Shibbir Ahmed, WASHINGTON DC — The United States has extended visa sanctions against members of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and officials of the Palestinian Authority (PA), citing what the State Department described as continued failures to meet commitments made to Washington.

In a September 16 media note, the State Department said it had notified Congress that the PLO and PA had again failed to comply with commitments outlined under the PLO Commitments Compliance Act of 1989 and the Middle East Peace Commitments Act of 2002.

The department accused the two organizations of pursuing actions at international institutions that Washington says contradict previous commitments related to UN Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338. It also cited efforts to pursue the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through international legal institutions, including the International Criminal Court (ICC) and International Court of Justice (ICJ), as well as efforts to obtain unilateral international recognition.

The State Department also cited what it described as continued payments to individuals convicted of terrorism and the glorification of terrorism and terrorists in public statements and educational materials. These are U.S. government allegations and were presented as the basis for the policy.

As a consequence, Washington said it would extend visa restrictions denying entry visas to PLO members and PA officials under Section 604(a)(1) of the Middle East Peace Commitments Act. The State Department said it would continue a standing waiver for personnel notified to the PLO Observer Mission to the United Nations, as in previous determinations.

The announcement comes ahead of the 81st UN General Assembly, when Palestinian representatives are expected to participate in high-level diplomatic meetings in New York. Reuters reported that the restrictions continue measures imposed previously, including the denial of a U.S. visa to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, preventing him from attending the General Assembly in person.

The Palestinian Authority holds observer status at the United Nations rather than full UN membership. The latest U.S. action adds another point of tension to Washington-Palestinian relations as international attention remains focused on the Gaza conflict and efforts toward a broader Israeli-Palestinian political settlement.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York — UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that the world is entering an “era of deep uncertainty,” urging governments to strengthen international cooperation as leaders prepare to gather in New York for the 81st UN General Assembly.

Speaking ahead of the General Assembly’s high-level week, Guterres identified rapidly advancing artificial intelligence, the climate crisis and deepening inequalities as major existential threats facing the international community.

Guterres devoted much of his remarks to the growing risks associated with artificial intelligence. While acknowledging AI’s potential to accelerate development, improve education and health systems and strengthen climate resilience, he warned that technological development is advancing faster than the world’s understanding of its risks.

He called for stronger safeguards to make AI development safe, transparent and accountable, with human dignity at the centre. Guterres said national action is important but stressed that global coordination is essential because AI and its risks do not stop at national borders.

The UN chief also urged world leaders to address ongoing conflicts. He reiterated his call for a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war and urged implementation of a two-state solution in the Middle East. He also called for de-escalation and the protection of civilians.

The General Assembly’s high-level week begins in New York on September 18, with the General Debate scheduled to begin on September 22. Leaders from all 193 UN member states are expected to address global challenges, including conflicts, climate change, international security and sustainable development. Guterres said international cooperation is more necessary than ever as governments confront interconnected global crises.

NEW DELHI — India has summoned Pakistan’s top diplomat in New Delhi and lodged a strong protest following a collision between an Indian Navy vessel and a Pakistani naval ship in international waters of the Arabian Sea.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs said the incident occurred on Tuesday, September 15, and described the conduct of the Pakistani naval units involved as “unacceptable and unprofessional.” The ministry said the collision did not cause any major damage.

According to Indian officials, the Pakistani naval vessel approached an Indian Navy warship operating on a routine surveillance mission in the northern Arabian Sea. Indian sources said the Pakistani vessel approached at high speed and manoeuvred in an unsafe manner before the collision.

India said the incident took place in international waters and raised concerns over compliance with a 1991 bilateral agreement between India and Pakistan. The agreement includes provisions intended to promote safety and prevent incidents involving military vessels.

The Pakistani Charge d’Affaires was asked to convey to Islamabad the need for military units to exercise due care at sea and respect bilateral agreements to prevent similar incidents in the future. India also instructed its Charge d’Affaires in Islamabad to lodge a corresponding protest with Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry.

