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 Tuesday’s top developments here:

  • Trump says Witkoff, Kushner had ‘very productive meeting’ with Iran
  • Macron calls for world to 'stand firm' in face of 'abuse of power'
  • UN chief says West Bank settlements raise ethnic cleansing ‘specter’
  • Iran Air says not received any regional flight ban despite US sanctions
  • R-4 group reiterates support for Palestinian cause

US, Iran engaged in lengthy talks through mediators in New York: Witkoff

Published: Sept 23, 2026 | 01:44 GMT | by Web Desk

US envoy Steve Witkoff has said that Washington engaged in lengthy talks with the Iranian delegation through the mediators on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. 


In a post on X, the envoy said that, the mediators, who kept delivering messages between the two sides throughout the day, “successfully completed a round of discussions” that the US hoped will prove “constructive and promising.”


“The mediators will continue their work,” he said.



Tuesday at a glance

Published: Sept 23, 2026 | 00:00 GMT | by Web Desk

Pakistan and seven other Muslim-majority countries have demanded that Israel immediately fulfil its outstanding commitments under the first phase of the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, including allowing unhindered humanitarian aid into the besieged territory and facilitating the rehabilitation of critical infrastructure.

Foreign ministers from Pakistan, Egypt, Türkiye, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates met in New York on Monday on the margins of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly and issued a joint statement on the Gaza situation.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said he expected the United States to reach a deal with Iran after November’s midterm elections, while warning Tehran that Washington could continue military action if negotiations fail.

The US president also said that envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner had a “very productive meeting” with Iran’s “real mediators,” adding that “there's a lot of momentum for them to make a deal.” 

During the UN's signature diplomatic gathering, chief Antonio Guterres warned that the expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank were damaging the prospect of peace between the Israelis and Palestinians while raising the “specter of ethnic cleansing.”


For earlier developments, read our Sept 22 live blog here.