Defense Ministry nor other Taliban officials have independently released evidence confirming the drone’s downing, including photographs or video of the wreckage. Pakistani authorities have not commented on the claim.

The alleged drone interception follows a new round of Pakistani airstrikes inside Afghanistan. Reports indicated that Pakistan recently targeted areas in Khost, Paktia and Kandahar provinces, while additional strikes earlier hit Kunar and Paktika.

The United Nations said at least three people were killed in the latest Pakistani airstrikes, while local residents reported damage to homes and civilian infrastructure. Pakistan has said previous cross-border operations were aimed at militant groups that Islamabad accuses of launching attacks from Afghanistan territory.

Relations between Pakistan and the Taliban administration have deteriorated over the past year as Islamabad has intensified military operations along the border and repeatedly blamed the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) for attacks originating from Afghanistan. The Taliban administration has denied allowing Afghanistan territory to be used for attacks against Pakistan.

Pakistan has increasingly relied on airstrikes and drones against what it describes as militant hideouts near the Afghanistan border. Previous operations in Khost, Paktika and Kunar have drawn condemnation from Taliban officials, who accused Pakistan of violating Afghanistan’s sovereignty and killing civilians.

Islamabad maintains that the strikes are part of counterterrorism operations targeting armed groups threatening Pakistan’s security, while the Taliban insist they do not permit foreign militant groups to use Afghanistan territory for attacks.

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Turkish Airlines has suspended all flights to Iran until at least March 2027, as sweeping U.S. sanctions targeting Iran’s aviation sector further disrupt the country’s international air links.

A Turkish Airlines representative told Iran International that the airline currently has no flights scheduled to Iran before March 2027 and could not guarantee that services would resume at that time. The carrier had already suspended its Iran operations amid the wider regional conflict and airspace restrictions.

Reports in Iranian media also say Turkish Airlines has closed its offices in Iran and ended the contracts of employees working at those offices.

The suspension is part of a broader disruption affecting international aviation links with Iran. Turkish Airlines, AJet and Pegasus have removed or suspended Iran services, while other major international carriers, including Qatar Airways, Emirates, Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines, have also suspended or restricted services to Iran.

The developments come as Washington intensifies pressure on Iran’s aviation industry. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Iranian airlines would effectively be shut out of international operations from September 23 under a secondary-sanctions campaign targeting companies that provide them with fuel, landing services, ground handling or ticket sales. Companies that continue providing such services could face restrictions on access to the U.S. dollar financial system, according to Bessent.

The U.S. Treasury had also announced sanctions against 36 targets connected to Iran’s aviation sector, including 27 Iranian airlines and foreign companies accused of supporting Iranian carriers. The measures have increased pressure on the foreign airports and service providers that Iranian airlines depend on to maintain international operations.

The impact is already visible across Iran’s regional air connections. Iraq has moved to suspend flights operated by Iranian airlines, while Baghdad and Muscat have restricted services involving Iranian carriers. Iranian authorities have explored diverting some Baghdad-bound flights to Najaf.

Turkey has traditionally served as an important transit point for Iranian travelers, including those traveling for business, tourism and family visits. The prolonged suspension of Turkish Airlines services, combined with restrictions on Iranian carriers, is expected to further narrow international travel options for passengers in Iran.

The latest restrictions add to longstanding problems facing Iran’s aviation sector, which has been affected by years of sanctions, limited access to aircraft parts and maintenance services, and more recent disruption linked to the regional conflict.

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Two Afghan nationals have entered the United States under a narrow exception to current immigration restrictions, according to AfghanEvac, an organization advocating for the relocation of Afghan allies and their families.

Shawn VanDiver, president and founder of AfghanEvac, said the two Afghans arrived safely in the United States on Tuesday, September 22, after completing the required relocation process under the exception.

The development comes amid continuing restrictions on the entry and visa issuance of Afghan nationals. AfghanEvac says a federal court ruling allows a limited category of Afghan family members to proceed under the I-730 follow-to-join process when the principal family member has already been granted asylum in the United States.

The exception is narrow and does not generally reopen travel for Afghan Special Immigrant Visa applicants, refugees or people seeking admission through humanitarian parole. AfghanEvac has warned that reports suggesting the broader U.S. travel restrictions on Afghans have been lifted are inaccurate.

Under the current restrictions, most Afghan nationals remain subject to significant barriers to U.S. entry. AfghanEvac says a presidential proclamation that took effect in January 2026 removed the previous exemption for Afghan SIV holders, while a federal court has separately ordered the government to continue processing Afghan SIV applications.

The organization has continued to advocate for Afghan wartime allies, SIV applicants, refugees and their families, while documenting the impact of the U.S. immigration restrictions on Afghans waiting for relocation. AfghanEvac says more than 250,000 Afghans remain stranded across more than 90 countries under various pending or suspended pathways.

The arrival of the two Afghans highlights the limited pathways that remain available under U.S. immigration rules, while most Afghan applicants continue to face lengthy processing, travel restrictions or suspended relocation options.

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Former Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai has condemned Pakistan’s latest air and drone strikes on parts of Kandahar, Khost and Paktia provinces, calling on Islamabad to abandon what he described as a negative policy toward Afghanistan.

Karzai said Thursday that Pakistan should instead pursue a policy of good neighbourliness and develop its relations with Afghanistan in a “civilized” manner. He also warned that Islamabad’s continued approach was producing consequences for Pakistan itself.

“Pakistan once again carried out bombings in Kandahar, Khost, and Paktia of our dear homeland,” Karzai said in a message posted on X. He added that Afghans, despite their differences, stand united against what he called Pakistani aggression.

The remarks followed Pakistan’s confirmation that its forces carried out air and drone strikes on 10 locations inside Afghanistan. Pakistani Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the strikes targeted sites linked to the launch and storage of drones and followed what Islamabad described as an unlawful drone incursion from Afghanistan territory.

Local reports said strikes hit areas in Khost, Kandahar and Paktia early Thursday. A spokesman for the Khost governor said several areas in the province were targeted but reported no casualties there.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, however, said four Afghan civilians were killed in the Pakistani strikes on Kandahar, Paktia and Khost. He condemned the attacks as aggression and warned that they would not go unanswered. The casualty figure has not been independently verified.

The latest strikes come days after Pakistan carried out another round of airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Kunar and Paktika provinces. Reports indicated that three civilians were killed in the Kunar strikes, while Pakistan said it had targeted militants and reported killing 28 “terrorists.”

Relations between Islamabad and Kabul have deteriorated sharply since a major escalation in February, with Pakistan accusing the Taliban authorities of allowing armed groups, particularly the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), to operate from Afghanistan territory. The Taliban authorities deny the allegations and have repeatedly accused Pakistan of violating Afghanistan’s sovereignty.

The latest escalation has also raised concerns over efforts by China, Türkiye, Qatar and Saudi Arabia to mediate between the two neighbours. Continued cross-border attacks risk further worsening relations and increasing civilian and regional security concerns.

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Four civilians were killed in Pakistani airstrikes on parts of Afghanistan’s Kandahar, Paktia and Khost provinces, Zabihullah Mujahid said Thursday, as tensions between the two neighboring countries continue to escalate.

Mujahid condemned the strikes as “blatant aggression” and warned that the attacks would not go unanswered. He said the Pakistani military had targeted areas in the three provinces and accused Islamabad of carrying out the strikes to divert attention from its internal security problems.

Pakistan confirmed carrying out air and drone strikes against 10 locations in Afghanistan, saying the sites were used to launch and store drones. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the operation followed the detection and interception of drones that Pakistan said had entered its airspace from Afghanistan territory the previous day.

Tarar said Pakistan had exercised its right to self-defense and described the strikes as “deliberate, precise, calibrated and proportionate.” He said the targets were limited to military locations directly linked to the alleged drone attacks. Pakistan’s claims about the origin and intended targets of the drones could not immediately be independently verified.

The reported strikes came a day after Pakistani security sources said the country’s air defenses had shot down eight drones that entered Pakistani airspace from Afghanistan. Four were reportedly intercepted near the Torkham border, while four others were downed near Kohat.

Local reporting said the overnight Pakistani strikes hit areas in Khost, Kandahar and Paktia. In Khost, the provincial governor’s spokesman said several areas were struck but reported no casualties. In Paktia. AFP also reported that a resident in Kandahar heard an aircraft followed by a large explosion and fire.

Mujahid again warned that Pakistan’s attacks would have consequences, while Taliban authorities have denied Islamabad’s accusations that they allow militants to use Afghanistan territory to launch attacks against Pakistan. Islamabad, meanwhile, has repeatedly accused Kabul of harboring armed groups, particularly the Pakistani Taliban, or TTP.

The latest confrontation follows several days of heightened cross-border violence. Earlier this week, Pakistan said its forces had killed 28 militants in airstrikes along the Afghanistan border, while Kabul and the United Nations said three civilians were killed in those strikes.

The renewed violence has also complicated mediation efforts involving China, Türkiye, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, which have sought to reduce tensions between the two countries. The latest escalation comes after nearly three months of relative calm and threatens to further worsen already strained relations between Kabul and Islamabad.

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The U.S. Navy has confirmed eight suicide attempts among personnel assigned to the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group during its extended deployment, including a period when the group supported U.S. combat operations against Iran.

Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao disclosed the figure in a letter to Democratic Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, who had asked the Pentagon about the morale, living conditions and mental health of personnel assigned to the carrier and its strike group. The letter said there had been no suicide deaths during the deployment.

The eight cases involved personnel across the wider strike group, including the Lincoln’s crew, its carrier air wing, strike-group and destroyer-squadron staff, escorting destroyers and embarked aviation squadrons. The disclosure therefore does not mean that all eight attempts occurred aboard the aircraft carrier itself.

The letter also described two incidents involving sailors who attempted to go overboard. In early August, a sailor assigned to the carrier air wing went overboard and was quickly rescued by a search-and-rescue helicopter before being taken off the ship for further care. In March, another sailor attempted to go overboard but was stopped by fellow service members and returned to the home port.

The disclosure comes after growing scrutiny of the Lincoln’s unusually long deployment. The carrier strike group left San Diego in November 2025 and was later redirected to the Middle East as the United States became involved in military operations against Iran. The Lincoln spent 286 days deployed, including an extended period without a port call.

The prolonged mission had already prompted reports and complaints about conditions aboard the carrier, including food and supply problems, plumbing issues and concerns about the mental health of sailors and Marines. Families of service members and Democratic lawmakers had previously raised concerns about the impact of the deployment.

The Pentagon and Navy have disputed some of the reports about conditions aboard the ship. Navy officials have said personnel had access to chaplains, counselors and other mental-health resources and have argued that the number of suicide attempts was not above the broader rate for active-duty Navy personnel. CNN reported that the eight attempts were roughly consistent with the Navy-wide rate based on the latest available 2024 data.

Gillibrand said the new disclosure underscored the seriousness of concerns previously raised about the wellbeing of service members. The Navy, meanwhile, has emphasized its commitment to sailor health, wellbeing and morale as the Lincoln and its personnel return from the extended deployment.

The USS Abraham Lincoln eventually made a port call in Thailand in early September after its 286-day deployment. The disclosure of the eight suicide attempts is likely to intensify scrutiny of the operational and human costs of prolonged deployments during sustained combat

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Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez accused Israel of committing “genocide” in Gaza during his address to the United Nations General Assembly, calling for stronger international action and reaffirming Spain’s support for sanctions and accountability under international law.

Speaking at the UN General Assembly on Thursday, September 24, Sánchez said Spain has consistently opposed what he described as wars of aggression, citing conflicts in Ukraine, Lebanon, Iran, and Gaza. He said Madrid has sought to apply the same principles of international law across different conflicts.

According to Al Jazeera reports, Sánchez said Spain “firmly condemns what he described as the genocide that Benjamin Netanyahu continues to commit in Gaza.” Israel has repeatedly rejected allegations that its military campaign amounts to genocide, arguing that its operations target Hamas and are conducted in self-defense following the October 2023 attacks.

Sánchez said Spain remains committed to measures it has previously announced, including an arms embargo on Israel, sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, and preventing Spanish territory or military facilities from being used for operations that Madrid believes violate international law.

Spain has emerged as one of the European Union’s strongest critics of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. Alongside several European partners, Madrid has repeatedly called for an immediate ceasefire, expanded humanitarian access, and greater protection for civilians.

The dispute over Gaza has also deepened tensions between Spain and Israel. Israeli officials have criticized Sánchez’s government over its recognition of a Palestinian state and its public criticism of Israeli military operations, while Spain has defended its position as consistent with international humanitarian law.

Sánchez’s remarks came as humanitarian conditions in Gaza continue to draw international concern. The United Nations has warned of severe shortages of food, water and medical supplies, while aid agencies have called for unrestricted humanitarian access to civilians trapped by the conflict.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is hearing a case brought by South Africa alleging that Israel is violating the Genocide Convention in Gaza. The court has issued provisional measures ordering Israel to take steps to prevent acts prohibited under the convention and improve humanitarian access, but it has not ruled on whether genocide has occurred. Israel rejects the allegations and is contesting the case.

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Russia’s Embassy in Kabul has expressed concern over reports of civilian casualties caused by Pakistan’s airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan, urging both sides to avoid further escalation and resolve their differences through dialogue.

The embassy issued a statement on Wednesday, September 23, extending condolences to the families of those killed and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. In a post on X, the Russian diplomatic mission called on all parties to exercise restraint and prevent further confrontation along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.

The statement came a day after Pakistan carried out airstrikes in parts of Paktika and Kunar provinces. Taliban authorities said the attacks killed and injured a number of civilians, although casualty figures have not been independently verified.

Pakistan has said its military operations targeted militant hideouts in response to recent cross-border attacks that Islamabad blames on armed groups operating from Afghanistan territory. Pakistani officials have repeatedly accused the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) of using safe havens inside Afghanistan, an allegation the Taliban administration denies.

Taliban officials condemned the strikes, describing them as a violation of Afghanistan’s sovereignty. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid called the attacks a repetition of “war crimes” and warned that such actions would have consequences.

The latest airstrikes mark another escalation in months of growing tensions between Pakistan and the Taliban administration over border security, militant activity and drone attacks. Cross-border military operations have become increasingly frequent since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021.

The renewed fighting has raised concerns about further instability along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, where repeated exchanges of fire, airstrikes and militant attacks have strained relations between the two neighboring countries.

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Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in the United States on Thursday for the UN General Assembly, where he was greeted personally by U.S. President Donald Trump in a rare airport welcome that signals a renewed push to stabilize relations between the world’s two largest economies despite deep disagreements over trade, artificial intelligence and Iran.

The unusual welcome at the airport marked one of the most symbolic moments in U.S.-China diplomacy in recent years. According to Agence France-Presse (AFP), Trump’s decision to receive Xi personally underscores Washington’s effort to create momentum for high-level talks during the Chinese leader’s official visit.

The visit comes as U.S.-China relations remain strained over tariffs, advanced technology, Taiwan and regional security. Officials from both countries say the meetings will focus on reducing tensions in trade, artificial intelligence governance and the escalating crisis involving Iran.

Trump confirmed on Wednesday that Iran will be among the key topics discussed with Xi. Asked whether Tehran would be raised during the talks, the U.S. president said he would discuss Iran along with “many other issues,” adding that negotiations on all fronts were progressing well.

The summit also reflects China’s growing diplomatic role in the Middle East. Earlier this month, Xi offered to help mediate between Iran and the United States during the BRICS summit, saying Beijing is willing to work with international partners to promote peace and stability in the Gulf region.

Despite the diplomatic optics, Trump’s reception of Xi has drawn criticism from some Republican lawmakers and China hawks, particularly following reports alleging that Beijing shared intelligence with Iran during the recent U.S.-Iran confrontation. Beijing has denied accusations of supporting military action against U.S. forces.

The airport reception was also notable because Xi did not offer Trump a similar personal welcome when the U.S. president visited Beijing in May. Trump dismissed comparisons, saying the focus should remain on achieving results through dialogue rather than protocol.

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Pakistan carried out overnight airstrikes and drone strikes on multiple locations in Afghanistan’s southern provinces of Kandahar and Khost early Thursday, according to officials, marking the latest escalation in cross-border tensions between Islamabad and the Kabul administration.

Taliban authorities said the strikes began at around 3:30 a.m. local time on Thursday, September 24, targeting several locations in Khost and Kandahar. The attacks came a day after Pakistan accused militants operating from Afghanistan territory of carrying out drone attacks inside Pakistan.

Mustaghfar Garbaz, spokesperson for the Taliban governor in Khost, said Pakistani aircraft struck Camp Golan in Gurbaz district, areas near Khost city, and parts of Ismail Khel and Mandozai districts. Taliban-controlled media also reported an airstrike on a desert area in District 9 of Kandahar city.

Officials said the strikes caused no casualties or significant damage, though the claims have not been independently verified. Pakistan has not released details about the targets or the results of the operation.

Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the military operation was launched in retaliation for drone attacks that Pakistani authorities blamed on militants linked to the Taliban administration. Pakistani officials said security forces targeted 10 locations across Afghanistan using air and drone strikes.

The strikes are the latest in a series of military exchanges that have strained relations between Pakistan and the Taliban government. Islamabad has repeatedly accused armed groups, including the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), of using Afghanistan territory to launch attacks into Pakistan, an allegation the Taliban has consistently denied.

Cross-border airstrikes have become an increasingly contentious issue since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021. Previous Pakistani operations inside Afghanistan have drawn condemnation from Taliban officials, who have described them as violations of Afghanistan’s sovereignty and warned of consequences if such attacks continue.

The latest escalation raises fresh concerns about security along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, where both sides have exchanged accusations over militant activity, drone attacks and cross-border violence in recent months.

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Pakistan said it carried out air and drone strikes against 10 locations across Afghanistan on Thursday, describing the operation as a response to alleged drone attacks launched from Afghan territory a day earlier.

Pakistan’s Information Minister Ataullah Tarar announced the operation in a statement on X, saying Islamabad had acted under its right to self-defense after what he described as a violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty. He said the strikes were “deliberate, precise, calculated and proportionate” and were limited to identified military targets allegedly connected to planned attacks inside Pakistan.

The operation marks one of Pakistan’s most extensive publicly acknowledged military actions inside Afghanistan in recent months and follows a sharp escalation in tensions between Islamabad and the Taliban administration over border security and militant activity.

Tarar accused Kabul of allowing attacks against Pakistan to originate from Afghan territory and warned that Islamabad “will neither accept nor tolerate” cross-border attacks. Pakistan has repeatedly alleged that militants affiliated with Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) operate from sanctuaries inside Afghanistan, an accusation the Taliban have consistently denied.

The latest strikes came just two days after Pakistani fighter jets reportedly targeted areas in Afghanistan’s eastern provinces of Paktia and Kunar. Pakistani officials said those earlier attacks were aimed at militant infrastructure, while Afghan authorities reported casualties and condemned the strikes as violations of Afghanistan’s sovereignty.

Relations between Pakistan and the Taliban administration have deteriorated steadily since 2021 over recurring cross-border violence, border fence disputes, and accusations that armed groups are using territory on both sides of the Durand Line to launch attacks. Both governments have exchanged diplomatic protests following several military incidents along the border.

Pakistani authorities have increasingly adopted a policy of conducting cross-border operations against what they describe as imminent militant threats, arguing that diplomatic engagement alone has failed to curb attacks inside Pakistan. Islamabad says its operations are directed at armed groups rather than civilians.

The Taliban administration has previously rejected Pakistan’s accusations and insists it does not allow Afghan territory to be used to threaten neighboring countries. Taliban officials have also condemned previous Pakistani airstrikes, saying they violate Afghanistan’s territorial integrity and risk worsening regional instability.

The latest escalation raises concerns about further military confrontation along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, where clashes have intensified over the past year despite repeated calls from both sides for dialogue and improved security cooperation.

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A U.S. drone company backed by the two eldest sons of President Donald Trump has signed a defense cooperation agreement with Pakistan’s military, securing an initial order for unmanned aerial systems in a deal that has drawn scrutiny because of the firm’s ties to India, Israel, and the Trump family.

Powerus, a Florida-based drone manufacturer founded in 2025, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Pakistan Army following a meeting between its delegation and Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, at military headquarters in Rawalpindi on September 16. A day later, the company announced it had received an undisclosed initial procurement order from Pakistan’s Ministry of Defence for unmanned aerial systems. Neither the value of the agreement nor the specific systems involved has been disclosed because of security and confidentiality concerns.

The agreement marks one of the most significant recent defense partnerships between Pakistan and a U.S. drone manufacturer, reflecting broader efforts by Washington and Islamabad to strengthen military and technology cooperation after years of strained relations. Powerus executives have said the company hopes to build long-term technology partnerships and potentially localize some drone manufacturing in Pakistan.

The deal has attracted international attention because Powerus is preparing to merge with Nasdaq-listed Aureus Greenway Holdings, a company backed by Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump through their investment vehicle, American Ventures. Regulatory filings indicate the investment fund is expected to hold a nearly 10 percent stake in the combined company after the merger is completed.

Powerus and representatives of Trump’s sons have stressed that Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump are passive investors with no role in the company’s management, operations, or contract negotiations. The White House has also rejected suggestions that the Pakistan agreement represents a conflict of interest involving the Trump family.

India licensing deal raises regional concerns

Less than three months before signing the Pakistan agreement, Powerus granted an Indian defense manufacturer exclusive rights to manufacture and sell its Guardian-1 drone interceptor technology in India. The company is therefore positioned to work with both India and Pakistan; two nuclear-armed rivals whose militaries have increasingly relied on drones in recent border confrontations.

Defense analysts say the arrangement raises operational and strategic questions about supplying related drone technologies to both countries, particularly as tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad remain high.

Israeli connection fuels debate in Pakistan

Another controversial aspect of the deal is the background of Powerus co-founder Brett Velicovich, a former Israeli soldier. Pakistan does not recognize Israel and has repeatedly accused it of committing genocide in Gaza.

Analysts quoted by media have questioned why Pakistan which already manufactures drones domestically and imports advanced systems from China and Türkiye, would partner with a newly established U.S. company that also maintains business ties with India and has Israeli-linked leadership.

Pakistan’s military confirmed discussions with Powerus focused on defense procurement, production, and long-term capacity building but did not publicly mention the MoU in its official statement. Powerus said the agreement provides a strategic framework for future cooperation and remains subject to U.S. export controls and government approvals.

The company said Pakistan’s developing defense sector presents opportunities for joint technology projects, while insisting that its business relationships are pursued on their own commercial merits rather than political connections.

The agreement comes as Pakistan seeks to diversify its defense partnerships while maintaining close military cooperation with China, its largest arms supplier, and expanding engagement with the United States in emerging defense technologies.

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The rapid rise of AI-powered smart glasses is creating new privacy concerns around the world, with businesses, regulators and digital rights advocates warning that the devices could make hidden photo, video and audio recording part of everyday life, according to a CNN report.

Once considered a niche gadget, smart glasses are becoming increasingly mainstream as major technology companies race to bring AI features into wearable devices. The technology allows users to capture photos, record videos, translate languages, answer questions, identify objects and access AI assistants using voice commands while wearing ordinary-looking glasses.

CNN reported that bars, theaters and restaurants in central London are among the first public venues grappling with the technology, as some business owners worry customers could secretly record staff and other patrons without their knowledge or consent.

The growing popularity of smart glasses has been driven by Meta’s partnership with eyewear giant EssilorLuxottica. The companies said they sold about 7 million AI-powered smart glasses during 2025, reflecting strong consumer demand for wearable AI technology.

Meta is expected to unveil new smart glasses at its annual Connect conference, while reports suggest the company is also developing a version without a built-in camera in response to privacy concerns. Samsung and Google are also preparing to launch jointly developed AI smart glasses later this year, expanding competition in the wearable technology market.

Privacy advocates say the biggest concern is that smart glasses can record photos, videos and conversations in a way that is far less noticeable than smartphones. Because the camera is built into the frame of the glasses, people nearby may not realize they are being recorded.

Videos circulating on social media have intensified the debate after some users appeared to record women and strangers in public places without their permission. Those incidents have renewed questions about consent, surveillance and whether existing privacy laws are equipped to regulate AI-powered wearable cameras.

Legal experts told CNN that privacy protections vary widely across countries. Some jurisdictions require consent before recording audio, while others allow recording in public spaces under certain circumstances. Regulators in Europe and elsewhere are now examining whether current laws adequately address wearable devices capable of continuous recording and AI-assisted recognition.

Technology companies argue that built-in safeguards are designed to protect privacy. Current smart glasses typically include an LED indicator that lights up while recording video, and companies say they prohibit the misuse of AI features for surveillance or facial recognition in many circumstances.

Despite those safeguards, researchers warn that AI wearables blur the line between personal technology and public surveillance. The ability to instantly identify objects, summarize conversations and capture first-person footage could fundamentally change expectations of privacy in workplaces, restaurants, public transport and other shared spaces.