There was no immediate public response from the Pakistani government to India’s protest, according to the latest reports. The incident comes against the backdrop of already strained relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

BEIJING — China has urged the United States to halt its military buildup in outer space, warning that the deployment of weapons in orbit could trigger a global arms race and increase strategic tensions.

The warning followed comments from U.S. officials acknowledging that the United States has weapons deployed in orbit. U.S. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink said the weapons are intended to help defend against hostile actions involving space. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Beijing opposes the weaponization of outer space and called on Washington to stop expanding its military capabilities there.

“China stands for peaceful use of outer space and keeping it safe, and opposes any arms race in outer space,” Guo said at a Foreign Ministry briefing on September 15. He urged the United States to maintain global strategic stability through concrete actions.

Chinese state media and military analysts have also warned that the expansion of U.S. military capabilities in orbit could encourage other countries to develop counter-space weapons, potentially creating a cycle of competition and increasing the risk of conflict in space.

The issue highlights growing international concerns over the military use of space. Russia has separately called for efforts to prevent an arms race in outer space, arguing that a legally binding agreement could help restrict offensive weapons in orbit.

The United States and China are already competing across several strategic areas, including advanced technology, artificial intelligence and military capabilities. The latest dispute adds space security to the growing list of issues affecting relations between the two powers.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York — The United States has paid $725 million to the United Nations, reducing its outstanding financial obligations to the world body and ensuring that Washington retains its voting rights in the UN General Assembly. The payment comes just days before world leaders are due to gather in New York for the annual General Assembly session.

The United Nations said the United States transferred $725 million for the organization’s regular budget on Tuesday. Washington also paid an additional $102 million toward UN peacekeeping operations on Friday. Despite the latest payments, the United States still owes approximately $1.312 billion to the UN regular budget, according to UN spokesperson Farhan Haq.

The payment also removes the immediate risk that the United States could lose its voting rights under Article 19 of the UN Charter. The provision says a member state can lose its vote in the General Assembly when its arrears reach or exceed the amount of contributions due for the preceding two full years, although the General Assembly can grant an exception in certain circumstances.

The United States is the largest contributor to the UN budget, but the Trump administration has criticized the organization and reduced or delayed funding to various UN agencies. Washington has also pushed for reforms and cost reductions across the UN system.

The latest payment comes as the United Nations faces continuing financial pressure and implements its “UN80” reform and cost-cutting initiative. China, the UN’s second-largest contributor, paid $641.4 million toward its regular budget contribution earlier this month, according to UN figures cited by Reuters. The U.S. payment means Washington will retain its vote as the 2026 UN General Assembly prepares to convene in New York next week, while the broader dispute over U.S. funding and UN reforms remains unresolved.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York — Iran has said the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz will remain closed despite efforts to revive regional diplomacy, as a planned meeting between Iran and Gulf states was postponed and concerns over global energy supplies continued to grow.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said an agreement reached with Oman over arrangements for maritime traffic through the strait would not mean the waterway would be reopened. Tehran has linked any reopening to the United States returning to commitments made under an earlier peace understanding.

The planned meeting in Oman, which was expected to bring together Iran, Iraq and Gulf Arab states to discuss navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, was postponed on Monday. Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi said the delay was intended to allow more time to build consensus among the participating countries.

The diplomatic setback comes as tensions around the region’s major energy routes continue to rise. Shipping traffic through Hormuz has fallen sharply, with only a small number of commodity vessels recorded passing through the waterway over the weekend, well below the recent daily average.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints, carrying a significant share of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas supplies. Disruption to the route has already contributed to a sharp increase in oil prices, with Brent crude rising above $107 a barrel on Monday.

Iran has also warned vessels that violate its maritime protocols. Its Strait Authority issued an updated list of 77 vessels accused of violating Iranian rules and warned that sanctioned ships could face penalties including fines, detention or confiscation.

