World

The military coalition supporting Yemen's internationally recognized government has accused Houthi rebels of carrying out a drone attack on a power distribution station in Medina.

According to the BBC's Arabic service, a statement issued by Major General Turki Al-Maliki, spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition, said that the attack on the power distribution station in Medina took place at 5:11 AM on September 29, 2026.

The coalition stated that it reached this conclusion after investigating the incident and analyzing the wreckage of the drone used in the attack.

The statement noted that while the attack disabled a power transformer, it did not affect power transmission.

The Saudi coalition claimed that the targeted unit was part of the system supplying electricity to the Prophet's Mosque in Medina.

Pakistan's Foreign Office stated that Pakistan strongly condemns the attack carried out by Houthi militias on the power distribution station in Medina on September 29, 2026.

In a statement, the Foreign Office said, "The attack on this civil electricity infrastructure, which supplies power to the Prophet's Mosque, is a grave provocation and a cause for deep concern and anguish for millions of Muslims worldwide."

The statement emphasized that "the sanctity of the Two Holy Mosques and the safety of worshippers and pilgrims must be respected at all times."

Qatar has also condemned the attack.

Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs described it as a serious assault on the sanctity of Islam's holy sites and a clear attempt to inflame Muslim sentiments.

It stated that the attack demonstrated a total disregard for civilian lives and constituted a blatant violation of Saudi Arabia's sovereignty.

It further noted that the act also represented a serious violation of the rules of international law. The ministry stated that such irresponsible actions must be stopped immediately.

US President Donald Trump has stated that he might ask European nations to release a portion of their diesel reserves.

Amid a diesel shortage, Trump is considering banning diesel exports from the US.

Trump's remarks follow a call by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent for Europe to keep such reserves ready and release them if necessary.

Bessent stated that the burden of rising prices should not be placed on American farmers, truck drivers, and businesses.

The US has warned of a potential ban on diesel exports amidst rising prices driven by the conflict involving Iran.

This issue remains significant for American voters ahead of the US midterm elections.

On Thursday, the UK held discussions with European partners regarding the release of diesel reserves in the event of a potential ban.

The US is a key global supplier of diesel, exporting between 1.2 million and 1.5 million barrels daily.

Experts have warned that banning diesel exports could exert further upward pressure on prices in other countries.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that if Russia perceives a direct attack on Kaliningrad—its territory located in the Baltic region—it will use its entire arsenal of weapons.

Putin emphasized that Russia is "not threatening anyone"; rather, he is responding to statements by Western leaders claiming that Russia is preparing for war by 2029 or 2030.

Throughout the week, Russia has accused NATO of preparing to blockade its territory.

Kaliningrad is situated between Lithuania and Poland. Russia has warned that if the West attempts to cut off Kaliningrad from the rest of the country, it is prepared to use nuclear weapons.

NATO has sought to de-escalate the situation, stressing that it is a defensive alliance and calling on Russia to cease its "nuclear threats."

In recent months, Western allies have faced a surge in incidents of so-called hybrid warfare, which Russia is accused of orchestrating. Such incidents have notably increased in Poland and the Baltic states.

Just last week, Poland reported that a Russian helicopter had entered its territory bordering Kaliningrad. Meanwhile, Lithuania stated that its people feel "constantly threatened" by Russia, partly due to drone incursions into its airspace.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has stated that the government has received "strong indications" of Iranian involvement in the incident at RAF Fairford.

Andy Burnham made this claim during a conversation with the BBC; however, he did not share specific details regarding the allegation.

Five individuals were recently arrested on suspicion of plotting an extremist attack near the UK's RAF Fairford airbase—a facility also linked to the US military.

The British Prime Minister has attributed a role to Iran in this incident.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded to the British Prime Minister's statement, asserting that the British leader is looking in the wrong direction.