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Canada will provide C$100 million (about US$73 million) in new international assistance for Palestinians, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced at the United Nations General Assembly, reaffirming Ottawa’s long-standing support for a two-state solution and warning that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza cannot be ignored.

Speaking on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, Carney said C$80 million will be directed toward humanitarian assistance in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories, while C$20 million will support peacebuilding, governance and security capacity-building efforts for Palestinians.

Carney said Canada remains firmly committed to the creation of an independent Palestinian state living alongside Israel in peace and security. He added that Canada is working with Britain, France and Saudi Arabia on diplomatic efforts at the United Nations to advance conditions for a durable political settlement.

The announcement comes as international pressure has intensified over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and growing concerns about Israeli settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank. Several countries used the UN General Assembly to call for increased humanitarian access, protection of civilians and renewed momentum toward a negotiated peace process.

Carney said the suffering in Gaza has reached an unacceptable level and warned that continued violence risks undermining international support for the two-state solution. He stressed that humanitarian assistance must reach civilians without delay and that long-term peace requires both security and political progress.

Canadian officials said the latest package builds on Ottawa’s broader response since the war began in October 2023. Canada has now committed more than C$600 million in humanitarian and development assistance for Palestinian civilians during the conflict, including funding for food, healthcare, shelter and emergency relief through international organizations.

The Canadian government has also taken a tougher stance on Israeli settlements in the West Bank, joining a number of Western allies in imposing restrictions and sanctions targeting individuals and entities linked to settlements that Canada considers illegal under international law.

At the UN, Britain also pledged stronger diplomatic action over Gaza, saying it would not remain silent in the face of mounting civilian suffering in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. British officials said recent sanctions targeting Israeli settlements reflected the government’s position that settlement expansion violates international law.

French President Emmanuel Macron similarly criticized what he described as insufficient international action on Gaza, saying recognition of a Palestinian state by several countries had not translated into meaningful improvements on the ground. He called for expanded humanitarian access and renewed efforts to revive a credible peace process.

The renewed pledges by Canada, Britain and France reflect growing diplomatic efforts by Western governments to increase humanitarian support for Palestinians while reaffirming support for a negotiated two-state solution, even as the conflict in Gaza continues and regional tensions remain high.

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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the United Nations has become incapable of fulfilling its founding mission of preserving international peace and security, calling for sweeping reforms to the organization during his address to the 81st United Nations General Assembly.

Speaking before world leaders in New York, Erdogan said the U.N., established 81 years ago to maintain global peace, has “become unable to fulfil this mission” and argued that the international system has failed to respond effectively to wars and humanitarian crises across the world.

Erdogan said the past 12 months had become one of the bloodiest periods in the last three decades, citing more than 60 ongoing conflicts stretching from Gaza and Ukraine to Myanmar, Darfur, Iran and Lebanon. He argued that people living in conflict zones who placed their hopes in the United Nations had been “deeply disappointed” by the organization’s inability to prevent violence.

The Turkish president renewed his long-standing call for reform of the U.N. Security Council, saying it is neither fair nor credible that the will of more than 190 member states can be determined by the five permanent members with veto power. Repeating his signature slogan, Erdogan said, “The world is bigger than five.”

A major focus of Erdogan’s speech was the war in Gaza. He said the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the occupied West Bank had “deeply offended the conscience of humanity” and urged countries that have not recognized a Palestinian state to reconsider their position. He also called on the international community to increase pressure on Israel to end the war.

Erdogan also criticized what he described as the international community’s failure to protect Palestinian civilians, noting that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas had been unable to attend the U.N. General Assembly for a second consecutive year. He described Abbas’s absence as another example of injustice faced by Palestinians.

Turkey has been one of Israel’s most outspoken critics during the Gaza conflict and has repeatedly accused Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians, an allegation Israel has rejected. Ankara has consistently urged international institutions to take stronger action against Israel over the war in Gaza.

Beyond Gaza, Erdogan said international law must be applied equally to powerful and weaker states, warning that a global system based on selective accountability and impunity would continue to lose credibility. He said Turkey would continue supporting efforts to restore trust in multilateral institutions and strengthen the United Nations’ ability to fulfil its mandate.

Erdogan’s remarks came during the opening debate of the U.N. General Assembly, where reform of the Security Council, the wars in Gaza and Ukraine, and broader questions about the effectiveness of the U.N. have emerged as central themes of this year’s gathering of world leaders.

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Pakistan’s military has shot down eight drones that allegedly entered its airspace from Afghanistan near the Torkham border crossing and the northwestern city of Kohat, according to Pakistani security sources, marking the latest escalation in worsening tensions between Islamabad and Kabul.

Security officials claimed that four drones were intercepted near Torkham in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, while another four were destroyed in mountainous areas near Kohat after crossing into Pakistani territory. Pakistan said its air defense systems detected and neutralized the drones before they reached their intended targets.

Pakistani authorities claimed the drones were launched from Afghanistan territory and described the incident as another example of cross-border security threats originating from areas under Taliban control. Officials said the armed forces and the Pakistan Air Force responded immediately after the drones violated Pakistani airspace.

Pakistan’s military has not released photographs, video footage, or technical details identifying the drones, and Reuters said it could not independently verify Islamabad’s claims. Taliban authorities in Afghanistan had not publicly responded to the allegations at the time of reporting.

The reported drone interceptions come amid months of escalating hostilities between Pakistan and the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan. Earlier this year, Afghanistan’s Defense Ministry claimed it had carried out strikes on targets inside Pakistan, while Islamabad said it intercepted Afghan drones and accused Kabul of allowing militant groups to operate from its territory.

Relations between the two neighbors have deteriorated sharply in 2026 after Pakistan accused the Taliban government of failing to curb Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other militant groups blamed for attacks inside Pakistan. The Taliban has repeatedly rejected the accusations, insisting that it does not allow Afghanistan territory to be used to threaten other countries.

The latest incident follows a series of cross-border military exchanges around Torkham and other frontier areas, underscoring growing security concerns along the 2,600-kilometer Afghanistan-Pakistan border. Despite diplomatic efforts, including mediation by regional actors, violence and mutual accusations have continued to strain ties between Islamabad and Kabul.

Pakistani officials said no casualties or property damage were reported from the drone incident. Authorities said investigations are continuing into the origin and intended targets of the drones.

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Azerbaijan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Yalchin Rafiyev said Afghanistan has the potential to become a regional hub for trade, transit and energy if regional cooperation expands, emphasizing the country’s strategic location between Central and South Asia.

Rafiyev made the remarks during a meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Contact Group on Afghanistan, held on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly. According to Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry, he reaffirmed Baku’s support for the OIC Contact Group’s efforts to promote peace, stability and economic development in Afghanistan.

The Azerbaijani official said Afghanistan’s geographic position gives it significant potential to connect regional markets through transport corridors, trade routes and energy infrastructure. He stressed that stronger regional connectivity could benefit both Afghanistan and neighboring countries by improving economic integration and cross-border commerce.

The OIC Contact Group on Afghanistan was established to coordinate member states’ engagement with Afghanistan and discuss political, humanitarian and development issues. The group has increasingly focused on regional economic cooperation as international efforts continue to seek ways to stabilize Afghanistan’s economy.

Rafiyev also highlighted Azerbaijan’s broader commitment to regional connectivity projects linking Central Asia, the South Caucasus and global markets. Baku has promoted transport initiatives through the Middle Corridor and has expanded cooperation with Central Asian countries on logistics, infrastructure and energy.

International organizations have repeatedly said Afghanistan’s long-term economic recovery depends on improving regional connectivity. Projects such as the CASA-1000 electricity transmission line, the TAPI gas pipeline and trans-Afghan railway proposals have been presented as initiatives that could strengthen trade and energy links across the region if security and political conditions allow.

The OIC has continued to engage Afghanistan through humanitarian assistance and diplomatic dialogue since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. While member states have called for greater regional cooperation, they have also urged progress on governance, human rights and inclusive development as part of broader international engagement with Afghanistan.

Rafiyev’s comments come as regional countries continue exploring economic and infrastructure partnerships involving Afghanistan, despite ongoing political uncertainty and limited international recognition of the Taliban administration.

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Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in New York on Wednesday for trilateral talks focused on strengthening regional cooperation, economic ties and addressing shared security challenges, according to the Saudi Foreign Ministry.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly, where regional diplomacy has intensified amid ongoing efforts to stabilize Syria and expand cooperation across the Middle East. Saudi Arabia said the ministers discussed ways to enhance coordination on issues affecting regional security and long-term development.

According to the Saudi Foreign Ministry, the three ministers explored mechanisms to strengthen cooperation in confronting “shared challenges” and reviewed opportunities to expand trade, investment and broader economic relations among Saudi Arabia, Syria and Türkiye. The talks also covered regional developments and coordination on issues of mutual interest.

The meeting reflects growing diplomatic engagement with Syria following years of regional isolation. Since late 2024, several Arab countries have moved to normalize relations with Damascus, while Türkiye has also increased diplomatic contacts with the Syrian government after years of strained relations over Syria’s civil war and border security issues.

Regional diplomacy has increasingly focused on Syria’s reconstruction, the return of refugees, counterterrorism cooperation and economic integration. Saudi Arabia and Türkiye have both emphasized the importance of preserving Syria’s stability while supporting regional initiatives aimed at reducing conflict and expanding economic connectivity.

The trilateral discussions come as Middle Eastern governments seek closer coordination on security, trade and infrastructure projects while navigating broader regional tensions. Officials did not announce any new agreements following the meeting but said consultations among the three countries would continue on issues related to regional peace, stability and economic cooperation.

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U.S. President Donald Trump warned that the United States could “destroy” Iran if diplomatic efforts to end the nearly seven-month conflict fail, signaling Washington’s readiness to launch additional military strikes while saying a renewed campaign against Tehran would not last long.

Speaking during his address at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Wednesday, Trump said he faces “a very big decision” on Iran’s future. He questioned whether Tehran would agree to a deal that allows the country to rebuild or whether the United States would move to “destroy the Islamic Republic very quickly” if negotiations collapse.

Trump also defended recent U.S. military strikes carried out on Tuesday, saying Iran had been attempting to rebuild its radar and missile infrastructure. He claimed Iranian forces were developing a missile capable of deploying naval mines and said U.S. forces had destroyed the weapon before it became operational.

The U.S. president repeated his assertion that Washington has “very strong control” over the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes. He said U.S. forces are ensuring the safe passage of commercial vessels carrying millions of barrels of oil through the strategic waterway despite the escalating confrontation.

His remarks came as fighting between the United States and Iran intensified after weeks of relative calm. U.S. forces have targeted Iranian military infrastructure, including radar systems, missile launchers and other strategic assets, while Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks against U.S. military positions and regional allies, according to Iranian officials and international media reports.

Tehran Rejects Trump’s Threats

Iran’s Armed Forces dismissed Trump’s comments as “propaganda” and vowed to continue responding to U.S. military operations. Iranian military officials said they are prepared to deliver “stronger, more crushing and less predictable” attacks against what they described as aggressors if the conflict escalates further.

Tehran has consistently condemned recent U.S. strikes as violations of its sovereignty and accused Washington of expanding the conflict rather than seeking a diplomatic solution. Iranian authorities have also reported civilian casualties from recent U.S. operations, while Washington maintains that its strikes targeted military infrastructure.

Despite the exchange of threats, diplomatic efforts to prevent a broader regional war remain underway. International mediators, including Gulf states and European governments, have continued contacts with both Washington and Tehran in an attempt to revive negotiations and reduce military tensions.

The conflict has disrupted shipping across the Gulf and renewed concerns over global energy supplies, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining at the center of the confrontation. Security measures around commercial shipping have increased as governments seek to prevent further attacks on vessels transiting the waterway.

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China has launched one of the world’s first large-scale smart factories where humanoid robots help manufacture and assemble other humanoid robots, marking a major step in the country’s drive to automate advanced manufacturing and expand its artificial intelligence industry.

The new facility in Liuzhou, in southern China’s Guangxi region, is operated through a partnership between Chinese robotics company UBTech Robotics and Germany’s Siemens. Company officials say the factory has an annual production capacity of 10,000 humanoid robots and uses AI-powered automation throughout the manufacturing process.

The launch comes as China accelerates investment in humanoid robotics, a sector Beijing has identified as a strategic industry alongside artificial intelligence, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing. Chinese companies are racing to compete with firms in the United States, Europe and Japan in developing robots designed for factories, logistics, healthcare and household services.

Robots working alongside robots

Unlike conventional production plants, the Liuzhou factory uses humanoid robots and autonomous mobile machines to perform parts of the production process with minimal direct human intervention.

According to company officials, robots equipped with 3D vision cameras, force sensors and tactile sensors identify small components, pick them up and install them with high precision during assembly. Other mobile robots transport raw materials and finished parts across the factory floor, while autonomous forklifts handle logistics inside the facility.

Engineers also created a digital twin of the factory before production began. The virtual model, covering roughly 14,000 square meters, allows engineers to simulate manufacturing operations, identify bottlenecks and test production changes before deploying them in the physical factory.

Each completed humanoid robot undergoes approximately four hours of testing, including mobility, balance, durability and quality-control inspections before leaving the production line.

China’s robotics push

China is already the world’s largest market for industrial robots and has been rapidly expanding into humanoid robotics as labor shortages and an aging population reshape its manufacturing sector.

Chinese authorities have encouraged automation to reduce reliance on workers for repetitive or hazardous industrial tasks. Industry analysts say younger workers are increasingly reluctant to take physically demanding factory jobs, making robotics an important long-term solution for manufacturers.

The Liuzhou factory is part of a broader national strategy to integrate AI into production, improve manufacturing efficiency and strengthen China’s position in the global robotics supply chain.

Opportunities and challenges

Despite rapid technological progress, experts say humanoid robots still face significant limitations. Robots often struggle in unpredictable environments, remain expensive to manufacture and require substantial computing power and maintenance.

Analysts also question whether the global market can absorb 10,000 humanoid robots annually in the near term, given that commercial adoption remains concentrated in industrial pilot projects rather than mass deployment.

The expansion of humanoid robot factories also raises concerns about the future of manufacturing jobs. While automation is expected to replace some repetitive tasks, economists say it is also likely to increase demand for workers with skills in robotics maintenance, AI programming and advanced manufacturing systems.

The Liuzhou plant reflects China’s growing ambition to become a global leader in next-generation robotics, as competition with the United States intensifies over AI-powered technologies and intelligent manufacturing.

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U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the United States will officially replace the term “artificial intelligence” with “super intelligence” in government documents, arguing that the word “artificial” makes the technology sound “fake” and understates its importance. Trump made the announcement during his address to the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Trump said the new term better reflects what he described as a transformative technology that could surpass the impact of the Industrial Revolution and the internet. He added that “whoever wins super intelligence wins,” framing the global AI race as a strategic competition led by the United States.

The U.S. president also reiterated his administration’s opposition to international efforts to regulate advanced AI, saying Washington “totally rejects any attempt to construct a globalist scheme to control” the technology. Trump compared warnings about AI’s existential risks to climate change warnings, dismissing both as exaggerated claims promoted by the same political opponents.

Trump said his administration would encourage the development of “super intelligence” rather than impose restrictive regulations, while adding that the U.S. Department of Justice and other law enforcement agencies would intervene if necessary to address misuse. He argued that the United States currently holds a significant lead over China in AI development and intends to maintain that advantage.

The remarks came as more than 20 countries, largely from Europe, called for stronger international safety measures for advanced AI systems ahead of the UN General Assembly. Those governments urged the creation of binding safeguards for frontier AI models, citing concerns over national security, disinformation, cyber threats and autonomous weapons. The United States and China did not join the proposal.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the United Kingdom would use its 2027 G20 presidency to push for international AI standards, while French President Emmanuel Macron called for independent AI models that would prevent countries from becoming technologically dependent on major global powers.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged Washington and Beijing to establish a dedicated dialogue on artificial intelligence similar to Cold War-era communications designed to reduce shared security risks. According to Reuters, officials from both countries have been exploring a communication channel focused on AI-related concerns ahead of a planned meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The debate over AI governance has intensified as governments race to regulate increasingly powerful AI models while competing for technological leadership. Major technology executives, including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, are expected to address the UN Security Council on AI governance, safety and global cooperation later this month.

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Gunmen killed two police officers assigned to protect a polio vaccination team in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province, authorities said, a day after the government launched a nationwide campaign to immunize more than 31 million children against the disease.

The attack took place in Nushki district, where armed assailants opened fire on police officers providing security for health workers administering oral polio vaccines in a residential neighborhood. Local police said the vaccination team was inside a house immunizing children when the shooting occurred, and none of the health workers or children were injured.

The officers were escorting frontline vaccination workers as part of heightened security measures routinely deployed during Pakistan’s polio immunization campaigns, which have repeatedly been targeted by militant groups over the past decade.

Authorities said the attackers fled the scene immediately after the shooting. No group has claimed responsibility, and security forces have launched an investigation and search operation in the area.

Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the attack, describing it as an assault on both law enforcement personnel and the country’s efforts to protect children from a preventable disease. He vowed that those responsible would be brought to justice.

Attacks on polio vaccination teams have become a persistent security challenge in Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Pakistani Taliban militants and some separatist armed groups have previously targeted police escorts and health workers, accusing vaccination campaigns of serving foreign interests, claims repeatedly rejected by Pakistani authorities and international health organizations.

Pakistan began its latest week-long nationwide vaccination drive this week, aiming to reach more than 31 million children under the age of five across the country. The campaign is part of efforts to stop the transmission of wild poliovirus before the end of the year.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Pakistan and Afghanistan remain the only two countries where wild poliovirus transmission has not been eliminated. Health officials warn that continued insecurity, attacks on vaccination teams, misinformation and limited access to some communities remain major obstacles to eradicating polio in both countries.

The latest attack underscores the security risks facing health workers and police officers involved in vaccination campaigns, even as Pakistan intensifies efforts to eliminate one of the world’s last remaining reservoirs of wild poliovirus.

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Ayanangsha Maitra in New Delhi

India on Tuesday strongly condemned Pakistan’s airstrikes on eastern Afghanistan provinces of Kunar and Paktika, which killed at least three civilians and wounded four others.

“Such instances of aggression against a sovereign neighbour is something that goes against regional peace and security,” Randhir Jaiswal, India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, stated on Tuesday at a press briefing in New Delhi.

“We strongly condemn the attacks from Pakistan, the airstrikes which were launched on Afghanistan in their Kunar and Paktika provinces. In these airstrikes, several civilians have been killed. We deeply offer our condolences on the precious lives lost,” he said.

The strike in Kunar’s Nurgal district destroyed a house and killed three members of a family, including a man, a woman and a girl, UNAMA estimated. Four others were injured. In Paktika’s Barmal district, a house and a shop were reportedly damaged.

Speaking further, Jaiswal said, “We also hope that those who have been injured in this attack recover well and recover soon. Such instances of aggression against a sovereign neighbour are something that goes against regional peace and security.”

“It violates regional peace and security and it is yet another occasion of aggression from the Pakistani side. We also reaffirm strong, steadfast support for Afghanistan for its independence, its sovereignty, its territorial integrity, as also for the welfare and well-being of its people,” he added.

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Afghan cyclist Fariba Hashimi won a historic silver medal in the women’s road race at the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya on Tuesday, becoming the first Afghan woman to win a cycling medal at the Asian Games and the country’s first female Asiad medalist in more than two decades.

Hashimi crossed the finish line in 2 hours, 50 minutes and 5 seconds, narrowly missing gold in a sprint finish. China’s Li Guo claimed the gold medal by a fraction of a second, while Hong Kong’s Leung Wing Yee finished third to take bronze.

The 23-year-old described the silver medal as a dream fulfilled after years of hardship. “I came to the Asian Games dreaming about standing on the podium and representing my country,” Hashimi said after the race, calling the achievement “something special.”

Hashimi’s journey to the podium has become one of the defining stories of the Nagoya Games. Raised in Afghanistan’s Faryab province, she has said she was forced to disguise herself as a boy while training as a teenager because girls cycling in public faced harassment and violence. She also recalled being attacked with stones and bottles while pursuing the sport.

After the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021 and imposed sweeping restrictions on women’s participation in education and sports, Hashimi left the country and rebuilt her cycling career in Italy with support from international cycling organizations. She later represented Afghanistan at the Paris Olympics and has continued competing internationally.

The silver medal carries significance beyond sport. Olympic Council of Asia officials described Hashimi’s achievement as a symbol of resilience for Afghan women, noting that it comes at a time when women and girls inside Afghanistan remain largely excluded from organized sports under Taliban rule.

Hashimi was joined at the Asian Games by fellow Afghan cyclists Yulduz Hashimi and Zahra Rezayee, who also competed in the women’s road cycling events as part of Afghanistan’s delegation.

The 20th Asian Games are being held in Japan’s Aichi-Nagoya region, with athletes from 45 countries and territories competing across dozens of sports. Afghanistan is represented by male athletes sent from inside the country, while several female athletes, including cyclists competing from abroad, joined the national delegation from outside Afghanistan because of restrictions imposed on women under Taliban rule.

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Afghanistan has become the only country in South Asia whose Positive Peace score has deteriorated over the past decade, according to the 2026 Positive Peace Report by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP). The report ranks Afghanistan 157th out of 163 countries, placing it among the countries with the world’s lowest structural foundations for lasting peace.

The report says Afghanistan scored 4.19 points on the Positive Peace Index and remains in the category of countries with “very low” Positive Peace, alongside conflict-affected states including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Yemen, Chad, the Central African Republic, South Sudan and Somalia. Denmark retained the highest global ranking.

Unlike traditional security indexes that measure conflict or violence, the Positive Peace Index evaluates the institutions, policies and social conditions that enable societies to remain peaceful and resilient over the long term.

Afghanistan’s decline stands out in South Asia

The Institute for Economics and Peace found that South Asia improved its overall Positive Peace score by 2.9% between 2015 and 2024, making it one of the world’s fastest-improving regions. Sri Lanka recorded a 6.3% improvement, India 6%, Nepal 4.7%, Bhutan 4.1%, Bangladesh 3.5%, and Pakistan 0.9%.

Afghanistan was the only South Asian country to move in the opposite direction, with its Positive Peace score declining by 3.3% during the same period.

The report identifies the sharpest deterioration in Afghanistan in the areas of Open Political Environment and Free Flow of Information, two pillars considered essential for accountable governance and peaceful societies.

Media freedom records the region’s sharpest decline

According to the report, press freedom in Afghanistan deteriorated by 78.8%, representing the largest decline in a single indicator across South Asia over the past decade.

The report also documents significant declines in several other governance and rights-related indicators, including:

• Quality of information: down 23.4%
• Laws supporting equal treatment of all groups: down 25%
• Socio-economic group exclusion: down 20.4%
• Government effectiveness: down 13.2%

The institute says these indicators reflect weakening institutional capacity, shrinking civic space and reduced protections for fundamental rights.

The report’s findings align with growing international concern over Afghanistan’s human rights situation since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021.

The United Nations and international rights organizations have repeatedly documented sweeping restrictions on women and girls, including bans on secondary and higher education, employment in many sectors and participation in public life. International observers have also reported increasing restrictions on independent media, civil society organizations and freedom of expression.

The IEP says societies with stronger protections for rights, open political participation and access to reliable information consistently achieve higher levels of Positive Peace and are better equipped to withstand economic or security shocks.

What Positive Peace measures

The Institute for Economics and Peace defines Positive Peace as the “attitudes, institutions and structures that create and sustain peaceful societies.” Unlike Negative Peace, which measures the absence of violence or conflict, Positive Peace focuses on the underlying conditions that allow countries to achieve stability, development and resilience.

The index evaluates countries across eight core pillars:

• Well-functioning government
• Sound business environment
• Equitable distribution of resources
• Acceptance of the rights of others
• Good relations with neighbors
• Free flow of information
• High levels of human capital
• Low levels of corruption

These pillars are measured through 24 indicators compiled from more than 20,000 statistical data points, covering approximately 99.7% of the world’s population.

Global rankings highlight widening governance gap

The 2026 report ranks Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Switzerland, Norway, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, the Netherlands and Iceland as the world’s strongest Positive Peace performers.

The institute says countries that achieved the greatest improvements in internal peace over the past decade also improved their Positive Peace scores at four times the global average, driven largely by stronger rule of law, lower corruption and greater social cohesion.

For Afghanistan, however, the report concludes that declining institutional quality, restrictions on political participation and reduced access to independent information have weakened the country’s long-term prospects for sustainable peace, despite a reduction in large-scale armed conflict after 2021.

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A U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter jet crashed near Spangdahlem Air Base in western Germany during a routine training mission, while the pilot safely ejected and was taken to a hospital for medical evaluation, U.S. military officials said.

