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Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said on September 19 that Iran had conveyed seven conditions to the United States through Qatar for the resumption of negotiations, in an effort to find a diplomatic solution to months of escalating tensions.

Although Tehran has not publicly disclosed all seven conditions, Rezaei said Iran’s key demands include a comprehensive ceasefire on all fronts, the unfreezing of Iranian assets, and the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade of Iran. The message has been relayed to Washington by Qatar, and Tehran is now waiting for a response from U.S. President Donald Trump.

Rezaei stressed that if the United States wants to overcome the current crisis, it must recognize Iran’s rights and accept the conditions. He said that after the collapse of the “Islamabad Memorandum,” which was signed in June but expired in August, Iran and the United States have continued indirect contacts through mediators including Qatar and Pakistan.

Some Iranian sources also said that Washington had signaled to mediating countries that it was willing to resume negotiations and reach an agreement, provided that the United States ends hostile actions, lifts the blockade and allows Iran to resume oil exports. Under those circumstances, talks on Iran’s nuclear program and sanctions relief could potentially resume.

Despite signaling a willingness to negotiate, Iran is maintaining a tough stance. Rezaei said Iran was prepared for any escalation of the conflict, with its military deployments focused on U.S. naval forces in the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea.

He warned that if Iran were attacked again, its retaliation would extend to U.S. military bases as well as American commercial interests and companies in the Middle East. At the same time, he stressed that Tehran’s overall strategic goal remains to end the war as quickly as possible, adding that future developments will depend on whether Washington accepts Iran’s proposed conditions.

The United States, Denmark, and Greenland Reach Agreement on Expanding U.S. Military Deployment in Greenland

According to Reuters, the U.S., Denmark, and Greenland announced an agreement on the evening of the 18th to expand the U.S. military deployment in Greenland. The agreement prohibits any country other than the United States from establishing bases in the region. Furthermore, according to Fox News, the agreement will completely ban countries other than the U.S. from investing in and purchasing Greenland's rare earth minerals.

President Trump posted on his social media platform stating that the U.S. had reached an agreement with Denmark, granting the U.S. permanent control over Greenland's security and other needs. However, the Danish Foreign Minister and the Prime Minister of Greenland subsequently posted that any agreement reached with the United States would not compromise Greenland's sovereignty.

Specific details of the agreement, however, including the scale of the U.S. military deployment in Greenland and the extent of other related control rights, have not been disclosed. Reuters reports that the agreement is expected to be signed during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Both Denmark and Greenland hope to end the uncertainty triggered by Trump's threats to take control of Greenland over the past few months.

U.S. officials revealed that Trump has long desired to acquire Greenland. One of the reasons is the concern that if Greenland were to declare independence from Denmark, the U.S. military deployment there could be compromised. The U.S. military signed a treaty with Denmark in 1951 that allowed it to maintain a military presence in Greenland. Rich in rare earth elements, crude oil, and various minerals, coupled with its strategic geographical location along the Arctic shipping route, Greenland has long faced expansion and potential threats from Russia and China.

The Washington Post analyzed that the framework of this agreement is a three-way compromise. On one hand, President Trump can claim a victory ahead of the U.S. midterm elections. At the same time, Denmark, Greenland, and Europe can alleviate concerns that Trump's push for control over Greenland could deteriorate bilateral relations. Meanwhile, the U.S. can also use this agreement to guard against military expansion by China and Russia.

As the US-Canada trade war escalates, Canada is looking to deepen its ties with Europe. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen publicly invited Canada to become an 'associate member' of the European Union. However, US President Donald Trump issued a warning against the move, stressing that severe tariffs would be imposed on Europe if this was deemed a hostile act.

Von der Leyen highlighted potential areas of cooperation, including manufacturing, technology, defense, energy policy, and economic security, emphasizing that the initiative is not aimed at 'opposing anyone, but for our shared strength.' The European Commission also stressed that the proposal is not an act of hostility and is not yet finalized, as it requires the approval of EU member states to take effect.

For Mark Carney, with Trump continuing to levy tariffs on Canada and threatening its sovereignty, the EU's invitation is timely and symbolic. Carney hopes to secure greater access to markets, capital, and programs, as well as find enthusiastic partners, without formally joining the EU.

Although institutional details remain to be worked out, this underscores how the two traditional US allies are now seeking a more stable future through closer ties.

On the 16th, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 262 to 159 to pass the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. Having previously passed the Senate, the bill will be formally sent to President Donald Trump for his signature. The legislation aims to cut off Moscow's energy revenue stream to curtail Russia's military campaign in Ukraine, while also incorporating provisions such as a five-year extension of the Iran Sanctions Act.

The bill grants the executive branch sweeping authority over tariffs and secondary sanctions. These include hiking tariffs on Russian imports up to a maximum rate of 500%, as well as authorizing the President to impose secondary tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian energy or nations assisting in sanctions evasion. It also establishes a dynamic evaluation and adjustment mechanism reviewed every 180 days: if a country's purchases of Russian energy account for less than 15% of total Russian exports and it demonstrates significant reduction efforts, secondary tariffs may be adjusted accordingly.

