Iran security chief rejects Trump's claim that Tehran is close to surrendering

Iran's top security official, Mohsen Rezaei, rejected President Donald Trump's claim on Friday that Tehran was close to surrendering. Trump said Thursday night that the U.S. could win the war shortly after the November midterm elections, while leaving open an earlier end. Rezaei accused Trump of confusing imagined victories with reality. Trump separately told TIME that U.S. military action against Iran could resume after the midterm elections if Washington and Tehran fail to reach an agreement. Iran's president said last week that Tehran would not surrender to U.S. pressure but remained open to peace negotiations.

Netanyahu says early Flydubai attack findings indicate Islamist radicalization

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said preliminary investigations indicate that the attacker on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv underwent Islamist radicalization. Netanyahu said the attacker very likely intended to crash the aircraft, but Netanyahu declined to draw a formal conclusion about the motive. Passengers and crew overpowered the attacker after the aircraft descended more than 17,000 feet (5,200 metres) on Wednesday, and the aircraft landed safely in Saudi Arabia. US President Donald Trump and UAE officials raised possible Iranian involvement without directly assigning responsibility to Iran. Trump threatened a very powerful attack on Iran if Iranian involvement was established. Flydubai has suspended flights between Dubai and Tel Aviv while conducting its own investigation.

Analysis: Trump repeats false claim that Iran's nuclear sites were drug factories

President Donald Trump repeated a false claim on Thursday night that the Iranian nuclear facilities attacked by the US were also drug factories. Trump made the claim at a rally in Oklahoma while discussing the June 2025 bombing operation. James Acton of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace said Fordow was not used for drug production to his knowledge. The White House refused to explain Trump's comments on Friday. Trump appeared likely to have made a verbal mistake after discussing illegal drug trafficking in the Caribbean, then repeated the assertion instead of correcting it.

Zelenskyy asks Trump for sanctions over alleged Russia-China Starlink rival

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has asked Donald Trump to sanction Russian and Chinese companies that Zelenskyy says are developing a rival to Elon Musk's Starlink. Zelenskyy said the Russian satellite network, Rassvet, could become operational by the end of the year or the beginning of next year. Zelenskyy warned that the network would improve Russia's air-strike precision. China's foreign ministry, the Kremlin and the White House did not respond to requests for comment. Zelenskyy has also asked Trump to allow Ukrainian forces to use Starlink-equipped drones up to 200km inside Russia against ballistic missile launchers and drone launch sites.

Opinion: US-China rivalry could last decades, with other powers shaping the outcome

Rana Foroohar argues that US-China strategic competition will last for generations, with no resolution in sight. Foroohar compares the rivalry to the century-long Great Game between Britain and Russia, rather than a conflict that ends with a decisive war. Foroohar argues that China's maritime infrastructure, industrial capacity and expanding technological influence challenge US financial and technology advantages. China owns 60% of Peru's Chancay port and has exclusive operational rights at the facility. Foroohar argues that stronger international institutions and the EU give other countries more bargaining power than their 19th-century counterparts had. Foroohar concludes that the choices of outside powers, not just US and Chinese ambitions, may decide the competition.

Opinion: Iraq War is over and did some good

The author argues that the Iraq War is now over and did some good. The last US troops departed Iraq this week, ending an experience that began with the US invasion in 2003. The residual force of around 2,500 troops had been in Iraq to help fight the Islamic State.

UK charges two Iranian nationals over alleged plot targeting Jewish community

British authorities have charged two Iranian nationals over an alleged terrorist plot targeting the Jewish community in Manchester, northern England. The Crown Prosecution Service said the charges concern preparing or assisting an act of terrorism on or before Yom Kippur, which began at sundown on September 20. Counterterrorism police alleged that the men sought bomb-making components and equipment and conducted reconnaissance on potential targets. Police alleged that the men contacted an overseas third party who may be in Iran. Police confirmed that the alleged plot had been disrupted but have not released details. The Crown Prosecution Service said the men will appear at London's Westminster Magistrates' Court on Saturday.

