US President Donald Trump confronted CNN reporter Kaitlan Collins at the United Nations on September 22, telling her that CNN “should not be here” covering him. Trump appeared to suggest CNN had previously said it would not cover him, but Collins later said the network had made no such statement. The confrontation came after the White House barred CNN, MS NOW and Politico from its grounds and removed CNN from presidential pool coverage. The three outlets have sued the administration, arguing the restrictions violate First Amendment protections. A federal court hearing on their request for temporary relief was scheduled for Wednesday. 

Iran reportedly offered to reopen the strategically important Strait of Hormuz within seven days if the United States eased military pressure and lifted its blockade of Iranian ports. The proposal, attributed to a senior Iranian official, was linked to efforts to revive diplomatic negotiations during the UN General Assembly. Reports of the possible reopening briefly pushed oil prices lower as markets anticipated reduced supply disruption risks. However, Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency later denied that Tehran had made such an offer, calling the reports inaccurate. The conflicting statements have increased uncertainty over diplomacy and the future of shipping through the vital waterway. (PC: X)

The United States has announced an additional $31 million to support Nepal’s recovery from devastating floods. The package includes $10 million for permanent bridges to restore damaged transport links and improve regional connectivity. Another $8 million will fund water, sanitation, hygiene, shelter, protection, livelihoods and winterisation assistance for affected communities. The remaining $13 million will support US-made drones for future disaster-response operations. The announcement was made by US Under Secretary of State Allison Hooker during a meeting with Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal in New York. The latest commitment brings total US flood-response assistance to Nepal above $36 million. (PC: AP)

A Sri Lankan court has sentenced 15 men to 220 years of rigorous imprisonment each for their roles in the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings. The Colombo Permanent High Court Trial-at-Bar found them guilty on Tuesday after a lengthy trial. The coordinated attacks on April 21, 2019, targeted three churches and three hotels and killed 269 people, while more than 500 were injured. The court also ordered the confiscation of the convicts’ movable and immovable property. Nine other accused were acquitted and released. The attacks were carried out by nine suicide bombers, including Zahran Hashim, and were linked to the banned National Thowheeth Jama’ath group.  

US President Donald Trump said the United States faces a choice between reaching a deal with Iran or “annihilating” the Islamic Republic during his UN General Assembly speech on Tuesday. Trump said Washington had given Iran opportunities to reach an agreement before military action. He called for continued economic pressure until Iran stops attacks on commercial shipping, abandons its nuclear ambitions and ends support for terrorism. Trump also rejected reports of low US ammunition supplies, saying the country has large stocks and is increasing production. On Russia and Ukraine, Trump said the United States was working with both sides and expected a deal to happen quickly. (PC: HT)

US President Donald Trump said UK-US relations are better under Prime Minister Andy Burnham than they were under former Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Trump made the remarks after meeting Burnham in person at the United Nations General Assembly. He said the two countries are “doing very well” and praised Burnham as a “natural businessperson”. Trump also said Burnham “gets it”. Burnham said earlier that the two leaders had established a good connection. The meeting also covered trade and business deals involving British companies. Trump has previously criticised the UK’s Chagos Islands deal, calling it “terrible”.  

A US F-16 fighter jet crashed near Spangdahlem Air Base in western Germany on Tuesday. The pilot ejected before the crash and was taken to a hospital for treatment. The accident happened at around 2:30 pm local time. Four aircraft had been taking part in a training exercise. The other three jets were diverted to Ramstein Air Base. Emergency teams, including firefighters and police, reached the site. Witnesses reported seeing thick black smoke after the jet went down. Authorities have not yet revealed the cause of the crash. Spangdahlem is home to the US Air Force’s 52nd Fighter Wing.  

US President Donald Trump used his September 22 address on Tuesday to the 81st UN General Assembly to defend the US war against Iran and oppose Tehran obtaining a nuclear weapon. Trump warned that he could “annihilate” the Islamic Republic if Iran refused a deal, while saying he believed Washington and Tehran could eventually reach an agreement after the November midterm elections. He called for international economic pressure on Iran to push it toward negotiations. Trump also cited praise from Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif while discussing his claims about preventing conflicts. The Iranian delegation walked out during Trump’s address as diplomatic efforts continued and Tehran signalled some openness to negotiations.

US President Donald Trump, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen signed a trilateral agreement allowing a greater US military presence in Greenland. The deal stops short of Trump’s demand for US control of the strategically located Arctic territory, while addressing security concerns amid increased Russian and Chinese activity. Trump said the agreement gives Washington “permanent control” over security and other needs, and barred US adversaries from military presence or sensitive investments without American approval. Denmark and Greenland said the arrangement respects sovereignty and Greenland’s right to self-determination. The agreement is expected to expand US military infrastructure, including additional sites, while reinforcing NATO’s role in the Arctic. (PC: Reuters)

World leaders worldwide are arriving in New York for the 81st United Nations General Assembly amid escalating wars, uncertainty and shifting power. The Middle East conflict has expanded across the region following a US-Israeli attack on Tehran, closing a waterway. Meanwhile, the four-year Russia-Ukraine war continues without signs of diplomatic resolution. Other crises include an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, earthquakes in Venezuela and Colombia, and flash floods in Nepal and Tibet, raising concerns over pandemics and climate change. Diplomats say international law, mediation and consensus face challenges. Trump, Zelenskyy and Pezeshkian are expected to draw attention, while officials seek openings on maritime security and AI. (PC:The Economic Times)