🗞️ The week in 5 minutes
18 Sep – 25 Sep 2026
New York: talks and threats as the region braces for escalation
The week was dominated by the Iran file at the UN General Assembly, with the first U.S.-Iranian talks since June and an Iranian proposal on the Strait of Hormuz. In parallel, Israel raised its alert level and extended wartime emergency measures, strikes continued in southern Lebanon, and Syria saw statements on the Golan and protests over fuel prices.
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Iran
Tehran between the negotiating table and escalation
- The United States and Iran held their first talks since June, and U.S. President Donald Trump said the talks in New York lasted three hours and were gaining momentum. Read more →
- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told the UN General Assembly that Iran is open to talks with Washington, stressing that Iran does not seek nuclear weapons and is ready to reduce the enrichment level of its uranium. Read more →
- Reports cite an Iranian offer to open the Strait of Hormuz for seven days in exchange for lifting the siege, with Washington open to holding a meeting with Tehran. Read more →
- Israel announced that Iran had launched about 30 missiles since the previous evening. Read more →
Israel
Israel raises alert and delivers an escalatory speech at the UN
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the UN General Assembly, justifying military operations against Iran and saying Israel would today be "counted among the dead" had it not struck Iran, as delegations withdrew from the hall. Read more →
- Reports indicate Israel raised its alert level and is preparing for scenarios of escalation or war with Iran, including three possible scenarios and the prospect of a confrontation with or without U.S. participation, alongside an Israeli statement that a new round is a matter of time. Read more →
- Israel extended its wartime state of emergency until October 6, amid anticipation of a possible escalation with Iran and Lebanon. Read more →
Lebanon
Beirut sets its priorities as strikes continue in the south
- Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam affirmed the government's commitment to extending state authority over all Lebanese territory and restricting weapons to the legitimate authority, setting Lebanon's priorities as Israeli withdrawal, strengthening the army and restricting weapons. Read more →
- Israel announced it targeted sites in southern Lebanon in response to the detonation of an explosive device, in a new security escalation on the Lebanese-Israeli front. Read more →
- French President Emmanuel Macron said from the United Nations that only the Lebanese state is authorized to disarm Hezbollah, calling for a sovereign Lebanese state to carry out that task. Read more →
Syria
The Golan in statements and protests over fuel prices
- Ahmed al-Sharaa was quoted as saying the Golan is Syrian land and demanding a full Israeli withdrawal from it, to which Israeli official Israel Katz responded that the Golan is an integral part of Israel. Read more →
- A wave of protests erupted in several Syrian regions, starting in Hasakah, Deir ez-Zor and Raqqa and spreading to Aleppo, Idlib and Suweida, after authorities raised fuel prices by up to 40%, with 95-octane petrol rising to 195 Syrian pounds per litre and diesel to 175 pounds. Read more →
Palestine
Assassinations in Gaza and a claim of responsibility for kidnappings
- The Israeli army spokesperson announced that the army assassinated Hassan Mahmoud Sayyam, a commander in Hamas's military wing, in Gaza City, saying he took part in the October 7 attack and helped hold Israeli captives. Read more →
- Ghassan al-Duhaini, a militia commander in Rafah, claimed responsibility for the kidnapping of Ma'in al-Arabid, head of the Internal Security apparatus, from central Gaza City weeks ago, and for the kidnapping of Dr. Marwan al-Hams, director of Abu Youssef al-Najjar Hospital. Read more →
👀 What to watch next week
- The course of U.S.-Iranian talks in New York and the fate of the Iranian proposal linked to the Strait of Hormuz.
- The possibility of military escalation between Israel and Iran, with Israel's alert level maintained and wartime emergency extended until October 6.
- Developments on the southern Lebanese front after Israel announced targeting sites in response to an explosive device.
Written by AI from the week's reports on this site; every point links to its sources.