Taiwan foreign minister plans Arizona visit to deepen economic ties

Taiwan's foreign minister is set to visit Arizona for meetings with local officials and semiconductor companies. Taiwan seeks to deepen economic ties with the US amid sensitive US-China relations over Taiwan's status.

Saudi Arabia reportedly plans Houthi offensive to secure Red Sea route

Reuters reported Friday that Saudi Arabia is considering an offensive against Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen to secure the Red Sea route around Bab el-Mandeb. The offensive could involve more than 100,000 Yemeni troops, depending on its scale. The options range from a limited coastal attack to a broader campaign across several fronts, according to Reuters. The operation's timing remains uncertain, with estimates ranging from within a week to after the U.S. midterm elections in early November. Washington is providing intelligence support but no direct combat role, according to Reuters. The Saudi government and U.S. military did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

US officials say Trump's top security aides meet secretly at Camp David on Iran and Yemen

Three U.S. officials said President Trump's top cabinet members met for hours at Camp David on Friday to discuss next steps in the Iran war and the Saudi-Houthi conflict in Yemen. The Trump administration did not announce the meeting.

Israeli air attack on Gaza City apartment kills at least five, medical staff say

Medical staff at al-Shifa Hospital said an Israeli air attack on an apartment in western Gaza City killed at least five people and severely wounded at least six others. Correspondent Hani al-Shaer said the attack hit the al-Asala building in the Remal neighbourhood early on Saturday without prior warning. Al-Shifa Hospital said the dead included four women, among them an elderly Christian woman and her daughter. Civil defence crews were still searching for missing people and bodies, al-Shaer said.

US and Australia suspend consular services in Brazil from Friday

The US and Australia announced a halt to consular services in Brazil beginning Friday, two days before the presidential election. The US cited security concerns but did not specify the issues or link them to Sunday's election. The Australian Embassy in Brasilia said it would close on Friday and advised Australians to avoid US diplomatic missions. Surveys show a statistical tie between President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Senator Flavio Bolsonaro.

UK police charge two Iranian men over alleged plot against Manchester's Jewish community

British police said Friday that two Iranian men have been charged with plotting a terror attack on Manchester's Jewish community. Metropolitan Police identified the suspects as Salam Ahmadyan, 36, of Liverpool, and Rahman Salehi, 34, of Salford. Metropolitan Police alleged that the suspects contacted an overseas third party who may be in Iran in relation to the plot. Police confirmed that the alleged plot had been disrupted but have not released details. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans said police do not believe there is any ongoing public threat related to the matter. The suspects are due at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Saturday.

Bangkok flooding kills about 40 people, government says

Bangkok's flooding has killed about 40 people in flood-related incidents, according to the government. The government has declared a flood disaster across all 50 city districts. Parts of the capital received roughly 300mm of rain in about two days, and authorities said thousands of people stayed in more than 230 shelters. Flooding has disrupted Suvarnabhumi airport and forced flight cancellations. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul warned that Bangkok's metropolitan area remained at risk from flood waters flowing from the north. Thailand's weather agency forecasts more heavy rain next week. Scientists say extreme flooding is worsening across south-east Asia, but attributing these particular rains to climate change requires a study.

Roundup: Russian attacks disrupt traffic on Kyiv bridges

Russian strikes forced full or partial traffic suspensions on three Kyiv bridges spanning the Dnipro River, causing long traffic jams. Officials said Russia struck a bridge linking the capital's two sides for the second successive day on Friday. A senior Ukrainian official said the infrastructure strikes appeared linked to Vladimir Putin's September order to scrap constraints on Russia's air campaign. Conor Coleman, a top US official, said the joint US-Ukrainian reconstruction investment fund had sealed its first critical minerals deal alongside four other new projects. Coleman said the fund's projects now totalled about $70 million.

