DUBAI — Iran is reviewing Washington’s response to its proposal to reopen the strategically important Strait of Hormuz and says it will communicate its position through intermediaries once the review is complete, as stalled negotiations and escalating Middle East tensions continue to threaten global energy security. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Monday that Tehran was still examining the US response and remained in contact with Washington through intermediaries. His remarks indicate that diplomatic channels remain open, although major disagreements over the conditions for reopening the waterway and resuming negotiations have yet to be resolved.

The diplomatic impasse comes as oil prices remain elevated amid attacks on shipping and Saudi infrastructure. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy transit routes, connecting the Persian Gulf with international markets through the Gulf of Oman.

Iran submitted its proposal in mid-September as part of efforts to end the conflict and restore maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Baghaei said Tehran would send its response to Washington through intermediaries after completing its review. He did not provide a specific timeline for the decision.

Iran’s security leadership has argued that Washington’s response does not adequately address seven conditions Tehran has outlined for reopening the waterway and returning to negotiations.

A central disagreement concerns the order in which the two sides should address outstanding issues. Washington wants Iran’s nuclear programme included at the beginning of negotiations, while Tehran argues that reopening the strait and restoring maritime security should take priority. The disagreement has complicated diplomatic efforts despite continued exchanges of messages between the two sides.

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow maritime passage linking the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Before the current conflict, approximately one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas trade passed through the waterway.

Its importance extends well beyond the Middle East. Major energy-importing economies in Asia, as well as markets in Europe, depend on uninterrupted shipments of oil and natural gas from Gulf producers. Disruptions to the route can increase shipping costs, delay deliveries and create uncertainty for refiners, energy companies and governments planning fuel supplies.

The continuing confrontation has already affected maritime traffic and energy exports. Even a partial recovery in shipping would depend on vessels being able to transit the strait safely and consistently.

Energy markets have reacted to the latest developments in the Middle East, including attacks on Saudi Arabia and incidents involving commercial shipping. Brent crude futures rose to $106.76 a barrel on October 11, while US West Texas Intermediate crude reached $93.69, according to Reuters. Prices were supported by concerns about the security of Gulf energy infrastructure and maritime routes.

Higher oil prices can increase transportation and manufacturing costs, place pressure on household fuel bills and complicate efforts by central banks to control inflation. However, prices also depend on factors beyond the Strait of Hormuz, including global demand, available inventories, production decisions and developments in other oil-producing regions. The longer maritime uncertainty persists, the more difficult it becomes for energy markets to assess the reliability of supplies from the Gulf.

Qatar and Pakistan are among the countries involved in efforts to facilitate communication between Washington and Tehran. Their diplomatic role reflects wider regional concerns about the economic and security consequences of a prolonged confrontation. A negotiated arrangement could potentially restore maritime traffic while creating a framework for addressing other outstanding disputes.

The negotiations nevertheless face substantial obstacles. The United States and Iran disagree on the sequencing of discussions, the conditions for reopening the waterway and the broader issues that should be included in a settlement. Neither side has publicly confirmed a final agreement to resolve the current impasse.

The Hormuz negotiations are unfolding alongside a separate escalation involving Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement. Recent attacks on Riyadh have disrupted aviation and heightened concerns about the security of civilian infrastructure. Saudi Arabia has been considering its military response, while Washington has weighed whether to become more directly involved in operations against the Houthis.

The overlapping crises are increasing pressure on regional governments to strengthen defenses and prevent further disruption to international trade. Although the Houthi conflict and the US-Iran negotiations are distinct issues, both affect regional stability and the security of important maritime routes. Iran has reiterated that dialogue should be used to resolve the dispute involving Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, while continuing to review Washington’s response to its Hormuz proposal.

The immediate question is whether Iran will formally respond to the US proposal and whether that response can restart substantive negotiations. A breakthrough could help restore confidence in maritime transport and reduce some of the uncertainty affecting oil markets. Failure to reach an understanding could prolong disruptions and increase pressure on governments, shipping companies and energy producers.

Even if an agreement on reopening the strait emerges, a lasting resolution would depend on implementation, reliable maritime security arrangements and progress on the wider issues dividing Washington and Tehran.

