US offers Iran sanctions relief for reopening Strait of Hormuz

US offers to lift Iran sanctions and blockade if Hormuz reopens Pakistan's army chief conveyed the proposal in Tehran, according to Al Arabiya, linking it to a June memorandum of understanding. Iran's core demands remain unchanged, including $300 billion in compensation, full sanctions relief and a regional ceasefire. 1

Trump says US Navy cleared all mines from Strait of Hormuz Trump said Iran has been warned that any ship or boat placing new mines will be 'immediately and systematically destroyed.' The strait, once carrying about 20% of global oil, has been largely closed since the war began in February. 2

Syrian Kurdish SDF dissolves after fighters integrate into national army Mazloum Abdi announced the end of the Washington-backed force in a televised speech from Damascus, calling it a victory for President Ahmed al-Sharaa. The SDF spearheaded the fight against Islamic State before the US shifted support to the new Syrian authorities. 3

US urges restraint after Israel strikes Turkish base in Syria A State Department spokesperson said restraint and dialogue are the best way to prevent further escalation among Jerusalem, Damascus and Ankara. Direct contacts between Israel and Syria are also underway, including between the Mossad chief and Syria's foreign minister. 4

UK and France approve Storm Shadow missile production in Ukraine Zelensky said French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed restrictions on SCALP licenses would be lifted, and the UK will let MBDA share classified technical information. The long-range cruise missile has a range of up to 250 kilometers. 5

Putin decree lets Russia seize infrastructure damaged by Ukrainian drone attacks The decree lets Moscow take control of facilities hit in Ukrainian strikes, expanding state authority amid the war. It follows a wave of Ukrainian drone attacks deep inside Russia. 6

Zelensky sees US mediation window from December to summer 2027 Ukraine and US/European officials drafted proposals including a ceasefire and a third-party-administered free economic zone in Donbas. The Kremlin dismissed the economic zone idea, saying the territory is formally part of Russia. 7

Russia and Ukraine prepare another major prisoner exchange, official says Russia's human rights commissioner said lists are being finalized for a 'fairly large' swap. The last exchange on Aug. 19 saw 103 prisoners returned on each side with UAE mediation. 8

Taiwan reveals hypersonic interceptor details for T-Dome air defense NCSIST disclosed the Chiang Kung interceptor, capable of hitting ballistic missiles at up to 70 km altitude, a major upgrade over the Tien Kung III. Legislative gridlock has delayed Taiwan's advanced air defense development. 9

Zambia closes courts, blocking opposition challenge to disputed election The government shut courts before the deadline for opposition parties to contest this month's vote, won by incumbent Hakainde Hichilema. Observers say the result was likely affected by violence and government interference. 10

Darline Graham wins South Carolina GOP Senate runoff with Trump's backing Graham defeated Rep. Ralph Norman by about 52% to 48% to replace her late brother Lindsey Graham on the November ballot. She credited Trump for her victory, saying 'South Carolina is truly Trump country.' 11

Everton Blair wins Georgia special election, first Black gay Southerner in Congress Blair, a former Gwinnett County school board chair, defeated the late Congressman David Scott's daughter to finish his term. He is the second Black openly gay man elected to Congress and the first from a Southern state. 12

Brussels says Ukraine made no formal request to speed up EU loan The European Commission said it had not received an official request despite Zelensky's public plea to accelerate the 90 billion euro loan. Kyiv faces a 23.5 billion euro shortfall in 2026. 13

Chile to protest Argentine general's remarks on Strait of Magellan sovereignty Santiago called sovereignty over the waterway 'indisputable' under 1881 and 1984 treaties after an Argentine air force chief called it a 'bi-oceanic key.' Argentina reaffirmed its commitment to bilateral ties. 14