US forces are set to leave their last bases in Iraq after more than 20 years of military operations. The withdrawal was agreed in 2024 under former President Joe Biden and is being carried out by President Donald Trump’s administration. Iraqi security experts warn that Iran and its allied militia groups could gain more influence after the departure. Some also fear a possible return of ISIS. The US returned to Iraq in 2014 to help defeat ISIS after withdrawing in 2011. While many Iraqis support full sovereignty, some say the country may not be ready to manage security alone.

US President Donald Trump has denied reports that he was considering sanctions relief and access to frozen funds for Iran. Axios reported that Trump was considering the move in exchange for steps on Iran’s nuclear programme. Trump called the report “untrue” and a “hoax,” saying, “I offered them NOTHING!” CNN also reported that Trump was open to sanctions relief, but said any deal would require progress on nuclear issues. Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran was open to talks with Washington. He said Iran would not accept “bullying or coercion.” More talks are expected this week.  

Two giant pandas, Ping Ping and Fu Shuang, arrived in Atlanta from China on Sunday under a renewed agreement between the Chinese and US governments. Both born in 2020, the pandas departed Chengdu aboard a dedicated FedEx Boeing 777 and will live at Zoo Atlanta for 10 years. Their arrival was announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping during his summit with US President Donald Trump. The loan was among the few concrete outcomes of the state visit, which produced expressions of goodwill but no resolution of longstanding bilateral differences. Atlanta’s previous pandas returned to China in 2024. The new pandas will spend about a month in quarantine before their public debut. (PC: AP)

The United Arab Emirates confirmed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. The Emirati state news agency WAM said the two leaders discussed bilateral relations and ways to strengthen them. Israeli officials said the meeting also focused on regional challenges, particularly Iran. The visit came amid controversy over reports that bin Zayed had warned Netanyahu before Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack, a claim Netanyahu’s office denies. The meeting was confirmed as Netanyahu faces pressure ahead of October’s Knesset elections. Israel and the UAE established diplomatic relations under the US-brokered Abraham Accords in 2020, with ties subsequently expanding despite regional developments. (PC: AFP)

Bangkok has been declared a disaster-affected zone after heavy rainfall flooded homes, shops and roads across Thailand’s capital. Nearly 320 mm of rain fell within two to three days, almost matching the city’s usual September rainfall. At least 5,901 people have moved to 234 evacuation centres, while more than 80,000 people remain unable to leave their homes. Flooding has disrupted transport, power supplies, drinking water and food deliveries. Authorities are providing emergency assistance, including meals and boats. Floods have affected 41 Thai provinces since September 16, killing at least eight people and disrupting more than 580,000 homes. (PC: X)

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has claimed that US forces have suffered “painful blows” near the Strait of Hormuz and would eventually leave the region. In a statement carried by Iranian state television on September 28, Khamenei said enemy forces were no longer venturing beyond the Arabian Sea because of attacks by Iranian fighters. His remarks came amid an ongoing standoff between Tehran and Washington over control of the strategic waterway. The US military’s Central Command has rejected Iran’s claims of control over the strait and said Iran’s naval capabilities have been severely weakened by US strikes. (PC: HT)

A Russian drone strike hit Ukraine’s National Academy of Sciences building in central Kyiv on Monday, killing one person and injuring six, including three children, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Emergency crews fought a fire and searched the building for people who might have been trapped. Zelenskyy said Russian forces also struck a medical facility in central Kyiv later that day, with rescuers responding to another fire. He condemned the attacks and called for stronger international pressure on Russia, saying continued strikes would require a response. The attacks came amid broader Russian strikes across Ukraine. Kyiv authorities reported 19 people injured and one woman killed in attacks across the capital.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned that the country remains prepared for confrontation as tensions with the United States deepen over the Strait of Hormuz. In a statement marking Iran’s Sacred Defense Week, Khamenei highlighted widespread armed readiness and called for unity in safeguarding the strategic waterway. His remarks came after Washington rejected Tehran’s proposal to reopen the Strait within seven days and resume negotiations, with the plan requiring conditions including an end to the US blockade and a ceasefire. Iran has maintained that it is ready to reopen the waterway if Washington eases military pressure. The standoff has intensified as Tehran signals military preparedness while diplomatic efforts continue through intermediaries. (PC: X)

At least 24 people have died and 14 remain missing after heavy rain triggered floods and landslides across several districts in Nepal. A video recorded near Lete in Mustang district shows a large section of a mountainside collapsing into the Kali Gandaki River in about six seconds. The falling debris briefly blocked the river before the water found a new path. Landslides have also damaged settlements and blocked highways, making rescue operations difficult. Security forces have moved thousands of people to safer areas. Separately, an avalanche at the base camp of Himlung Himal killed two people, while 10 remain missing.

The United States and China have agreed to pursue tariff cuts covering $60 billion worth of goods as both countries seek to ease trade tensions and improve market access. The agreement covers $30 billion in imports from each country. China plans to lower tariffs on several US agricultural products, including corn, wheat, meat and dairy. However, soybeans are excluded from the proposed cuts. The US, meanwhile, plans to reduce tariffs on Chinese consumer goods such as coffee makers, toasters, toys and household items. The move follows a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping last week. Both sides have also extended their trade truce until January 10.