Donald Trump told reporters that the US is “hopefully toward the end” of its war with Iran, adding that he has spoken with Tehran “directly”.
He also repeated his claim that Tehran was seeking a deal, despite Iranian officials declaring only hours earlier that peace talks will not resume until all of their conditions are met.
Brig. Gen. Abolfazl Shekarchi, chief spokesperson for the Iranian armed forces, told Iranian media: “The people disrupted the enemy’s calculations with 200 nights of resistance, and the armed forces will defend Iran until the last drop of blood.”
Oil prices crept up to $108 per barrel, lifted by disruption around the Strait of Hormuz and the burgeoning crisis between US ally Saudi Arabia and the Iran-aligned Houthi rebels near the Red Sea.
Iran’s foreign minister was instructed by his Chinese counterpart meanwhile to reopen the Strait and return to the interim peace deal signed with the US in June as disruption to energy supplies continues to be felt around the world.
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Key Points
- Trump says US ‘hopefully’ nearing end of war with Iran
- Saudi coalition says Houthi drone destroyed near Mecca as holy site put on air raid alert
- Trump's Iran war cost hits $38bn
- Houthis deny targeting Mecca
- Breaking: Houthis claim to have downed Saudi F-15 fighter jet
US House approves bill imposing sanctions on Iran and Russia
06:00 , Maroosha MuzaffarThe US House of Representatives has passed a bill named after the late Senator Lindsey Graham, voting 262-159 to impose sweeping sanctions and tariffs aimed at increasing economic pressure on Iran and Russia, Reuters reported.
The Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, introduced by Graham himself, was approved by the Senate last month in an 86-11 vote.
While the legislation primarily targets Russia, it also extends the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996, signed by then-president Bill Clinton.
The 1996 law was due to expire in 2026 but has now been extended for another five years.
Dozens of Democratic representatives joined most Republicans in backing the bill, sending it to president Donald Trump to be signed into law.
Oil prices fall as Saudi Arabia offers extra crude via Oman
05:47 , Maroosha MuzaffarOil prices fell in early trading on Thursday, extending losses from the previous session after reports that Saudi Arabia was offering additional crude cargoes through Oman eased concerns over potential supply disruptions in the Middle East.
Brent crude futures fell $1.24, or 1.2 per cent, to $104.59 a barrel by 00:49 GMT, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures declined $1.14, or 1.1 per cent, to $101.29.Both contracts dropped by about $3 on Wednesday.
South Korea says no decision made on military deployment to Strait of Hormuz
05:20 , Maroosha MuzaffarSouth Korean foreign minister Cho Hyun said on Thursday that no decision had been made on any military deployment to the Strait of Hormuz.
Cho was speaking to reporters before departing for Washington, where he is due to hold talks with US secretary of state Marco Rubio.
Earlier this month, it was reported that South Korea was considering deploying military assets to the Strait of Hormuz as it faced growing pressure from the US to do more in the Middle East.
Later, Seoul said that the military deployment was an option but clarified that nothing had been decided yet.
Trump says US ‘hopefully’ nearing end of war with Iran
05:00 , Maroosha MuzaffarUS military helping to keep Strait of Hormuz open to commercial shipping, Centcom says
04:40 , Maroosha MuzaffarDespite an ongoing blockade of Iranian maritime trade and attacks by Iran’s military on commercial ships, the US military has said its forces have kept the Strait of Hormuz open to commercial shipping.
The US also claimed that they are helping facilitate the movement of hundreds of millions of barrels of oil through the strategic waterway.
On Wednesday, US Navy Captain Tim Hawkins, a spokesperson for US Central Command, said traffic through the strait “continues to flow”, rejecting suggestions that Iran controls the waterway.
“Since early May, we have assisted commercial vessels moving more than 900 million barrels of crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz to the global energy market,” Hawkins told Al Jazeera.
The US and Iran have continued to make competing claims over who has greater control of the critical Strait of Hormuz in the Gulf.
UN chief urges de-escalation and return to diplomacy in Middle East
04:20 , Maroosha MuzaffarUN secretary-general Antonio Guterres has called for de-escalation and a return to diplomacy as tensions mount across the Middle East, including mounting hostilities between Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
“At this critical moment in the Middle East, de-escalation must be a priority,” Guterres said.
