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:

  • UK to provide ‘defensive air-to-air refueling’ support for Saudi Arabia 
  • Trump to ‘call out the ridiculous during’ UNGA addressWaltz 
  • UN says Pakistan's playing critical role in US-Iran conflict 
  • Brent oil price sinks under $100 on Mideast war hopes
  • Iran's Guards threaten to hit new targets if US attacks


France working on UN Security Council resolution on Hormuz: Report

Published: Sept 22, 2026 | 01:49 GMT | by AFP


France is working on a new UN Security Council resolution aimed at unblocking the Strait of Hormuz, a diplomatic source told reporters.


"France wants to work with the Americans and its partners on a Security Council resolution guaranteeing freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz," the source said.


In April, Russia and China vetoed a draft resolution — spearheaded by Bahrain and backed by Gulf states and the United States — that also called for the Strait of Hormuz to be unblocked.



France ready to help 'secure' Saudi energy infrastructure: Report

Published: Sept 22, 2026 | 01:10 GMT | by AFP

France is ready to work on "securing" Saudi energy infrastructure targeted by Iran-backed Houthis, adopting a "strictly defensive approach," a diplomatic source said Monday.


"France is ready to contribute to securing Saudi energy infrastructure in Yanbu and along the East-West Pipeline, within the framework of a strictly defensive approach," the source said, emphasizing that "this in no way involves taking part in the conflict with the Houthis."


The Houthis have carried out attacks against facilities belonging to the Saudi oil giant Aramco in the Red Sea port city of Yanbu. The East-West Pipeline -- a crucial crude oil export route -- has also been shut down following drone attacks launched from Iraq, according to Riyadh.



Monday at a glance

Published: Sept 22, 2026 | 00:00 GMT | by Web Desk


Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday met with regional leaders and officials on sidelines of United Nations General Assembly and stressed the need for full implementation by all parties of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding signed between the United States and Iran.

The foreign minister in his meetings underscored the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in addressing regional challenges . 

Meanwhile, UK and France said they would support Saudi Arabia against attacks the country has faced from the Houthi Militia in Yemen.

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said they would provide “defensive air-to-air refueling” support for Saudi Arabia, and France said it is ready to work on “securing” Saudi energy infrastructure targeted by Houthis.”

Separately, US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz said he expected “a healthy dose of continuing to call out the ridiculous” from President Donald Trump during his address at the United Nations General Assembly. 

“We have to remind people that, even when we have civilian casualties […] it’s unintentional and it’s incidental as part of a conflict,” he said.

UN secretary general's spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, also stated during his press briefing on Monday that Pakistan's role was critical in the conflict between Tehran and Washington, adding that UN chief Antonio Guterres was “grateful and appreciative” of Islamabad’s efforts to mediate and to end the violence.

Continuing on with their threats of giving a response to US aggression, Iran's Revolutionary Guards warned they would attack new targets and deploy new weapons if the US launches further attacks on the country.

For earlier developments, read our Sept 21 live blog here.