Month: September 2026

Jared Kushner, President Trump’s special envoy, attributed stalled rehabilitation efforts in Gaza to Israel’s impending elections, which he described as causing irrationality. U.S. initiatives to disarm Hamas and support reconstruction are hampered by Israel’s lack of commitments for security measures and material access, according to a U.S. official.

A floating island has appeared and vanished in Williston Lake, British Columbia, sparking curiosity and theories about its origins, including accumulated driftwood.

Staff at the Eiffel Tower walked out on Monday, leading to the closure of the landmark. The protest arose after female employees were reportedly relocated out of view during a visit by a Hindu delegation, prompting strong condemnation and calls for an investigation from officials and unions alike.

The International Atomic Energy Agency reported that Syria’s nuclear reactor, linked to the Assad regime, was configured to produce material potentially usable for nuclear weapons. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi confirmed that the facility in Deir Az Zor is now under agency safeguards, following inspections in August.

Canada will impose retaliatory duties starting Tuesday, targeting key industries in states with competitive midterm elections. This decision is part of ongoing trade tensions and aims to exert pressure in regions particularly affected by these new tariffs.

Democratic Representative Jason Crow stated that Congress has not been informed about an alleged leak investigation led by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. Crow expressed concerns about the lack of communication regarding the probe into sensitive weapons stockpile information, which has reportedly involved polygraph testing for senior military personnel.

Analysts report that Russian commanders are misleading President Putin regarding military progress in Ukraine, affecting his approach to ceasefire negotiations.

Latvia has banned the import of books, newspapers, and printed materials from Russia and Belarus, citing concerns over disinformation and war propaganda. This prohibition seeks to safeguard Latvia’s security interests and reduce ties with nations involved in aggression against Ukraine, effective from 1 September.

What’s going on?
Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party won the state election in Saxony-Anhalt. The victory marks a significant gain for the party, reflecting a surge in support among voters. This result follows a broader trend of increasing popularity for far-right parties in Europe.
The Associated Press reported, “Landslide victory for Germany’s far-right AfD in state election piles pressure on Chancellor Merz,” emphasising the immediate political implications of the outcome. In contrast, The New York Times stated, “AfD Victory in Saxony-Anhalt Sends a Signal to Europe,” framing the win as part of a larger European political landscape shift. This highlights the differing focus on local political ramifications versus broader continental trends.
Coverage analysed: AP News | The New York Times | CNBC | ft.com

Iran plans to establish a new restricted zone in the Strait of Hormuz, with Secretary Mohsen Rezaei stating it will begin from the US Navy’s blockade line and extend into the Persian Gulf. Details about enforcement measures and the zone’s specific boundaries remain unclear amid escalating tensions with the US.