The stalled diplomacy has increased fears that the disruption could persist, putting further pressure on global energy markets, shipping costs and economies dependent on Gulf oil and gas.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York — Nearly 86,000 people have fled their homes in Yemen as fighting between government forces and Iran-backed Houthi rebels intensifies, the United Nations said, citing displacement figures from the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

IOM said 85,818 people had been displaced by the renewed fighting, including 82,164 since the beginning of September alone. The latest wave of displacement has followed intensified hostilities along Yemen’s western coast and in parts of Taiz and Al-Hodeidah. Taiz has emerged as one of the areas hardest hit by the renewed fighting, with about 9,280 households—nearly 56,000 people—displaced, according to IOM figures.

The escalation comes as the Houthis advance along Yemen’s Red Sea coast, raising fears of a wider conflict and further civilian displacement. The Iran-backed group has made gains in areas near the strategic port of Mocha and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

The Bab el-Mandeb connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and is one of the world’s most important maritime routes. Any prolonged disruption in the area could affect international shipping, global trade and energy supplies.

The humanitarian crisis is also spilling beyond Yemen’s borders. More than 2,000 Yemenis fleeing the violence have reached Djibouti by sea, according to IOM. The crossings add another layer of danger for people already displaced by the conflict.

IOM Director General Amy Pope warned that behind the displacement figures are families who have repeatedly lost their homes and livelihoods. Many people fleeing the latest violence are crossing the sea with little more than what they can carry because they have few remaining options for safety.

Yemen has endured more than a decade of conflict since the Houthis seized the capital, Sanaa, in 2014. A UN-brokered truce in 2022 brought a period of relative calm and largely halted major fighting, but it expired after six months without producing a lasting political settlement.

The renewed offensive has raised fears that Yemen could once again descend into prolonged large-scale warfare. Humanitarian agencies have warned that continued fighting and repeated displacement will put additional pressure on families already struggling with poverty, food insecurity and limited access to basic services.

With tens of thousands of people newly displaced and thousands more crossing the sea to Djibouti, the latest escalation threatens to deepen one of the world’s longest-running humanitarian crises.

SHibbir Ahmed, WASHINGTON DC — Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) says it has captured a U.S. unmanned underwater vehicle near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz, in the latest development in the escalating confrontation between Tehran and Washington.

Iranian state media identified the vessel as a Dive-LD, a large autonomous underwater vehicle manufactured by California-based defense company Anduril. The approximately 19-foot (5.8-meter) unmanned submersible is designed for missions including seabed mapping, mine detection, intelligence gathering and inspection of underwater infrastructure. The IRGC described the operation as a complex intelligence and military mission and claimed that Iranian forces had “trapped” one of the most advanced unmanned submarines operated by the United States.

However, the U.S. military gave a significantly different account of the incident. A Pentagon spokesperson acknowledged that a U.S. underwater drone had been lost, but said the vehicle had malfunctioned more than a day earlier while surveying regional waters in support of ongoing operations. According to the Pentagon, the drone was an older model and did not carry classified sonar or radar equipment or collect sensitive data.

Anduril also confirmed the loss of one of its underwater vehicles and emphasized that the Dive-LD was designed to operate in dangerous environments where losing the vehicle was considered a possibility.

Reuters said it could not independently verify Iran’s claim that it had captured the vehicle through a deliberate intelligence operation. The Dive-LD can reportedly operate for up to 10 days and is designed to reach depths of approximately 6,000 meters (19,700 feet). The system is part of the U.S. military’s growing use of autonomous underwater and surface vessels for surveillance, mine detection and other missions without putting American personnel directly at risk.

The incident comes as tensions around the Strait of Hormuz continue to rise. Commercial shipping through the strategic waterway has fallen sharply amid the ongoing U.S.-Iran confrontation, while oil prices have climbed above $100 a barrel amid fears of further disruption to global energy supplies.

Shibbir Ahmed | Washington, DC: The United States has imposed sweeping new sanctions targeting Iran’s aviation sector, placing 36 individuals and entities—including 27 Iranian airlines—under sanctions. The US Treasury Department announced the measures on Tuesday, saying the action was taken under “Operation Economic Outcast” to increase pressure on Iran’s aviation industry, aircraft procurement activities and related networks.

US authorities allege that the sanctioned individuals and entities were involved in procuring and transferring aircraft, aviation technology and other sensitive equipment for Iran. They are also accused of supporting Iranian aviation networks used to transport weapons, personnel and illicit cargo.