The aircraft was returning to Spangdahlem Air Base as part of a four-ship formation after a training flight when the crash occurred. The pilot successfully activated the aircraft’s ejection system before impact and was recovered by emergency responders. U.S. Air Force officials said the pilot is receiving treatment and is in stable condition.

The three remaining F-16s in the formation diverted to nearby Ramstein Air Base and landed safely after the incident. Emergency crews, military personnel and local German authorities responded to the crash site, where the wreckage was secured.

Spangdahlem Air Base, located in Germany’s Rhineland-Palatinate state, is one of the U.S. Air Force’s primary fighter bases in Europe and is home to the 52nd Fighter Wing. The base regularly conducts NATO training and air policing missions across Europe.

U.S. military officials have not reported any civilian casualties or damage to nearby communities. Authorities have also not disclosed whether the aircraft crashed in a populated area or open terrain while recovery operations continue.

The U.S. Air Force said an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the crash. Military investigators will examine the aircraft’s maintenance history, flight data and operational conditions before releasing their findings.

The crash comes as the U.S. Air Force continues extensive training operations across Europe amid heightened NATO military activity. Aviation accidents involving military aircraft remain relatively rare, but standard procedure requires a comprehensive safety investigation after every incident involving the loss of an aircraft.

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United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has renewed his call for a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine, describing it as the only credible path to achieving lasting peace, security and stability in the Middle East.

In a post on X on Wednesday, Guterres said there is “no alternative” to the creation of two independent, sovereign and democratic states living side by side in peace. His remarks come as international diplomatic efforts to revive the long-stalled peace process continue amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories.

“The two-state solution remains the only credible path to lasting peace and security for Palestinians, Israelis and the wider region,” Guterres wrote, urging renewed international commitment to the framework that has long been endorsed by the United Nations.

The UN chief has repeatedly warned that the continued expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, escalating violence and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza are undermining the viability of a future Palestinian state. UN officials have also argued that settlement expansion violates international law and further complicates efforts to reach a negotiated peace agreement.

Israel has consistently opposed the establishment of a fully sovereign Palestinian state under current conditions, while its government has accelerated settlement construction in parts of the occupied West Bank. Israeli officials argue that security concerns must remain a central element of any future political settlement.

The renewed appeal follows months of international pressure for a political resolution to the conflict after the devastating war in Gaza, which has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths, widespread displacement and severe destruction of civilian infrastructure, according to UN and Palestinian health authorities.

The United Nations continues to advocate for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages held in Gaza, increased humanitarian access and renewed negotiations toward a comprehensive political settlement based on internationally recognized borders.

Guterres has repeatedly stressed that peace cannot be sustained through military action alone and that a negotiated two-state solution remains the UN’s long-standing position for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

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U.S. President Donald Trump declared that “there is no human right to illegal immigration” during his address to the United Nations General Assembly, defending his administration’s strict immigration policies and urging other countries to prioritize national sovereignty over illegal migration.

Speaking before world leaders at the 81st UN General Assembly on Tuesday, Trump said every nation has the right to protect its borders and remain sovereign. “There is no human right to illegal immigration, but there is a right to remain a sovereign nation, and we want to remain a sovereign nation, and so should you,” he said.

Trump used the speech to highlight his administration’s immigration agenda, claiming the United States now has its “most secure border in history” after tightening border enforcement and expanding deportation measures. He also argued that uncontrolled migration empowers criminal networks and threatens national security, presenting the policy as a cornerstone of his administration’s domestic and foreign agenda.

The U.S. president sharply criticized what he described as “globalist” policies promoting mass migration, accusing international institutions of undermining national sovereignty. He argued that organizations tasked with protecting cultural heritage were simultaneously encouraging migration policies that, in his view, weaken national identities.

Trump’s remarks came amid continued debate over immigration, asylum policies and border security at the United Nations. Migration has remained one of the defining issues of his second administration, alongside conflicts in the Middle East and broader questions about U.S. sovereignty and international institutions.

The speech also included criticism of the International Criminal Court, calls for reforms within the United Nations and opposition to international regulation of artificial intelligence, reflecting Trump’s broader “America First” foreign policy message during the annual gathering of world leaders in New York.

While Trump framed illegal immigration as a sovereignty issue, his comments have drawn criticism from human rights organizations and immigration advocates, who argue that international law protects the rights of refugees and asylum seekers even as states retain authority over their borders.

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The White House has launched a 24-hour streaming platform called “TRUMP TV: The Essentials Station”, just days after President Donald Trump barred three major news organizations from White House access, intensifying a legal and political confrontation over press freedom in the United States.

The move comes as CNN, Politico and MS NOW have filed a federal lawsuit challenging the ban, while several major television networks have suspended participation in the White House television press pool in solidarity with the excluded outlets.

The new YouTube-based platform began broadcasting at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday with a replay of Trump’s Mount Rushmore speech marking America’s 250th anniversary. The White House said the channel will stream presidential speeches, administration announcements and other official content 24 hours a day, seven days a week, describing it as a direct source of information for the American public.

White House officials have portrayed Trump TV as a way to bypass what Trump repeatedly calls the “fake news” media and communicate directly with Americans. The administration says the livestream will be updated continuously with speeches, policy announcements and highlights from Trump’s presidency.

The launch followed Trump’s decision to revoke White House access for CNN, Politico and MS NOW, accusing the outlets of publishing false and hostile coverage of his administration. Reporters from the three organizations were later denied entry to the White House grounds after their press credentials were deactivated.

The three news organizations responded by filing a lawsuit in federal court, arguing that the ban violates protections for freedom of the press under the First Amendment and due process guarantees under the Fifth Amendment. They are seeking an expedited court order restoring access to White House events.

In a rare display of unity, ABC News, CBS News, CNN, Fox News and NBC News announced they would refuse to replace CNN in the White House television press pool after the administration removed CNN from its scheduled rotation. The decision disrupted the system through which one television network records presidential events on behalf of broadcasters worldwide.

The White House has defended the restrictions, arguing that the U.S. Constitution protects news organizations’ right to publish stories but does not guarantee permanent access to the White House press pool or briefing room. Administration officials have also cited previous disputes over media access during earlier administrations.

Trump has continued to criticize the banned outlets on his Truth Social platform, saying organizations that publish what he describes as false and defamatory reporting should not receive privileged access to the White House. He has also suggested that additional news organizations could face similar restrictions in the future.

Press freedom advocates and several U.S. media organizations have criticized the White House’s actions, arguing that restricting access based on editorial coverage sets a concerning precedent for independent journalism. The legal challenge is expected to test the limits of presidential authority over White House press access.

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The United States plans to reopen a former Cold War-era military base in southern Greenland and establish a new military presence on the island’s east coast under a security agreement with Denmark and Greenland, according to multiple people familiar with the deal. The agreement is expected to significantly expand the U.S. military footprint in the Arctic while keeping Greenland under Danish sovereignty.

The agreement, expected to be signed on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, would expand U.S. military operations beyond the existing Pituffik Space Base, the only permanent American military installation currently operating in Greenland.

Under the proposed deal, the United States would reopen the former Bluie West One military base in Narsarsuaq, southern Greenland, and establish a new military presence in Mestersvig on Greenland’s eastern coast. Mestersvig is currently home to Denmark’s elite Sirius Dog Sled Patrol, a special forces unit responsible for patrolling Greenland’s remote Arctic territory.

Narsarsuaq, once a major U.S. military air base during the Cold War, has since become a small settlement with only a few dozen residents after American forces withdrew in the 1950s. The agreement would restore a U.S. military presence there for the first time in decades.

The text of the agreement has not yet been made public, and officials familiar with the negotiations said its details remain subject to final approval until it is formally signed. Neither the governments of Denmark and Greenland nor the White House commented publicly before the signing.

Arctic security under NATO framework

Danish officials have described the agreement as a NATO-centered security arrangement rather than a bilateral expansion of U.S. power. Copenhagen has said placing Arctic security under NATO oversight helps strengthen collective defense and avoids making Greenland’s security solely a matter between Denmark and the United States.

Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, occupies a strategically important position between North America and the Arctic Ocean. The island has gained increasing geopolitical significance because of its location, critical mineral resources and expanding Arctic shipping routes.

Deal follows months of pressure from Trump

The agreement follows months of pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who repeatedly argued that Greenland was vital to U.S. national security and refused to rule out military or economic measures to gain control of the territory. His comments triggered diplomatic tensions within NATO and were strongly rejected by Danish and Greenlandic leaders.

During the Cold War, the United States operated 17 military installations in Greenland and stationed more than 10,000 troops on the island. Today, the Pituffik Space Base hosts roughly 150 U.S. military personnel and plays a key role in missile warning, space surveillance and Arctic defense operations.

The new agreement is expected to expand U.S. military capabilities across Greenland without changing the territory’s legal status. Danish and Greenlandic officials have emphasized that Greenland’s sovereignty and self-government will remain intact under the deal.

Greenland has been a self-governing territory of Denmark since 1979 and remains part of the Kingdom of Denmark. While Greenland is already covered by NATO through Denmark, growing competition in the Arctic between NATO countries, Russia and China has increased the region’s strategic importance in recent years.

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At least 11 people were injured, including two critically, after a gunman opened fire outside a vocational high school in western Turkey on Tuesday morning, authorities said. Police arrested the suspected shooter shortly after the attack as investigators launched both criminal and administrative inquiries.

The shooting occurred at around 8:00 a.m. local time outside İnci Üzmez Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School in Turgutlu district, Manisa province, as students were arriving for classes. Emergency services, police and ambulances were dispatched to the scene after reports of gunfire near the school.

Security camera footage released by Turkish media showed an armed individual carrying a shotgun while walking near the school before fleeing the area moments after the shooting. Authorities later detained the suspect and secured the weapon used in the attack.

The Manisa governor’s office confirmed that 11 students were injured, with two in critical condition after being transported to nearby hospitals. Turkish Justice Minister Akın Gürlek said prosecutors had opened a judicial investigation into the attack.

Initial reports from Turkish broadcasters indicated the suspect is a 15-year-old ninth-grade student at the same school. Officials have not formally confirmed his identity or age, but authorities are investigating reports that he may have experienced bullying before the attack.

Turkish authorities also detained the suspect’s parents and grandfather, who reportedly owned the shotgun used in the shooting, as investigators examine whether negligence in storing the firearm contributed to the incident.

The Turkish Ministry of National Education described the shooting as a tragedy that had “deeply saddened” the country and the education community. The ministry suspended classes at the school for the day, deployed three inspectors to investigate the incident and sent psychosocial support teams to assist students, teachers and families.

The attack has renewed concerns about school safety in Turkey following two deadly school shootings in April 2026 that left students and teachers dead or wounded. Those incidents prompted the government to strengthen security measures at schools for the 2026–27 academic year, including deploying thousands of security personnel and tightening oversight of firearm access.

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Construction of the strategically important Serhetabat–Herat section of the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India (TAPI) gas pipeline is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, creating the conditions for natural gas deliveries to Afghanistan in 2027, Turkmenistan’s ambassador to Pakistan said.

Turkmen Ambassador Atajan Mulamov made the announcement during the “Ambassadors’ Dinner 2026,” hosted by the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) in Islamabad. He said completing the cross-border section linking Serhetabat in Turkmenistan with Herat in western Afghanistan would mark a major milestone in one of Central and South Asia’s largest regional energy projects.

Mulamov said Turkmenistan expects the completed pipeline segment to enable the start of gas supplies to Afghanistan in 2027 before the project continues toward Pakistan and India. He added that TAPI, together with other regional energy initiatives, could strengthen energy security, expand regional connectivity, and create new opportunities for industrial and economic growth across the region.

The TAPI pipeline is designed to transport 33 billion cubic meters (bcm) of natural gas annually from Turkmenistan’s giant Galkynysh gas field through Afghanistan to Pakistan and India. Stretching about 1,800 kilometers, it has long been viewed as a flagship regional infrastructure project aimed at diversifying Turkmenistan’s gas exports while addressing growing energy demand in South Asia.

Afghanistan section nears completion

Work on the Afghanistan segment has accelerated over the past year, with the first 153-kilometer Serhetabat–Herat segment entering its final stage of construction. Afghan authorities recently said pipeline installation, welding, hydrostatic testing, and access roads have advanced significantly across Herat Province.

According to Afghanistan’s Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, about 122 kilometers of pipeline have already been welded and laid, while more than 150 kilometers of the route have been prepared for installation. The ministry said the Herat section has reached about 80 percent completion and is progressing toward the end-of-year target.

Planning is also underway for Herat’s internal gas distribution network, which officials say will eventually supply industrial, commercial, and residential consumers in the province. The project is expected to reduce reliance on imported fuels and support industrial development in western Afghanistan.

Turkmenistan has repeatedly described TAPI as a cornerstone of its strategy to diversify gas exports beyond China, currently its largest customer. The project is also expected to generate transit revenue for Afghanistan while strengthening trade and energy cooperation among the four participating countries.

The pipeline has faced years of delays because of security challenges, financing difficulties, and political uncertainty in Afghanistan. However, construction resumed on the Afghan section after work formally began in September 2024, with hundreds of engineers and specialized machines deployed along the route.

If the current construction schedule is maintained, the Serhetabat–Herat section would become the first completed Afghanistan segment of TAPI, paving the way for the next phase of construction toward Kandahar and eventually Pakistan’s border.

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Norway has contributed 15 million Norwegian kroner ($1.63 million) to the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund, providing new support for aid operations as millions of people across the country continue to face a severe humanitarian crisis, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said.

OCHA announced the contribution on Monday, saying the funding will help sustain life-saving humanitarian assistance for vulnerable families affected by conflict, displacement, drought, poverty, and recurring natural disasters across Afghanistan.

The UN said the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund enables aid agencies to respond rapidly to urgent needs in some of the country’s hardest-to-reach communities. The new Norwegian funding will support emergency food assistance, healthcare, water and sanitation services, shelter, and protection programs for people most affected by the crisis.

Afghanistan remains one of the world’s largest humanitarian emergencies. According to the United Nations, millions of Afghans continue to require humanitarian assistance as the country struggles with economic hardship, climate-related disasters, widespread poverty, and the continued return of Afghan refugees from neighboring countries.

The humanitarian situation has become more challenging in recent months as large numbers of returnees from Pakistan and Iran have increased pressure on already limited resources and basic services. Aid agencies have warned that many returning families lack shelter, food, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities.

UN agencies have repeatedly warned that humanitarian operations in Afghanistan remain critically underfunded. OCHA says funding shortages have forced aid organizations to scale back or suspend assistance programs, leaving millions of vulnerable people without essential support.

Norway has been one of the longstanding international donors supporting humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan through the United Nations and humanitarian partners. OCHA welcomed the latest contribution, saying continued international funding is essential to maintain emergency assistance and help address growing humanitarian needs across the country.

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U.S. Senator Mark Warner has criticized President Donald Trump over the prolonged war with Iran, saying the conflict has continued for more than six months despite Trump’s earlier promise that it would end within weeks.

Warner, a Democratic senator from Virginia and vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, wrote on X on Tuesday that Trump had claimed the war would last “six weeks,” but the conflict has now entered its seventh month with no clear end in sight.

The senator argued that the war has imposed a significant financial burden on American households, saying U.S. consumers have paid an additional $100 billion for gasoline and diesel since the conflict began. He also said Americans are facing another $60 billion in higher costs for essentials such as food and mortgage payments as rising fuel prices push transportation and living costs higher.

Warner has repeatedly described the conflict as a “war of choice,” arguing that it has disrupted global energy markets and contributed to higher inflation across the United States. He warned that the closure and instability around the Strait of Hormuz have created one of the most severe energy shocks in recent years, driving up fuel and freight costs for American families.

His criticism comes as public dissatisfaction with the Iran war continues to grow in the United States. A Reuters/Ipsos poll published this week found President Trump’s approval rating had fallen to a record low of 32%, with rising living costs and the prolonged conflict among voters’ biggest concerns. The poll also found only 34% of respondents supported Trump’s handling of the Iran conflict, while a large majority believed the war would continue for an extended period.

Trump has defended the military campaign, saying higher fuel prices are a necessary cost to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. Speaking at the White House this month, he said Americans should accept the economic impact if it helps stop Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.

The United States and Iran have exchanged military strikes since the conflict began in late February 2026, with fighting repeatedly disrupting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and increasing pressure on global oil and diesel markets. Reuters has reported that the war has become an increasingly unpopular and open-ended conflict, with Washington facing mounting political, economic and military costs as it searches for a path to de-escalation.

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Foreign ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) called on Iran to end its military support for Yemen’s Houthi movement, warning that Tehran’s backing of the group is fueling regional escalation and threatening international trade and global stability.

The joint statement was issued after G7 foreign ministers met on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The ministers from the United States, Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan condemned the Houthis’ continued missile and drone attacks in Yemen and against Saudi Arabia, describing them as an unacceptable source of instability in the Middle East.

“We call on Iran to end its arming and support of the Houthis,” the G7 ministers said, adding that such assistance has created “a dangerous pattern of escalation” that risks undermining global commerce and maritime security.

The G7 also urged the Houthis to immediately halt all military operations, including threats and attacks against civilian shipping, and to return to the UN-led political process in good faith. The statement reaffirmed support for diplomatic efforts to achieve a negotiated settlement to Yemen’s conflict.

The appeal comes as Houthi attacks on Saudi territory and maritime routes have intensified in recent weeks, raising concerns about the security of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, one of the world’s most important shipping corridors connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. Western governments have warned that attacks on commercial vessels threaten global supply chains and energy markets.

Reuters has also reported that Iranian military support, including weapons, funding and tactical assistance, has played a significant role in strengthening the Houthis’ military capabilities during the conflict in Yemen, although Tehran has repeatedly denied directing Houthi military operations.

Yemen’s internationally recognized government and Saudi Arabia have accused Iran of supplying advanced missiles, drones and military advisers to the Houthis. Iran has consistently rejected those accusations, saying its support for the group is political rather than operational.

The renewed G7 warning reflects growing international concern that continued fighting in Yemen could further destabilize the Middle East, disrupt maritime trade routes and complicate broader diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions between Iran and Western countries during the UN General Assembly.

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Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have signed an agreement exempting holders of diplomatic and official passports from visa requirements, marking another step in expanding bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

The agreement was signed on Monday by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said.

The visa exemption will apply to holders of diplomatic and official passports from both countries, simplifying official travel and facilitating higher-level diplomatic engagement between Islamabad and Riyadh.

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry described the agreement as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen strategic ties with Saudi Arabia, one of Pakistan’s closest allies in the Middle East. The two countries maintain close cooperation across diplomacy, security, trade, labor migration and investment, with regular exchanges between senior government officials.

The agreement comes as Pakistan and Saudi Arabia continue to deepen cooperation through a series of high-level engagements over the past year. Saudi Arabia has pledged multi-billion-dollar investments in Pakistan in sectors including energy, mining, infrastructure and agriculture as Islamabad seeks to stabilize its economy and attract foreign investment.

The two countries also signed a joint defense cooperation agreement on August 7, alongside Türkiye, aimed at strengthening collective security, expanding defense collaboration and promoting regional stability. Pakistani and Saudi officials have described security cooperation as a key pillar of their longstanding strategic partnership.

Saudi Arabia is home to one of the world’s largest Pakistani expatriate communities, with millions of Pakistani workers contributing significantly to Pakistan’s economy through remittances. Riyadh has also remained an important financial partner for Islamabad during periods of economic difficulty.

The latest visa-free agreement reflects broader efforts by both governments to institutionalize cooperation and facilitate official engagement as bilateral relations continue to expand across political, economic and security sectors.

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U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen has called on member states of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to impose sanctions on President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio over the administration’s campaign against the Hague-based tribunal and its investigations into alleged war crimes in Gaza.

Van Hollen made the remarks in a post on X on Monday, saying that if European countries and other ICC member states “have any self-respect,” they should sanction Trump and Rubio for attempting to obstruct the court’s investigation into alleged war crimes committed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Gaza.

The Democratic senator’s comments came after reports that the Trump administration is preparing sweeping financial sanctions against the ICC, expanding previous measures that targeted individual judges and prosecutors. According to Reuters, the proposed sanctions would target the court as an institution, potentially restricting transactions with the ICC, limiting access to the U.S.-dominated financial system, and affecting nearly 900 employees and affiliated organizations.

The planned measures represent a significant escalation in Washington’s longstanding opposition to the ICC, which the United States has never joined. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has described the court as a threat to U.S. sovereignty and has urged other countries to isolate the tribunal after it issued arrest warrants for Israeli officials and previously investigated alleged crimes involving U.S. forces in Afghanistan.

The ICC issued arrest warrants in November 2024 for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. Israel rejects the allegations, while the United States argues the court lacks jurisdiction over Israeli officials because Israel is not a party to the Rome Statute.

The Trump administration has already sanctioned several ICC officials, including ICC President Tomoko Akane and senior trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye, freezing any assets they hold under U.S. jurisdiction and prohibiting transactions involving the U.S. financial system. The ICC has condemned the sanctions, saying they undermine judicial independence and the international rule of law.

European governments have expressed support for the ICC’s continued operations, while officials in the Netherlands, where the court is headquartered, have been preparing contingency measures to help the tribunal continue functioning if broader U.S. sanctions are imposed.

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U.S. President Donald Trump met New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani at Gracie Mansion on Monday, marking their third in-person meeting and their first face-to-face talks in New York despite years of sharp political disagreements. The two leaders said they discussed housing affordability, city development and other issues affecting New Yorkers ahead of Trump’s address to the United Nations General Assembly.

The meeting brought together two politicians from opposite ends of the U.S. political spectrum, Trump, a Republican president, and Mamdani, New York City’s first Muslim mayor and a democratic socialist, who have recently maintained an unexpectedly cordial working relationship.

Mayor Mamdani’s office said the discussion focused on issues affecting New York City residents, including housing, affordability and infrastructure. After the meeting, Mamdani said he was willing to work across political divisions if it benefited New Yorkers, emphasizing that governing the city required cooperation with the federal government despite policy disagreements.

Trump also struck a friendly tone during the visit, praising Mamdani and expressing hope that he could become “a great mayor” for New York. The president described Gracie Mansion as a place with personal significance from previous visits and said he wanted New York City to succeed regardless of political differences.

Housing was a central topic of the talks. U.S. and local media reported that both sides discussed the proposed Sunnyside Yard redevelopment project in Queens, a multibillion-dollar plan to build thousands of affordable homes that would require significant federal support and approvals. The two leaders agreed to continue discussions between City Hall and White House officials on the project.

Despite the cordial atmosphere, the meeting did not erase major policy differences. Mamdani reiterated his opposition to the Trump administration’s immigration policies and criticized restrictions imposed on several news organizations’ access to the White House, describing press freedom as an important democratic principle. Trump defended his administration’s decision, arguing that media organizations should meet standards of fairness.

The encounter followed two earlier meetings at the White House, one shortly after Mamdani’s election and another earlier this year, during which the two leaders also discussed housing and other city priorities. Their evolving relationship has attracted attention because Trump had previously criticized Mamdani during the mayoral campaign, while Mamdani had been an outspoken critic of the president before taking office.

The meeting took place as world leaders gathered in New York for the annual United Nations General Assembly, where Trump is scheduled to deliver a speech and hold a series of bilateral meetings with foreign leaders.

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France’s Special Envoy for Human Rights, Isabelle Rome, said the rights of Afghan women and girls must remain at the center of the international agenda five years after the Taliban returned to power, warning that systematic restrictions imposed by the group cannot become normalized.

Speaking at a high-level event on Afghanistan on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, Rome said France “will never compromise” on the rights of Afghan women and girls and condemned what she described as the Taliban’s systematic violations of their fundamental freedoms. She said Paris remains committed to ensuring women’s rights are explicitly reflected in UN resolutions on Afghanistan.

Rome described the Taliban’s morality law as another example of a sustained assault on women’s rights, saying the restrictions imposed on education, employment, public participation, and freedom of movement have deepened Afghanistan’s human rights crisis. She urged the international community not to allow the situation of Afghan women to fade from global attention.

“Amid the overwhelming number of crises the world faces every day, we must not forget Afghan women,” Rome said, calling for continued international efforts to expose abuses and hold those responsible accountable.

France has been among the countries pushing for international accountability over alleged abuses in Afghanistan. Rome said France, together with five other countries, referred the situation of Afghan women and girls to the International Criminal Court and continues to support an independent investigative mechanism established by the UN Human Rights Council to document alleged crimes committed in Afghanistan. She said the mechanism aims to advance “truth, justice, and the fight against impunity.”

The remarks come as UN officials and European governments continue to describe the Taliban’s restrictions on women and girls as one of the main obstacles to Afghanistan’s reintegration into the international community. The United Nations has repeatedly said bans on women’s education, employment, and participation in public life undermine humanitarian operations and Afghanistan’s long-term stability.