“Any actions that harm civilians must stop. Humanitarian operations must proceed safely and without obstruction. Navigational rights and freedoms must be fully restored & respected.
“The only path forward is de-escalation, diplomacy and dialogue,” he said.
Trump says US ‘hopefully’ nearing end of war
03:55 , Maroosha MuzaffarPresident Donald Trump told reporters that the US is “hopefully toward the end” of its war with Iran, adding that he has spoken with Iran “directly”.
He also repeated his claim that Tehran was seeking a deal.
He told the crowd in North Carolina that gas and oil prices will “come down very quickly” after the war ends in Iran.
Watch: US Air Force officer recalls 'free-falling' to ground with damaged parachute after plane was shot down over Iran
03:00 , Alex CroftBuilding collapse in Gaza kills 16 as perilous conditions persist
01:30 , James ReynoldsA building housing half a dozen families gave out in Gaza City overnight into Wednesday, killing sixteen people as they slept and leaving rescuers digging through rubble for dozens more who'd been sheltering inside the structure.
The sudden collapse of the building, which was known to be unstable due to damage from Israeli strikes earlier in the war, underscored how perilous and desperate living conditions have grown for the majority of the enclave’s population as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas stalls.
The sixteen dead include at least twelve women and children, according to Zaher al-Wahidi, a spokesperson for the Gaza Health Ministry. The toll was expected to rise as more bodies were recovered from the wreckage.
Building collapse in Gaza kills at least 21 seeking shelter inside
Recap: Houthi rebels accused of targeting Mecca with drone as Saudi Arabia warns of ‘red line’
Thursday 17 September 2026 00:01 , James ReynoldsSaudi Arabia says its air defences destroyed an incoming Houthi drone south of Mecca before it entered prohibited airspace over the holy city.
The drone, intercepted on Tuesday, marked the second Houthi attempt to target Mecca after a ballistic missile launch in 2017, a spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition said, warning that the security of holy sites was a “red line”.
Saudi Arabia issued security alerts for Mecca - along with Taif and Jeddah - but Houthi political bureau member Mohammed al-Farah denied the group had targeted the holy city, calling the allegation “an outright lie”.
Read the full story:
Saudi coalition accuses Houthis of targeting holy city of Mecca as fighting flares
Catch up: Russia is secretly helping Iran to develop supersonic cruise missiles, says report
Wednesday 16 September 2026 23:00 , James ReynoldsRussia has been helping Iran to develop supersonic cruise missiles in secret for years, including through the US-Iran war, according to a report.
Moscow has enlisted some of its most experienced specialists to help Iran to develop a new class of missile capable of threatening US aircraft carriers and warships stationed in the Middle East, according to an investigation by the Financial Times.
The programme’s central objective was to help Iran to develop a special ‘ramjet’ propulsion system that would allow its cruise missiles to fly at several times the speed of sound, the report said.
Russia is secretly helping Iran to develop supersonic cruise missiles, says report
Top Democrat opposes sale of 2,000 bombs to Israel
Wednesday 16 September 2026 22:00 , Alex CroftThe top Democrat on the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee, Gregory Meeks, has said he will not support the sale of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel over concerns the munitions would not be used in accordance with international law.
President Donald Trump's administration is planning to sell to Israel a munitions package worth $2.8 billion, which will include tens of thousands of highly destructive 2,000-pound bombs, according to a US official familiar with the sale.
The leaders of congressional committees review sales under an informal process, but Meeks' objection alone is not enough to prevent the president from going ahead with the sale.
US Treasury pushes to advance Iran sanctions
Wednesday 16 September 2026 21:00 , Alex CroftThe US Treasury has said that its Financial Crimes Enforcement Network has called a meeting of global financial institutions to advance Operation Economic Outcast, a pushisolate Tehran and limit its ability to fund the war in the Middle East.
"The event armed financial institutions with the information they need to shut down revenue streams and procurement networks tied to the Iranian regime," the Treasury said in a statement.
Catch up: Blow for Trump as Congress votes again to curb his powers over $38bn war
Wednesday 16 September 2026 20:00 , James ReynoldsThe US House of Representatives voted to end the war in Iran for the third time late on Tuesday, approving a war powers resolution that would halt president Donald Trump's ability to continue military action without congressional approval.