According to data compiled by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), the top five export destinations by revenue in August 2026 were China, India, Turkey, the European Union, and Egypt. China and India have each made their positions clear and issued warnings. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that economic and trade cooperation is built on equality and mutual benefit and should not be subject to interference or coercion by third parties. India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reaffirmed its commitment to securing the energy needs of its 1.4 billion citizens, warning that steep tariffs would harm bilateral relations and disrupt global energy markets. On the other hand, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warmly welcomed the bill, hailing it as a historic milestone to ramp up pressure on the Russian war machine and sever its oil funding.

The legislation has sparked fierce domestic debate in the United States as well. House Speaker Mike Johnson praised the vote, stating it puts an end to Russia funding its war efforts via third parties. However, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Gregory Meeks warned that the bill excessively expands presidential tariff discretion and risks harming European allies who remain reliant on Russian natural gas. Dozens of industry organizations, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, also issued joint warnings that secondary tariffs would drive up consumer and manufacturing costs, shift financial burdens onto American consumers, and trigger retaliatory trade actions.

At an extraordinary cabinet meeting on September 15, the Japanese government approved a two-year tax relief package scheduled to take effect in April 2027. Designed to cushion the blow of persistent inflation, the core of the tax reform outline lowers the consumption tax rate on food and beverages from 8% to 1%.

The measure is valued at approximately ¥5 trillion. The government stated it will not issue new bonds to fund the reduction, leaving specific funding mechanisms to be finalized by the end of the year. This marks Japan's first consumption tax cut since the tax was introduced in 1989. With the framework now finalized, preparations—including updating retail point-of-sale (POS) systems—are set to begin in earnest.

Approval of the plan brings Sanae Takaichi one step closer to fulfilling a campaign pledge made ahead of the national election in February. Alongside the tax cut, the government plans to introduce an income-linked subsidy program in fiscal 2027 to assist low- and middle-income workers. This initiative will operate with an annual budget of roughly ¥600 billion through fiscal 2027 and 2028, with plans to expand the program starting in fiscal 2029.

Leaders of three UK devolved nations—Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales—issued a rare joint memorandum on the 14th declaring that the "Westminster era is coming to an end." They demanded the UK government prepare for constitutional reform, underscoring that their future lies within the European Union. Representing pro-independence or reunification parties (such as the SNP and Sinn Féin), the trio's initiative is viewed as a direct challenge to the central government in London. The First Ministers of Scotland and Northern Ireland further called for referendums on independence or Irish unity. The development was also influenced by US President Donald Trump's remarks expressing support for Irish reunification.

In response, British Prime Minister Burnham's administration deliberately played down the threat, asserting that the priority remains tackling the cost-of-living crisis rather than engaging in constitutional disputes. Northern Ireland's Deputy First Minister, Emma Little-Pengelly, criticized the move, arguing it weaponizes devolved ministerial offices.

According to foreign media reports, University of Glasgow academic Nicola McEwen analyzed that while the summit carries no legal effect and will not fracture the United Kingdom in the short term, it marks the onset of regularized trilateral cooperation, increasing leverage against London. Support for Scottish independence has persisted following Brexit; although Burnham maintains that referendums are off the table, the leaders of the three nations are attempting to seize London's push for further devolution to carve out greater political space for self-governance and independence.

Okinawa’s gubernatorial election concluded on September 13, with independent newcomer Genta Kosa, jointly endorsed by six political parties including the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Innovation Party), defeating incumbent Governor Denny Tamaki, who had sought a third term.Kosa, 42, won more than 420,000 votes, comfortably ahead of Tamaki’s roughly 270,000 votes. His victory marks a major setback for the “All Okinawa” reformist camp, which has opposed the relocation of U.S. military bases within Okinawa. It also brings a political change in Okinawa for the first time in 12 years, with the pro-central-government camp returning to power.

After his victory, Kosa said voters had chosen a path that would allow Okinawa to continue moving forward. He said his administration would prioritize issues affecting people’s daily lives, including rising prices, industrial development, childcare and support for vulnerable families. Kosa also expressed his respect for Tamaki, who had served as governor for eight years.Tamaki said he respected the election results and accepted the decision made by voters.Kosa’s victory also makes him the youngest governor in Okinawa’s history and the first governor born after Okinawa was returned to Japanese sovereignty in 1972.

Analysts say the focus of Okinawan elections has gradually shifted from the issue of U.S. military bases toward economic and livelihood concerns. Against the backdrop of inflationary pressures and growing regional security tensions, Kosa’s platform of economic revitalization and closer cooperation with the central government successfully attracted younger and moderate voters.Observers believe that with the LDP-backed camp regaining control of the prefectural government, relations between Okinawa and Japan’s central government are likely to improve. This could facilitate security policies such as defense infrastructure development across the southwestern island chain and the deployment of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces, potentially having significant implications for Japan’s regional security strategy and strategic cooperation around the Taiwan Strait.