France has maintained that engagement with Afghanistan cannot come at the expense of women’s rights. The French government has refused to reopen its embassy in Kabul, continues to support sanctions and accountability efforts targeting Taliban leaders, and says respect for women’s rights remains a central condition for any normalization of relations with the Taliban authorities.

Rome urged governments and international institutions to continue documenting abuses against Afghan women and girls and to support Afghan women human rights defenders, journalists, and civil society activists. She said women’s rights are “never secondary or conditional,” but an inseparable part of a just, stable, and sustainable international order.

Five years after the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, Afghan women remain barred from secondary and higher education, excluded from many forms of employment, and subject to sweeping restrictions on their presence in public life, measures that the UN and several governments say continue to isolate Afghanistan internationally.

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Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai has urged world leaders not to abandon Afghanistan’s women and girls, calling for urgent international action to end what she described as the Taliban’s “gender apartheid” and hold the group accountable for systematic discrimination.

Speaking at a high-level event titled “Women and Girls in Afghanistan: Five Years of Resistance, Solidarity and the Pursuit of Accountability” on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly, Yousafzai said Afghan women have continued to resist despite being erased from public life.

“Five years of Taliban rule have stolen the future of an entire generation of Afghan girls,” Yousafzai said, warning that millions of girls have been denied education, employment and basic freedoms since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021.

Yousafzai said she has met Afghan girls who continue studying in secret underground schools despite the Taliban’s ban on secondary and university education for women. She described their determination as evidence that Afghan women “have not surrendered” despite years of restrictions.

She called on governments attending the UN General Assembly to place the rights of Afghan women and girls at the center of international engagement with Afghanistan. She urged states to formally recognize the Taliban’s treatment of women as gender apartheid, a term increasingly used by Afghan activists and human rights organizations to describe institutionalized discrimination based on gender.

The Taliban have barred girls from secondary schools and universities, prohibited many women from working for NGOs and the United Nations, and imposed extensive restrictions on women’s movement, dress and participation in public life. The United Nations has repeatedly said the measures amount to unprecedented violations of women’s rights.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres and senior UN officials have also warned that excluding women and girls from education and public life is deepening Afghanistan’s humanitarian and economic crisis, while isolating the country internationally.

International human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have renewed calls for governments to pursue accountability mechanisms against Taliban officials responsible for policies targeting women and girls. Several countries have also supported efforts to advance the recognition of gender apartheid under international law.

Yousafzai said the international community should not normalize relations with the Taliban without measurable improvements in women’s rights. She stressed that Afghan women “deserve freedom, dignity and equal opportunities,” and called for sustained diplomatic pressure until discriminatory policies are reversed.

The event at the United Nations brought together Afghan women activists, diplomats and human rights advocates to mark five years since the Taliban’s return to power and discuss international accountability for ongoing restrictions on women and girls in Afghanistan.

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Britain will provide Saudi Arabia with defensive air-to-air refuelling support after Iran-backed Houthi rebels launched missile and drone attacks on Saudi territory, Prime Minister Andy Burnham said, marking a new phase of UK military assistance in the escalating Yemen conflict.

The announcement follows a formal request from Riyadh for military support after Houthi forces targeted the Saudi capital, Riyadh, and energy infrastructure along the Red Sea coast. Burnham said he approved the request after consultations with Britain’s defense and foreign ministers.

British officials said the mission is expected to begin within days and will involve a Royal Air Force Voyager aircraft based at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. The deployment has been described as time-limited, initially expected to last several weeks, and is intended to support Saudi aircraft defending against incoming drones and missiles rather than participating in offensive strikes inside Yemen.

Burnham said the decision was driven by Britain’s security and economic interests, arguing that continued attacks on Saudi Arabia threaten regional stability and vital maritime trade routes.

“Saudi Arabia has been experiencing attacks, is looking at potential further disruption, and we need to keep those pathways open,” Burnham told reporters while travelling to the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The UK government said the support is defensive in nature and is aimed at helping Saudi Arabia intercept Houthi missile and drone attacks while protecting international shipping lanes and energy infrastructure. Britain already maintains its Sky Sabre air defense system in Saudi Arabia under an existing defense partnership.

Houthi attacks intensify regional conflict

The announcement comes after the Houthis claimed responsibility for a series of drone and ballistic missile attacks targeting Riyadh and Saudi energy facilities on the Red Sea coast. The attacks are part of a renewed escalation in Yemen’s conflict, which has intensified alongside broader tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel.

Reuters reported that Houthi fighters have expanded operations in western Yemen and have threatened strategic maritime routes linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden, increasing concerns over global energy supplies and commercial shipping.

Strategic waterways and UK concerns

British officials linked the decision to the need to safeguard shipping through the Bab al-Mandab Strait and nearby Red Sea routes, which are critical corridors for global trade and Middle Eastern oil exports. The conflict has already disrupted commercial shipping and contributed to higher energy prices in international markets.

Burnham said protecting these routes is important not only for regional security but also for reducing economic pressure on British households caused by instability in global energy markets.

The United Kingdom stressed that its involvement does not represent a broader military intervention in Yemen. Officials said the RAF refuelling aircraft will support Saudi defensive operations only and that the deployment will be reviewed regularly.

The move makes Britain one of the first Western allies to publicly expand military assistance to Saudi Arabia during the latest escalation, while Washington has so far stopped short of announcing a similar refuelling mission.

The Houthis have been fighting Yemen’s internationally recognized government, backed by Saudi Arabia, since 2014. The renewed attacks have heightened concerns about a wider regional conflict and the security of one of the world’s most important maritime trade corridors.

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Lithuania has prepared plans to evacuate its population in the event of a Russian attack, but the country will not surrender if Moscow launches military action, Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius said in an interview with the BBC.

Sinkevičius said Lithuania is strengthening its defense while preparing for multiple emergency scenarios as security concerns grow along NATO’s eastern border. He stressed that evacuation planning is a precautionary measure rather than an indication that an attack is imminent.

“We are thinking about different scenarios, although not all of them are discussed publicly,” Sinkevičius told the BBC. He added that Lithuania is “organized and prepared” to respond to any threat and would resist Russian aggression if necessary.

The prime minister said many Lithuanians live with a constant sense of insecurity because of Russia’s military activities near the country’s borders, including repeated incidents involving drones entering Lithuanian airspace.

His comments came about a week after NATO fighter jets intercepted and shot down a drone that entered Lithuanian airspace, an incident that heightened concerns about cross-border security and prompted additional military vigilance in the Baltic state.

Lithuania, a NATO and European Union member, shares a border with Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave as well as Belarus, Moscow’s closest regional ally. The country has significantly increased defense spending and expanded civil defense preparations since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Baltic governments have repeatedly warned that Russia’s military posture in the region remains a long-term security challenge. NATO has responded by reinforcing its eastern flank with additional troops, air defense systems and regular military exercises across Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.

Sinkevičius said Lithuania’s priority is to deter aggression through strong national defenses and close coordination with NATO allies while ensuring authorities are prepared to protect civilians if regional tensions escalate further.

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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a telephone conversation with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres shortly after arriving in New York for the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, discussing international peace and security as tensions between Iran and the United States continue to rise.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry said Araghchi, who is leading a diplomatic delegation to the annual UN gathering, spoke with Guterres about the General Assembly agenda and the UN chief’s efforts to advance peace, security, and diplomacy.

According to Iranian state media, the conversation focused on regional developments, ongoing diplomatic initiatives, and the role of the United Nations in preventing further escalation in the Middle East. Tehran said Araghchi reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to engaging through diplomatic channels while emphasizing the need for regional stability.

The call comes as the United Nations prepares for a high-level General Assembly session dominated by conflicts in the Middle East, including renewed military tensions between Iran and the United States, the wars in Gaza and Ukraine, and broader regional security concerns.

Recent weeks have seen a sharp escalation in U.S.-Iran tensions, with both sides exchanging military threats following U.S. strikes on Iranian military targets and retaliatory Iranian missile and drone attacks against U.S. positions and regional allies. The renewed confrontation has increased concerns about the risk of a wider regional conflict and disruptions to global energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.

The United Nations has repeatedly urged both Washington and Tehran to exercise maximum restraint. Guterres has warned that continued military escalation could have “catastrophic consequences” for regional and international security, calling on all parties to prioritize dialogue over armed confrontation.

Diplomatic contacts between senior UN officials and Iranian representatives have intensified ahead of the General Assembly as the organization seeks to reduce regional tensions and encourage negotiations among key stakeholders.

Araghchi is expected to hold a series of bilateral meetings with foreign ministers and senior diplomats during the UN General Assembly, where Iran is expected to raise issues including regional security, sanctions, and the ongoing conflict with the United States.

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Russia has suspended exports of motor fuels to Afghanistan since April 2026, according to market traders and Russian media reports, forcing Afghanistan and several Central Asian countries to seek alternative fuel suppliers.

The move comes as Moscow reduced fuel exports across Central Asia to prioritize domestic supply following temporary export restrictions on gasoline and other petroleum products. Data cited by Russian market participants show exports of gasoline, diesel and jet fuel from Russia to Central Asia and Afghanistan fell to 4.5 million metric tons during the first eight months of 2026, down from 4.9 million metric tons during the same period a year earlier.

The Moscow Times reported that Russia stopped exporting motor gasoline to Afghanistan in April after introducing export restrictions aimed at stabilizing fuel supplies and prices in the domestic market. The restrictions affected shipments to several neighboring countries, including Afghanistan.

The reduction has accelerated changes in regional fuel supply chains. Belarus has significantly increased petroleum exports to Central Asia and Afghanistan, filling part of the gap left by Russia. Belarusian gasoline exports to the region doubled to 630,000 metric tons in the first eight months of the year, while diesel exports increased fourfold to about 140,000 metric tons.

According to the report, more than 48,000 metric tons of Belarusian gasoline were shipped to Afghanistan and Turkmenistan in August alone, highlighting Belarus’s growing role as an alternative supplier to regional markets.

Reuters separately reported that Russian diesel exports to Central Asia rebounded sharply in August, rising to more than 370,000 metric tons, more than double July’s level. However, cumulative diesel exports to Central Asia and Afghanistan during the first eight months of 2026 remained slightly below last year’s level at around 2.5 million metric tons.

The shift has prompted Central Asian countries to diversify fuel imports beyond Russia. Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have increasingly sourced gasoline and diesel from Turkmenistan, Iran, China and European suppliers in recent months, according to Reuters.

For Afghanistan, which relies heavily on imported fuel, the suspension of Russian gasoline exports underscores its dependence on neighboring markets and alternative supply routes. Increased shipments from Belarus and other regional suppliers could help offset supply disruptions, but they also reflect broader changes in energy trade across Eurasia as Russia reshapes exports under domestic and geopolitical pressures.

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The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said at least three civilians, a man, a woman and a girl were killed and four others injured in apparent Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan’s eastern Kunar province early Monday, as cross-border tensions between Islamabad and the Taliban escalated after deadly militant attacks in Pakistan.

UNAMA said the casualties occurred during probable airstrikes in Kunar province and renewed its call on all parties to respect international humanitarian law and protect civilians during cross-border military operations. The UN mission added that it has documented more than 1,100 civilian casualties in Afghanistan this year linked to cross-border armed violence.

The strikes came after Pakistan launched air operations in Afghanistan’s Kunar and Paktika provinces, saying it had targeted hideouts of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and affiliated militant groups responsible for recent attacks inside Pakistan. Pakistan’s Information Ministry said 28 militants were killed in the operation, while Afghan authorities said civilians were among the victims.

Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban government’s chief spokesman, accused Pakistan of bombing civilian areas in Kunar and Paktika. He said three civilians were killed in Kunar and four others were wounded, while a house and a shop were damaged in Paktika without causing casualties. Mujahid described the strikes as “aggression” and said Afghanistan would respond appropriately.

Pakistani officials have defended the operation as a counterterrorism strike, arguing it was based on intelligence about TTP infrastructure operating across the border. Islamabad has repeatedly accused the Taliban authorities of allowing TTP militants and allied groups, including fighters linked to Hafiz Gul Bahadur, to use Afghanistan territory to launch attacks into Pakistan, allegations the Taliban deny.

The airstrikes followed a major militant attack on a police compound in Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where dozens of people, including police officers, were killed and more than 100 others injured. Pakistani authorities have blamed the assault on militant groups they say operate from Afghanistan territory.

UNAMA urged all parties to observe the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution under international humanitarian law, stressing that civilians must not be targeted during military operations. The mission said it continues to verify information related to cross-border attacks and their humanitarian impact.

The latest strikes ended nearly three months of relative calm along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border and further deepened a diplomatic rift that has intensified throughout 2026 over militant sanctuaries and repeated cross-border attacks.

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Pakistani authorities have detained all three sisters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan for 30 days under a public order law, days before Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) plans nationwide protests demanding Khan’s release, according to the party.

Police detained Aleema Khan from her residence in Lahore on Sunday, while her sisters Dr. Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi were taken into custody the following day. PTI said several other family members were also detained during police raids, although children were later released.

The Lahore district administration issued separate detention orders under the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance, stating that the sisters posed a threat to public safety and public order. The orders send them to Kot Lakhpat Jail in Lahore for a preventive detention period of 30 days.

PTI condemned the arrests as politically motivated and accused the Punjab government of attempting to silence Khan’s family before the party’s planned September 27 protest march to Islamabad. PTI spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram said police raided a family residence and arrested the sisters alongside several relatives.

Aleema Khan has become one of the most prominent public voices for her brother since his imprisonment, regularly addressing media and supporters outside court hearings and prison proceedings. None of Khan’s sisters hold official positions within PTI, but they have been active in campaigning for his release and criticizing the government over his detention.

Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has declared PTI’s planned protest illegal and warned that authorities will not allow demonstrations to disrupt public life or block roads in Islamabad and Punjab. Thousands of police officers have reportedly been deployed, and security checkpoints have been established ahead of the march.

Imran Khan has remained in prison since 2023 and continues to face multiple legal cases. Several of his convictions have been suspended or overturned on appeal, but he remains incarcerated in other cases that PTI describes as politically motivated. Khan and his party deny all wrongdoing.

The detentions come amid an expanding crackdown on PTI leaders and supporters before the planned demonstrations. Lawyers representing Khan’s sisters have challenged the detention orders in the Lahore High Court, arguing that authorities failed to provide specific allegations or follow the legal procedure required under the MPO law.

Human rights groups and opposition politicians have repeatedly raised concerns over Pakistan’s use of preventive detention laws against political opponents and activists. The government says the measures are necessary to maintain public order and prevent unrest ahead of large public gatherings.

The arrests have further heightened political tensions in Pakistan, where PTI has vowed to proceed with its nationwide protest campaign despite warnings from authorities and an intensified security crackdown.

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Afghanistan has sent a 34-member team to Japan to compete in the 20th Asian Games, with athletes set to represent the country across nine sports during Asia’s largest multi-sport event, sports officials said on Monday.

The athletes departed after a farewell ceremony in Kabul attended by Ahmadullah Wasiq, head of Afghanistan’s General Directorate of Physical Education and Sports. Officials said the delegation includes competitors in taekwondo, judo, kurash and traditional wrestling, along with coaches, referees, medical staff and team officials.

According to the sports directorate, the taekwondo team includes two athletes, one coach, one doctor and one team official. Afghanistan will also be represented by two judokas and a coach, three kurash athletes accompanied by three referees and a coach, and two traditional wrestling athletes with their coaching staff and officials.

Wasiq wished the athletes success and urged them to represent Afghanistan with determination and discipline during the continental competition.

The 2026 Asian Games will be held in Aichi and Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4, bringing together athletes from 45 Asian countries in 41 sports. The event is organized by the Olympic Council of Asia and is regarded as the continent’s premier sporting competition after the Olympic Games.

For Afghanistan, the Games provide one of the country’s biggest opportunities to compete on the international stage. Afghan athletes have continued to participate in regional and global competitions despite years of conflict and political upheaval, with many training under limited resources both inside and outside the country.

Several Afghan athletes have previously won medals in combat sports, particularly taekwondo, wrestling and martial arts, making those disciplines among the country’s strongest medal prospects at regional events. Officials said the broader Afghan delegation includes competitors across nine sporting disciplines, reflecting efforts to maintain participation in major international tournaments.

The Asian Games will feature thousands of athletes from across the continent and serve as a key qualification pathway for several international competitions while showcasing Asia’s leading sporting talent.

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Ariana Afghan Airlines has added a Boeing 737-300 freighter to its fleet as part of efforts to expand international cargo operations and support Afghanistan’s air freight and export sector, the state-owned airline announced on Monday.

The airline said the cargo aircraft arrived at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul and has been dedicated exclusively to transporting commercial goods on international routes. The Boeing 737-300 freighter has a carrying capacity of about 17 metric tons of cargo per flight.

Ariana said it signed a one-year lease agreement with Air Charter Express, a company based in the United Arab Emirates, to operate the aircraft and strengthen its cargo services.

Bakht Rahman Sharafat, Ariana’s president, said the airline is working to expand Afghanistan’s air cargo network, increase exports and improve trade links with regional and international markets.

“This aircraft will help Afghan traders transport their products to foreign markets more quickly and at a more affordable cost,” Sharafat said, according to the airline’s statement.

The addition of the freighter comes as Afghanistan seeks to improve commercial connectivity through air transport, particularly for time-sensitive exports such as fresh fruit, dried fruit, saffron, carpets and other agricultural and industrial products that rely on rapid delivery to overseas markets.

Expanding Afghanistan’s Cargo Capacity

Ariana, Afghanistan’s national carrier, has increasingly focused on cargo transportation alongside passenger services as the country faces limited overland trade routes and logistical challenges.

The airline said the new aircraft is expected to increase cargo capacity on regional and international routes and provide Afghan businesses with more reliable freight services.

Afghanistan’s exporters have long relied on air cargo corridors to reach markets in the Gulf, Central Asia, South Asia and Europe, particularly for high-value agricultural products that require fast transportation.

The announcement also reflects broader efforts by Ariana to modernize and diversify its fleet through leasing arrangements as the airline seeks to expand commercial operations despite ongoing operational and financial challenges.

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The United States has proposed creating a joint mechanism with China to notify each other about artificial intelligence incidents that could pose national security risks, as Washington and Beijing seek to establish safeguards for the world’s two leading AI powers ahead of a summit between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The proposal was presented during high-level economic talks in New York between US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng. The discussions also focused on tariffs, critical minerals and preparations for the Trump-Xi meeting in Washington later this week.

Bessent said the proposed mechanism would create a dedicated US-China AI dialogue and include a notification system for AI-related incidents that rise to the level of national security threats. He said greater transparency between the world’s two largest AI powers is essential for addressing “common goals and common threats” associated with rapidly advancing technology.

The initiative is intended to function as an AI-era communication channel between Washington and Beijing, allowing both governments to quickly exchange information about serious AI incidents, including potential cyberattacks, misuse of advanced AI systems or other events that could threaten national security.

China has not publicly endorsed the proposal. State news agency Xinhua said the two sides held “frank, in-depth and constructive” discussions on economic and trade issues, including artificial intelligence, but did not announce any agreement on the notification mechanism.

The AI proposal comes amid intensifying technological competition between the United States and China over advanced AI models, semiconductors and critical computing infrastructure. Despite that rivalry, officials from both countries have acknowledged the need for limited cooperation on AI safety and crisis communication.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said export controls on advanced AI chips and semiconductor manufacturing equipment were not part of the proposed AI discussions. Those restrictions remain one of the most contentious issues in the broader US-China technology rivalry.

Tariff talks advance before summit

The two sides also agreed to operationalize a “Board of Trade,” a framework first discussed during Trump’s visit to China in May, to identify non-strategic goods that could qualify for lower tariffs under the current trade truce.

Greer said the discussions involve a relatively limited group of non-sensitive products, including consumer goods from China and US exports such as agricultural products, energy and medical equipment. No final list of products has been announced.

However, major disputes remain unresolved, including China’s supply of rare-earth magnets and other critical minerals used in US manufacturing and technology industries, as well as Beijing’s previous commitments to increase purchases of American agricultural products and Boeing aircraft.

Chinese officials said Vice Premier He Lifeng was leading a delegation of Chinese companies to the United States for continued economic consultations before the leaders’ summit, signaling that negotiations will continue despite persistent disagreements over trade and technology.

The Trump-Xi summit is expected to address artificial intelligence, trade, critical minerals and broader geopolitical tensions as the current US-China trade truce approaches its scheduled expiration in November.

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Former Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai has condemned Pakistan’s airstrikes in the eastern provinces of Kunar and Paktika, describing the attacks as a violation of Afghanistan’s sovereignty and expressing condolences to the families of those killed.

In a statement posted on social media on Monday, Karzai said Pakistan’s military operations inside Afghanistan violated the country’s territorial integrity and urged Islamabad to abandon policies that fuel instability between the two neighbors.

The remarks came after Pakistan carried out overnight airstrikes in parts of Kunar and Paktika, according to Taliban officials and Pakistani security sources. The strikes targeted areas in Nurgal district of Kunar province and Barmal district of Paktika province, where Pakistani authorities say militant groups operate near the border.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed the strikes, calling them a “crime and aggression” and saying Pakistani fighter jets struck a residential house in Patan village of Nurgal district at about 2:30 a.m. He claimed at least three civilians were killed and four others were wounded, including women and children.

Pakistani security sources, meanwhile, told regional media that the operation targeted three locations in Kunar and Paktika. Pakistani officials have not publicly released casualty figures or confirmed claims that civilians were killed. Islamabad has previously said its cross-border operations target militant groups it accuses of launching attacks from Afghanistan territory.

Karzai argued that Pakistan’s current security challenges are the result of what he described as decades of “mistaken policies” toward Afghanistan. He said military action inside Afghanistan would not resolve those challenges and instead deepen mistrust between the two countries.

“Pakistan should reconsider its policies and choose the path of good neighborliness, friendly relations, and civilized engagement with Afghanistan,” Karzai said.

Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have remained strained since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021. Pakistan has repeatedly accused the Taliban administration of failing to prevent militants from using Afghanistan territory to launch attacks inside Pakistan, while the Taliban deny the allegations and insist they do not allow Afghanistan soil to be used against other countries.

The latest strikes mark another escalation in tensions along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, where clashes, airstrikes, and artillery exchanges have occurred periodically amid disputes over cross-border militancy and security.

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Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has announced plans to ban burqas and niqabs in schools and introduce a legal cap on the number of foreign students in each classroom, as her government sharpens its immigration and integration agenda ahead of next year’s general election.

Meloni unveiled the proposed measures during a gathering of the youth wing of her ruling Brothers of Italy party, saying the package will soon be presented to the Cabinet before being sent to Parliament for approval within 60 days. She said the reforms are intended to strengthen integration, protect women’s rights, and ensure Italian schools remain places where students attend with their faces uncovered.

The proposed legislation would prohibit face-covering Islamic veils, including the burqa and niqab, in schools. It would also require parents of foreign students experiencing what Meloni described as “serious integration difficulties” to attend Italian language classes. She argued that immigrants seeking to build their future in Italy should learn the Italian language, understand the country’s culture, and respect its laws.

Meloni also proposed setting a statutory maximum number of foreign students per classroom, although she did not specify the new limit. Italy already has a non-binding 30 percent guideline for non-Italian students in classes, introduced in 2010, but it has often not been enforced because of demographic realities in many cities. Foreign students currently account for about 11.6 percent of Italy’s school population.

The announcement comes as migration is expected to dominate Italy’s 2027 election campaign. Meloni’s government has adopted increasingly restrictive migration policies while facing growing competition from parties further to the right that are calling for even tougher measures.

Meloni defended the proposals as measures to improve integration rather than target religion. She said it is unacceptable for Italian children to become a minority in classrooms where language barriers prevent effective teaching, and insisted that girls should not be required to cover their faces in school in the name of cultural or religious traditions.

The proposed school ban applies specifically to face-covering veils such as the burqa and niqab, and does not include the hijab, which covers the hair but leaves the face visible. Under current Italian law, adopted in 1975, face coverings that prevent identification are already restricted in certain public circumstances, but there is no explicit nationwide ban on burqas or niqabs in schools.

The proposals have already sparked debate across Italy. School principals have questioned how a mandatory cap on foreign students would be implemented in neighborhoods where migrant children make up a large share of the student population, while opposition parties and rights advocates argue the measures could stigmatize migrant communities and raise concerns about religious freedom.

Meloni’s administration, Italy’s longest-serving uninterrupted government since World War II, has increasingly linked immigration, language proficiency, and school integration as central pillars of its domestic policy, framing the latest package as part of a broader effort to reshape Italy’s education system and migration policy.

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Russian officials said Ukraine launched more than 1,000 drones across Russia overnight, including hundreds targeting Moscow, in what authorities described as the largest drone attack on the Russian capital since the war began.

Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin said Russian air defenses intercepted about 450 drones approaching the capital during the overnight assault. Despite the interceptions, debris reportedly damaged an oil refinery and a residential building in the Moscow region, while emergency services responded to multiple impact sites.

The attack came overnight Sunday into Monday, coinciding with the final day of Russia’s parliamentary elections, according to Russian authorities. Officials said drone strikes were reported across several regions, disrupting civilian infrastructure and prompting temporary flight restrictions at airports serving Moscow.

Andrei Vorobyov, governor of the Moscow region, said the attack killed two people and injured 20 others. Regional authorities said emergency crews were deployed to damaged residential areas, while investigators began assessing the extent of the destruction.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Kyiv had used a combination of drones and missiles to strike Russian military, logistics and energy infrastructure. He described the operation as targeting facilities supporting Russia’s military campaign rather than civilian targets.

Ukrainian officials have increasingly targeted oil depots, refineries, military airfields and logistics hubs inside Russia, arguing that such infrastructure is used to sustain Moscow’s war effort. Kyiv has not publicly confirmed the exact number of drones used in the latest operation.

The latest barrage underscores Ukraine’s expanding long-range strike capabilities and Russia’s efforts to strengthen air defenses around Moscow and other strategic regions. Previous large-scale Ukrainian drone attacks have forced temporary airport closures and disrupted fuel facilities deep inside Russian territory.

Russia’s Defense Ministry said air defense systems intercepted drones across multiple regions but did not independently verify the total number launched by Ukraine. Ukrainian claims about targets struck inside Russia have also not been independently verified.

The overnight attack marks one of the most extensive cross-border aerial assaults reported during the conflict, highlighting the growing use of long-range drones by both Russia and Ukraine as the war continues into another year.

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The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said independent monitoring shows significantly fewer commercial vessels are transiting the Strait of Hormuz than figures released by the U.S. military, highlighting continued disruption to one of the world’s most strategically important shipping routes.

In a security advisory issued early Monday, UKMTO said only a handful of vessels were observed moving through the strait in both directions, despite U.S. Navy data indicating that average traffic over the previous 72 hours exceeded 30 transits per day.

The British maritime agency said commercial shipping activity remains substantially below levels recorded before the latest escalation in fighting between the United States and Iran. It warned that the security threat in the region continues to be assessed as “severe” because of ongoing attacks, attempted attacks and Iranian harassment of commercial shipping.

According to UKMTO, at least three maritime security incidents were recorded during the past 72 hours. One incident on September 18 resulted in a tanker catching fire after it was attacked, while other reported incidents involved attempted strikes and hostile activity against vessels operating near the Strait of Hormuz.

The agency said the recent attacks demonstrate Iran’s continued intent to project influence over critical maritime routes and maintain pressure on ships transiting the Gulf. It advised commercial vessels to exercise extreme caution, remain in close contact with naval authorities and follow updated security guidance while operating in the region.

The latest assessment comes as international naval forces continue escort and surveillance operations in the Gulf following months of renewed military confrontation between Washington and Tehran. The Strait of Hormuz carries a significant share of global oil exports, making any disruption a major concern for international energy markets and global shipping.

UKMTO also reported that vessel traffic through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the southern Red Sea has remained at reduced levels since July. However, it said no new attacks were reported in those waters over the past several days, suggesting a temporary lull in hostilities in that shipping corridor.

Maritime security experts say commercial operators remain cautious despite naval protection efforts, with many shipping companies continuing to reroute vessels or delay voyages because of the elevated risk environment in the Gulf and Red Sea.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he will meet U.S. President Donald Trump this week on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, as Washington intensifies diplomatic efforts to reduce hostilities between Ukraine and Russia and restart peace negotiations.

The meeting, expected during Trump’s two-day visit to the UN General Assembly, follows a phone call between the two leaders on Sunday. Zelensky described the planned talks as a meeting that “could change a lot,” citing what he called growing diplomatic momentum around efforts to end the war.

According to Reuters, the White House is exploring proposals for reciprocal de-escalation measures between Kyiv and Moscow ahead of the winter months, including discussions on energy infrastructure, food security and broader security guarantees. Zelensky said Ukraine is prepared to take “very serious steps” if they contribute to reducing tensions with Russia.

The announcement comes as fighting has intensified across Ukraine in recent days, with both sides increasing long-range drone and missile attacks despite renewed diplomatic contacts. The conflict has entered its fifth year, while Washington continues to seek a framework that could reopen negotiations without requiring either side to halt military operations immediately.

The planned meeting also follows several major policy decisions by the Trump administration that Kyiv had sought for months. Zelensky thanked Trump for signing into law a sweeping Russia sanctions bill and approving what Reuters described as the largest U.S.-Ukraine weapons package since Trump returned to office.

U.S. officials have also dispatched senior envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Kyiv as part of an effort to revive diplomatic contacts with both Ukraine and Russia. Zelensky said the peace track remains Ukraine’s top priority and confirmed his government is working closely with the American negotiating team.

Trump is scheduled to hold a series of bilateral meetings during the UN General Assembly with leaders from Ukraine, Japan, the United Kingdom, Iraq and Gulf states, underscoring the administration’s broader diplomatic push on several global conflicts.

While expectations for the Trump-Zelensky meeting are high, there is no indication that an immediate ceasefire or peace agreement will emerge from the talks. Both Washington and Kyiv have described the meeting as part of a broader diplomatic process aimed at reducing escalation and addressing long-term security issues between Ukraine and Russia.

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Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban’s chief spokesman, condemned Pakistan’s latest airstrikes on Afghanistan’s eastern provinces of Kunar and Paktika, describing the attacks as a “war crime” and warning they “will not go unanswered.”

In a statement posted on X on Monday, Mujahid accused Pakistan’s military leadership of launching the strikes to divert public attention from what he described as Islamabad’s growing internal security failures. He said the attacks targeted Afghan territory and civilians, adding that the Taliban would respond to what it called repeated violations of Afghanistan’s sovereignty.

Pakistani military aircraft carried out strikes in Kunar, Paktika and Paktya provinces early Monday, according to both Pakistani and Afghan authorities. Pakistan said the operation targeted militant hideouts linked to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, groups Islamabad accuses of carrying out attacks inside Pakistan.

Taliban officials, however, rejected Pakistan’s account, saying the strikes hit residential areas rather than militant camps. According to local Taliban authorities, three people were killed and four others were injured in the latest attacks in Kunar and Paktika, while officials continue assessing casualties in affected districts.

The latest strikes come amid months of escalating cross-border tensions between Pakistan and the Taliban administration. Islamabad has repeatedly accused Kabul of providing sanctuary to TTP militants operating from Afghan territory, allegations the Taliban deny, insisting militancy in Pakistan is an internal issue.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has previously verified civilian casualties from Pakistani airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan and urged all parties to comply with international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution in military operations.

Relations between Kabul and Islamabad have deteriorated sharply since early 2026 despite mediation efforts led by regional countries, including China. Border closures, artillery exchanges and repeated airstrikes have deepened the diplomatic crisis between the neighboring countries.

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The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has prepared sweeping sanctions targeting the International Criminal Court (ICC) and plans to announce them soon, according to two sources familiar with the matter, escalating Washington’s campaign against the global war crimes tribunal.

Reuters reported that the proposed measures would mark the first time the United States has sought to sanction the ICC as an institution, rather than targeting individual judges or prosecutors. The sanctions could prohibit U.S. citizens and companies from providing funds, goods or services to the Hague-based court without a special government license, potentially disrupting its day-to-day operations.

The Trump administration has long opposed the ICC and is pressing the court to withdraw arrest warrants issued against Israeli leaders over the Gaza war, while also abandoning its previous investigation into alleged war crimes committed by U.S. forces in Afghanistan, according to Reuters.

U.S. officials have not publicly confirmed the timing of the sanctions announcement, but sources told Reuters that the measures have been finalized and could be unveiled during the United Nations General Assembly in New York later this week.

The proposed sanctions could affect the court’s ability to purchase information technology services, obtain insurance, hire investigators and conduct routine financial transactions, including paying employees and contractors. ICC officials have previously warned that broad U.S. sanctions could significantly undermine the tribunal’s operations.

The International Criminal Court, established in 2002 under the Rome Statute, investigates and prosecutes genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity when national authorities are unwilling or unable to do so. The United States is not a member of the court and has consistently challenged its jurisdiction over U.S. nationals.

Washington’s pressure campaign intensified after Secretary of State Marco Rubio launched a diplomatic effort in July urging countries to isolate the ICC and reconsider their support for the tribunal. The United States has already imposed sanctions on several ICC judges and prosecutors but has so far stopped short of targeting the court itself.

The ICC issued arrest warrants in 2024 for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel and the United States reject the court’s jurisdiction and deny the allegations.

The court has also previously investigated alleged abuses by U.S. military personnel and CIA operatives during the war in Afghanistan, a move that has drawn bipartisan criticism in Washington for years. The Trump administration argues that the ICC threatens U.S. sovereignty and the ability of American service members and allies to operate without politically motivated prosecutions.

Several European governments and international legal organizations have defended the ICC’s independence, warning that sanctions against the institution could weaken international accountability mechanisms for war crimes and genocide. The court has not yet commented publicly on the latest sanctions preparations reported by Reuters.

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Mahdi al-Mashat, head of the Houthis’ Supreme Political Council, said the Iran-aligned group has moved from making demands to taking direct action against Saudi Arabia, vowing to intensify attacks under a new strategy of “blockade for blockade, escalation for escalation.”

Speaking during an event marking the 12th anniversary of the Houthis’ takeover of Sanaa, al-Mashat said the group’s military options would continue to escalate until Saudi Arabia ends what it describes as a blockade on Yemen, reopens airports and seaports, restores Yemen’s resources, and pays compensation for years of conflict.

“Our options, God willing, will escalate and take more painful forms,” al-Mashat said. “Even if we lose our lives, we will not retreat from our rights.”

The statement marks one of the Houthis’ strongest public threats against Saudi Arabia since the group announced a naval blockade targeting Saudi-linked shipping during the latest phase of Yemen’s conflict.

Houthis renew ‘blockade for blockade’ strategy

Al-Mashat said the Houthis consider their campaign a response to Saudi restrictions on ports and airports in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, arguing that military and economic pressure will continue until those restrictions are lifted.

He also claimed international shipping through the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait remains safe, saying only Saudi-linked vessels are considered targets.

“Navigation and international trade in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab are secure and face no threat from Yemen, except for ships belonging to the Saudi enemy,” he said.

The remarks mirror statements made by senior Houthi officials in recent weeks, who have repeatedly insisted that commercial shipping unrelated to Saudi Arabia would not be targeted.

Fighting with Saudi-backed forces intensifies

The Houthis’ warning comes as fighting has intensified between the group and forces aligned with Yemen’s internationally recognized government, which is backed by Saudi Arabia.

Reuters has reported that the Houthis have expanded operations along Yemen’s Red Sea coast, threatening Saudi oil export routes and increasing pressure around the Bab al-Mandab Strait, one of the world’s busiest maritime chokepoints.

The renewed violence has displaced tens of thousands of people and raised concerns over the security of regional shipping lanes and global energy supplies. The United Nations has warned that the escalation is worsening Yemen’s humanitarian crisis.

Yemen’s civil war has continued for more than a decade between the Iran-backed Houthis and the Saudi-led coalition supporting the internationally recognized Yemeni government. A UN-brokered truce in 2022 sharply reduced large-scale fighting but failed to produce a lasting political settlement.

The conflict has taken on broader regional significance since mid-2026, as Houthi missile and drone attacks on Saudi territory have coincided with heightened tensions involving Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United States.

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Oil prices fell in Asian trading on Monday, extending last week’s losses as investors focused on renewed diplomatic efforts to end the conflict between the United States and Iran and on signs that disrupted crude supplies from the Gulf could gradually recover.

Brent crude futures fell 1.25% to $102.57 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude dropped 1.53% to $98.77 a barrel in early Asian trading. Both benchmarks ended the previous week lower as markets reassessed geopolitical risk premiums.

The decline followed reports that Washington and Tehran could resume high-level diplomatic contacts after months of military escalation. Investors have been closely watching signs of negotiations that could reduce the threat of further disruptions to energy exports from the Gulf region.

U.S. President Donald Trump said in an interview with Fox News that he would likely be willing to meet Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The comments fueled market expectations that diplomacy could help ease tensions between the two countries.

Despite the diplomatic signals, security risks in the Gulf remain elevated. Iran-backed Houthi militants launched missile and drone attacks targeting Riyadh over the weekend, prompting Saudi authorities to issue air raid warnings in the capital and heightening concerns about regional energy infrastructure.

Saudi Arabia is also continuing efforts to restore and reroute crude exports after attacks affected parts of its East-West Pipeline, which transports oil from the kingdom’s eastern fields to the Red Sea. The pipeline has become increasingly important as exporters seek alternatives to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Reports that Saudi crude cargoes were being transferred ship-to-ship near Oman’s Sohar port for delivery to Asian refineries have helped ease immediate fears of supply shortages. Traders said the additional shipments suggested Saudi Arabia was working to maintain exports despite heightened regional tensions.

Market analysts say oil prices remain highly sensitive to developments in the US-Iran conflict. While hopes for diplomacy have reduced some of the geopolitical premium built into crude prices, investors continue to monitor military activity around the Gulf, shipping security in the Strait of Hormuz, and the outlook for global energy supplies.

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Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has claimed that 70–80% of the people carrying out terrorist attacks on mosques, schools, markets and the Pakistani military are Afghan nationals, escalating Islamabad’s rhetoric against Afghans and the Taliban authorities in Kabul. The remarks come as Pakistan continues a sweeping crackdown on Afghan refugees and accuses Afghanistan of harboring militants responsible for cross-border violence.

Asif made the comments in a post on X after criticizing Pakistani students who expressed solidarity with Afghan students facing uncertainty over their education in Pakistan. He argued that support for Afghan students reflected the political affiliations of those Pakistani students rather than genuine solidarity.

The Pakistani defense minister said Pakistan had hosted Afghans for five decades, sharing its limited resources with millions of refugees during years of conflict in Afghanistan. He said Islamabad had hoped the withdrawal of NATO forces from Afghanistan in 2021 would lead to secure borders and peaceful relations between the two neighboring countries, but claimed that violence against Pakistan had instead continued.

Asif also said direct and indirect contacts between Pakistan’s military and civilian leadership and Afghan authorities have continued, but claimed those engagements had failed to reduce what he described as hostility toward Pakistan.

Pakistan intensifies accusations against Afghanistan

Pakistan has repeatedly accused the Taliban administration of allowing Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants to operate from Afghanistan territory and launch attacks inside Pakistan. Kabul has consistently rejected the allegations, insisting it does not permit Afghanistan soil to be used against other countries.

The dispute has intensified since early 2026, when Pakistan carried out airstrikes in Afghanistan targeting what it described as militant infrastructure, prompting retaliatory attacks and renewed border clashes between the two countries.

Pakistan’s military leadership has also repeated similar allegations in recent days, with military spokesman Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry saying that around 80% of suicide bombers involved in attacks in Pakistan are Afghan nationals. Afghan authorities have denied those claims.

Remarks come amid refugee crackdown

Asif’s comments come as Pakistan continues deporting Afghan nationals as part of a nationwide campaign targeting undocumented migrants. Human rights organizations and UN agencies have expressed concern over the large-scale returns, warning that many Afghans face security risks and humanitarian challenges upon returning to Afghanistan.

Pakistan maintains that its actions are aimed at addressing security threats and enforcing immigration laws, while Afghan officials have urged Islamabad to avoid linking Afghan refugees to terrorism without evidence.

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Pakistani military aircraft carried out overnight airstrikes in Afghanistan’s eastern provinces of Kunar and Paktika early Monday, killing at least three civilians and injuring several others, according to officials, in the latest escalation of cross-border tensions between the two neighboring countries.

Taliban officials said Pakistani fighter jets struck residential areas in Nurgal district of Kunar Province at about 2:30 a.m., targeting a house in Patan village. Authorities said three civilians were killed and several others were wounded in the strike.

A second wave of airstrikes reportedly hit Barmal district in Paktika Province around 4:00 a.m. Taliban-affiliated media said a vacant shop in the Tor Kandi area and an abandoned house in the Rakha area were destroyed, with no casualties reported from those locations.

Pakistan’s military had not publicly commented on the reported airstrikes as of Monday.

The strikes come as Pakistan has intensified military operations against armed groups following a surge in deadly attacks across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Pakistan says Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which it refers to as “Fitna al-Khawarij,” operates from sanctuaries inside Afghanistan, an allegation the Kabul administration has repeatedly denied.

A day before the reported airstrikes, Pakistan’s military said six soldiers, including two officers, were killed during a fierce clash with militants in Hangu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Pakistani authorities have also linked recent attacks in Kohat to militants they say originated from Afghanistan.

Cross-border airstrikes have become a recurring source of friction since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in August 2021. Islamabad has previously conducted strikes in Afghanistan’s eastern border provinces, saying it targets militant infrastructure used by the TTP and affiliated groups.

Taliban officials have condemned previous Pakistani airstrikes as violations of Afghanistan’s sovereignty and have accused Islamabad of targeting civilians instead of militant hideouts. Pakistan, however, maintains that it acts in self-defense against groups responsible for attacks on its territory.

The latest strikes are likely to deepen already strained relations between Kabul and Islamabad, as both sides continue to exchange accusations over border security and the presence of militant groups along the Afghanistan-Pakistan frontier.

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Nearly 130 heads of state and government are expected in New York this week for the United Nations General Assembly, with the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, artificial intelligence and the future of global cooperation among the main issues facing world leaders.

U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to address the General Assembly for the second consecutive year as the annual high-level debate begins on September 22. The gathering comes as the post-World War II international order faces mounting pressure and the United Nations confronts political and financial challenges.

The United Nations has faced growing pressure over its finances and role in international crises. Reuters reported that the Trump administration has sharply reduced U.S. contributions to the organization and withdrawn from multiple UN agencies, raising questions about Washington’s future engagement with the institution.

China’s President Xi Jinping will not attend the General Assembly this year. Instead, Xi is expected to travel to Washington to meet Trump on September 24, with the planned talks expected to cover issues including the Iran conflict, Taiwan and the U.S.-China relationship.

Artificial intelligence is also emerging as a major issue at this year’s gathering. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for stronger international oversight of rapidly advancing AI technology, warning that its risks cannot be ignored. His position contrasts with Trump’s more dismissive approach to calls for additional regulation.

AI will also feature in discussions at the UN Security Council. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is scheduled to brief the council during the General Assembly week on AI and its implications for international security, with an emphasis on international cooperation and safety standards.

The Assembly takes place as conflicts continue to dominate the international agenda. The Middle East crisis, the Russia-Ukraine war and other conflicts are expected to feature prominently in leaders’ speeches, while disruptions to energy and food supplies add to concerns about the wider economic consequences of prolonged instability.

The meeting also comes during a leadership transition at the United Nations. Guterres is due to leave office at the end of 2026, while the process of selecting his successor remains underway. Former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet withdrew from the race on September 20, leaving seven candidates, according to Reuters.

The UN General Assembly’s high-level week runs through September 28, with representatives from all 193 member states participating in the General Debate and other high-level meetings. The UN says this year’s session is focused broadly on restoring trust, managing global transformation and strengthening international cooperation.

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Greenland and Antarctica lost about 11.3 trillion metric tonnes of ice between 1979 and 2023, contributing roughly 3.14 centimetres to global sea-level rise, according to a new study published in Scientific Data.

The assessment, led by the Ice Sheet Mass Balance Inter-comparison Exercise (IMBIE), combines 42 independent estimates from 27 satellite missions to produce one of the most comprehensive long-term assessments of changes in the two major ice sheets. The record extends back to 1972 for Greenland and 1979 for Antarctica.

Researchers found that 84 percent of the combined ice loss resulted from faster-flowing glaciers discharging more ice into the ocean, while 16 percent was linked to changes in surface mass balance, including snowfall and surface melting. Scientists say the findings point to the growing influence of warmer ocean waters on the dynamics of the ice sheets.

Ice loss accelerated sharply from the 1990s and increased substantially during the 2010s. Greenland lost about 6,215 billion tonnes of ice between 1972 and 2023, while Antarctica lost about 4,780 billion tonnes between 1979 and 2023. Together, the two ice sheets are now responsible for roughly a quarter of global sea-level rise.

The study found that Greenland contributed about 1.81 centimetres to global sea-level rise during the period from 1979 to 2023, while Antarctica contributed about 1.33 centimetres. The combined rise was about 31.4 millimetres.

The scale of the loss is illustrated by the amount of water added to the oceans. AP reported that the lost ice represents nearly 3 quadrillion gallons of water. The resulting sea-level rise, although measured in only a few centimetres, is enough to increase the number of people exposed to coastal flooding by millions. Researchers estimate that the rise associated with the ice-sheet losses puts about 6 million to 9 million additional people at risk of coastal flooding and erosion.

Greenland’s Jakobshavn Glacier, one of its fastest-moving glaciers, has at times been retreating at about 50 metres per day, highlighting the speed at which some parts of the ice sheet can change.

Researchers noted that ice loss temporarily slowed between 2020 and 2023, particularly because of increased snowfall in parts of East Antarctica and milder conditions in Greenland. They cautioned, however, that this short-term change does not represent a reversal of the longer-term trend.

The findings provide a longer and more consistent record of polar ice loss and are intended to improve estimates of future sea-level rise and the risks facing coastal communities. Scientists say continued satellite monitoring will be essential for tracking how the ice sheets respond to a warming climate.

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As the world marks the International Day of Peace on September 21, the United Nations is renewing its call for an end to violence, dialogue and greater efforts to build lasting peace in conflict-affected regions around the world.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres rang the Peace Bell at UN headquarters in New York ahead of the annual observance, warning that violence and division are tearing communities apart and that efforts to achieve peace are faltering. This year’s theme is “Investing in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day.”

For Afghans, however, the call for peace carries particular significance after nearly five decades of war and instability. Generations have experienced conflict, displacement, poverty and the loss of educational and economic opportunities.

Although nationwide fighting has declined since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, Afghanistan continues to face security, humanitarian and human-rights challenges. A recent UNAMA report said Afghanistan has experienced improved security but continues to require sustained international engagement and inclusive progress.

UNAMA also reported in September that victims of Afghanistan’s decades-long armed conflict continue to face profound physical, psychological, social and economic consequences.

The United Nations says lasting peace requires more than the absence of war, calling for investment in dialogue, human rights, development and institutions that people can trust.

For many Afghans, the question remains whether the country can finally move beyond decades of conflict and build a future in which peace means not only the absence of large-scale war, but also safety, dignity and opportunity.

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The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has warned that environmental pollution is becoming a serious and growing challenge in Afghanistan, highlighting plastic waste and the dumping of rubbish in public areas and waterways.

In a message marking World Cleanup Day on September 20, UNAMA said preventing waste from being dumped on roads, in alleys and waterways, including the Kabul River could help protect the environment, create healthier communities and support a more sustainable future.

The UN mission said plastic waste is a significant source of pollution affecting Afghanistan’s water, soil and land. It urged people to take greater responsibility for keeping public spaces clean and preventing rubbish from entering rivers and other natural environments.

Recent reporting has also highlighted the environmental damage affecting the Kabul River. Reports indicated that severe plastic pollution in the river and linked the accumulation of plastic and contaminated drainage water to damage to aquatic life, including declines in fish and the disappearance of river turtles in some areas.

UNAMA’s warning comes amid broader environmental pressures facing Afghanistan, including poor waste-management systems, water shortages, drought and other climate-related challenges. The United Nations has separately emphasized the importance of stronger environmental protection and climate resilience in Afghanistan.

The United Nations established World Cleanup Day as an annual observance on September 20 to raise awareness about waste management and the importance of maintaining clean and healthy environments. For 2026, the UN’s global observance focuses particularly on food waste under the theme “From Clean Plates to Clean Cities.”

UNAMA called on citizens to help keep their communities clean and reduce waste, stressing that preventing pollution at its source can contribute to healthier communities and a more sustainable future for Afghanistan.

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Iran has warned that U.S. ships could come under attack if fighting with Washington resumes, as Tehran says it is prepared for a renewed military confrontation while also pursuing diplomatic channels to end the conflict.

Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said Iran would respond to any new U.S. attack with stronger and more extensive strikes. In remarks reported by Iranian diplomatic officials, he warned that U.S. ships could be targeted if they remained in the Indian Ocean if war resumed. However, in an interview with Al Jazeera, Rezaei said Iran’s current military planning was focused on U.S. naval assets from the Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, adding that targets farther toward the Indian Ocean were beyond Iran’s stated reach.