Writing on the social media platform X, Abbas Araghchi stated, "PM Burnham says the British government can confirm Iran's role in the RAF Fairford incident. I can confirm Iran's belief that the release of alleged terrorists working for other nations speaks for itself. You are targeting the wrong place."

Araghchi was alluding to the fact that the accused had been released on bail. The BBC put this same question to PM Andy Burnham, who replied that the accused were released under strict bail conditions.

The PM said, "I think people need to understand that when it is said they have been released, it does not mean what people might imagine. Obviously, the strictest bail conditions apply to them. Officials are handling this matter very firmly, and it is being monitored very closely. I can assure you of that."

Russia has once again launched a major attack on Ukraine. According to Ukrainian Prime Minister Serhiy Koretskyi, this is the first time since spring that Russia has targeted Ukraine's energy infrastructure on such a massive scale.

The primary targets of this attack were the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, and its surrounding areas.

Koretskyi stated that at least five people were killed across the country in the overnight attacks; the casualties included a child in the Kyiv region.

The attacks also disrupted the power supply. DTEK, Ukraine's largest private energy company, reported that electricity had been restored to 8,000 homes in the capital following a "difficult night."

The Russian Ministry of Defence stated that the Trypilska power station was among the targets; it is the largest facility supplying electricity to Kyiv.

In a statement released on Telegram, Koretskyi said, "Since the summer season, hardly a day has passed without the enemy attacking our energy infrastructure."

He added, "However, this is the first time since the end of the last heating season that a large-scale, combined attack of this magnitude has occurred."

Ukraine had anticipated that Russia might launch another prolonged offensive against its power grid. Such attacks have taken place every winter since the Russian invasion began in 2022.

According to the Prime Minister, 11 regions across Ukraine were targeted overnight. The attacks also caused damage to residential buildings, social infrastructure, civilian industries, and the railway network.

India Participates in Ongoing SCO Meeting in Islamabad

Tuesday, September 29, 2026

Despite ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, representatives from all member nations of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)—including India—are participating in the meeting of national coordinators currently underway in Islamabad.

India has sent a delegation to Islamabad to attend the SCO coordinators' meeting.

The delegation is led by Alok Dimri, a senior official from the Ministry of External Affairs.

Alok Dimri is a Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs and also serves as India's coordinator for the SCO. There have been no bilateral talks between India and Pakistan for nearly a decade.

The last round of talks between the two countries took place in December 2015. At that time, India's then-External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had visited Islamabad with a proposal to restart the "comprehensive bilateral dialogue" process.

However, the process stalled again following the Pathankot attack in January 2016.

The Indian government's stance has been that dialogue with Pakistan is possible only when the "atmosphere is completely free from extremism."

Nevertheless, India remains willing to engage with Pakistan on multilateral platforms like the SCO.

Pakistan to Hold SCO Presidency Next Year

This meeting is taking place at a time when Pakistan has assumed the SCO presidency for the 2026-27 term. Additionally, Islamabad is set to host the summit of the organization's Heads of State in August 2027.

The three-day meeting, which began on September 28, is scheduled to conclude on September 30. Discussions are underway regarding the schedule of SCO activities during Pakistan's presidency. Additionally, discussions are underway regarding upcoming meetings, preparations for key events, and other issues related to the organization's agenda.

India's participation in this meeting is considered particularly significant because it is taking place amidst a climate of tension in bilateral relations between the two countries.

This meeting in Islamabad also marks the initial phase of preparations for the SCO summit scheduled for next year.

Pakistan has stated that leaders of all SCO member nations will be invited to the summit scheduled for August 2027, meaning an invitation will also be extended to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Analysis of the global economic impact of the 2026 Strait of Hormuz blockade and current oil price projections

The 2026 maritime blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has triggered what the International Energy Agency (IEA) calls the "greatest global energy security challenge in history." As of April 22, the global economy is caught in a high-stakes waiting game between the expiration of a 14-day ceasefire and the uncertain resumption of talks in Islamabad.