Xi Jinping's unusual rest breaks take hours from summit with Trump

Unusual rest breaks for Xi Jinping took hours out of a summit with President Trump. People familiar with the visit planning said Chinese officials demanded that the U.S. accommodate Xi's need for rest. The people said the requests offered a rare glimpse of the 73-year-old leader's emerging physical limitations.

FBI's first Ten Most Wanted cyber fugitive returns to US after capture in Venezuela

Anibal Alexander Canelon Aguirre, the FBI's first cyber fugitive on its Ten Most Wanted list, has returned to the United States after capture in Venezuela last month. Aguirre, an alleged Tren de Aragua leader, appeared in a Nebraska courtroom Friday over an alleged multimillion-dollar ATM cash theft scheme. The Department of Justice said Aguirre pleaded not guilty to four federal conspiracy charges and will remain detained in Nebraska awaiting trial. The charges involve bank fraud, bank burglary and computer fraud, money laundering, and providing material support to terrorists. The Department of Justice said the bank fraud conspiracy charge carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison.

JCS says North Korea fires ballistic missile toward its east coast

South Korea's defense ministry said North Korea fired a ballistic missile toward its east coast on Saturday. The missile was launched from the Wonsan area on North Korea's east coast. The launch added tension to already strained relations between the neighbors over landmine blasts near the border last month.

US suspends consular services in Brazil, prompting Australia to close embassy

The United States has suspended consular services in Brazil, prompting Australia to close its embassy two days before Sunday's presidential election. The US embassy cited security concerns but did not specify the threat or any link to the election. Brazil's federal police said investigators found no evidence corroborating the initially reported threat to US diplomatic facilities. Police said an investigation continued after communications equipment was seized. Workers' Party president Edinho Silva accused US President Donald Trump of trying to influence Brazilian public opinion through the closures.

Latvians vote in parliamentary election amid drone incursions and Ukraine war

Latvians vote on Saturday in a parliamentary election likely to keep pro-Ukrainian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs in power. Opinion polls put Kulbergs' centrist United List ahead with about 14% of votes, closely followed by the overtly pro-Russian Sovereign Power. Deep political fragmentation may complicate government formation. Kulbergs has promised more anti-drone capabilities and to maintain defence spending at 5% of gross domestic product. Kulbergs' pro-Kremlin rivals say Latvia should stop aid to Ukraine and focus more on cost-of-living issues. Voters will elect the 100 members of parliament for a four-year term.

North Korea fires ballistic missile towards the sea, South Korea says

South Korea's military said North Korea fired at least one ballistic missile towards the sea off its east coast. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said the missile was fired from Wonsan on Saturday morning. South Korea's military raised an alert for further launches, while Japan issued an emergency alert about a suspected ballistic missile. The launch came a day after Kim Yo Jong dismissed South Korea's demands for an apology over landmine blasts that seriously injured three South Korean soldiers.

Mamdani says Netanyahu's criticism at UN was strange after his arrest pledge

New York City Mayor Mamdani told podcaster Theo Von on Thursday that being personally criticized by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu felt strange. Netanyahu accused Mamdani of distorting facts about Israel during a United Nations General Assembly address in late September. Mamdani had promised to have Netanyahu arrested and later pledged to execute an International Criminal Court arrest warrant if Netanyahu visits New York. Netanyahu and the Israeli government have rejected the allegations underlying the court's actions. Mamdani said the U.S. government should join the court and honor every warrant the court has issued.

UKMTO says crude oil tanker reportedly struck by unknown projectile off Oman

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said early on Saturday that a crude oil tanker's master reported a strike by an unknown projectile. The reported strike occurred 4 nautical miles east of Oman. UKMTO said all crew were reported safe and no environmental impact was currently reported.

Saudi Arabia plans major offensive against Houthis, but US will not join for now

Saudi Arabia plans a major offensive against the Houthis, but the United States will not join direct combat for now. The operation will include ground forces loyal to Yemen's internationally recognized government with Saudi air cover. The United States rejected Saudi requests to join the operation and conduct airstrikes for the second time in recent weeks. US officials say that position could change if the operation encounters problems. US officials say the US military is helping Saudi Arabia with everything short of direct combat, mainly intelligence and targeting data.

