Several Western nations, including the UK, Australia, Canada, and Portugal, formally recognized the State of Palestine on September 21, marking a historic shift in foreign policy. Israel condemned the move, while the U.S. criticized it as mere “showmanship,” emphasizing priorities like hostage release, Israeli security, and regional peace. Palestinians in Gaza welcomed it as a victory. Netanyahu reaffirmed that no Palestinian state will be established west of the Jordan River. Other countries may announce recognition at the upcoming UN General Assembly.

U.S. President Donald Trump has demanded Afghanistan’s Taliban government return the Bagram airbase, warning of “terrible consequences” if they refuse. In posts on Truth Social and remarks at the White House, Trump insisted the airbase must be handed back immediately, hinting at undisclosed action if demands are ignored. He earlier revealed during a UK trip that talks are underway to regain Bagram. Trump has long criticized its loss, citing its strategic importance and alleging growing Chinese influence in Afghanistan.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke by phone for 90 minutes, agreeing to meet in South Korea next month. Trump described the talk as constructive and praised Xi’s cooperation. He said he would visit China next year, followed by Xi’s U.S. trip. The leaders are expected to discuss TikTok ownership and trade. Recently, Washington and Beijing reached a preliminary deal allowing U.S. investors to hold at least 80% of TikTok shares, ensuring its operations in America.

A U.S. federal judge has dismissed Donald Trump’s $15 billion defamation lawsuit against The New York Times, publisher Penguin, and two reporters, calling it overly long, insulting, and procedurally flawed. The complaint, stretching 85 pages with just two defamation claims, was deemed inappropriate. Trump alleged the defendants acted as Democratic mouthpieces and published false claims about his business, education, and family wealth. The judge allowed him 28 days to refile. The Times dismissed the suit as intimidation of the press.

The Trump administration has approved a $6.4 billion arms package for Israel, including 30 AH-64 Apache attack helicopters and 3,250 infantry assault vehicles.

According to U.S. officials, the helicopters are valued at $3.8 billion, while the vehicles are priced at $1.9 billion. An additional $700 million has been allocated for spare parts and ammunition.

The deal comes as Israeli forces, under Prime Minister Netanyahu’s orders, intensify their ground operations to seize full control of Gaza. Analysts believe the new weaponry will be used in the ongoing offensive.

Meanwhile, France and Saudi Arabia have called for an international conference in New York on September 22 to push for recognition of Palestine as an independent state.

A new executive order signed by Donald Trump has raised the application fee for the popular H-1B visa program for skilled foreign workers to $100,000 annually—a dramatic increase from the previous average of $1,500.

The order argues that the program has long been abused, negatively affecting American jobs. However, business leaders including Elon Musk countered that the H-1B system attracts top global talent critical to U.S. innovation.

Alongside the hike, Trump introduced a new “Gold Card” program, allowing certain immigrants to fast-track visas by paying fees starting at £1 million. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick defended the move, saying, “Big companies have agreed, and now it’s time we train our own youth.”

Legal experts, however, warn the move could be devastating for startups and small businesses. Immigration attorney Tahmina Watson described it as “the final nail in the coffin” for many. Analysts predict the sharp increase will disproportionately affect Indian applicants, who make up the majority of H-1B recipients.

Former US President Donald Trump has claimed that American forces targeted another Venezuelan drug-laden vessel, killing at least three people onboard.
He alleged that the boat was headed toward the United States, marking the third such strike in recent weeks against suspected drug trafficking vessels from Venezuela.
In a statement, Trump said the operation was carried out in the Southern Command region, which spans 31 countries across South and Central America and the Caribbean. Intelligence reports, he added, confirmed the vessel was using a notorious smuggling route intended to poison Americans with narcotics.

The United States has once again vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza. This marks Washington’s sixth veto on similar proposals.

The draft, tabled by 10 elected members of the 15-member council, urged Israel to lift all restrictions, allow humanitarian aid, and secure the dignified release of hostages. Fourteen members voted in favor, with the U.S. the lone dissenting vote.