The result – 220 votes to 204 – was similar to earlier efforts this summer, with a few more Republicans joining most Democrats voting to bring an end to the conflict.
None of the resolutions have made it to the president's desk, where president Trump would almost certainly veto the measure.
The vote comes as a defence department report revealed that Trump’s “Operation Epic Fury” assault on Iran cost $38bn in its first four months and has resulted in a munitions shortfall.
US defense chiefs warn of munitions shortfall as Iran war costs hit $33bn
Wednesday 16 September 2026 19:00 , James ReynoldsPresident Donald Trump’s “Operation Epic Fury” assault on Iran cost $33.4 billion in its first four months and has resulted in a munitions shortfall, according to a report by the Department of Defense’s inspector general.
The 44-page report to Congress states that, between February 28 and June 30, the joint U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran saw the Trump administration spend $22.3 billion on munitions alone.
The onslaught “has resulted in strategic inventory shortfalls and revealed industrial base bottlenecks for munitions resupply,” Inspector General Platte B Moring III concludes.
US defense chiefs warn of munitions shortfall as Iran war costs hit $33bn
What escalating Saudi-Houthi war means for Trump in Iran
Wednesday 16 September 2026 18:00 , James ReynoldsWashington has largely ignored the lingering disruption created by the Houthis around the Red Sea. But a wider conflict with Saudi Arabia could force them to intervene.
Here’s what the developments in Yemen mean for Donald Trump’s war with Iran:
What the escalating war between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis means for Trump in Iran
Nearly 70 per cent of people say the world has got worse over the past year
Wednesday 16 September 2026 17:00 , James ReynoldsA new poll of over 35,000 people worldwide shows continued support for global cooperation and rising trust in international institutions, but less comfort with the United States or China taking leadership roles.
In fact, many view both as a threat.
The survey, commissioned by the Rockefeller Foundation and conducted in 34 countries from July 21 to August 5, reflected a grim view of economic developments and security challenges, with nearly 70% saying the world had gotten worse over the past year.
Only 38% of those surveyed felt their national economies would improve over the next five years, with optimism down sharply in two of the largest economies. Optimism fell 26 percentage points in India to 50% and 16 points in China to 56%.
Despite widespread pessimism, 57% of those surveyed said countries should cooperate to solve global challenges such as security even if it means compromising on some national interests. That's up from 55% in last year's survey.
Iranian state actors using spyware to target dissidents
Wednesday 16 September 2026 16:20 , James ReynoldsBritish intelligence has issued a warning after finding Iranian spies have targeted dissidents with spyware that can enable tracking of their movements.
Dissidents, activists and journalists were targeted by state actors that impersonated their contacts on messaging apps to trick them into downloading spyware called Chosen Brick, the National Cyber Security Centre, part of GCHQ, warned.
The malware gave agents access to the person’s contacts, emails and social media messages as well as a device’s microphone and content on the screen.
What it means:
Iranian state actors targeting dissidents and activists with spyware
US defense chiefs warn of munitions shortfall as Iran war costs mount
Wednesday 16 September 2026 15:40 , James ReynoldsPresident Donald Trump’s “Operation Epic Fury” assault on Iran cost $33.4 billion in its first four months and has resulted in a munitions shortfall, according to a report by the Department of Defense’s inspector general.
The 44-page report to Congress states that, between February 28 and June 30, the joint U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran saw the Trump administration spend $22.3 billion on munitions alone.
The onslaught “has resulted in strategic inventory shortfalls and revealed industrial base bottlenecks for munitions resupply,” Inspector General Platte B Moring III concludes.
In full:
US defense chiefs warn of munitions shortfall as Iran war costs hit $33bn
US pilot survived two days in Iran with broken back after plane downed
Wednesday 16 September 2026 15:00 , James ReynoldsThe American air force colonel whose fighter jet was downed over Iran in April has shared how survived for two days behind enemy lines with a broken back, arm and shoulder while waiting for help to arrive.
‘Bravo’ was the weapons-system officer in a two-man crew flying over Iran on 3 April when their F-15E Strike Eagle was hit by Iranian fire. The pilot in the front - ‘Alpha’ - ejected successfully, but Bravo came down in the mountains.
