This live blog follows the latest developments across the Middle East, including military escalation, Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts, regional diplomacy, maritime security, humanitarian developments and economic fallout.


Catch up on Sunday’s top developments here:

  • Iran GDP falls more than 10% in Mideast war: Report
  • Israeli military and settlers intensify attacks against Palestinians
  • US urges Americans to reconsider travel to Middle East 
  • Trump cuts short weekend, returns to White House
  • Iran sets conditions for negotiations with US 


Saturday at a glance

Published: Sept 21, 2026 | 00:00 GMT | by Web Desk


Muslim-majority countries and regional and international organizations expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia as Houthi attacks against the Kingdom intensify, following the attempted ballistic missile strike on Riyadh.

The Iranian economy contracted by more than 10% during the Middle East war, which began with US-Israeli attacks in late February that unleashed turmoil and battered the Islamic republic's economy.

Continuing illegal Israeli aggression against Palestinians across the occupied West Bank,  Israeli forces and settlers carried out a series of raids, detentions, and attacks, disrupting education and destroying agricultural land.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump cut short a weekend at Camp David to return unexpectedly to the White House as tensions rose in the Middle East. US also urged Americans outside the Middle East to seriously reconsider travel to and through the region, citing a complex security environment and the potential for rapid escalation.

Separately, Iran’s Armed Forces spokesperson Brig. Gen. Abolfazl Shekarchi rejected US claims about operations in the Strait of Hormuz, saying Tehran’s forces continue to hold the initiative in the strategic waterway.

Iran also conveyed seven conditions to Washington for starting any negotiations, Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei said, as Tehran weighs a possible diplomatic track to end the conflict with the United States.


For earlier developments, read our Sept 20 live blog here.