Hamas condemned the veto, calling it a clear alignment with “genocidal crimes.” Ahead of the vote, Denmark’s UN envoy warned: “Famine in Gaza is no longer a possibility—it is a certainty.”

Nearly two years of relentless Israeli strikes have left over 65,000 dead and 165,925 injured in Gaza, according to local sources.

A deadly shooting in Pennsylvania’s York County left three police officers dead and two others critically injured on Wednesday. The gunman was also killed in return fire from law enforcement.

The incident occurred around 2 p.m. local time near a school in the small town of Spring Grove, about 100 miles east of Philadelphia. Authorities said the assailant opened fire indiscriminately at police officers, killing three on the spot.

Police quickly returned fire, neutralizing the attacker. The injured were airlifted to a hospital by helicopter.

Pennsylvania’s governor assured residents that the town of 2,500 people faces no immediate threat, while investigations into the motive and details of the attack are ongoing.

Nearly nine months after taking office, U.S. President Donald Trump has approved the first arms sale to Ukraine. The U.S. Department of Defense’s Undersecretary has already signed off on the shipment.

Two consignments, each worth $500 million in weapons and ammunition, are set to be delivered soon. However, the arms will be purchased by Kyiv’s European allies from the U.S. and then sent to Ukraine, with Europe covering the logistics costs.

American officials revealed that under a new deal, codenamed “PEARL,” Washington has agreed to supply Ukraine with $10 billion worth of arms. The upcoming delivery marks the first shipment under this arrangement.

Notably, during his January 20 inauguration, Trump had pledged to prioritize ending the Russia-Ukraine war and vowed not to authorize further military aid to Ukraine.

A CNN report reveals that most U.S. military personnel lack the necessary skills to operate drones effectively in combat. While the U.S. excels in advanced military equipment, it remains unprepared for modern drone-based warfare. Russia and China have far greater drone production capabilities. In response, former President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth directed faster development, testing, and deployment of drones, alongside strengthening counter-drone defense systems, to maintain a competitive edge in modern warfare technology.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has declared that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will refrain from ordering further military strikes in Qatar, calling the Gulf nation "a very good ally."

"From now on, Netanyahu will work in cooperation with Qatar," Trump said, highlighting the importance of Doha’s role in the region.

The statement follows Israel’s controversial September 8 airstrike on a Doha apartment building sheltering Hamas leaders, an attack that killed six people but missed senior figure Khalil al-Hayya. The strike drew widespread international condemnation, though U.S. officials had reportedly warned Qatar in advance of potential Israeli action.

US forces have launched another strike on a Venezuelan vessel allegedly carrying narcotics, killing three people.
Former US President Donald Trump claimed the boat was smuggling drugs into the United States. The attack reportedly took place in international waters of the southern Caribbean, marking Washington’s second such strike. A previous assault left at least 11 dead. The US has recently deployed 4,500 naval personnel, destroyers, submarines, and warships to the Caribbean and Venezuelan waters to curb drug trafficking.

New York Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani declared on Saturday that, if elected, he would order the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu upon his arrival in the city.

Calling it a pledge he intends to fulfill, Mamdani said, “This city will stand with international law. Despite the U.S. not recognizing the International Criminal Court’s jurisdiction, we will honor the arrest warrant.”

The ICC issued a warrant against Netanyahu last year for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. In February 2024, former U.S. President Donald Trump had retaliated against ICC judges following the warrant.

Amid the ongoing Gaza war, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio departed for Israel on Saturday to discuss the latest developments and regional security.

According to a State Department statement, the visit will “underscore America’s priorities regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict and reaffirm Washington’s commitment to Israel’s security.”

The visit follows Israel’s controversial airstrike in Qatar earlier in the week, targeting Hamas leaders during peace talks. The move angered Qatar and other key US allies. Qatar’s Prime Minister Mohammed Al-Thani has since met with former President Donald Trump and also held talks at the White House with Rubio and Vice President JD Vance.