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The UN General Assembly's annual general debate has reached its fifth day, with world leaders continuing to address the assembly in New York. The general debate is the yearly forum where heads of state and government set out their countries' positions on global issues. UN News is providing ongoing coverage of the speeches as the high-level week of international diplomacy proceeds.
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Saudi Arabia has signalled it would be open to developing nuclear weapons, according to reports carried by major US outlets including The New York Times and The Seattle Times. The remarks raise fresh questions about nuclear proliferation in the Middle East and about Riyadh's nuclear ambitions at a time of ongoing regional tensions and talks over normalisation and security guarantees with Washington.
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The World Health Organization says the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has spread to two new health zones, raising concerns that efforts to contain the virus are not holding. Health authorities are expected to step up contact tracing, surveillance and response measures in the newly affected areas as the WHO and partners work to prevent further geographic spread of the outbreak.
- 4Moscow says it remains committed to Ukraine peace talks▼Top Russian diplomat says Moscow remains committed to Ukraine peace talks, denies it is avoiding negotiations
A senior Russian diplomat has stated that Moscow remains committed to peace talks over Ukraine and denied accusations that Russia is avoiding negotiations. The statement comes as international pressure continues over the stalled diplomatic process, with Western capitals repeatedly accusing the Kremlin of dragging out the war rather than pursuing a genuine settlement.
- 5Hamas leader says agreed Gaza roadmap includes Palestinian statehood▼Hamas leader: Gaza roadmap we agreed to includes establishment of Palestinian state
A Hamas leader has said that the roadmap agreed for Gaza includes the establishment of a Palestinian state. The statement came amid ongoing international efforts to settle the future of the territory after the war between Israel and Hamas. The claim is likely to fuel disputes over whether ceasefire arrangements point toward statehood or only toward Gaza's reconstruction and governance.
- 6Saudi Arabia Weighs Developing Nuclear Weapon, US Officials Say▼Report: Saudi Arabia Mulls Developing Nuclear Weapon, U.S. Officials Say
A new report citing US officials says Saudi Arabia is weighing the development of a nuclear weapon. The claim, published by Haaretz, would mark a major shift for the kingdom, which has long pushed for civilian nuclear capabilities amid regional rivalry with Iran. US officials' comments on the matter are drawing close attention given the strategic ties between Washington and Riyadh.
- 7China and US agree to AI dialogue and tariff cuts▼China, US agree to AI dialogue, tariff cuts on $30 billion in goods during Xi visit
China and the United States have agreed to open a dialogue on artificial intelligence and to cut tariffs on $30 billion worth of goods, in deals announced during Xi Jinping's visit. The agreement marks a rare moment of de-escalation between the two powers, combining technology cooperation with trade relief at a time of strained bilateral relations.
- 8Lavrov calls for new Eurasian security architecture▼Lavrov issues call for new Eurasian ‘security architecture’
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has called for the creation of a new Eurasian 'security architecture', speaking in remarks reported by UN News. The proposal signals Moscow's push to reshape regional security arrangements beyond existing Western-led frameworks. The appeal has drawn attention given the ongoing war in Ukraine and debates over the future of European and Asian security order.
- 9'Super El Niño' deepens hunger crisis in South Sudan, UN says▼‘Super El Niño’ deepens hunger crisis in South Sudan says UN
The United Nations warns that a powerful 'Super El Niño' weather event is worsening an already severe hunger crisis in South Sudan. The climate pattern is disrupting rainfall and food production in a country where millions already face food insecurity, deepening concerns among aid agencies about the scale of humanitarian need in the months ahead.
- 10Congo struggles to trace contacts as Ebola outbreak worsens▼Ebola outbreak deepens as Congo fails to trace most contacts | Daily Sabah
Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo are failing to trace the majority of contacts of confirmed Ebola cases, according to Daily Sabah, a gap that is allowing the outbreak to deepen. Contact tracing is a core tool for containing Ebola, and widespread missed contacts raises the risk of further spread within the region.