US says a handful of G20 members reject calls to curb excess industrial capacity

A handful of G20 trade ministers rejected US calls to curb excess industrial capacity and non-market policies, the US Trade Representative's office said on Friday. Only Mexico and Argentina joined a US-led statement calling for more cooperation to eliminate goods produced with forced labor from supply chains. The US did not name the countries that opposed the excess capacity statement. China has rejected claims that its industrial policies create excess capacity and accuses Western countries of using the issue to justify protectionism. The US said G20 trade ministers reached consensus that food and agricultural trade should not be used for economic or political coercion.

Iran jails hard-line lawmaker Hamid Rasaei for 10 months amid leadership divisions

Iran has jailed hard-line lawmaker Hamid Rasaei to serve a 10-month sentence for publishing false information with intent to harm Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Rasaei opposes a diplomatic deal with the United States to end the war, while Ghalibaf is Iran's lead negotiator. Official Iranian news reports said Rasaei turned himself in on Sunday and is the first sitting lawmaker to be jailed. The imprisonment has intensified divisions over whether Iran should reach a deal or continue the war. Analysts view the prosecution as an attempt to restrain hard-liners. Ghalibaf has not publicly commented, but a member of Ghalibaf's communication team said everyone must follow the law.

Kushner rejects CNN report linking Israeli investments to his diplomatic work

Jared Kushner, President Trump's son-in-law and U.S. special envoy, rejected a CNN report suggesting his diplomatic work benefited investments in Israeli defense companies. CNN identified Kushner-founded Affinity Partners as the largest stakeholder in Phoenix Financial, which reportedly invested at least $456 million in firms involved in Israel's military campaign in Gaza. Kushner said Phoenix is a financial institution, not a defense company, and Affinity does not own the defense companies CNN highlighted. Kushner said Affinity's investment predates Trump's reelection and Kushner's return to public service. Rep. Robert Garcia and Sen. Ron Wyden raised concerns in March that Kushner could use his political influence for personal financial gain.

Roundup: Marines say they exceed 2026 recruiting goals with 31,250 recruits

The U.S. Marines said they exceeded fiscal year 2026 recruiting goals across every component and category, bringing in 31,250 new recruits. The Marines also brought in 1,672 officers and 3,503 prior-service reserve Marines. The Marines said recruiting remained challenging, but the 2026 recruiting environment was the most favorable in five years. The Marines attributed that environment to high applicant interest and historically strong retention rates across the Corps. All other service branches also reached their recruiting goals this year.

US sanctions three people and two charities over alleged Hamas financing

The Trump administration on Friday announced sanctions against three individuals and two France-based charities over alleged Hamas financing. Investigators alleged that the network moved more than $2 million to Hamas through deceptive charitable fronts and cryptocurrency channels. The Justice Department also announced six arrests across the US and France and unsealed an indictment against Saleem Alzaq. The Treasury Department said all US property of those sanctioned is blocked and must be reported to the Office of Foreign Assets Control. The three men arrested in the US are accused of contributing tens of thousands of dollars to Hamas and could face up to 80 years in prison if convicted as charged.

Roundup: Former lawmaker David Rivera receives 10-year sentence in FARA case

Former Rep. David Rivera was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for his role in an illegal $50 million lobbying campaign for Venezuela. Rivera was convicted in early May of violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act and conspiring to commit money laundering. Rivera's lawyers sought a lower sentence, citing former Attorney General Pam Bondi's 2025 memo limiting FARA prosecutions to cases resembling traditional espionage. Rivera faces another pending FARA and money laundering case in Washington and has applied for a presidential pardon. This roundup also covers Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent pressing oil executives to help secure the release of Europe's diesel supplies. The oil industry warned that President Donald Trump's proposed diesel export ban would force refiners to slow operations after losing major overseas markets.