Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secretly traveled to the United Arab Emirates and reportedly asked President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to deny claims that he warned Netanyahu about an impending Hamas attack before October 7, 2023. According to sources cited by The Times of Israel and Associated Press, the two leaders held an hourlong meeting in Abu Dhabi. The reported warning was previously published by Haaretz. Netanyahu’s office has denied that the Emirati leader warned him, while the UAE has not commented specifically on the report. The episode comes amid renewed controversy over warnings Israel allegedly received before the October 7 attack. (PC: AP)

The chief of the Eiffel Tower will step down at the end of the year following an uproar over women staff being removed during a visit by a Hindu religious group. An internal investigation into the incident found “operational flaws and shortcomings” in the organisation of the visit. The findings have prompted the Eiffel Tower chief to announce their departure after the controversy surrounding the treatment of female employees during the group’s visit. The incident drew attention to how the visit was managed and the decision to remove women staff. The internal probe specifically identified shortcomings in operational arrangements, while the chief’s departure is expected to take effect at the end of the year following the controversy. (PC: X)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said two people were killed and six others, including three children, were injured after Russian guided aerial bombs struck central Sumy on Tuesday. Four guided bombs hit the city, damaging a school building while classes were in session. According to Zelensky, teachers and students had moved into a shelter before the strikes, and about 100 people were evacuated from the school. Emergency services were deployed as rescue and recovery operations continued. Sumy, a northeastern Ukrainian city near the Russian border, has repeatedly faced Russian attacks since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. The reported casualties included children, according to Zelensky’s statement about the aerial bombing.

The Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) released footage showing the first armed operation by its newly formed women’s unit, the Karima Armed Assault Division (KAAD), against a Pakistani military convoy in Turbat on September 22. The group claimed nine Pakistani military personnel were killed, while its spokesperson said several military vehicles were severely damaged. The footage shows KAAD fighters firing at a three-vehicle Quick Response Force convoy on the CPEC highway and conducting vehicle checks in Mangchar. The BLF said Qurban unit fighter Chakar Murad was killed. Separately, the Baloch Republican Army claimed three Mari Energies employees were killed in a rocket attack. Other groups reported attacks on police and government facilities.

US President Donald Trump has said the war with Iran will end “very soon”, claiming the conflict will be remembered as one of the most important actions of his administration. Speaking in Washington, DC, Trump said Iran would not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons and predicted that oil prices would fall after the conflict ends. His remarks came as oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz showed signs of recovery. According to Kpler, shipments averaged 13.2 million barrels per day over the past week, around 77% of pre-war levels. Meanwhile, Iran’s Ebrahim Azizi said US and Israeli forces would eventually leave the region. (PC: X)

Six crew members were killed after a nuclear-capable Russian Tu-95 strategic bomber crashed during a training flight in the Amur region of Russia’s Far East on Tuesday, September 29. Russia’s Defence Ministry said the aircraft went down in an uninhabited area. One crew member was injured and taken to hospital. The bomber was reportedly flying without ammunition at the time of the crash. A Russian military commission has been sent to investigate the incident and determine its cause. The Tu-95 is a long-range strategic bomber capable of carrying nuclear weapons and cruise missiles.

Patrick Branco Ruivo, head of the company operating Paris’s Eiffel Tower, will step down at the end of 2026 following a controversy over the treatment of female employees during a Hindu delegation’s visit. On September 5, women staff were reportedly moved from their workstations when a delegation linked to BAPS visited the landmark. The incident triggered staff protests and a temporary closure of the tower on September 7. An independent investigation found operational failures and shortcomings in organising the visit. SETE chair Ariel Weil announced plans for new protocols and training to promote gender equality and prevent similar incidents. (PC: India Today)

The United States is set to withdraw its remaining forces from Iraq by September 30, ending a military presence that began with the 2003 invasion. The departure, carried out under President Donald Trump, follows an agreement reached in 2024 under former President Joe Biden. Iran and its allied armed groups have welcomed the move, which could increase Tehran’s influence in Iraq. However, Iraqi security experts warn that the withdrawal may create security gaps and allow Islamic State militants to regroup. Around 4,500 American service members died during more than two decades of conflict. Iraqi forces will take greater responsibility for national security. (PC: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump said the Iran war would end “very soon,” describing it as one of the most important actions of his administration. Speaking in Washington, DC, while unveiling an AI-powered federal platform, he reiterated that Tehran would not be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons and predicted falling oil prices. Meanwhile, oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz averaged 13.2 million barrels daily over the past week, approximately 77% of prewar levels, according to Kpler. Iranian lawmaker Ebrahim Azizi predicted US and Israeli withdrawal from the region. Vice President JD Vance said Washington believes Iran’s supreme leader remains alive, while criticising Tehran’s leadership and decision-making.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s reported meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi on September 27 signals closer strategic ties between the two countries. The talks reportedly covered Iran, regional security and bilateral relations amid tensions involving Gaza and the Houthis. According to Hindustan Times Executive Editor Shishir Gupta, the meeting highlights growing security cooperation between Israel and the UAE under the 2020 Abraham Accords. The development also matters for India, which maintains strong ties with both countries. Closer Israel-UAE cooperation could support the proposed India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, linking Indian trade routes with Gulf and European markets. (PC: HT)