For now, Iran says its review is continuing, and no final agreement has been announced. The outcome of the negotiations could have significant consequences for Middle East security, international shipping and the stability of global energy supplies.

Shibbir Ahmed, Washington DC — US President Donald Trump is weighing whether the United States should join Saudi Arabia in military strikes against Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement, as a series of missile and drone attacks on Saudi territory intensifies concerns about a wider Middle East conflict.

Trump said on Saturday, October 10, that Washington was evaluating whether to participate in Saudi strikes against the Houthis following attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and other Saudi targets. As of Monday, no US decision to launch direct strikes against the group had been confirmed in the reporting available.

The escalating confrontation presents a growing challenge for Washington and Riyadh, which are seeking to counter Houthi military advances near the strategically important Red Sea shipping corridor while protecting Saudi airports, military facilities and energy infrastructure.

Trump’s comments followed renewed Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, including a deadly strike targeting Riyadh’s airport complex. Asked whether the United States might join Saudi military operations, Trump said Washington would consider the possibility and make a decision after reviewing the latest developments. The administration’s next steps could have significant implications for the conflict. Direct American strikes would expand Washington’s military role in Yemen at a time when the United States is already involved in a broader confrontation with Iran.

For now, the distinction between considering military intervention and authorizing an attack remains important. No confirmed announcement of new US strikes against the Houthis had emerged in the reporting reviewed for this article.

Saudi Arabia has faced an intensifying campaign of missile and drone attacks attributed to the Houthis, who have claimed responsibility for strikes against Saudi airports and other infrastructure. The attacks have disrupted aviation operations and heightened concerns about the vulnerability of critical civilian facilities. A deadly strike on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport has prompted Saudi authorities to investigate how the country’s air-defense systems failed to prevent the attack.

Saudi Arabia has also conducted airstrikes against Houthi positions in Yemen, including reported operations in al-Jawf province. Despite the Saudi-led campaign, the Houthis have continued to threaten Saudi infrastructure. The repeated attacks have increased pressure on the Saudi government to strengthen its defenses and seek additional military support from its international partners.

The conflict is closely linked to the struggle for control and security along Yemen’s Red Sea coastline, particularly near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The narrow waterway connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and serves as an important passage for international shipping, including commercial goods and energy supplies moving between Europe and Asia.

Saudi Arabia has supported Yemeni government-aligned forces seeking to reverse recent Houthi advances near the shipping corridor. The Saudi-led coalition has provided air support as its partners attempt to regain territory. However, military gains have been uneven, and the Houthis continue to pose a threat to shipping and regional infrastructure. A broader confrontation could increase risks for commercial vessels, raise shipping and insurance costs, and place additional pressure on global energy markets.

Saudi Arabia’s renewed involvement in Yemen’s civil war reflects concerns that Houthi advances could strengthen the group’s ability to threaten the kingdom and important regional trade routes. Riyadh must balance the need to protect its territory against the risks of a prolonged military campaign. Continued airstrikes could weaken Houthi capabilities, but they may also provoke additional retaliation against airports, oil facilities and other strategic targets.

The Associated Press has reported that Saudi authorities are examining the failure of air defenses to stop the deadly attack on Riyadh airport. The incident has intensified questions about the kingdom’s ability to defend its infrastructure against coordinated missile and drone attacks. The possibility of expanded American assistance has therefore become an important issue for Saudi security planners.

Amid the escalation, Iran has offered to facilitate dialogue between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday that Tehran remained willing to help facilitate discussions between the parties. The offer presents a potential diplomatic avenue even as the conflict intensifies. Iran has longstanding ties with the Houthi movement, while Saudi Arabia views the group’s military activities as a direct security threat. Whether Tehran can help produce a meaningful reduction in violence remains uncertain. No agreement to halt the attacks was confirmed in the reporting available on Monday.

The United Arab Emirates has called for renewed cooperation among Gulf countries on regional security and defense following the attacks on Saudi Arabia. UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash warned that attacks against the kingdom threaten the security of the wider Gulf region.

The appeal reflects concerns that individual countries may struggle to counter increasingly sophisticated missile and drone threats without closer regional coordination. Saudi Arabia and the UAE have previously cooperated in Yemen, although they have also supported different factions within the broader anti-Houthi coalition. If Washington authorizes direct strikes against the Houthis, the decision could reshape the military and diplomatic dynamics of the conflict. Potential consequences include

American involvement could increase pressure on Houthi forces but also trigger retaliation against US or allied interests. Further escalation could endanger vessels operating near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and surrounding waters. Continued attacks on Saudi facilities could affect confidence in regional energy security. Regional governments may face increased pressure to negotiate a halt to attacks before the conflict expands further.

The actual consequences would depend on the scope of any US operation, the response from the Houthis and Iran, and whether diplomatic channels remain open. The immediate focus is on whether Trump authorizes direct US military action, whether Saudi Arabia can improve its defenses against incoming attacks, and whether Iran’s offer to mediate leads to substantive negotiations.

Saudi Arabia faces continued security threats, while the United States must weigh the potential benefits of military intervention against the possibility of a broader and more difficult conflict.

For now, Washington’s position remains under consideration rather than a confirmed decision to launch strikes. The coming days could prove significant for regional security, the future of Yemen’s conflict and the safety of one of the world’s most important maritime trade corridors.

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — A series of deadly attacks attributed to Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement has intensified security concerns across the Middle East, prompting Saudi Arabia to reinforce its response, suspend operations at its main airport in Riyadh, and assess the risk of a wider regional conflict.

Saudi Arabia faced renewed missile and drone threats on Monday, October 12, following attacks on King Khalid International Airport that killed civilians and disrupted air travel. The escalation comes amid the broader conflict involving the United States and Iran, raising concerns about the security of Gulf states, international aviation, and critical energy and shipping routes.

Saudi authorities reported that an attack on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport on Sunday killed one person and injured 11 others. The victim was identified as a Pakistani national. The incident followed a deadly strike on Saturday that killed 12 people and injured more than 300, according to reporting by international news organizations. An Indian national subsequently died from injuries sustained in Saturday’s attack, bringing the reported death toll from that incident to 13.

The attacks targeted the airport complex serving domestic passengers, raising serious concerns about civilian safety and the vulnerability of critical transportation infrastructure. The Houthis claimed responsibility for the strikes, according to Reuters and other media reports.

Saudi authorities extended the suspension of operations at Riyadh’s international airport as officials assessed damage and reviewed security arrangements. The disruption has affected airlines operating between Saudi Arabia and destinations in Europe and Asia. Aviation analytics firm Cirium estimated that approximately 60% of scheduled flights across Saudi Arabia could be cancelled on Monday, while cancellations at Riyadh airport were particularly severe.

The US Federal Aviation Administration also advised American airlines to exercise caution when flying to or over Saudi Arabia. Several international carriers suspended or adjusted services, reflecting the growing operational risks associated with the attacks.

The repeated attacks have increased pressure on the Saudi government to strengthen its defenses and respond to the Houthi campaign. Saudi-led coalition forces have reported renewed missile and drone activity, while Saudi forces have intensified strikes against Houthi positions in Yemen. However, the effectiveness of further military action remains uncertain, and continued exchanges could increase the danger to civilians on both sides.

The Associated Press reported that Saudi Arabia has opened an investigation into how its air defenses failed to prevent the deadly airport attack. The incident has raised questions about the ability of existing defense systems to protect major civilian facilities against coordinated drone and missile strikes.

Turkey, Pakistan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia condemned the attacks in a joint statement, describing them as a dangerous escalation and calling for an immediate halt to the strikes. The four countries expressed support for Saudi Arabia’s efforts to counter the threats and prevent further attacks. Their response reflects concern that continued violence could threaten regional stability and international peace and security.

The United Arab Emirates has also called for stronger cooperation among Gulf states on security and defense. UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash warned that attacks against Saudi Arabia undermine the security of the wider Gulf region.

Despite Iran’s longstanding support for the Houthi movement, Tehran has offered to help facilitate dialogue between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Monday that Tehran was prepared to assist efforts to bring the parties into talks. Whether this offer can lead to a meaningful reduction in violence remains unclear.