- 11US intelligence: Saudi Arabia has not ruled out nuclear weapons●US intelligence says Saudi Arabia has not ruled out developing nuclear weapons
US intelligence agencies assess that Saudi Arabia has not ruled out developing nuclear weapons, according to a recent intelligence report. The finding highlights lingering concerns in Washington about nuclear proliferation in the Middle East, particularly if regional rival Iran moves closer to a nuclear capability. Analysts say the assessment could shape debate over US-Saudi defence cooperation and any future civil nuclear agreements between the two countries.
- 12China pushes back against US on Iran and Cuba at UN●China pushes back against US on Iran and Cuba in UN speech
China used its address at the United Nations to push back against the United States over its policies on Iran and Cuba, defending Beijing's positions and criticizing Washington's approach to both countries. The remarks underscore ongoing diplomatic friction between the two powers on the world stage, with China framing US sanctions and pressure campaigns as interference, according to Reuters reporting.
- 13Saudi Arabia refuses to rule out nuclear weapons▼Saudi Arabia has not ruled out nuclear weapons: report
Saudi Arabia has declined to rule out acquiring nuclear weapons, according to a new report picked up by outlets including The New Arab and Fox News. The kingdom has long hinted it could pursue nuclear capability if regional rival Iran obtains a bomb, and the latest comments add to concerns about proliferation in the Middle East as tensions over Iran's nuclear programme continue.
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The World Health Organization reports that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has spread to two new health zones, raising concerns about the potential for wider transmission. Wire services including Reuters, The Hindu and South Africa's SABC are carrying the update, which health officials say underscores the difficulty of containing the virus in remote, densely connected communities. Response teams are working to trace contacts and curb further spread.
- 15Zelensky Accuses Putin of Excuses as Russian Strikes Kill 10▼Zelensky Says Putin Finds ‘Lame Excuse’ to Avoid Peace as Russian Strikes Kill at Least 10 in 24 Hours
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Vladimir Putin of using what he called a 'lame excuse' to avoid peace negotiations, as Russian strikes across Ukraine killed at least 10 people within 24 hours. The accusation highlights the continued deadlock in efforts to end the war, with civilian casualties mounting despite ongoing international pressure for a ceasefire and talks.
- 16Trump rejects Iran's proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz●Trump rejects Iran's proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and other Middle East news
President Trump has rejected an Iranian proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the critical shipping chokepoint for global oil supplies. The refusal comes amid ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran over the Persian Gulf. Attention now turns to how Iran responds and whether the dispute will escalate further, with broader Middle East developments also drawing international focus.
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Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has publicly criticized the West's actions in Ukraine, renewing Moscow's long-standing accusations against Western governments over their role in the conflict. The remarks come as the war continues to strain Russia's relations with the United States and its European allies, with diplomatic rhetoric remaining sharply hostile.
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Deutsche Welle reports that Russia is expected to step up hybrid warfare against European countries, a category of conflict spanning sabotage, disinformation, cyberattacks and other deniable pressure tactics rather than open military confrontation. The warning reflects growing concern among European governments about a campaign of destabilisation, and renewed debate about how the continent should defend itself against attacks that fall short of conventional war.
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News reports say five people were killed and more than twenty injured in overnight strikes, with Russia and Ukraine blaming each other for the attacks. Beyond the headline from the Anadolu Agency, the available posts do not give details on the location of the strikes, who was targeted, or which side is considered responsible, so readers should treat the circumstances as unconfirmed from this evidence. The trending term appears to be the headline itself circulating as breaking news coverage.
- 20Report: Netanyahu ordered Gaza de-escalation 10 days before October 7▼10 days before Oct. 7, PM ordered Israel ‘act to contain, minimize the escalation’ in Gaza — report
According to a new report, ten days before Hamas's October 7 attack, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered Israeli officials to act to contain and minimize escalation in Gaza. The disclosure is fueling debate over whether Israeli leadership underestimated threats from Gaza in the lead-up to the assault, and is intensifying scrutiny of the government's handling of intelligence warnings and security policy before the deadliest attack in Israel's history.