Rezaei also claimed that Iran had recently test-fired a multi-warhead anti-ship missile near a U.S. vessel or aircraft carrier. He said Tehran had strengthened its military capabilities and was prepared for what he described as a “decisive war.”

The Iranian security chief’s comments came as Tehran and Washington exchanged fresh threats. Reuters reported that Iran’s military warned that any new U.S. attack would trigger sustained retaliation against American bases and interests and said U.S. regional allies would be considered parties to the conflict.

At the same time, Rezaei said Iran had conveyed conditions to Washington through Qatari mediators for ending the war. The demands include an end to the conflict on all fronts, the release of frozen Iranian funds and an end to the U.S. naval blockade, according to Al Jazeera.

The warnings come amid continued tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, a major global energy route. Reuters reported that Iran has maintained a blockade of most shipping through the strait, while the United States has imposed a blockade on Iranian ports, contributing to severe disruption to regional energy exports.

The confrontation has also expanded beyond the immediate U.S.-Iran theater. Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement has launched missile and drone attacks against Saudi Arabia, while the group’s recent territorial gains have increased concerns over shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

The United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February 28, and an interim ceasefire agreement reached in June later collapsed. Since then, the two sides have remained locked in a prolonged standoff, with military threats continuing alongside efforts by Qatar and other mediators to revive negotiations.

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Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said on Sunday that the Strait of Hormuz will not reopen until the United States fulfills its commitments and recognizes what Tehran describes as Iran’s legitimate rights, linking one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes to the future of U.S.-Iran negotiations.

Speaking during a session of Iran’s parliament on September 20, Qalibaf said Tehran has conveyed its conditions and messages to Washington through intermediaries. He added that there is no basis for returning to the previous negotiation process or reopening the Strait of Hormuz until Iran’s demands are addressed.

Qalibaf did not specify which U.S. commitments he was referring to, but his remarks come after weeks of heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington, including expanded U.S. sanctions on Iran and military confrontations in the Gulf.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most strategically important maritime chokepoints, connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Around 20 percent of global oil consumption and a significant share of liquefied natural gas exports pass through the narrow waterway, making any disruption a major concern for international energy markets.

Shipping through the strait has come under increased scrutiny as regional tensions have escalated. Commercial vessels have faced higher insurance costs, while several countries have increased naval deployments to protect maritime traffic in the Gulf.

The latest remarks follow recent military exchanges between Iran and the United States in the region. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said American forces destroyed five Iranian oil tankers after responding to ballistic missile attacks it said were launched by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps against a U.S. Navy warship. CENTCOM said the missiles were intercepted and no U.S. personnel were injured.

Iran has also claimed its naval forces captured an advanced U.S. unmanned underwater vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, a claim that has not been confirmed by the United States or independently verified.

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Salman Khan used the latest episode of Bigg Boss 20 to publicly confront online trolls and body-shaming, saying celebrities should not be mocked for their appearance, age or weight. The actor also criticized invasive paparazzi photography of female actors, calling for greater respect for personal boundaries.

During the Weekend Ka Vaar episode, Salman addressed contestant Scout while discussing online trolling. He said he has also been targeted with comments about gaining weight, aging and changing appearance, before removing his hat, jacket and makeup on stage and challenging trolls to continue mocking him.

The 60-year-old actor questioned the culture of personal attacks on social media, saying criticism has gone beyond films and performances and has increasingly focused on people’s bodies and looks. He said genuine concern about someone’s health is different from mocking or humiliating them online.

Salman also said trolling affects not only him but other actors and members of the film industry, including his brother Sohail Khan and actor Varun Dhawan. He argued that people who dislike a film or a celebrity should simply choose not to watch their work instead of resorting to abusive personal comments.

The actor went on to criticize anonymous social media users who post abusive comments, saying the language used by some trolls reflects a lack of respect and can seriously affect people who are unable to cope with sustained online harassment. He warned that persistent abuse can contribute to depression and emotional distress for some individuals.

In another segment of the episode, Salman condemned paparazzi photographers who deliberately take intrusive photos of female celebrities from behind or focus on their legs and thighs. Referring to actresses including Sai Manjrekar and Neha Dhupia, he said many women are uncomfortable with such photographs and questioned why they continue to be taken.

He urged women who object to such behavior to speak up directly when photographers cross personal boundaries, adding that privacy and consent should be respected regardless of whether someone is a public figure.

Salman’s remarks come amid growing debate in India’s entertainment industry over online harassment, body-shaming and celebrity privacy. Actors and public figures have increasingly spoken out about abusive social media behavior and invasive photography, while mental health advocates have called for stronger action against online bullying and harassment.

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Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters has claimed the United States is preparing to resume military action against Iran with the support of some regional countries, warning that any attack would trigger a direct military response against U.S. interests across the Middle East.

The headquarters issued the warning in a statement carried by Iran’s Mehr News Agency on Sunday, September 20, saying it had received intelligence indicating that Washington is planning new actions against Iran after consultations with regional partners. The statement alleged that a joint meeting involving the United States and several countries would be held in Europe to coordinate the next phase of operations.

Khatam al-Anbiya, Iran’s top military command responsible for coordinating the country’s armed forces during wartime, claimed Washington is seeking new military measures to compensate for what it described as recent strategic setbacks. The statement did not provide evidence to support the claim or identify the regional countries allegedly involved.

The headquarters warned that if the United States launches military strikes against Iran, U.S. military bases, assets and interests in the region would become targets of Iranian armed forces. It also warned regional governments against supporting any U.S. operation, saying countries that cooperate with Washington would be regarded as participants in the conflict.

The statement comes as tensions between Iran and the United States have escalated sharply following recent military exchanges in and around the Strait of Hormuz. Over the past week, both sides have traded accusations over attacks on military and maritime targets in the Gulf.

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has said American forces destroyed five Iranian crude oil tankers after responding to two ballistic missile attacks that it said were launched by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps against a U.S. Navy warship. CENTCOM said both missile attacks were intercepted successfully and that no American personnel were injured.

Iran has also claimed its naval forces captured an advanced U.S. unmanned underwater vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as one of the U.S. military’s most sophisticated autonomous underwater systems. The United States has not confirmed Iran’s claim, and no independent verification has been provided.

The latest warning from Iran’s military leadership adds to growing concerns over a wider confrontation in the Gulf, where diplomatic efforts remain limited while military deployments and sanctions continue to fuel tensions between Tehran and Washington.

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U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington is weighing several options in dealing with Iran, including renewed military action, continued economic pressure, or pursuing a negotiated agreement, as tensions between the two countries continue to escalate.

Speaking to Fox News, Trump said the United States remains prepared to take further action against Iran if necessary. He described three possible approaches: “completely destroying Iran,” maintaining economic pressure until the country’s economy collapses, or reaching a diplomatic deal.

“The question is, when should I completely destroy that country? They had better behave,” Trump said during the interview, reiterating his administration’s hardline stance toward Tehran.

Trump also defended the recent U.S. strikes carried out on September 1, saying Iran had been attempting to rebuild its radar and missile systems after previous attacks. He claimed Iranian forces were developing a missile capable of deploying naval mines and said U.S. forces had destroyed the system before it became operational.

The remarks come as fighting between the United States and Iran has intensified again after a month of relative calm. Washington has recently targeted Iranian military infrastructure near the Strait of Hormuz, including radar installations, missile launchers and maritime assets, while Tehran has responded with missile and drone attacks against U.S. military positions and regional allies.

The renewed exchange of attacks has raised concerns about the security of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes. Trump said the United States maintains “very strong control” over the waterway and continues to escort commercial vessels carrying millions of barrels of oil through the strait.

Iran has rejected U.S. accusations that it was rebuilding offensive military capabilities and has condemned the strikes as violations of its sovereignty. Iranian military officials have warned that any further U.S. attacks would trigger broader retaliation against American military installations and interests across the Middle East.

Iran Warns of Regional Retaliation

Separately, Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said it had obtained intelligence indicating the United States, with the support of some regional countries, had discussed new military actions against Iran during a meeting in Europe.

The headquarters warned that if the United States launches another attack, “all U.S. military bases and interests in the region will become targets of continuous, effective and painful attacks.”

Iranian officials also warned neighboring countries against supporting any U.S. military operation, saying governments that cooperate with Washington would be regarded as participants in the conflict and should not expect restraint from Iran’s armed forces.

The renewed war, which began in late February 2026, has become one of the most serious military confrontations between Washington and Tehran in decades, increasing fears of a wider regional conflict and renewed disruption to global energy markets.

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Saudi Arabia arrested 14,782 people in a nationwide crackdown on residency, labor and border security violations over one week, deporting 12,635 foreign nationals as authorities intensified enforcement of immigration laws across the kingdom, the Ministry of Interior said.

The arrests were carried out during joint inspection campaigns between September 10 and 16 in coordination with multiple government agencies, the ministry said. Those detained included 7,438 people accused of violating residency regulations, 3,782 for border security violations and 3,562 for breaches of labor laws.

Saudi authorities said 1,450 people were arrested while attempting to enter the kingdom illegally during the reporting period. According to the ministry, 56% were Ethiopian nationals, 43% were Yemenis, and the remaining 1% were from other nationalities. Another 25 people were detained while attempting to leave Saudi Arabia illegally.

The ministry also announced the arrest of 23 Saudi citizens accused of transporting, sheltering or employing people residing in the kingdom illegally. It said legal proceedings are currently underway against 31,075 foreign nationals, including 29,171 men and 1,904 women, for residency, labor or border-related violations.

Saudi Arabia has stepped up nationwide enforcement campaigns in recent years as part of broader efforts to tighten compliance with residency and labor regulations tied to its Vision 2030 reforms. Weekly operations targeting undocumented migrants and labor violations have become routine across the kingdom.

The Ministry of Interior warned that anyone facilitating the illegal entry, transportation, employment or sheltering of undocumented migrants could face up to 15 years in prison, fines of up to one million Saudi riyals (about $267,000), and confiscation of vehicles or properties used in the offenses. The ministry described such violations as serious crimes requiring detention and prosecution.

Authorities urged residents to report suspected residency, labor or border violations through emergency hotlines across the kingdom, saying inspection campaigns will continue in coordination with security and immigration agencies.

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Pakistan increasingly frames its confrontation with Afghanistan in the language of national security, terrorism and self-defence. Islamabad accuses the Taliban authorities of allowing the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other militant groups to operate from Afghan territory — an allegation Kabul repeatedly denies.

But behind this interstate dispute lies another reality: ordinary Afghans — refugees, children, students, journalists, patients, traders and families — have repeatedly borne the consequences.

The pattern extends far beyond the battlefield. It runs from homes searched in Pakistani cities to families separated during deportation; from Afghan students ordered out of universities to journalists facing return to the Taliban government they fled; from border restrictions disrupting livelihoods to Pakistani military operations that have caused significant civilian casualties inside Afghanistan.

Pakistan’s Illegal Foreigners’ Repatriation Plan, introduced in 2023 and progressively expanded, has become perhaps the most visible expression of this pressure.

According to joint UNHCR-IOM monitoring, 2,704,064 Afghans returned from Pakistan between 15 September 2023 and 29 August 2026. During the first eight months of 2026 alone, approximately 79,436 Afghans were arrested or detained. Balochistan accounted for 57 percent of those arrests and detentions, the largest share of any province. UN agencies caution that figures involving undocumented Afghans are likely underreported. 

These numbers conceal individual stories.

Human Rights Watch has documented Pakistani police conducting door-to-door raids, late-night home searches and arrests without warrants, including the detention of Afghans holding valid visas. Refugees interviewed by the organisation described restricting their movements, avoiding hospitals and keeping children indoors because they feared arrest. HRW also reported cases in which families were forcibly separated, including children as young as 13 being returned to Afghanistan alone while their parents remained behind. 

At the same time, official rhetoric toward Afghans has hardened.

In March, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif called the country’s decades-long hosting of Afghans its “gravest mistake.” Responding to accusations surrounding Pakistani military action in Afghanistan, he described those attacking Pakistan after receiving refuge there as “ungrateful.” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has similarly invoked Pakistan’s four decades of hosting Afghan refugees while linking that history to Islamabad’s current security grievances. 

Pakistan is entitled to raise legitimate security concerns. But such rhetoric risks blurring a distinction that should remain fundamental: the Taliban government is not the Afghan population, militant organisations are not Afghan refugees, and nationality is not evidence of involvement in terrorism.

The treatment of Afghan students illustrates the consequences.

On 1 September, the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council directed Afghan students already enrolled in medical and dental programmes to return to Afghanistan and barred new Afghan admissions for the current academic session. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan estimated that about 100 Afghan medical and dental students in Lahore alone could be affected, including between 20 and 40 women. 

For Afghan women, the consequences are particularly severe. Taliban restrictions have effectively shut women out of universities and medical education inside Afghanistan. Returning a female medical student is therefore not simply a change of country; for many, it could mean the end of their education altogether.

The Lahore High Court intervened after 13 Afghan students challenged the directive, suspending its implementation and allowing the petitioning students to continue their studies and examinations. On 18 September, the court extended that suspension while respondents sought additional time to submit their replies. 

Afghan journalists have faced a similar insecurity.

The Committee to Protect Journalists documented Afghan reporters being detained in Islamabad even after presenting valid Pakistani visas and passports. Reporters Without Borders says at least 50 Afghan journalists have been forcibly returned from Pakistan to Afghanistan since Pakistan launched its mass deportation policy. Many of those journalists originally fled Afghanistan because of threats and repression under Taliban rule. 

The result is a grim paradox: people who escaped Afghanistan because journalism placed them in danger have found themselves at risk of being sent back into that same danger.

The most serious civilian toll, however, has come from military operations inside Afghanistan.

On 28 March 2025, a Pakistani airstrike in Paktika province struck a house and killed seven civilians, including five children, according to a UN report. In November, Afghan authorities blamed Pakistan for airstrikes that killed 10 civilians, nine of them children; UNAMA confirmed civilian deaths from the strikes, although Pakistan denied responsibility. 

The violence intensified in 2026.

UNAMA reported that Pakistani airstrikes in Nangarhar on 21 and 22 February killed at least 13 civilians and injured seven others, including women and children. Between the night of 26 February and 5 March, UNAMA verified 185 civilian casualties inside Afghanistan — 56 killed and 129 injured — from aerial attacks and indirect fire during fighting between Pakistani and Afghan forces. Women and children made up 55 percent of the casualties. In one strike in Barmal district alone, 14 civilians were killed, including four women and seven children. 

Then came the 16 March strike on Kabul’s Omid Rehabilitation and Treatment Center.

UNAMA later independently verified that at least 269 civilians were killed and 122 injured. Pakistan maintained that the site was being used for military purposes and contained weapons and ammunition. But after examining satellite imagery, photographs, videos and witness accounts, Amnesty International said it found no evidence supporting that claim and called for the attack to be investigated as a possible war crime. 

On 28 June, Pakistani forces again carried out airstrikes inside Afghanistan. UNAMA confirmed that at least 28 civilians were killed and 49 wounded in Paktya, Paktika and Kunar provinces, with women and children among the victims. Pakistan’s Ministry of Information confirmed that its security forces had carried out strikes in the three provinces. 

None of this erases Pakistan’s own security crisis.

Pakistan has suffered devastating militant attacks that have killed civilians and security personnel, and Islamabad maintains that armed groups operating from Afghanistan pose an intolerable threat. The latest violence has reinforced those fears. Kabul, however, rejects the accusation that it permits the TTP to use Afghan territory against Pakistan.

On 18 September, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid again denied that Afghan territory was being used for attacks against Pakistan. He warned that Afghanistan would defend its sovereignty against further Pakistani military action, while also calling for dialogue, stronger intelligence-sharing mechanisms and cooperation between the two countries. He welcomed a possible Saudi role in mediating their dispute. Pakistan responded by saying dialogue could not become a substitute for action against militants. 

That security dispute is serious. So are Pakistan’s losses to terrorism. But neither changes the basic obligation to distinguish between militants and civilians.

A refugee is not a militant because of nationality. A medical student is not responsible for relations between Kabul and Islamabad. A journalist seeking protection is not a security threat merely because he or she is Afghan. And civilians inside Afghanistan do not lose their protected status because armed groups may operate elsewhere in the country.

National security is tested not only by the threats a state confronts, but also by the lines it refuses to cross while confronting them.

When millions are uprooted, tens of thousands are detained, students face expulsion, journalists risk forced return and hundreds of civilians are killed in military operations, these outcomes cannot simply be dismissed as disconnected side effects of a security dispute.

Taken together, they reveal the enormous human price being imposed on Afghan civilians for a conflict they did not create.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Khaama Press.

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Afghanistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (ANDMA) has warned that hundreds of homes in Kabul are at risk of evacuation after part of Chehel Sotoun Hill in the city’s District 7 showed signs of a potentially dangerous landslide.

Mohammad Yousuf Hamad, spokesman for ANDMA, said authorities had completed an initial assessment of the hillside and identified approximately 300 homes in the surrounding area as being vulnerable to landslides and falling rocks. He said preparations are underway to relocate families living in the highest-risk zones to safer locations.

Officials said inspectors discovered widening cracks near the historic Chehel Sotoun monument overlooking southern Kabul. The authority warned that rainfall or additional ground movement could trigger further instability, increasing the risk to densely populated neighborhoods built along the hillside.

Akhtar Mohammad, head of ANDMA’s Disaster Risk Reduction Department in Kabul, said preliminary investigations indicate that unregulated excavation and stone extraction on the slopes have weakened the mountain’s stability. According to the official, some residents had been removing rock for construction materials without engineering oversight, contributing to erosion and structural damage.

Chehel Sotoun is one of Kabul’s oldest residential areas, where many houses have been constructed on steep hillsides over several decades, often without modern geotechnical standards or retaining infrastructure. Urban planners and geologists have repeatedly warned that informal hillside construction has increased landslide risks in several parts of the capital.

Environmental expert Najibullah Sadid called for an immediate halt to stone extraction around Chehel Sotoun and urged authorities to conduct detailed geological surveys before the next rainy season. He said preventive engineering measures are needed to stabilize the slope and reduce the risk of a large-scale collapse.

International organizations have previously identified landslides as one of Afghanistan’s most persistent natural hazards, particularly in mountainous urban areas where rapid population growth has pushed residential construction onto unstable terrain. Kabul has experienced repeated incidents of rockfalls and hillside collapses in recent years, especially during periods of heavy rain and snowmelt.

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Afghanistan’s state electricity utility, Breshna, said its officials met Murad Artikov, head of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (TAP) power project, to review progress on a major 500-kilovolt electricity transmission line linking Turkmenistan and Afghanistan.

According to the statement the meeting focused on the implementation timeline for the high-voltage transmission project, which is expected to increase the volume of electricity imported from Turkmenistan and strengthen Afghanistan’s national power grid.

The statement said, officials also discussed the completion of the Noor al-Jihad substation in Herat province, expanding electricity supply to Bala Murghab district in Badghis province, and advancing several other energy infrastructure projects across western Afghanistan.

The 500kV transmission line is one of Afghanistan’s largest regional energy projects and forms part of broader efforts to improve cross-border electricity connectivity between Central and South Asia. Once completed, the project is expected to enhance the reliability of electricity supplies to several Afghan provinces and support future regional energy trade.

Afghanistan’s reliance on imported electricity

Afghanistan imports a significant share of its electricity from neighboring countries, including Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Iran. Years of conflict, underinvestment and damage to infrastructure have left the country heavily dependent on imported power, particularly during peak demand periods.

Turkmenistan is one of Afghanistan’s largest electricity suppliers, providing power to several northern and western provinces through multiple cross-border transmission lines.

Analysts say projects such as the 500kV line are viewed as strategically important for Afghanistan’s economic recovery because they improve electricity access for households, businesses and industrial zones while strengthening regional connectivity.

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Pakistani security forces have ended a nearly 21-hour clearance operation at the Police Lines compound in Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, after a coordinated militant assault on the complex left dozens of people dead and more than 100 injured, authorities said.

Police in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa said eight attackers were killed during the operation, which followed a large-scale assault that began during Friday prayers inside the mosque at the Police Lines complex. The compound houses police units and security installations in Kohat, a city that has repeatedly been targeted by militant groups in northwestern Pakistan.

According to police, the attack began when militants rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the entrance of the compound, triggering a powerful explosion that breached the perimeter. Armed attackers then entered the complex and exchanged gunfire with security forces as officers rushed to evacuate worshippers and secure nearby buildings.

Authorities said one suicide bomber detonated explosives near the building of the police Special Operations Unit during the assault, intensifying the attack as security personnel fought militants inside the compound.

The death toll has varied across official statements and media reports. A senior police official told AFP that at least 31 people were killed, including 16 police officers. Earlier statements from local police and health authorities had reported 21 fatalities, including 15 police personnel, with more than 100 people wounded. Authorities have continued updating casualty figures as victims are identified and the injured receive treatment.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police described the attackers as members of Fitna al-Khawarij, the term Pakistani authorities use for militant groups linked to the Pakistani Taliban and affiliated factions. Officials said forensic teams were collecting evidence and investigating how the attackers penetrated the heavily guarded security complex.

The militant group Ittehad-ul-Mujahideen Pakistan, led by Hafiz Gul Bahadur, claimed responsibility for the attack, according to Pakistani media and security officials. Pakistani authorities have also alleged that militant groups operating in the region receive external support, although they have not publicly provided evidence linking any foreign state to the Kohat attack.

The assault is one of the deadliest attacks on Pakistani security forces in recent months and underscores the deteriorating security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where militant violence has surged since the collapse of the ceasefire between the Pakistani Taliban and Islamabad. The province bordering Afghanistan has witnessed frequent attacks targeting police stations, military convoys and government facilities.

Pakistan’s military and police have intensified counterterrorism operations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa following a series of attacks on security installations, saying militant groups continue to exploit mountainous border regions and urban networks to stage coordinated assaults.

Afghanistan’s Taliban government also condemned the attack. In a statement, the Taliban’s Foreign Ministry described the bombing of a mosque in Kohat as an “unjustifiable and condemnable act” and expressed condolences to the families of those killed and injured.

The investigation into the Kohat attack remains ongoing as authorities seek to identify the attackers, determine their support network and establish the full sequence of events that led to the assault on the Police Lines compound.

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U.S. President Donald Trump has signed a sweeping sanctions package targeting Russia over its war in Ukraine, while also turning a five-year extension of longstanding sanctions against Iran into law.

The legislation, signed on September 18, combines tougher economic measures against Moscow with the renewal of the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996, which was due to expire at the end of 2026. The extension preserves a key pillar of U.S. sanctions policy against Iran through 2031.

According to the Associated Press, Trump agreed to sign the bipartisan Russia sanctions bill after lawmakers included the provision extending Iran sanctions. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the bill’s leading supporters, said the White House worked closely with Congress to finalize the legislation and described it as an important tool for maintaining pressure on both Russia and Iran.

The new law expands sanctions on Russian officials, financial institutions and the so-called shadow fleet of oil tankers that Moscow has used to continue exporting energy despite Western restrictions. U.S. lawmakers say the measures are intended to reduce Russia’s ability to finance its military campaign in Ukraine.

The legislation also authorizes the Trump administration to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on imports from countries that continue purchasing significant volumes of Russian oil or natural gas. However, exemptions are available for countries that import less than 15 percent of their natural gas from Russia and have taken substantial steps to reduce their dependence on Russian energy.

The Iran provision extends sanctions first enacted in 1996, which target investments and activities linked to Iran’s energy sector. The renewal keeps existing restrictions in force without creating a new sanctions regime, ensuring the measures remain legally effective beyond their scheduled expiration at the end of this year.

The sanctions package received broad bipartisan support in Congress, passing the Senate by 86 votes to 11 and the House of Representatives by 262 votes to 159 before being sent to Trump’s desk.

The measure comes as Washington continues to tighten economic pressure on Russia over the Ukraine war while maintaining sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program, missile development and regional activities. U.S. officials have described the legislation as part of a broader strategy to strengthen American leverage on both countries.

The renewed sanctions are expected to remain a central element of U.S. foreign policy toward Iran and Russia, while giving the administration additional authority to target entities accused of helping Moscow circumvent international restrictions.

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UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous has welcomed the appointment of Rabab Fatima as the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan and the new head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), pledging close cooperation to advance the rights and leadership of Afghan women and girls.

Bahous congratulated Fatima on her appointment in a statement on Saturday, saying UN Women would work with the incoming UNAMA chief “at this critical time” to support the rights, voices and leadership of Afghan women and girls as Afghanistan continues to face severe restrictions on women’s participation in public life.

Fatima, a veteran Bangladeshi diplomat with more than three decades of experience in multilateral diplomacy, was appointed by UN Secretary-General António Guterres in July to succeed Roza Otunbayeva as the UN’s top envoy in Afghanistan. She is expected to lead UNAMA’s political engagement and coordinate the UN’s humanitarian and development efforts in the country.

