Iran denies Trump’s claim of Doha meeting as fragile ceasefire frays

Iran denies Trump’s claim of Doha meeting, says no talks planned US President Donald Trump claimed Iran had requested a meeting in Qatar, but Tehran’s foreign ministry denied any planned talks, saying an expert delegation would go to Doha only to follow up on frozen funds. The contradictory statements add uncertainty to the fragile ceasefire after last week’s exchanges of strikes. 12

Putin admits fuel shortages in Russia caused by Ukrainian strikes For the first time, President Vladimir Putin publicly acknowledged that Ukrainian missile and drone strikes have caused fuel shortages, with queues at petrol stations and rationing in 56 Russian regions. The admission came as Ukraine’s attacks on energy infrastructure continue to strain Russia’s domestic supply. 3

Peru’s Keiko Fujimori declared winner of presidential election After 22 days of ballot review, Peru’s electoral commission confirmed Keiko Fujimori’s narrow victory over leftist Roberto Sánchez, with a lead of just 0.27%. Fujimori, daughter of former autocrat Alberto Fujimori, vowed to restore order and hope in a country plagued by crime and political instability. 45

Venezuela quake toll passes 1,700 as aftershock hits, aid lags The death toll from last week’s twin earthquakes rose above 1,700, with tens of thousands still missing and an aftershock of magnitude 4.6 shaking survivors. Residents in the hardest-hit areas say government help has been minimal, forcing them to dig through rubble with hand tools. 6

Iraq gives pro-Iran militias deadline to dissolve by September 30 Under pressure from the US, Iraq’s government ordered pro-Iran armed groups to disarm by September 30, coinciding with the end of the US-led anti-jihadist coalition’s mission. The prime minister warned that groups holding onto weapons after the deadline would face legal action. 7

Ukraine negotiates license to produce SCALP cruise missiles with France Ukraine’s defense minister confirmed talks with France on a production license for long-range SCALP missiles, following discussions between Presidents Zelenskyy and Macron. The deal involves resolving intellectual property and technology transfer issues, and could boost Ukraine’s strike capabilities. 89

Israel sends joint delegation to aid Venezuela earthquake recovery A combined Foreign Ministry and IDF Home Front Command delegation will depart for Venezuela to assist with earthquake response, led by an ambassador who grew up in the country. An Israeli search-and-rescue team is already on the ground as the death toll surpasses 1,700. 10

China urges Putin and Zelenskyy to resume peace negotiations Beijing’s UN envoy strongly called for an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine and a return to negotiations, citing the suffering of innocent civilians. China reaffirmed its impartial position and willingness to facilitate peace, though it has faced criticism for supporting Russia diplomatically. 11

Japan-Philippines maritime boundary talks draw sharp Chinese response Beijing argues that the talks proposed by PM Takaichi and President Marcos infringe on maritime rights related to Taiwan, seeing them as part of deeper US-allied coordination. China’s strong reaction signals the talks are about more than just drawing a line at sea. 12

IDF seals 10-mile tunnel where soldier Hadar Goldin was held Israeli forces completed the sealing of an underground Hamas tunnel in Rafah where Lt. Hadar Goldin was held after being killed and abducted in 2014, using 30,000 cubic meters of concrete. The tunnel complex included 80 living quarters and served as a command-and-control center. 13

China patrols Scarborough Shoal after US-Philippine drills China’s military and coast guard conducted combat-readiness patrols in waters and airspace around the disputed shoal, which Beijing calls Huangyan Dao. The move follows joint US-Philippine exercises over the weekend that China denounced as undermining regional stability. 14