The diplomatic development comes as Saudi Arabia confronts renewed attacks and considers its military options. The situation presents a difficult challenge for regional governments seeking to protect critical infrastructure without triggering a broader confrontation.

The conflict also threatens important international trade routes. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait, near Yemen’s coastline, is a strategic passage linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the wider Indian Ocean. Any disruption to shipping through the strait could affect the movement of oil, fuel and other commercial goods. The attacks have also raised concerns about Saudi energy infrastructure, a particularly significant issue for one of the world’s largest oil-producing countries.

A wider conflict involving additional regional or international forces could compound existing pressures on energy markets and maritime commerce. However, the scale of any future disruption will depend on developments on the ground and whether the attacks continue.

US President Donald Trump has said Washington is considering joining Saudi Arabia in strikes against the Houthis. As of Monday’s reporting, there was no confirmed announcement that the United States had begun direct military operations against the group in response to the latest airport attacks. Any American intervention could significantly change the conflict’s trajectory. It could increase military pressure on the Houthis, but it could also prompt further retaliation against Saudi infrastructure or international shipping. The possibility of a wider confrontation involving Saudi Arabia, the Houthis, Iran and the United States remains a major concern for regional security officials.

The attacks on Riyadh’s airport represent a serious escalation because they have caused substantial civilian casualties, disrupted international aviation and increased pressure for a military response. Saudi Arabia now faces the challenge of protecting its population and infrastructure while avoiding a conflict that could spread across the region. Diplomatic efforts, including Iran’s offer to mediate, may provide an avenue for de-escalation, but no agreement to halt the attacks has been confirmed in the reporting cited here. The central question is whether regional governments can contain the confrontation before further strikes or outside military intervention turn it into a broader Middle East war.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York — United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Tuesday called for an end to the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran, urging all parties to step back from confrontation and return to diplomatic negotiations as the crisis continues to disrupt vital trade routes across the Middle East.

Speaking at a joint press appearance in Islamabad with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Guterres issued a direct appeal to the parties involved in the conflict.

“End the conflict. Return to diplomacy,” Guterres said, calling at the same time for the full restoration of navigational rights and freedoms in accordance with international law.

His remarks came at the beginning of a two-day official visit to Pakistan, where the UN chief is expected to discuss regional security, diplomacy, humanitarian issues and climate change.

The current crisis began in late February following joint U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran. Tehran responded with attacks against targets in Gulf countries and Jordan and moved to restrict transit through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important maritime passages.

The waterway is a major route for international shipments of crude oil, liquefied natural gas and other commodities. Disruptions in the strait have created significant uncertainty for global shipping and energy markets.

Guterres said hundreds of ships and their crews have been stuck at sea for months as a result of the continuing crisis. The disruption has raised concerns well beyond the region, with the security of international shipping and the uninterrupted movement of energy supplies becoming central issues in the conflict.

The conflict has also contributed to fighting along Yemen’s Red Sea coast. Iran-backed Houthi forces are engaged in fighting with Yemeni government troops supported by Saudi Arabia over control of the strategically important Bab al-Mandab Strait. The waterway is a critical maritime passage linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the wider international shipping network. The developments have added another layer to an already complex regional crisis, with several strategic waterways now affected by military tensions.

Guterres used his visit to Pakistan to recognize Islamabad’s efforts to facilitate dialogue between Washington and Tehran. He praised Pakistan’s role in helping establish conditions for negotiations and pointed specifically to the June 17 Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, the subsequent ceasefire and the framework created for further talks.

The UN secretary-general described Pakistan’s role as significant and said the country’s efforts demonstrated the importance of mediation and diplomacy at a time of increasing international division.

“Every Pakistani should be proud of that pivotal role,” Guterres said. He also praised Pakistan as a country that has continued to support multilateral diplomacy and international cooperation.

Guterres also addressed the broader Middle East crisis, saying lasting peace in the region cannot be achieved without addressing the political rights of the Palestinian people. He said the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination remains an important element of any long-term regional peace effort.