In his first public account of what happened, he told CBS News’ 60 Minutes how he free-fell to the ground at speeds of up to 100mph with a damaged parachute, torn up by an Iranian shoulder-fired missile.
Read the full story:
US pilot survived for two days in Iran with broken back after plane shot down
What the escalating war between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis means for Trump in Iran
Wednesday 16 September 2026 14:20 , James ReynoldsWashington has largely ignored the lingering disruption created by the Houthis around the Red Sea. But a wider conflict with Saudi Arabia could force them to intervene:
What the escalating war between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis means for Trump in Iran
China urges Iran to reopen Strait of Hormuz
Wednesday 16 September 2026 13:40 , James ReynoldsChina encourages Iran and the US to remain rational, exercise restraint, return to the Islamabad memorandum and "engage in substantive consultations on issues of mutual concern," Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his Iranian counterpart in Beijing on Wednesday, Wang's ministry said.
"We urge all parties to take effective measures to reopen the Strait of Hormuz at an early date," Wang said, adding that China "does not want to see regional tensions to spill over further into Yemen and the Red Sea."
China's policy toward Iran has remained consistent and stable and China is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with Iran, Wang said.
Yemen's Houthis say they attacked Aramco facilities in Yanbu
Wednesday 16 September 2026 13:22 , James ReynoldsHouthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said on Wednesday that the group had attacked an airbase in Khamis Mushait as well as Aramco facilities in Yanbu.
Saudi Arabia did not confirm either of the attacks.
The latest: Iran says it shot down US drone over Qeshm
Wednesday 16 September 2026 13:00 , James ReynoldsIran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claims to have destroyed an American drone near the Strait of Hormuz overnight.
Iran’s IRNA news agency reports that an MQ-9 Reaper drone was “intercepted and destroyed over Qeshm Island” by IRGC air defences in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
The US military did not immediately comment on the report.
Trump foe Thomas Massie launches effort to impeach Pete Hegseth
Wednesday 16 September 2026 12:26 , James ReynoldsRepublican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky has filed a resolution to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, forcing the House of Representatives to hold a vote on the matter within two days.
Massie accused the Pentagon chief of high crimes and misdemeanors on Tuesday, citing military operations in Iran, Caribbean boat strikes and disputes over free speech. Because the resolution is privileged under House rules, it bypasses standard committee delays and mandates a full vote by the chamber.
Massie stated that Hegseth violated “his oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States” and violated “his constitutional duty to take care that the laws be faithfully executed, especially with regard to the commission of war,” as reported by The Hill. He added that Hegseth has “abused the powers of the Department of Defense.”
Trump foe Thomas Massie launches effort to impeach Pete Hegseth
Houthi rebels accused of targeting Mecca with drone as Saudi Arabia warns of ‘red line’
Wednesday 16 September 2026 12:20 , James ReynoldsSaudi Arabia says its air defences destroyed an incoming Houthi drone south of Mecca before it entered prohibited airspace over the holy city.
The drone, intercepted on Tuesday, marked the second Houthi attempt to target Mecca after a ballistic missile launch in 2017, a spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition said, warning that the security of holy sites was a “red line”.
Saudi Arabia issued security alerts for Mecca - along with Taif and Jeddah - but Houthi political bureau member Mohammed al-Farah denied the group had targeted the holy city, calling the allegation “an outright lie”.
Read the full story:
Saudi coalition accuses Houthis of targeting holy city of Mecca as fighting flares
Watch: US Air Force officer recalls 'free-falling' to ground with damaged parachute after plane was shot down over Iran
Wednesday 16 September 2026 11:40 , James ReynoldsThe American air force colonel whose fighter jet was downed over Iran in April has shared how survived for two days behind enemy lines with a broken back, arm and shoulder while waiting for help to arrive.
‘Bravo’ was the weapons-system officer in a two-man crew flying over Iran on 3 April when their F-15E Strike Eagle was hit by Iranian fire. The pilot in the front - ‘Alpha’ - ejected successfully, but Bravo came down in the mountains.
In his first public account of what happened, he told CBS News’ 60 Minutes how he free-fell to the ground at speeds of up to 100mph with a damaged parachute, torn up by an Iranian shoulder-fired missile:
