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 Thursday’s top developments here:

  • Iran president says US 'must choose' whether to end war
  • UN Chief calls for immediate action to protect UNRWA’s mandate
  • NY mayor says 'no lie' will change Netanyahu's ICC arrest warrant
  • US to hand over center at Baghdad airport
  • Germany praises Pakistan’s mediation efforts in regional conflicts

Hollywood stars among 100 arrested in NY anti-Netanyahu protest

Published: Sept 25, 2026 | 02:41 GMT | by AFP


Movie star Susan Sarandon and "Hacks" actress Hannah Einbinder were among a reported 100 people detained by police in New York as they broke up a protest against the Israeli prime minister.


AFP footage showed NYPD officers leading away cuffed "Thelma & Louise" star Sarandon at the demo in the city as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was readying to address the United Nations General Assembly.


The New York Post reported Einbinder had also been frog-marched from the demonstration organized by Jewish Voice for Peace, where protesters held banners that read "Stop Arming Israel" and "End the Genocide."


A spokesperson for the NYPD said officers had responded to reports of an "unscheduled demonstration" where people were blocking an intersection.


"Members of the NYPD Community Affairs Bureau issued... warnings, advising participants that they should leave," the spokesperson said.


"They continued to block the intersection. Multiple individuals who didn't comply were taken into custody," she said, without providing the number of people arrested.


Jewish Voice for Peace said on social media that over 100 people had been arrested.


"Over 400 people held a mass sit-in outside the UN demanding an end to the genocide and an end to US military funding to Israel," the organization said on X.


"We refuse to stand by while war criminals are given a platform to speak and while our government spends billions on war."



Oil prices rise by almost 3% 

Published: Sept 25, 2026 | 02:34 GMT | by Web Desk


The international benchmark Brent crude jumped 3% to $106.60 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate rose by 2.7% to $94.61 per barrel.



Saudi reports fresh Houthi attacks as France offers military support

Published: Sept 25, 2026 | 01:13 GMT | by AFP

Saudi Arabia intercepted Houthi Militia's ballistic missiles after issuing warnings for several regions including Makkah, as France vowed to send "military means" to help shield the key Saudi oil terminal of Yanbu.


The attacks were reported as fighting raged in Yemen between the militia and government forces.



Thursday at a glance 

Published: Sept 25, 2026 | 00:00 GMT | by Web Desk


Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Thursday that he wished the United States would return to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding before Washington’s midterm elections. The Iranian president had also said that it was for the US to decide whether to end its war against Iran, as Tehran does not wish to continue fighting.

The president, who is in New York for the United Nations General Assembly meeting, said that when conflicts could be resolved through dialogue, “we shouldn't resort to killing one another,” adding that the instigations conducted by Israel imposed the war on Tehran. 

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s defense minister told Al Jazeera that negotiations to end the war in Iran ‘will bear fruit,’ adding that communications were ongoing between the negotiating parties. 

Germany also praised Pakistan’s mediation efforts to ease tensions in regional conflicts, including those affecting the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb.

Separately, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said that UNRWA remained “a critical, stabilizing presence” in the volatile context of the Middle East.

Oil prices jumped 3% on Thursday to $106.24 per barrel, with the surge coming a day after world leaders at the UN General Assembly offered little to suggest progress in ending turmoil in the oil-rich Middle East.

For earlier developments, read our Sept 24 live blog here.