The UN chief expressed hope that the Middle East could move toward greater peace and prosperity through dialogue and cooperation. His comments come as the region continues to face overlapping conflicts and humanitarian challenges.

During his remarks, Guterres also highlighted Pakistan’s longstanding contribution to United Nations peacekeeping. He paid tribute to more than 180 Pakistani peacekeepers who have died while serving in UN missions around the world. Guterres also referred to a recent Security Council resolution led by Pakistan and Denmark that strengthens accountability for crimes against UN peacekeepers.

According to the secretary-general, the resolution received support from 153 countries, making it the most widely co-sponsored Security Council resolution in the organization’s history. He also acknowledged the heavy toll of terrorist attacks on Pakistan and expressed solidarity with those affected.

Pakistan’s role in hosting millions of Afghans displaced by conflict and instability was another issue raised during the visit. Guterres said the United Nations would continue working with Pakistan to ensure that the return of Afghan refugees is voluntary, safe and dignified.

The issue remains sensitive as Pakistan manages the long-term humanitarian and security consequences of decades of conflict in neighboring Afghanistan.

Guterres also used his visit to highlight Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change. Recalling his previous visit to the country during the devastating 2022 floods, he said Pakistan remains on the front lines of climate-related disasters despite contributing only a small share of global greenhouse-gas emissions.

He praised Pakistan’s involvement in establishing the Loss and Damage Fund and highlighted the country’s efforts to expand clean energy. The UN chief again urged developed countries to take the lead in significantly reducing global emissions during the current decade.

Guterres’ appeal comes as the United States-Iran conflict continues to create security and economic risks across the Middle East. The disruption of major maritime routes, the expansion of fighting into neighboring areas and the potential impact on global energy and trade have increased pressure for a diplomatic solution. From Islamabad, the UN secretary-general made clear that his preferred path forward is negotiation rather than further escalation.

“End the conflict. Return to diplomacy,” he said.

For Pakistan, meanwhile, the visit provides an opportunity to reinforce its role as a diplomatic channel between major powers while emphasizing its broader concerns over regional stability, humanitarian protection and climate security.

TOKYO — The United States and Japan have extended their bilateral science and technology cooperation agreement indefinitely, reinforcing their long-term partnership in research, development and emerging technologies. The two countries signed a protocol in Tokyo on October 2 to extend and amend the U.S.-Japan Agreement on Cooperation in Research and Development in Science and Technology, commonly known as the U.S.-Japan Science and Technology Agreement.

Michael Kratsios, Assistant to the President and Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, signed the protocol on behalf of the United States. Japan was represented by Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi. First signed in 1988, the agreement provides a legally binding framework for scientific cooperation between the two governments. Over the decades, it has helped establish extensive links between American and Japanese scientific communities.

The new protocol extends the agreement indefinitely and updates its framework to support continued cooperation in science and technology, with particular attention to critical and emerging technologies. The United States said the extension reflects the longstanding cooperation between the two countries and is intended to help sustain and strengthen collaboration that can benefit people in both nations.

The agreement also aims to support what the two governments describe as a secure and trusted innovation ecosystem while promoting continued research and development cooperation. The indefinite extension underscores Washington and Tokyo’s intention to maintain science and technology cooperation as a long-term component of their broader bilateral relationship.

ROME — Italy and the United States co-chaired a meeting of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS/Daesh in Rome on October 1, bringing together political directors and senior diplomatic officials to discuss counterterrorism efforts in Iraq and Syria. Coalition partners congratulated Iraq and Syria on what they described as progress in degrading ISIS/Daesh and reaffirmed their commitment to preventing the group from rebuilding its capabilities.

The meeting came as the mandate of Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) in Iraq has ended. Coalition participants described the conclusion of the mission’s mandate as reflecting the combined efforts of coalition members and the Iraqi government’s commitment to preventing an ISIS resurgence.

In Syria, coalition members welcomed what they described as cooperation from authorities in Damascus in confronting the ISIS threat. Participants said lasting security in both Iraq and Syria would depend on strengthening inclusive and sovereign state institutions capable of representing and protecting all communities.