Before taking up the Afghanistan post, Fatima served as the UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States. She previously represented Bangladesh at the United Nations, where she chaired the Executive Boards of UNICEF and UN Women and became the first woman to lead the UN Peacebuilding Commission.

Her appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Afghanistan as the UN Security Council has extended UNAMA’s mandate through June 2027 and requested a strategic review of the mission’s future role in the country. The review is expected to examine how the UN can strengthen its political engagement, humanitarian coordination and human rights monitoring in Afghanistan.

UN Women has repeatedly warned that Taliban policies have created one of the world’s most severe institutional systems of discrimination against women and girls. Since returning to power in August 2021, the Taliban have barred girls from secondary schools and universities, restricted women’s employment, limited their participation in public life, and prohibited Afghan women from working for the United Nations inside Afghanistan.

The appointment also follows UNAMA’s recent reports documenting continued human rights concerns, including restrictions on women’s freedoms, shrinking civic space and barriers to humanitarian operations. UN officials have consistently argued that meaningful international engagement with Afghanistan depends on measurable progress in protecting the rights of women and girls.

UN Women said it looks forward to working closely with Fatima and UNAMA to ensure Afghan women and girls remain at the center of the UN’s engagement with Afghanistan, describing their participation and leadership as essential for the country’s long-term peace, stability and development.

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United Nations human rights experts have urged Pakistan to immediately reverse its decision to expel Afghan medical and dental students, warning that the policy threatens the education and safety of dozens of Afghan students, particularly women who are barred from pursuing higher education under Taliban rule. The experts said the order could permanently end the academic careers of women studying medicine and dentistry if they are forced to return to Afghanistan.

The UN experts said at least 100 Afghan medical and dental students are affected by the directive, including an estimated 20 to 40 women enrolled in institutions in Pakistan’s Punjab province. They described the decision as a serious human rights concern because Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities have banned women from universities and medical training, leaving those expelled with virtually no opportunity to continue their studies.

The statement comes as Pakistan has intensified its nationwide campaign to repatriate Afghan nationals, including undocumented refugees and some visa holders, amid deteriorating relations with the Taliban administration in Kabul. Pakistani authorities have accelerated deportations over the past year, affecting hundreds of thousands of Afghans living in the country.

UN says women students face irreversible harm

UN experts warned that expelling Afghan women enrolled in medical and dental colleges would have immediate and long-term consequences because they cannot legally resume their education in Afghanistan under current Taliban restrictions. They said the policy risks depriving a generation of Afghan women of the opportunity to become doctors and dentists at a time when female healthcare professionals remain critically needed in Afghanistan.

The experts also stressed that Pakistan has obligations under international human rights law to ensure equal access to higher education without discrimination based on nationality. They said students already enrolled in accredited institutions should be allowed to complete their degrees rather than face abrupt removal.

According to reports, Pakistan’s medical regulator instructed public and private medical and dental institutions to complete administrative procedures for Afghan students’ departure and suspend new admissions of Afghan nationals for the current academic session. Several universities in Lahore began issuing notices directing Afghan students to collect no-objection certificates and prepare to leave.

The directive applies to students studying under scholarship programs as well as those enrolled independently, according to Pakistan Medical and Dental Council officials quoted by media outlets.

Pakistan says only students without valid documents must leave

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry has defended the policy, saying there is no blanket decision to expel all Afghan students. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said students who hold valid visas and remain enrolled in recognized degree programs can stay in Pakistan until completing their education, while those without valid immigration documents or academic registration are required to leave.

However, Afghan students and rights organizations say many affected students have been unable to renew visas despite submitting extension requests, leaving them vulnerable to expulsion through no fault of their own.

Rights groups condemn the decision

Human Rights Watch described Pakistan’s order as discriminatory and warned that returning Afghan women to Afghanistan would effectively end their medical education because of Taliban restrictions on women’s universities and professional training. The organization called on Islamabad to withdraw the expulsion order, restore students’ enrollment, and allow them to complete their degrees.

Pakistan’s Human Rights Commission also condemned the decision, warning it could turn an education policy into a humanitarian crisis by jeopardizing the future of young Afghan students already studying in the country.

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North Korea declared its status as a nuclear weapons state “irreversible” on Saturday after the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) adopted a resolution criticizing Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons program, accusing the U.N. nuclear watchdog of applying double standards.

The IAEA resolution, adopted during the agency’s General Conference in Vienna, reaffirmed that North Korea cannot be recognized as a nuclear weapons state under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and urged Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs.

Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, dismissed the resolution in a statement carried by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). She accused the IAEA of maintaining a “biased viewpoint and double standards” that she said had undermined the international nuclear non-proliferation system.

Kim claimed the agency ignored what she described as U.S. and South Korea’s “nuclear proliferation activities,” including South Korea’s plans related to nuclear-powered submarines, while condemning North Korea’s “self-defensive and legitimate nuclear activities.”

In a separate statement, North Korea’s Foreign Ministry also rejected the IAEA resolution, saying the country’s nuclear status is permanent and protected by its nuclear deterrent. The ministry said Pyongyang’s position as a nuclear power “does not require international recognition.”

The statements came as Kim Jong Un completed a three-day inspection tour of major munitions factories, where state media said he called for strengthening North Korea’s artillery and expanding the country’s offensive military capabilities as part of an ongoing defense modernization campaign.

IAEA Reaffirms Opposition to North Korea’s Nuclear Program

The IAEA has repeatedly reported that North Korea continues expanding its nuclear program despite U.N. Security Council resolutions prohibiting its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile activities. Inspectors have not had access to North Korean nuclear facilities since Pyongyang expelled IAEA monitors in 2009.

The agency’s latest resolution reiterated international concerns over North Korea’s nuclear activities and called for the country’s return to IAEA safeguards and compliance with its international obligations.

Security analysts say North Korea has accelerated efforts to modernize its armed forces with Russian assistance following the 2024 mutual defense treaty between Moscow and Pyongyang. North Korean troops deployed to Russia’s war in Ukraine are also believed to have gained combat experience that has contributed to the country’s military development.

Pyongyang has consistently rejected international calls for denuclearization, arguing that its nuclear arsenal is essential for national security and deterrence against what it describes as U.S.-led military threats in the region.

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Pakistan has called on Yemen’s Houthi movement to immediately stop what it described as provocative attacks in and around the Bab al-Mandab Strait, warning that continued assaults on commercial shipping threaten regional stability and global maritime security.

Speaking at a United Nations Security Council meeting on the security situation in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, urged the Iran-aligned Houthis to cease attacks on merchant vessels and seafarers navigating one of the world’s busiest maritime chokepoints.

The Pakistani envoy said attacks on commercial shipping and disruptions to navigation in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait could have far-reaching consequences for international trade, energy supplies and food security. He called for an immediate de-escalation of tensions and the restoration of safe passage for civilian vessels.

Ahmad also reaffirmed Pakistan’s “unwavering support” for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, security and prosperity of Saudi Arabia, saying Islamabad fully supports the kingdom’s right under international law to defend its territory, citizens and critical infrastructure from attacks.

His remarks came as the conflict in Yemen has intensified following renewed Houthi military operations along the Red Sea coast and attacks targeting Saudi territory and commercial shipping. UN officials have warned that escalating violence around the Bab al-Mandab Strait risks destabilizing a vital international shipping route linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.

The United Nations has also warned that the renewed fighting has worsened Yemen’s humanitarian crisis, displacing more than 112,000 people in recent weeks and forcing thousands to flee by sea to neighboring Djibouti.

Pakistan called for a return to a UN-led, Yemeni-owned political process, saying diplomacy remains the only viable path toward lasting peace in Yemen and broader regional stability. Ahmad said Islamabad would continue efforts at the highest diplomatic levels to help reduce tensions and support dialogue among the parties.

The Bab al-Mandab Strait is one of the world’s most strategic maritime corridors, carrying a significant share of global trade and energy shipments between Asia, Europe and the Middle East. The recent escalation has prompted renewed international concern over freedom of navigation and the security of commercial shipping in the Red Sea.

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The number of U.S. service members killed during the war with Iran is higher than the total publicly disclosed by the Pentagon, The Washington Post reported, citing multiple U.S. officials familiar with the matter.

According to the report, at least 22 U.S. service members have been killed since the conflict began, based on information provided by six U.S. officials. That figure is higher than the Pentagon’s public casualty count of 18 military deaths.

The report also cited another U.S. official who said the death toll had reached 23 service members, suggesting internal casualty figures may differ from those released publicly by the Defense Department.

In addition to military fatalities, three American contractors stationed in the Middle East have also been killed since the start of U.S. military operations against Iran, according to the officials cited by the newspaper.

The report said the identities and circumstances surrounding the deaths of several service members who were not included in the Pentagon’s public casualty announcements remain unclear. The Pentagon has not publicly explained the discrepancy between its internal casualty figures and the number released to the public.

The Washington Post reported that U.S. officials did not dispute that additional military deaths had occurred but said some cases had not yet been reflected in public casualty announcements because of notification procedures or other administrative processes.

The Pentagon’s latest publicly available figures state that more than 820 U.S. service members have been wounded since the war with Iran began, making it one of the deadliest periods for U.S. forces in the Middle East in recent years.

The renewed U.S.-Iran conflict has involved missile and drone attacks across the region, with U.S. forces targeting Iranian military infrastructure and Iran launching retaliatory strikes against American bases and regional allies. The fighting has heightened concerns over regional stability, maritime security in the Gulf, and the safety of U.S. personnel deployed across the Middle East.

The Pentagon has not issued an updated public casualty breakdown following the Washington Post report, and it remains unclear whether the publicly reported figures will be revised.

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A suicide bombing followed by a coordinated gun assault on a police compound in northwestern Pakistan has killed at least 31 people, including 16 police officers, and injured more than 100 others, as security forces continued clearing the site, officials said.

The attack targeted the Old Police Lines complex in Kohat, a city in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province that houses regional police headquarters, the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), the Special Branch, and other key security units. Officials said the assault began on Friday when attackers detonated explosives at the entrance before heavily armed gunmen stormed the compound.

A senior police official told AFP that at least 31 people had been killed and more than 100 wounded, while several attackers remained inside part of the complex as security operations continued. Pakistani security forces launched a large-scale operation involving police, military, and counterterrorism units to regain full control of the facility.

Authorities said many of the casualties were police personnel who were stationed inside the compound when the attackers entered. Medical officials reported that dozens of injured victims were transferred to hospitals in Kohat and nearby cities, with several in critical condition.

The attack is one of the deadliest assaults on Pakistan’s security forces in recent months and comes amid a sharp rise in militant violence across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and neighboring Balochistan. Pakistani officials say militant groups have intensified attacks on police stations, military convoys, and government facilities since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021.

Islamabad has repeatedly accused militant groups operating from Afghanistan territory of carrying out attacks inside Pakistan, including factions linked to Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Afghanistan’s Taliban government has consistently rejected the allegations and says it does not allow its territory to be used for attacks against other countries.

Pakistan has witnessed a significant increase in terrorist attacks over the past five years, with independent security research groups describing the recent surge as one of the country’s worst periods of violence in decades. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has remained the epicenter of many attacks targeting police, soldiers, and government institutions.

No group had immediately claimed responsibility for the Kohat attack, and Pakistani authorities said the investigation was ongoing while security forces continued operations inside the compound.

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U.S. President Donald Trump said his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., has repaid Russian businessman Umar Kremlev after the Putin-linked oligarch helped fund post-wedding celebrations in the Bahamas, defending the arrangement as legal and “very common.”

Trump made the remarks during an exchange with reporters at the White House after being questioned about reports that Kremlev paid hundreds of thousands of dollars for two nights of celebrations following Donald Trump Jr.’s wedding to Bettina Anderson earlier this year. Trump said his son told him the money had been paid back, but did not explain how he knew the repayment had been made.

The controversy follows a ProPublica investigation that reported Kremlev financed major expenses for the three-day wedding festivities, including the rental of a private island in the Bahamas and an elaborate fireworks display. Bettina Anderson later confirmed on Instagram that Kremlev had hosted two nights of celebrations as what she described as “an extraordinarily generous wedding gift” from a close friend.

Trump defended the arrangement, saying it is “totally allowed” for friends to host wedding celebrations and argued that such gifts are common. He also said he personally has hosted wedding parties for other people in the past.

Donald Trump Jr.’s spokesperson has previously said Kremlev is a personal friend and that the two do not have a business relationship. Kremlev’s office has also said the pair have a friendly relationship dating back several years.

Kremlev is the president of the International Boxing Association (IBA), an organization funded by Russia’s state-backed Gazprom energy company. He has publicly appeared alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin, received Russia’s Order of Friendship, and has been identified in multiple media investigations as having close ties to the Kremlin.

Although Donald Trump Jr. is a private citizen and U.S. law does not prohibit him from accepting gifts from foreign nationals, ethics watchdog groups have argued that accepting an expensive gift from a businessman closely associated with the Russian government creates the appearance of a potential conflict of interest because of his close ties to the U.S. president.

The issue has also drawn congressional scrutiny. Democratic lawmakers have launched an investigation into Kremlev’s financial involvement in the wedding celebrations, seeking information about the source of the payments and whether they raise national security or ethics concerns.

The revelations have revived scrutiny of the Trump family’s longstanding connections to Russia, an issue that has remained politically sensitive since investigations into Russian contacts during Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign. The latest controversy comes as Washington continues diplomatic engagement with Moscow over international security issues and the war in Ukraine.

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India has reaffirmed its long-standing support for the Afghan people at the United Nations Security Council, urging the international community to continue humanitarian assistance, protect the rights of women and girls, and ensure that Afghan refugees return home voluntarily, safely and with dignity.

Speaking during a UN Security Council session on Afghanistan, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni, said India remains committed to a principled and sustained engagement with Afghanistan despite the country’s ongoing humanitarian and human rights challenges.

Parvathaneni warned that the growing wave of forced returns of Afghan refugees has become a major humanitarian concern. He said returns must be voluntary, safe and dignified, in line with international humanitarian principles, and called on countries hosting Afghan refugees to receive greater international support.

India also urged the international community not to disengage from Afghanistan, stressing that continued cooperation is essential to address the country’s humanitarian crisis and prevent further instability.

India highlights humanitarian and development assistance

Parvathaneni said India’s relationship with Afghanistan is rooted in centuries-old civilizational ties and that New Delhi has invested heavily in Afghanistan’s development over the past two decades. He noted that India has implemented more than 500 development projects across all 34 provinces of Afghanistan, covering infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture and capacity-building initiatives.

“Our commitment to providing humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan will continue,” Parvathaneni told the Security Council, adding that India is working with UN agencies and organizations such as the Afghan Red Crescent Society to deliver aid to communities most in need.

He also said India has emerged as one of Afghanistan’s major export destinations and remains committed to expanding bilateral trade to support Afghanistan’s economic recovery. According to the Indian envoy, New Delhi continues to provide duty-free access for Afghan products, facilitate trade through the Afghanistan-India Air Freight Corridor, and issue free long-term business visas for Afghan traders.

Women’s rights remain central to international engagement

The Indian envoy emphasized that protecting the rights of Afghan women and girls must remain at the center of international engagement with Afghanistan.

Parvathaneni echoed concerns raised by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) over the continued exclusion of women and girls from education, employment and public life, saying meaningful progress in Afghanistan requires the participation of all Afghans in society.

His remarks came as UNAMA continues to describe restrictions on women’s rights, exclusionary governance and the broader human rights situation as major obstacles to Afghanistan’s long-term stability and its reintegration into the international community.

Citing the latest UN Secretary-General’s report on Afghanistan, Parvathaneni said the country’s healthcare system is under severe strain, noting that around 150 health facilities closed during the first half of the year due to funding shortages.

He called on donor countries and international organizations to increase investments in Afghanistan’s healthcare sector to prevent further deterioration of essential medical services.

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U.S. President Donald Trump announced Friday that he is banning CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House, accusing the three news organizations of publishing what he described as “fake news” about his administration. He also warned that additional media outlets could face similar restrictions.

Trump made the announcement in a post on his Truth Social platform, saying the ban would take effect immediately. Speaking later to reporters in the Oval Office, he reiterated that the decision was based on what he called years of unfair and false reporting and suggested the restrictions could be expanded to other outlets, including The New York Times and The Washington Post.

The White House has not explained how the ban would be implemented or whether it involves revoking press credentials, excluding journalists from the White House grounds, or restricting access to presidential events. As of Friday afternoon, reporters from CNN, MS NOW and Politico were still working from the White House, and there were no immediate signs that they had been removed.

The move immediately drew criticism from the targeted news organizations and press freedom advocates. CNN said it stands behind its White House reporting team and argued that preventing journalists from covering the presidency because of the content of their reporting would violate constitutional protections for a free press. Politico also said it would continue reporting on the White House and would defend its First Amendment rights against any attempt to restrict access.

The White House Correspondents’ Association, the National Press Club and other media organizations condemned Trump’s announcement, describing it as an attack on press freedom and government transparency. Legal experts have argued that while the government is not required to grant unlimited access to journalists, it generally cannot deny access solely because it disagrees with a news outlet’s reporting or editorial viewpoint.

Trump’s latest action escalates his long-running confrontation with major U.S. media organizations. During his first presidential term, his administration temporarily revoked CNN reporter Jim Acosta’s White House credentials before a federal court ordered they be restored. During his second term, the White House has also imposed restrictions on the Associated Press and has pursued legal action against several media organizations over their reporting.

The announcement comes weeks before the U.S. midterm elections, as Trump has intensified criticism of media outlets he says are hostile to his administration.

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Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defense issued emergency alerts for the capital Riyadh and the nearby city of Al-Kharj before dawn on Saturday, warning residents of a potential security threat, according to Reuters.

The alert marked the first known civil defense warning for Riyadh since Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement intensified cross-border attacks on Saudi Arabia. A Reuters journalist reported hearing two explosions in Riyadh’s Al Olaya district during the warning period, although Saudi officials did not immediately explain the cause of the blasts.

Saudi Civil Defense later issued an all-clear, saying the situation in Riyadh and Al-Kharj had returned to normal. Authorities urged residents to continue following official instructions but provided no immediate information about damage, casualties, or whether incoming projectiles had been intercepted.

The warning came hours after Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said the group had thwarted what he described as “criminal attempts” in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, blaming Saudi Arabia and vowing retaliation. The Houthis did not immediately claim responsibility for the explosions reported in Riyadh.

Houthi attacks deepen regional security concerns

The Houthis, who control Yemen’s most populous regions and much of the country’s north, have sharply increased attacks on Saudi Arabia since announcing a naval blockade against the kingdom in July. The group has also targeted Saudi-linked commercial shipping in the Red Sea and expanded military operations along Yemen’s western coast.

Saudi Arabia has responded with intensified airstrikes against Houthi positions in Yemen, while the renewed conflict has displaced more than 100,000 people, according to the United Nations’ International Organization for Migration. The fighting has also raised concerns over security along the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a key global shipping corridor.

The latest security alert comes amid a broader escalation across the Middle East linked to the U.S.-Iran confrontation, with Houthi attacks increasingly affecting Saudi cities, energy infrastructure, and maritime traffic. Riyadh has accused the Iran-backed group of threatening regional stability, while the Houthis say their operations are a response to Saudi military actions in Yemen.

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Jemima Goldsmith, the former wife of Pakistan’s jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, has shared the first official photographs from her recent wedding to Irish businessman Cameron O’Reilly, revealing that her two sons, Sulaiman and Kasim Khan, walked her down the aisle during the private ceremony.

Goldsmith posted the photos on Instagram days after the couple quietly married in London, thanking family and friends who attended the ceremony and helped organize the event. The wedding, held on September 12, was attended by close relatives and a small group of friends rather than public figures or political leaders.

In her post, Goldsmith said her sons played a central role in the ceremony by escorting her down the aisle. She also thanked her stepdaughter, Tyrian White, for serving as her maid of honor, while Cameron O’Reilly’s daughters, Sasha and Tara, were among the bridesmaids.

The photographs show Goldsmith wearing a custom Oscar de la Renta wedding dress paired with a pearl-embroidered veil, while family members and children from both families participated in the celebration. The reception featured a simple wedding cake decorated with fresh fruit, reflecting the ceremony’s intimate atmosphere.

Goldsmith, a British writer, film producer and philanthropist, was married to Imran Khan from 1995 until their divorce in 2004. The couple has two sons, Sulaiman and Kasim, who have largely stayed out of public life but have occasionally spoken in support of their father since his imprisonment in Pakistan.

Imran Khan, who remains in custody in Pakistan while facing multiple legal cases, was not involved in the ceremony. Goldsmith has repeatedly criticized Pakistani authorities over Khan’s detention and has publicly campaigned for his release, although she has otherwise kept her personal life largely private.

Cameron O’Reilly is an Irish financier and private equity executive and the son of the late Irish-Australian media businessman Sir Anthony O’Reilly. The couple’s marriage follows more than a year of their publicly known relationship.

The wedding photos quickly drew widespread attention on social media, with supporters congratulating Goldsmith and many commenting on the appearance of her sons, whose participation in the ceremony was widely highlighted by British and Pakistani media.

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On 7 August 2026, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, pledging that an attack on one would be treated as an attack on all.

Just over a month later, on 8 September, the Houthis put that pledge to the test. They fired ballistic missiles and drones that hit Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan, and Najran, damaging energy sites and injuring at least 73 people, according to the Saudi-led coalition. The Houthis also claimed to have targeted critical infrastructure, including Aramco facilities and King Khalid Air Base.

Immediately after the attack, Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to the pact, and media reports suggested that Islamabad could carry out airstrikes on Houthi positions. By 10 September, the foreign ministry was telling reporters that there were no plans for a military response, only that Pakistan would act if needed. Turkey condemned the attack and then went quiet.

The first real test of this so-called “Muslim NATO” produced only a press release and a change in how the pact is described. It is now cast as purely defensive and seen as lacking real power. The episode showed that the agreement is largely symbolic and that Pakistan is unlikely to fight for Saudi Arabia.

Islamabad’s rapid change of position is both striking and worrying. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif told local media there should be no doubt about the mutual defence pledge and that Pakistan would honour it if the need arose. Several reports, citing Pakistani sources, said Islamabad was considering airstrikes on Houthi targets if Riyadh asked for them.

Within a day of those reports, foreign ministry spokesman Sajjad Haider Khan dismissed the idea. He said no such action was under discussion and that there were no plans to expand the alliance.

Asif had already left himself room to retreat by tying the pact’s activation to unprovoked aggression or a spillover of the Yemen conflict into Saudi territory. The implication was that missiles striking four Saudi cities did not meet that bar. The trigger for the pact was redefined after the fact, a familiar way of escaping a promise without formally breaking it.

The agreement allowed this outcome because it was written to allow it. The language made public so far endorses collective defence but does not require any specific military action, automatic response, or clear plan. Reports noted that, more than a month after the signing, the details of how the pledge would be carried out were still unclear.

Analysts have also pointed out that the pact does not oblige members to reverse territorial gains in Yemen. A member could therefore help intercept a missile and still refuse to join the conflict itself.

NATO went more than 50 years before Article 5 was invoked, but throughout that time it had a permanent command structure, fixed force commitments, and agreed rules. The Mecca pact was tested after just 32 days. Apart from a secretariat announced on 31 August, it had little else in place.

Pakistan’s stance is not just weak. It is also inconsistent. Islamabad acts as the main go-between for Washington and Tehran. Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has visited Iran three times this year and is now working to ease American sanctions.

After the attacks, Pakistan told Iran to restrain its Yemeni allies, behaving more like a mediator than a treaty-bound ally. Pakistan cannot credibly strike Iran’s proxies one day and help Iran win sanctions relief the next. Islamabad has chosen to please the United States rather than meet Saudi Arabia’s expectations.

Pakistan is also stretched thin at home. The Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies recorded more than 2,700 deaths from militant violence and counter-militancy operations in the first seven months of 2026.

On top of this, Islamabad is selling three incompatible products at once. To Saudi and domestic audiences, it offers a NATO-style collective defence pledge. To Iran watchers, it presents a purely defensive, still-unfinished framework that targets no one. On the ground, it maintains a training and logistics presence that looks much like the 2015 status quo.

The unpublished text of the Mecca pact, the absence of any response to the Houthi strikes, the U-turn on expanding the alliance, and the contradictions over the pact’s nuclear dimension are all clear examples. The weakness is not that Pakistan signed a defence agreement. It is that the pact was written to be invoked in speeches and left unused in crises.

Riyadh has been here before and appears not to have learned from it. In April 2015, Saudi Arabia asked Pakistan for fighter jets, ground troops, and naval support for its Yemen campaign. Pakistan’s parliament chose neutrality, embarrassing a long-time financial backer.

Since then, Islamabad has signed more agreements, including the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement in September 2025 and the trilateral pact 11 months later. By mid-2026, Pakistan had sent thousands of troops, along with aircraft, drones, and an air defence system, to Saudi Arabia.

