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 Friday’s top developments here:
- Pakistan PM urges Iran-US diplomacy, condemns attacks on Saudi Arabia
- UN identifies 214 firms linked to Israeli settlements
- UN Security Council condemns Houthi attacks on Saudi
- South Lebanon children return to school destroyed by Israel strike
- President says Iran seeks independent, stable Lebanon
Trump rejects Iran’s ceasefire proposal, expects to resume bombing: Report
Published: Sept 26, 2026 | 02:54 GMT | by Web Desk
US President Donald Trump has rejected Iran’s proposal for a seven-day ceasefire and has told aides he expects to resume bombing Iran after the November midterms, The Wall Street Journal reported citing US officials.
Saudi coalition says intercepted Houthi drones headed for Riyadh
Published: Sept 26, 2026 | 01:55 GMT | by AFP
The Saudi-led coalition battling Yemen's Houthis said that its forces intercepted two drones fired by the group, which were headed for the capital Riyadh.
"Air defenses intercepted and destroyed two drones launched by the terrorist Houthi militia towards the Riyadh area," the coalition spokesman said on X.
Friday at a glance
Published: Sept 26, 2026 | 00:00 GMT | by Web Desk
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Friday that Tehran had offered Washington a plan that would see the Strait of Hormuz reopened to maritime navigation within seven days once agreed.
Araghchi met for talks on Tuesday with US President Donald Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff, and previously set out conditions for ending the war and reopening the vital energy shipping channel.
"Iran has conveyed to the United States, through Qatar, a concrete seven-day plan. If the necessary conditions are met, the strait can be reopened, and normal maritime passage restored within seven days," Araghchi said at the UN.
Separately, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during his address to the 81st UN General Assembly, called for diplomacy and de-escalation across the Middle East, while highlighting Pakistan’s efforts to facilitate dialogue during the Iran-US conflict.
Meanwhile, United Nations released a fresh update of its database of companies with activities in Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories, listing 214 firms from 11 countries.The United Nations Security Council also condemned escalating attacks on Saudi Arabia by Houthi Militia rebels in a rare show of unity from the UN's top body.
For earlier developments, read our Sept 25 live blog here.