The coalition also reaffirmed its role in supporting stability in Iraq and Syria. Participants said international assistance should focus on strengthening the two countries’ capacity to conduct counterterrorism operations while addressing grievances and divisions that ISIS has historically exploited.

Coalition members expressed readiness to work with the Iraqi and Syrian governments on those priorities. They also announced commitments totaling more than $75 million to support counterterrorism needs in Syria, increase detention capacity, maintain health and sanitation services, and assist displaced and detained populations in both countries.

The Syrian government outlined its key counterterrorism priorities and areas where it needs international assistance, while Iraq reaffirmed its continuing leadership role in efforts to defeat ISIS/Daesh.

The meeting reflects the coalition’s continuing emphasis on counterterrorism cooperation and partner capacity-building beyond major battlefield operations. The United States has previously described the Global Coalition’s work as extending beyond military operations to areas including counterterrorism financing, foreign terrorist fighters, stabilization and preventing the resurgence of ISIS.

Shibbir Ahmed, Washington DC  — The United States and dozens of partner countries have reaffirmed their commitment to implementing United Nations restrictions on Iran, one year after a series of UN Security Council resolutions were restored through the so-called “snapback” mechanism. In a joint statement issued October 2, the countries participating in the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) said they would continue implementing the obligations contained in six UN Security Council resolutions that returned into force on September 27, 2025.

The resolutions are UNSCR 1696 (2006), 1737 (2006), 1747 (2007), 1803 (2008), 1835 (2008) and 1929 (2010). According to the statement, France, Germany and the United Kingdom initiated the snapback process in response to what they described as Iran’s “persistent and significant non-performance” of its nuclear commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

The United States and its PSI partners said they remain committed to preventing the supply, sale or transfer to Iran of materials, equipment, goods and technology that could contribute to proliferation-sensitive nuclear activities or the development of nuclear-weapons delivery systems. They also reaffirmed restrictions on the supply, sale or transfer of arms and related materiel to or from Iran.

The participating countries said they would strengthen their domestic legal authorities and capabilities to address proliferation-sensitive activities involving Iran. Their commitments include preventing direct or indirect transfers of items that could contribute to weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), as well as materials covered by the reinstated UN arms restrictions.

The countries also pledged to improve information-sharing among PSI partners concerning Iran’s proliferation activities and to review national legal authorities where necessary to ensure that enforcement measures remain effective. They further committed to taking appropriate actions in support of interdiction efforts involving Iran’s proliferation-related activities. The joint statement welcomed national-level efforts to implement the reinstated UN obligations and cited activities linked to Operation Economic Outcast as supporting the broader objective of preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

The participating states called on all UN member countries to implement the reinstated resolutions and said they would continue coordinating counterproliferation efforts to prevent Iran from undertaking activities prohibited under the resolutions, including efforts related to its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. They also urged Tehran to return to compliance with its nonproliferation obligations, cooperate fully with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and address what the signatories described as international concerns over Iran’s nuclear activities.

The snapback process began in August 2025, when France, Germany and the United Kingdom notified the UN Security Council that they considered Iran to be in significant non-performance of its JCPOA commitments. The process culminated on September 27, 2025, when the six earlier Security Council resolutions returned into force.

The status and legality of the snapback have been disputed by Iran, which has argued that the mechanism was invalid and that the states invoking it lacked the authority to restore the earlier resolutions. The dispute has remained part of the broader international debate over the future of the JCPOA and Iran’s nuclear program. The October 2 statement was signed by a broad group of PSI-endorsing countries, including the United States, Canada, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, Israel, South Korea and numerous European and other partner states.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York — The United Nations has called on the United States to take further steps to address the long-term health, environmental and human rights consequences of its nuclear weapons testing program in the Marshall Islands. A report presented to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Thursday said Washington should provide additional healthcare support to people affected by the tests and release classified records related to the nuclear testing program. The report said the consequences of the tests continue to affect Marshallese communities decades after the testing ended.

The United States conducted 67 nuclear weapons tests in the Marshall Islands between 1946 and 1958. One of the most powerful tests, known as Castle Bravo, was carried out at Bikini Atoll in 1954.