The Economic Tsunami: A Supply Shock Without Precedent

The blockade has effectively stranded approximately 21 million barrels of oil per day—roughly 20% of the world’s supply—and significant volumes of Liquified Natural Gas (LNG). Unlike previous shocks, this crisis has hit "energy-intensive" manufacturing and food security simultaneously.

    Manufacturing Paralysis: In the EU and UK, chemical and steel manufacturers have imposed surcharges of up to 30%. Analysts warn of "permanent deindustrialization" in sectors unable to absorb surging feedstock costs.

    The "Grocery Emergency": Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, which rely on the Strait for 80% of their food imports, saw staple prices jump 40–120% in mid-March, forcing emergency airlifts of basic goods.

    GDP & Inflation: Modeling suggests a sustained closure could slash global GDP by $2 trillion in the first year alone. Inflation forecasts for 2026 have been revised upward by 8-15% across major energy-importing economies like Japan, South Korea, and the EU.

Oil Price Projections: The " Islamabad Premium"

Market volatility is currently driven by the " Islamabad Premium"—the price fluctuations based on the perceived success or failure of diplomatic efforts.

Scenario    Projected Brent Price    Economic Impact
Ceasefire Extension    US $85 – $95    Temporary stabilization; markets remain on edge.

Failed Talks / Blockade Persists    US $110 – $130    Inventory losses reach 1.7 billion barrels; deepening recession.

Full Kinetic Escalation    US $200 – $300+    "Demand destruction" begins; collapse of discretionary transport.

Current Status: Brent Crude is currently hovering around US $100.48, up 2% today following reports of Iran intercepting two vessels (the MSC Francesca and Epaminodes) despite the standing ceasefire.

The Diplomatic Standoff in Islamabad

The second of talks would not be hold primarily because the U.S. naval blockade, imposed by President Trump on April 13, 2026 is viewed by Tehran as a violation of the ceasefire's spirit.

    "No clear prospect for productive negotiations is foreseen under current conditions," stated an IRNA report on April 20, labeling U.S. talk of a deal as a "media game."

Roadblocks to Round Two

While U.S. Vice President JD Vance is prepared to lead the American team, the Iranian delegation has yet to arrive in Islamabad. The sticking points remain:

    Sovereignty vs. Security: Iran demands the immediate lifting of the naval blockade before substantive talks.

    The "Unified Proposal": President Trump has extended the ceasefire since midnight tonight (April 22, 2026) unlimited time to allow Iran to present a "unified proposal," but has warned that the blockade will remain until a final agreement is signed.

The failure of the " Islamabad II" talks would likely trigger an immediate return to kinetic operations, with markets prepared to "pivot toward a protracted disruption scenario."

Brink of Oblivion: The Fragile Calm Before the Islamabad Resumption

ISLAMABAD — The world holds its breath as the clock ticks toward midnight on Wednesday, April 22, the scheduled expiration of a tense 14-day ceasefire in the 2026 Iran War. While the streets of Islamabad are lined with paramilitary patrols in anticipation of a second round of peace talks, the diplomatic atmosphere is thick with the scent of cordite and mutual distrust.

The conflict, which has pitted the combined military might of the United States and Israel against the Islamic Republic, reached a stalemate earlier this month. However, the "peace" currently observed is paper-thin. As both sides prepare to return to the negotiating table in Pakistan, the stakes have shifted from regional dominance to global economic survival.

The Collapse of Round One

The first round of talks, held at Islamabad’s Serena Hotel on April 11–12, ended in a bitter deadlock after 21 hours of marathon negotiations. Led by U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Iranian representatives, the sessions fractured over two non-negotiable pillars:

    The Hormuz Dilemma: The U.S. demanded an unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to restore global oil flow. Iran countered with a demand for the immediate lifting of all primary and secondary sanctions.