27 Iranian Airlines Sanctioned

The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated 27 Iranian airlines for operating in Iran’s aviation sector. The airlines include Air Shiraz, Asa Jet Airline, ATA Airlines, Atlas Aviation Group, Ava Airlines, Chabahar Airlines, Fly Kish Airlines, Iran Air Tour, Iran Aseman Airlines, Kish Airlines, Karun Airlines, Qeshm Air, Saha Airlines, Sepehran Airlines, Taban Airlines, Varesh Airlines and Zagros Airlines, among others. According to Washington, the latest measures represent one of the most significant sanctions actions against Iran’s commercial aviation sector in recent years.

Mahan Air Support Network Also Targeted

The United States also imposed sanctions on several companies and individuals in third countries accused of supporting Mahan Air, an Iranian airline that is already under US sanctions. According to the Treasury Department, intermediaries based in the United Arab Emirates and Türkiye played a role in transferring US-made or US-controlled aircraft to Mahan Air.

US authorities said that at least three Boeing 777 aircraft were transferred to Mahan Air through a network during the summer of 2026. The United States alleges that several companies based in the UAE and Oman were involved in the network.

Aviation Authorizations Suspended

Alongside the new sanctions, OFAC suspended three previously issued authorizations related to aviation operations involving Iran. The authorizations had permitted, under certain circumstances, the use of Iranian airspace and the operation of US-origin or US-controlled commercial aircraft in Iran by non-US airlines. US authorities said aviation safety-related matters would continue to be considered separately on a case-by-case basis.

Warning to Financial Institutions

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) also issued a separate alert to financial institutions. The agency urged banks and other financial institutions to increase scrutiny of suspicious transactions linked to Iran’s efforts to procure commercial aircraft and aircraft parts.

The Treasury Department alleges that Iran has used intermediaries and front companies across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia to obtain aircraft, aviation components and dual-use technologies while concealing their ultimate destination.

Part of ‘Operation Economic Outcast’

The latest sanctions are part of the United States’ “Operation Economic Outcast,” an initiative announced in August aimed at increasing pressure on financial networks and revenue streams linked to the Iranian government.

The Treasury Department said assets and interests belonging to sanctioned individuals and entities that fall under US jurisdiction will be blocked. US citizens and companies are generally prohibited from engaging in financial or commercial transactions with those designated.

Foreign companies and financial institutions could also face the risk of US sanctions for engaging in significant transactions with sanctioned individuals or entities. US authorities said the latest measures are intended to further isolate Iran’s aviation sector from the international financial system.

Shibbir Ahmed, UN, New York: The United Nations has called for the establishment of a strong and independent national institution to oversee the activities of Bangladesh’s security and law enforcement agencies. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk made the remarks on Monday, September 7, during the 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, while addressing global human rights issues and developments in Bangladesh.

Türk reiterated the UN’s call for effective and independent oversight of law enforcement agencies in Bangladesh. He stressed the importance of ensuring accountability and providing mechanisms for independent investigations into allegations of human rights violations involving security and law enforcement personnel.

Recommendations Following the July-August 2024 Events

The UN’s latest remarks follow its fact-finding report on the human rights situation surrounding the July-August 2024 protests in Bangladesh. The UN Human Rights Office published its fact-finding report on February 12, 2025, containing a series of recommendations concerning accountability, institutional reform, independent investigations and civilian oversight.

The recommendations also called for strengthening the independence and effectiveness of Bangladesh’s National Human Rights Commission, including ensuring that it has the necessary authority and capacity to investigate allegations of human rights violations involving security forces.

Oversight, Not Direct UN Control

The UN’s call does not mean that the United Nations is seeking to directly control or supervise Bangladesh’s security forces. Rather, the recommendation calls for Bangladesh to establish an independent and effective national oversight mechanism capable of monitoring security and law enforcement agencies and independently investigating allegations of human rights abuses. The latest statement by the UN human rights chief is part of the organization’s continuing call for stronger accountability, institutional reform and human rights protections in Bangladesh.