The refusals of 2015 and September 2026 are essentially the same. The only difference is that the second came with a signed collective defence clause.

Since the Houthi attack on Saudi cities, Turkey has been the quieter partner, but no more reassuring. Analysts say Ankara wants to keep its promise without being drawn directly into Yemen’s conflict, and they describe the defence agreement as largely symbolic. Turkey has extensive business interests in the Gulf, a complicated relationship with Iran, and no desire to become embroiled in an active military conflict.

What Saudi Arabia has really gained, then, is a photo opportunity, a secretariat, and two partners who found loopholes in the agreement within a month. Its air defence still depends on American systems and supplies, and its energy sites remain vulnerable.

The value of any defence pact depends on whether adversaries believe in it. The Houthis tested that belief after just 32 days and got their answer. Pakistan’s official position that there are no plans to expand the Mecca pact is telling. A working collective defence system attracts new members when it succeeds and loses them when it fails.

The Mecca agreement was presented as a step towards Muslim collective security and a regional order less reliant on Washington. But when real violence came, Ankara merely condemned it, Islamabad reversed its position within two days, and both suddenly claimed the pact had always been purely “defensive.”

Saudi Arabia should be realistic about its partners. Pakistan will take Saudi money, deferred oil payments, and the prestige of a mutual defence treaty. It will not fight Iran’s allies when its own interests and its relationship with the United States say otherwise.

This is not a real alliance. It is closer to a half-hearted attempt to create a new security bloc in West Asia.

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The United States has approved the potential sale of 48 Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia in a deal worth $24.3 billion, marking a major shift in U.S. defense policy and the kingdom’s biggest fighter jet purchase since regional tensions escalated during the U.S.-Iran conflict.

The U.S. State Department said the proposed Foreign Military Sale includes 48 F-35 fighter aircraft, 49 Pratt & Whitney engines, communications systems, spare parts, training, logistics support, and other military equipment. The package has been formally notified to the U.S. Congress, which must review the sale before it can proceed.

Saudi Arabia has sought to acquire the fifth-generation stealth aircraft for years as part of its military modernization strategy under Vision 2030. If completed, the deal would make Saudi Arabia the first Arab country to operate the F-35, the most advanced fighter aircraft currently exported by the United States.

The approval comes as Saudi Arabia has been drawn deeper into regional conflict, facing repeated missile and drone attacks from Iran-backed Houthi forces and heightened security threats following renewed hostilities between the United States and Iran. Washington has increasingly strengthened military cooperation with Riyadh amid the deteriorating security environment in the Gulf.

Israel’s long-standing concerns

The proposed sale has also revived concerns in Israel, which is currently the only country in the Middle East operating the F-35. Israeli officials have long argued that supplying the stealth aircraft to Arab states could erode Israel’s longstanding qualitative military edge, a principle that has shaped U.S. arms policy in the region for decades.

In its notification to Congress, however, the U.S. State Department said the proposed sale “will not alter the military balance in the region” and argued that it supports U.S. foreign policy by strengthening the defense capabilities of a key Gulf partner.

Although the State Department has approved the transaction, the deal is not yet final. U.S. lawmakers can review and potentially challenge the sale during the congressional notification period, as major foreign military sales require congressional oversight.

The Trump administration has prioritized expanding defense cooperation with Saudi Arabia, including a broader defense partnership announced in 2025.

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At least 21 people, including 15 police officers, were killed and more than 80 others injured after a suicide car bombing struck a mosque inside the Kohat Police Lines compound in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, officials said on Friday.

The attack occurred during Friday prayers at a mosque located within the heavily guarded police complex in Kohat, where officers, their families, and civilians had gathered. Police said an explosives-laden vehicle rammed into the compound’s main gate before detonating, causing extensive damage to the mosque and nearby security buildings.

Provincial Police Chief Zulfiqar Hameed said the bombing was followed by a coordinated assault in which at least seven armed militants attempted to storm the police compound. Security forces exchanged fire with the attackers, killing several of them during the operation, while clearance operations continued for hours after the initial blast.

District Health Officer Dr. Nasir Hassan Afridi confirmed that more than 80 people were wounded, with three victims in critical condition. The dead included senior police personnel who were attending prayers, while emergency teams rushed dozens of injured people to hospitals across Kohat.

The Pakistan Army’s Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), whose offices are located inside the Police Lines complex, said security personnel continued operations to secure the area after the bombing and prevent attackers from reaching sensitive government facilities.

The attack was claimed by Ittehad-ul-Mujahideen, a militant faction led by Hafiz Gul Bahadur, according to Pakistani media. The group has been linked to militant networks operating in northwestern Pakistan near the Afghanistan border.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the bombing as a “cowardly terrorist attack” and ordered authorities to accelerate rescue and medical response efforts. President Asif Ali Zardari also condemned the attack and expressed condolences to the families of those killed.

The bombing is the latest in a surge of militant violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where Pakistani security forces have intensified counterterrorism operations against armed groups in recent months. The province has witnessed repeated attacks targeting police, military convoys, and government facilities, fueling renewed security concerns along Pakistan’s border with Afghanistan.

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Five Afghan medical graduates have challenged Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) directives ordering them to return to Afghanistan, arguing that the decision unlawfully blocks them from completing the mandatory clinical training required to practice medicine.

The graduates, all alumni of Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Medical and Dental College in Lahore, filed a petition before the Lahore High Court after months of uncertainty over their registration for a one-year house job, or internship, despite completing a five-year MBBS degree under Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission-administered Allama Iqbal Scholarship Programme.

The petition names the PMDC, the federal government, the Ministry of National Health Services, the Higher Education Commission, the University of Health Sciences, the Punjab health department, and the medical college as respondents. The graduates argue that the PMDC has no legal authority under Pakistan’s medical education laws to order their repatriation after they completed their degrees.

According to the petition, PMDC notifications issued on July 31 and September 1 instructed medical colleges to facilitate the return of Afghan students to Afghanistan and barred institutions from admitting new Afghan medical and dental students during the current academic session. The graduates say those directives have effectively suspended their professional registration and prevented them from beginning the compulsory internship required for medical licensing.

The petitioners contend that the orders violate constitutional guarantees of due process, equality before the law, and human dignity under Pakistan’s Constitution, as well as the country’s international human rights obligations. They also argue that the measures are discriminatory because they target Afghan nationals who have already completed years of medical education in Pakistan.

Their legal challenge comes after the Lahore High Court last week temporarily suspended the PMDC directives for 13 Afghan medical students enrolled at several institutions in Lahore, allowing them to continue their education, sit examinations, and return to university hostels while the case proceeds. Justice Khalid Ishaq ruled that the council’s orders would remain suspended for the petitioners pending further hearings.

Lawyers representing the students argue that the PMDC exceeded its jurisdiction under the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council Act and that students were deprived of their rights without being given an opportunity to be heard. During earlier proceedings, the PMDC argued that the policy was linked to national security and immigration concerns, but the court rejected those arguments at the interim stage.

The dispute has intensified uncertainty for hundreds of Afghan medical students studying in Pakistan under scholarship programmes. Pakistan’s Foreign Office has stated there is no blanket government decision requiring all Afghan students to leave the country, saying students enrolled in recognized degree programmes with valid visas may continue their studies, while referring questions about the PMDC directives to the medical regulator.

For the five graduates, the outcome of the Lahore High Court case will determine whether they can begin their mandatory clinical training in Pakistan or face returning to Afghanistan before completing the final professional requirement for medical practice.

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The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) said the war between the United States and Iran has inflicted an estimated $150 billion in economic losses on Arab economies in its first month, warning that disruptions to key maritime routes are threatening regional stability and global supply chains.

Rania Al-Mashat, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCWA, presented the assessment during an informal UN Security Council meeting hosted by Bahrain on Thursday. The meeting, titled “Safe Seas, Shared Security: Protecting Freedom of Navigation in a Changing Security Environment,” focused on the growing security risks across the Gulf and Red Sea.

Al-Mashat said the estimated losses are equivalent to about 4 percent of the combined gross domestic product of Arab countries, highlighting the economic cost of escalating military tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea.

She warned that threats to shipping lanes extend far beyond military security, affecting economic development, food supplies, energy markets, trade, investment and the livelihoods of millions of people across the Middle East and beyond.

“From the Arabian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz to the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab, these waterways form an interconnected network for transporting energy, food and goods to global markets,” Al-Mashat said, according to ESCWA. “Disruption in one part of this network affects ports, markets, households and economies far beyond the immediate conflict zone.”

Maritime disruptions raise costs across the region

ESCWA said the economic impact begins even before a waterway is formally closed. When shipping companies and insurers judge a route to be too risky, commercial traffic declines and insurance premiums and freight costs increase, with the additional costs ultimately passed on to consumers.

Before the conflict escalated earlier this year, about 25 percent of global seaborne oil trade and roughly 19 percent of global liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade passed through the Strait of Hormuz. Gulf Cooperation Council countries also account for between 20 and 40 percent of global exports of products including ammonia, fertilizers, sulfur and aluminum.

Al-Mashat said alternative shipping routes do not necessarily eliminate the problem, warning that bottlenecks can simply shift from strategic straits to ports, pipelines or inland transport corridors.

ESCWA identified small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as among the most vulnerable sectors. These businesses make up the majority of enterprises across the Arab world but have limited capacity to absorb higher transportation, energy and insurance costs or quickly diversify suppliers and markets.

The commission said rising logistics and fuel costs are reducing profit margins, slowing production and putting jobs at risk across multiple sectors.

Al-Mashat noted that nine of the Arab world’s 22 countries were already experiencing conflict or post-conflict recovery before the latest escalation. Damaged infrastructure, weak institutions, limited fiscal resources and dependence on imported food and fuel have made those countries especially vulnerable to rising commodity and transport prices.

She also warned that attacks targeting oil infrastructure and shipping routes in the Red Sea have increased pressure on Saudi Arabia and placed the region’s two principal energy export corridors — the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab, under heightened threat.

ESCWA announced the creation of a regional task force on transport, logistics and supply chains to strengthen coordination among Arab states during crises.

The initiative will focus on early-warning systems, emergency operations centers and regional coordination mechanisms designed to keep essential goods and humanitarian supplies moving during periods of conflict.

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German police have arrested a 37-year-old Afghan man on suspicion of attempting to set fire to a synagogue in the western city of Wuppertal, in what authorities are investigating as a possible politically or ideologically motivated attack. No one was injured and the fire was extinguished within minutes, police said.

The suspect allegedly poured a flammable liquid onto the entrance steps of the Bergische Synagogue in Wuppertal-Barmen at about 2 p.m. local time on Thursday before setting it alight. Members of the synagogue quickly extinguished the flames, limiting damage to the entrance area, according to Wuppertal police.

Police officers arrested the suspect shortly after the incident near the synagogue. Authorities said the man, an Afghan national who was previously known to police, appears to have acted alone based on initial findings. Germany’s State Security (Staatsschutz) division has taken over the investigation.

Investigators have not announced a motive, saying inquiries remain ongoing. Police are also appealing for witnesses who were near the synagogue at the time of the attack to come forward as forensic investigators continue examining the scene.

The Bergische Synagogue has been under round-the-clock police protection because of heightened security concerns surrounding Jewish institutions in Germany. Police increased their presence around the synagogue following the incident, while nearby public buildings were also secured.

The Central Council of Jews in Germany condemned the incident as an arson attack and warned that it reflects a growing normalization of antisemitic violence. Council President Josef Schuster noted that the attack occurred just days before Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, and called on authorities to ensure the safety of Jewish communities during upcoming religious observances.

Jewish community leaders in Wuppertal said the attack revived memories of previous assaults on the synagogue. The same synagogue was targeted in 2014, when three men threw Molotov cocktails at the building. Although no one was injured in that attack, it intensified concerns about the security of Jewish institutions in Germany.

The latest incident comes amid continued concern over antisemitic offenses in Germany, which authorities say have risen in recent years following tensions linked to conflicts in the Middle East. Federal and regional officials have repeatedly pledged stronger protection for synagogues and Jewish community centers across the country.

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Former Afghan National Security Adviser Hamdullah Mohib has accused former U.S. envoy Zalmay Khalilzad of a “great betrayal” in a new book examining the collapse of Afghanistan’s republic, arguing that Washington’s direct negotiations with the Taliban sidelined Kabul’s elected government and accelerated its fall in 2021.

The book, Shadows Over Kabul: An Insider’s Account of the Fall of the Afghanistan Republic, co-authored with investigative journalist Tam Hussein, was published in English by Bloomsbury on September 17. It presents Mohib’s account of the peace process and the final years of the Afghanistan republic from inside the former government.

The book argues that Khalilzad’s appointment as the United States’ chief negotiator fundamentally changed the balance of power during the peace process. Mohib writes that then-President Ashraf Ghani viewed Khalilzad’s appointment with deep skepticism from the outset, fearing it would sideline Afghanistan’s government in favor of direct talks between Washington and the Taliban.

Mohib claims Khalilzad established contacts with Taliban representatives without informing the Afghaistan government and conducted negotiations that excluded Kabul’s officials. According to Mohib, the Taliban’s confidence increased significantly once they realized they could negotiate directly with the United States rather than through Afghanistan’s elected administration.

He further alleges that Khalilzad returned from meetings in Pakistan without briefing President Ghani or senior Afghan officials on the substance of those discussions. Mohib writes that the government later learned Khalilzad had met Taliban representatives in Pakistan, describing the move as “a great betrayal.”

Mohib also recounts traveling to Washington to warn U.S. officials that Khalilzad’s diplomacy was weakening the Afghanistan government while empowering the Taliban politically. He says he questioned whether Khalilzad’s approach reflected official U.S. policy or his own initiative, but received conflicting answers. Mohib writes that several planned meetings with U.S. State Department officials were subsequently canceled.

Criticism of the Doha peace process

Mohib’s account adds to longstanding criticism by former Afghan officials of the 2020 Doha Agreement between the United States and the Taliban. The agreement, negotiated without the Afghanistan government as a signatory, provided a timetable for the withdrawal of U.S. troops in exchange for Taliban counterterrorism commitments and intra-Afghan negotiations.

Former members of the Afghan republic have repeatedly argued that excluding Kabul from the agreement weakened the government’s legitimacy and provided the Taliban with international political recognition before a comprehensive settlement was reached. U.S. officials, however, have maintained that the Doha deal was intended to end America’s longest war and create a pathway for peace negotiations.

Khalilzad’s role remains disputed

Khalilzad has consistently defended his role in the peace process and has rejected accusations that he was responsible for the republic’s collapse. He has argued that corruption, political divisions within the Afghanistan government, and the rapid collapse of Afghan security forces were decisive factors in the Taliban’s takeover.

The publisher’s synopsis says Mohib’s book challenges Western narratives that primarily blamed Afghan leaders for the events of August 2021, describing the collapse as the result of “Western and Afghan leaders’ betrayal.”

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Pakistan has announced a new nationwide austerity campaign, including a 50% cut in fuel allocations for official vehicles, a ban on government vehicle purchases and restrictions on foreign travel by public officials, as the country seeks to reduce energy consumption amid soaring fuel prices linked to the conflict in the Gulf.

The measures, approved by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government on Thursday, come as Pakistan faces the risk of gas and electricity shortages after disruptions to liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies from the Gulf and rising global prices for petrol and diesel.

The government said fuel allocations for official vehicles will be reduced by half for the next three months, while ambulances, fire brigades, law enforcement agencies, armed forces and other essential services will be exempt from the cuts. A complete ban has also been imposed on the purchase of new government vehicles and most durable goods, except information technology equipment.

As part of the austerity package, official foreign visits by ministers and government officials have been suspended for three months, and any essential overseas travel must be undertaken in economy class. The government has also banned official dinners, encouraged ministries to use video conferencing instead of in-person meetings, and ordered a 5% reduction in non-development government spending during the current fiscal year.

Pakistan has introduced similar austerity measures for the second time this year after implementing fuel-saving restrictions in March, when schools were temporarily closed, government fuel consumption was reduced and public employees were encouraged to work remotely to conserve energy.

The latest measures reflect Pakistan’s growing vulnerability to disruptions in Middle East energy supplies. Fighting involving the United States and Israel with Iran has already disrupted oil and LNG exports through the Strait of Hormuz, while renewed attacks between Saudi Arabia and Iran-backed Houthi forces have increased risks to shipping through the Red Sea, complicating regional energy trade.

Pakistan’s government has warned that prolonged supply disruptions could increase inflationary pressure, threaten electricity generation and undermine the country’s economic growth outlook. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has said higher oil prices remain one of the biggest external risks to Pakistan’s economy if the Gulf conflict continues.

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Pakistan’s military said 10 fighters from the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and six Pakistani soldiers were killed during separate security operations and a roadside bomb attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province between September 2 and 4.

In a statement released Thursday, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media wing, said security forces launched an intelligence-based operation in North Waziristan after receiving information about the presence of TTP militants. According to the military, six militants were killed during an exchange of fire.

The military said a separate operation in Hangu district killed four additional TTP members. Pakistani forces also recovered weapons and ammunition from the sites of the operations, the statement said.

ISPR said six Pakistani soldiers were killed on September 4 when a roadside improvised explosive device (IED) struck a military convoy in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The military did not immediately provide further details about the identities of the soldiers or the extent of damage caused by the blast.

The Pakistani military described the slain militants as individuals allegedly involved in multiple militant attacks across the region. It also accused the TTP of receiving support from India but did not provide evidence to support the allegation.

TTP insurgency continues along Pakistan’s western border

The TTP has intensified attacks on Pakistani security forces since the collapse of a ceasefire in late 2022. The group is primarily active in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, particularly in districts bordering Afghanistan.

Pakistani authorities have repeatedly accused TTP fighters of operating from sanctuaries inside Afghanistan, an allegation the Taliban administration in Kabul has denied. Taliban officials have consistently said Afghanistan territory will not be used to launch attacks against other countries.

The latest violence comes as Pakistan has stepped up intelligence-based operations against militant groups in its northwestern provinces, where attacks targeting security personnel have increased in recent months.

The military said operations against militant groups would continue, while independent verification of the number of militants killed and Pakistan’s allegations regarding foreign support was not immediately available.

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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the European Union will disburse €3.3 billion to Ukraine for the procurement of missiles and drones, reaffirming the bloc’s commitment to strengthening Kyiv’s defenses as Russia continues missile and drone attacks across the country.

Von der Leyen announced the funding after a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, saying the payment will support Ukraine’s urgent defense needs amid continued Russian strikes on civilian infrastructure and military targets. She described the move as part of the EU’s broader effort to reinforce Ukraine’s air defense and battlefield capabilities.

The €3.3 billion package is specifically earmarked for missiles and drones and will be transferred through the EU’s SAFE defense financing mechanism, which was created to accelerate joint European defense procurement and military assistance for Ukraine. Zelenskyy called the conversation “very productive,” saying the two leaders discussed critical steps to strengthen Ukraine’s defense resilience and financing, although he did not specifically mention the new disbursement.

Von der Leyen also said the European Union is prepared to use the remaining resources under the SAFE program to launch new joint defense projects with Ukrainian companies. She highlighted plans to deepen cooperation on a European air and missile defense system involving Ukraine, reflecting the country’s growing role in Europe’s defense industrial base.

The announcement follows a separate €6.1 billion defense package approved by the European Commission earlier this month to help Ukraine purchase air defense systems, Patriot interceptors, missiles, ammunition, drones, electronic warfare equipment and radar systems. The Commission said that package increased the total EU defense support approved for Ukraine in 2026 to approximately €28.3 billion, though the funding is being released in several installments rather than as a single payment.

European officials have increasingly focused on strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses as Russia expands its campaign of missile and drone attacks against cities, energy facilities and critical infrastructure. Germany has also pledged additional Patriot interceptor missiles from its own stockpiles, warning that Russian aerial attacks are expected to intensify during the winter months.

Beyond direct military assistance, the European Union has approved a €90 billion loan program for Ukraine covering 2026 and 2027, with around €60 billion allocated for defense procurement and €30 billion designated for budgetary support and economic stability. EU institutions and member states have provided tens of billions of euros in military, humanitarian and financial assistance since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The latest funding package comes as the war between Russia and Ukraine continues into its fifth year, with European leaders arguing that sustained military support remains essential to Ukraine’s ability to defend its territory and protect its population from continued Russian attacks.

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Iran has thanked Russia and China for vetoing a U.S.-backed resolution at the United Nations Security Council that sought to extend independent monitoring of international sanctions on Tehran, calling their move a defense of the UN Charter and opposition to what it described as politically motivated pressure.

Iran’s mission to the United Nations said on Thursday it appreciated the “principled and decisive positions” taken by Moscow and Beijing after both countries blocked the U.S. draft resolution during a Security Council vote. Tehran said the veto prevented Washington and its allies from using the council to advance political objectives.

The resolution aimed to renew the mandate of a UN Panel of Experts responsible for monitoring compliance with sanctions imposed on Iran over its nuclear program. The proposal received 11 votes in favor but failed after Russia and China, both permanent members of the Security Council, exercised their veto power, while Pakistan and Somalia abstained.

Iran described the U.S. proposal as politically motivated and reiterated its position that Western countries are attempting to increase pressure on Tehran through international institutions. Russia and China argued that Western governments had politicized the Security Council and said disputes over Iran’s nuclear program should be resolved through diplomacy rather than additional sanctions mechanisms.

The vote highlighted continuing divisions within the Security Council over the status of UN sanctions on Iran. France, Britain and Germany triggered the “snapback” mechanism in 2025 after accusing Tehran of violating the 2015 nuclear agreement, restoring previous UN sanctions. Iran, Russia and China reject the legality of that move, while Western governments maintain the sanctions remain in force.

U.S. Deputy Ambassador to the United Nations Jennifer Locetta said the failure to renew the monitoring panel would create a gap in independent reporting on sanctions violations and benefit those seeking to evade international measures against Iran. Russia’s UN Ambassador Vasily Nebenzia dismissed the U.S. position and urged Western countries to return to political and diplomatic negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program.

The Security Council has operated without a functioning Panel of Experts on Iran for the past year because members were unable to reach consensus on appointments. Thursday’s veto formally ended the mandate for independent sanctions monitoring, although the broader dispute over the enforcement and legitimacy of UN sanctions on Iran remains unresolved.

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U.S. federal prosecutors have charged 12 people, including three immigrants from Afghanistan, in a series of alleged child care subsidy fraud cases involving more than $10 million in fraudulent payments in San Diego County. Authorities said the defendants allegedly submitted false attendance records for children who were not under their care and received government-funded child care reimbursements.

The U.S. Department of Justice announced the charges after a multi-agency investigation dubbed Operation Cradle to Con. Prosecutors said the defendants operated licensed family child care homes and are accused of filing fraudulent claims through California’s subsidized child care programs by certifying attendance records under penalty of perjury.

Three Afghan immigrants identified among defendants

According to the Department of Justice, the three Afghan-born defendants are Ekramullah Mohmand, 25, Khatira Hashemi, 39, and Zaryab Dawoodzi, 25. All three live in the El Cajon area of San Diego County and were charged in separate criminal cases.

Federal prosecutors said the 12 defendants are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents originally from Afghanistan, Syria, Somalia, Sudan, Iraq, and other countries. Authorities emphasized that the cases are independent prosecutions and that the defendants are not alleged to be members of a single organized fraud network.

Prosecutors allege the defendants obtained licenses to operate home-based child care centers and enrolled as providers with organizations administering California’s subsidized child care program, including Child Development Associates (CDA) and the YMCA.

Licensed providers are required to submit monthly attendance records showing the days and hours children receive care. Investigators allege several defendants knowingly reported children as present on days they never attended and requested reimbursement for services that were never provided. The claims were allegedly certified as accurate despite containing false information.

In one case, prosecutors said surveillance cameras contradicted attendance records submitted by one defendant. Court documents allege that a provider claimed children attended care every day during March and April 2026, but investigators reviewed footage covering 57 days and found children entering or leaving the property on only one day.

Authorities said that day coincided with an unannounced inspection by a California state licensing investigator.

Investigators also compared attendance records with U.S. border crossing data. Prosecutors allege some defendants claimed they were caring for children at home while official records showed they were outside the United States during the same period.

All 12 defendants face federal charges of wire fraud, while several also face money laundering charges related to the alleged scheme.

The arrests were carried out on September 10 during coordinated searches in several San Diego County communities, including Oak Park, Emerald Hills, and El Cajon. Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing and additional evidence is being reviewed.

California’s child care subsidy program provides financial assistance to eligible low-income families by paying licensed providers for child care services. Prosecutors allege the defendants exploited the program by submitting fraudulent attendance records to obtain public funds.

The Department of Justice stressed that the charges are allegations only. Under the U.S. legal system, all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

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