    Nuclear Redlines: Washington insisted on the full removal of enriched uranium stockpiles. Tehran, citing "Operation Midnight Hammer" (the recent U.S. strikes on its nuclear facilities), has refused to budge on what it calls its sovereign right to enrichment.

In the wake of this failure, President Donald Trump imposed a total naval blockade on Iranian ports, a move Tehran has labeled an "act of total war."

A Fragile Ceasefire Under Fire

Despite the official cessation of hostilities on April 8, the "ceasefire" has been anything but quiet. Iran has accused Israel of violating the pact via Operation Eternal Darkness, a massive series of airstrikes in Southern Lebanon. Israel maintains these strikes target Hezbollah assets not covered by the Iran-specific agreement.

    "We do not accept negotiations under the shadow of threats," stated Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. "If clashes resume, Iran is ready to show new cards on the battlefield."

The Road to Round Two

As of today, April 21, the resumption of talks remains perilously uncertain. While U.S. officials express "measured optimism," the Iranian delegation has yet to depart for Islamabad, citing American "bad faith."

The 14-Day Ceasefire Begins
April 8, 2026

Mediated by Pakistan, the U.S., Israel, and Iran agree to halt direct kinetic strikes to allow for diplomatic cooling.

First Islamabad Talks Fail
April 12, 2026

Negotiations collapse after 21 hours. JD Vance departs without a Memorandum of Understanding.

Naval Blockade Imposed
April 13, 2026

President Trump announces a total blockade of Iranian maritime trade, driving Brent crude above $95/barrel.

Ceasefire Expiration Deadline
April 22, 2026

The current truce ends at midnight. Trump warns that "lots of bombs" will follow if no deal is reached.

What to Expect in the Coming Days

If the second round proceeds, the mediators—led by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif—are expected to propose a "Two-Phase Framework." This would involve a 45-day extended ceasefire in exchange for a partial reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and limited sanctions relief.

However, the shadow of a wider regional conflagration looms large. With the International Energy Agency (IEA) warning of the "biggest energy crisis in history," the delegates in Islamabad aren't just negotiating the fate of three nations—they are negotiating the stability of the global economy.

Iran sends peace proposal to Pakistan to end war with the US

Tuesday, April 7, 2026

According to BBC Monitoring, Iran has sent a peace proposal to Pakistan, aiming to "end" the ongoing war with the US once and for all. This information was reported by the state news agency IRNA on Monday.

IRNA reported that the Iranian delegation has responded to the US proposal. Iran's leadership reviewed it thoroughly for nearly two weeks before sending its response.

Iran's response comes after US President Donald Trump gave Iran a deadline of Tuesday. Trump has threatened to target Iranian power plants and bridges if the Strait of Hormuz is not opened.

On April 6, 2026, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei confirmed that the messages were exchanged through intermediaries. But he said Tehran rejected the US "15-point plan."

IRNA reported that Iran's ten-paragraph response rejected the idea of ​​a ceasefire, citing "past experiences." Instead, Iran stressed the need for a lasting solution on its own terms.

According to the agency, Tehran's document includes several demands—such as an end to regional conflicts, an agreement on safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, reconstruction, and the lifting of sanctions.

What did Iran say about the US mission to rescue the airman?

Tuesday, April 7, 2026

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said that the US operation in Isfahan could also be aimed at "stealing uranium from Iran."

While the US described the operation south of Isfahan as a mission to rescue its missing airman, who was a crew member of the second F-15 fighter jet shot down in Iranian airspace.

On Monday, President Donald Trump and the Pentagon hailed the operation as a "victory." Meanwhile, some people and experts on social media suspected that the purpose of such a large operation was to transfer 200 kilograms of enriched uranium from Isfahan.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Baghaei also said that the US operation south of Isfahan could be aimed at "stealing uranium" from Iran, and this possibility cannot be ignored.

However, the White House and US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have not responded to these speculations.

On the other hand, Iran says that the US suffered significant losses in this mission.