According to the UN human rights office, the human cost of the testing program has been severe and long-lasting. The report pointed to continuing health problems, displacement from contaminated areas and social stigma faced by people exposed to radiation.

UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Awa Dabo told the Human Rights Council that the consequences of the nuclear testing program remain a continuing issue for the Marshallese people.

The UN report called for effective remedies, including healthcare and access to information concerning the nuclear legacy. Marshall Islands representatives have also urged the international community to help address unresolved claims and the continuing effects of nuclear contamination.

The Marshall Islands has repeatedly raised concerns over the long-term consequences of the U.S. testing program, including damage to communities, traditional lands and public health. A previous UN human rights report also documented barriers to the full realization of the rights of people affected by the nuclear legacy.

Washington, however, has previously maintained that it has fulfilled its responsibilities under agreements with the Marshall Islands. The U.S. government has said the 1986 Compact of Free Association and related agreements constituted a full settlement of claims arising from the nuclear testing program. It has also said that more than $600 million has been provided to affected communities and that various health, environmental and other assistance programs remain in place.

The latest UN call comes as the Marshall Islands continues to seek greater international attention to the health, environmental and human rights consequences of the nuclear tests. The dispute over how much remains to be done reflects a longstanding difference between Washington’s position that its obligations have been addressed and calls from Marshallese representatives and UN human rights officials for additional measures.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordered Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his delegation to leave New York earlier than scheduled, according to two U.S. officials familiar with the matter, adding a new dimension to ongoing diplomatic tensions between Washington and Tehran. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian left New York last week after delivering his address to the United Nations General Assembly. Araghchi, however, remained in the city as efforts continued toward indirect discussions with the United States on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, ending the ongoing conflict and restarting negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program.

According to U.S. officials, weekend meetings involving Iranian and Qatari mediators produced little progress. Rubio subsequently instructed the Iranian delegation on Monday to leave New York immediately. One U.S. official said the delegation had remained in the country after the high-level UN meetings had ended and was no longer expected to stay. Araghchi and members of his delegation left New York early Tuesday and were expected to travel back to Iran via Doha, Qatar.

Iran, however, rejected the U.S. account. Iran’s permanent mission to the United Nations said the delegation had not been ordered to leave or expelled from the United States. The mission said its departure schedule had been arranged in advance and had been communicated to the U.S. State Department on September 17.

The Iranian mission also accused Washington of spreading what it described as “baseless” reports following the lack of progress in the negotiations. The conflicting accounts have highlighted the differences between Washington and Tehran over the circumstances surrounding the delegation’s departure.

Indirect discussions between the United States and Iran have continued with Qatar playing a mediating role. Key issues remain unresolved, including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions, frozen Iranian assets, the ongoing conflict and Iran’s nuclear program.

The departure of the Iranian delegation comes as diplomatic contacts between Washington and Tehran continue, but the two sides have yet to reach an agreement aimed at resolving the broader conflict and their longstanding disputes.

Shibbir Ahmed, Washington, DC — The Trump administration announced a new visa restriction policy Monday aimed at pressuring foreign officials to help resolve international parental child abduction cases involving children taken across international borders.

The policy targets foreign government officials, judges, judicial administrators, law enforcement officials and others who are determined to be responsible for, or complicit in, intentionally obstructing the prompt resolution of international parental child abduction cases.

Under the new policy, the United States may restrict visa issuance to individuals who intentionally fail to implement or comply with laws, policies or court orders intended to resolve such cases and facilitate the return of children to their country of habitual residence. The restrictions may also apply to the immediate family members of targeted individuals. The State Department said the policy provides the department with an additional accountability tool to encourage countries to meet their obligations and cooperate in resolving cases.

“The Department proactively works to prevent abductions and facilitate the quick and safe return of abducted children to their country of habitual residence,” the department said in its announcement.

The administration said the policy is intended to strengthen U.S. efforts to protect American children abducted across international borders and reunite them with their parents. The State Department also said the measures are intended to promote accountability when countries fail to meet their obligations under international law. The new visa restrictions are being implemented pursuant to Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

The department emphasized that the United States remains committed to protecting the safety and well-being of American children involved in international parental child abduction cases.