France’s permanent mission to the United Nations in Geneva issued a statement on the 11th expressing regret over its earlier criticism of the United States for opposing the extension of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk’s term. France stressed that although the two countries took different positions in a UN vote, the disagreement would not affect their historic alliance or future cooperation. U.S. officials welcomed the French statement on the 12th.

In its statement, issued in English, France said that it and the United States had taken different positions in a recent UN General Assembly vote, stressing that “the disagreement concerned only one vote and was not about the defense of human rights.” France emphasized that differences in their public positions would not prevent the two countries from maintaining dialogue or undermine their historic alliance. The two sides can continue to cooperate in multilateral international organizations to promote peace, stability and prosperity, it said.

The diplomatic dispute stemmed from a July 24 UN General Assembly vote on Turk’s reappointment. The United States and nine other countries voted against the resolution, but it was ultimately adopted with 144 votes in favor, 10 against and 13 abstentions, giving Turk another four-year term.

France’s permanent mission in Geneva subsequently criticized the United States in a post on X, saying that the United States had once been a “beacon of human rights” but was no longer one. The remarks angered Washington. A U.S. representative even walked out in protest while the French representative was speaking at a UN Security Council meeting.

Amid the dispute, the U.S. government also delayed approving the appointment of Aurélien Lechevallier, French President Emmanuel Macron’s nominee for the next French ambassador to the United States. Lechevallier was scheduled to replace the current ambassador, Laurent Bili, in September. He currently serves as chief of staff to French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot.

Following France’s statement of regret, the diplomatic standoff between the two countries could ease, and Lechevallier’s appointment may subsequently receive U.S. approval.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in an interview with Deutsche Welle that Ukraine is in a favorable position in negotiations and expressed his willingness to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin at the G20 summit in Miami.

During an interview with Zelenskyy in Canada on September 11, a Deutsche Welle reporter asked whether he would meet Putin if the Russian president attended the G20 leaders' summit in Miami in December. Zelenskyy gave a clear answer: “Yes, of course. We have to come. We have to meet, talk and make decisions.”

Zelenskyy added, “It’s not about what I will tell him or what he wants to tell me. It really doesn’t matter. What matters is the result. That’s it.”

Zelenskyy and Putin have not met since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Moscow has so far declined to say whether Putin will attend the Miami summit. Putin has not attended a G20 summit since 2019. Later, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on September 12, in response to reporters’ questions, that a meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy at the G20 summit was impossible.

Zelenskyy’s interview with Deutsche Welle came as Ukraine prepares to enter another cold winter. He acknowledged that Ukraine has been working to cope with Russia’s intensifying attacks involving drones and missiles. He also called on European allies to provide greater support, saying Ukraine has begun working with several European companies to develop its own missile-defense systems.

U.S. negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner visited Moscow and Kyiv respectively last weekend. Zelenskyy described the visits by the U.S. envoys as a “positive signal,” rather than merely a sign of engagement with Moscow.

Zelenskyy told the United States that Ukraine currently holds a favorable position in negotiations. He estimated that Russia is losing more than 30,000 soldiers each month, meaning Moscow is paying a heavy price on the battlefield while achieving relatively little.

Another issue discussed by Zelenskyy and the U.S. envoys was the transportation of Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea. Russian attacks on Ukraine’s Black Sea ports caused Ukraine’s grain exports in August to fall 76% from the same month last year.

Zelenskyy said he discussed energy and food ceasefires with the two U.S. envoys, adding that such agreements could provide a starting point for peace.

Following the joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran since February 28, the Iranian-backed Yemeni rebel group, the Houthis, has continued its advance along Red Sea coastal towns. The group captured the Red Sea port city of Mocha on the 10th and seized Perim Island—a vital gateway to the strait—on the 11th, expanding its influence over the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait and threatening Saudi Arabia's oil export routes through the Red Sea.

Located at the southern exit of the Red Sea, the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait serves as a vital artery for global trade, connecting Asia and Europe via the Red Sea and the Suez Canal as a critical international shipping route. Following the closure of transit through the Strait of Hormuz due to the US-Iran war, the strategic significance of the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait has heightened considerably, with Saudi Arabia currently heavily reliant on it for its crude oil exports.

Media reports indicate that Saudi military forces launched two airstrikes targeting Mocha Airport on the 11th, firing at least six missiles. This followed dozens of prior Saudi airstrikes, as both sides have exchanged missile and drone attacks in an escalating conflict. Satellite imagery from the 10th revealed dense smoke rising along Saudi Arabia's roughly 1,200-kilometer pipeline running from the Persian Gulf in the east to the port of Yanbu on the Red Sea in the west. This pipeline is the kingdom's only large-scale alternative export route amid disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. If confirmed to have been attacked, it would place even greater strain on Saudi oil exports. According to media accounts, Pakistan and Turkey have both stated they will honor their mutual defense treaties with Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, over 100 US military advisors have deployed to the kingdom, establishing a joint command of approximately 200 personnel to provide intelligence and assist with targeting.

While Washington currently has no plans to launch direct military operations against the Houthis and is limiting its role to bolstering Saudi defenses, observers fear the destabilizing conflict could spill over into the broader Middle East and intensify strain on global energy transit.