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Middle East tensions: Iran urges US MoU return as Netanyahu defends Gaza war at UN

Saudi, Pakistan and Turkey discuss defence pact and condemn attacks on Mecca

Last updated: September 25, 2026 | 07:17

Surabhi Vasundharadevi, Social Media Reporter ; Jay Hilotin, Senior Assistant Editor and Lekshmy Pavithran, Assistant Online Editor

Donald TrumpIranIran Israel conflictUS-Israel-Iran war

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NYPD and Secret Service officers outside the United Nations watch Pro Palestinian protesters demonstrating against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the war in Gaza, and Iran, on September 24, 2026, in New York City.

AFP

The Middle East saw fresh diplomatic and security developments, with Iran urging the US to return to the MoU by early November and setting a four-to-five-day deadline over conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The UAE also suspended flights by Iranian airlines to and from the country until further notice. At UN, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a combative speech that prompted dozens of diplomats to walk out, while Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas warned that Israel’s policies threaten the future of Palestinians. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan agreed to prepare an emergency military meeting following Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, as Saudi air defences intercepted six ballistic missiles. Follow our live coverage for the latest updates.

Highlights

05:40 AM, 25 September 2026

Pezeshkian wants US to revive Iran deal 'before midterms'

Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian has said that Tehran wanted the US to return to the June memorandum of understanding before the November midterm elections. Dr Pezeshkian told NBC News and other media organisations in New York gathered for the UN General Assembly late on Thursday (Sept. 24): “We wish Americans to return to the MOU before the midterms”... “We don’t want it to get to the midterm elections."

03:02 AM, 25 September 2026

UK confronts Iran over Hormuz, citizens, Saudi Arabia

British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband pressed Iran over the Strait of Hormuz, threats linked to Iranian groups in Britain and the detention of British nationals during talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in New York on Thursday.

The meeting came as the strategic waterway remains at the centre of the wider US-Iran conflict and as Tehran has set conditions for reopening the strait. Iranian officials have said the waterway could reopen if Washington meets its demands, while senior security officials have warned the US has only four to five days to respond.

Miliband made clear that Britain supports freedom of navigation through Hormuz and wants a diplomatic solution to the conflict. He also reaffirmed London's support for Saudi Arabia, a key British ally that has come under attack from Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen.

02:51 AM, 25 September 2026

Kuwait, Bahrain condemn Iran-backed Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia

Kuwait and Bahrain on Thursday condemned missile attacks by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels targeting Saudi Arabia. Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry described the strikes as “hostile aggressions” against Saudi Arabia in a statement posted on X.

Bahrain’s Foreign Ministry said Saudi Arabia’s security and stability were “an integral part of Bahrain’s national security.” The Saudi-led coalition said its forces intercepted six ballistic missiles launched toward the Saudi cities of Taif and Yanbu, a Red Sea port.

The attacks came amid heightened regional tensions linked to the wider US-Iran conflict.

02:09 AM, 25 September 2026

Jordan condemns Iran’s attacks in talks with Tehran’s Araghchi

Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi condemned Iran’s attacks on Jordan and Gulf Arab states during a meeting with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi in New York on Thursday.

Safadi called for an immediate end to the attacks and said Jordan would continue taking all necessary measures to protect its territory, sovereignty and citizens, state news agency Petra reported.

The two ministers also discussed efforts to reach a sustainable US-Iran ceasefire. Safadi stressed the need to restore freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and pursue diplomacy to end regional escalation.

12:02 AM, 25 September 2026

US Senate narrowly rejects bid to halt Trump’s Iran war

Despite rising political anxiety over the Iran war, senators on Thursday narrowly rejected a war powers resolution seeking to halt President Donald Trump 's military action, which has been largely blamed for the spike in gas prices and become a flashpoint in the midterm election.

The Senate tally, 49-50, coming days after Trump's bombastic address to the United Nations in which he threatened to "annihilate" Iran, was likely the last chance for lawmakers to go on record about the war ahead of November. More Republicans are peeling way from the president as the war drags on, a rare slap back to Trump, as they campaign for control of Congress. The Senate outcome fell short, with four GOP senators joining most Democrats in favor of the resolution.

"They have been carrying water for this ridiculous and illegal war for months and months and months and not listening to their constituents," said Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., who pushed the war powers resolution forward.

12:00 AM, 25 September 2026