- 21Russia and Germany's top diplomats hold first talks since 2022▼At UN, Russia and Germany's top diplomats hold first talks since 2022
Russia's and Germany's top diplomats have met at the United Nations for their first direct talks since 2022, marking the highest-level contact between the two governments since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The meeting signals a possible easing of diplomatic freeze between Moscow and Berlin, and is drawing attention for what it could mean for Europe's stance on Russia going forward.
- 22Zelenskyy: Russia Not Ready To End War, Investing In Jet-Powered Drones▼Zelenskyy Says Russia Not Ready To End War, Cites Spending On Jet-Powered Drones
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia is not ready to end its war against Ukraine, pointing to Moscow's continued heavy spending on jet-powered drones as evidence that it is preparing for a prolonged conflict. The comments come amid ongoing international discussion about possible peace negotiations and Ukraine's efforts to secure continued Western military and financial support.
- 23Report: Netanyahu Ordered Forces to 'Minimize Escalation' in Gaza Days Before Oct 7●Days before Oct 7, PM ordered security forces to ‘minimize escalation’ in Gaza – report
A new report says Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed Israeli security forces to 'minimize escalation' in Gaza just days before the October 7 Hamas attack. The claim has intensified debate over whether political directives constrained military readiness in the period leading up to the assault, and it is fueling ongoing arguments over responsibility for the failures of that day.
- 24US and China agree to lower tariffs on $30 billion in goods▼US, China strike deal to lower tariffs on $30B in goods after Trump-Xi Washington summit
The United States and China have reached an agreement to reduce tariffs on $30 billion worth of goods, following a summit in Washington between President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping. The deal marks a step toward easing trade tensions between the world's two largest economies, though details of which products will be affected have not yet been fully outlined.
- 25Hamas criticises Board of Peace over UNRWA exclusion in Gaza▼Hamas slams Board of Peace for refusal to work with UNRWA in Gaza
Hamas has condemned the Board of Peace after it refused to work with UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, in Gaza. The dispute centres on the agency's role in delivering aid and services in the territory as international arrangements for Gaza's governance and reconstruction take shape. The Board of Peace, the body overseeing post-war plans, has excluded the agency from cooperation, drawing sharp criticism from Hamas.
- 26From Jeddah to New York: Why Sudan's truces fail▼From Jeddah to New York: Why do Sudan’s truces fail?
Sudan's repeated ceasefire agreements, brokered in Jeddah and most recently discussed in New York, have failed to halt the war between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces. Commentators are asking why truces keep collapsing, pointing to weak enforcement, lack of trust between the warring sides and the absence of pressure on both to comply.
- 27US intelligence says Saudi Arabia has not ruled out nuclear weapons▼Saudi Arabia has not ruled out nuclear weapons program, US intelligence assesses
US intelligence agencies assess that Saudi Arabia has not ruled out pursuing a nuclear weapons program, according to the assessment. The finding highlights lingering concerns in Washington about Riyadh's nuclear intentions, even as the two countries discuss closer cooperation, including potential civil nuclear agreements. Observers say the assessment could complicate diplomatic efforts over regional security and nonproliferation.
- 28October 7 attacker in Noa Argamani abduction reported killed in Gaza strike▼Oct. 7 terrorist involved in Noa Argamani abduction killed in Gaza strike, reports say
Reports say an Israeli airstrike in Gaza has killed a militant involved in the October 7 abduction of Noa Argamani, one of the hostages seized during the Hamas-led attack. Argamani was freed in a rescue operation in June 2024. Israeli officials have not been quoted in detail, and the full circumstances of the strike remain unclear as coverage develops.
- 29Ebola outbreak in Congo spreads to two more health zones, WHO says▼Ebola outbreak in Congo expands to two additional health zones: WHO
The World Health Organization reports that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has expanded to two additional health zones, widening the affected area and raising concern about containment efforts. Health authorities are monitoring the spread as response teams work to trace contacts and limit further transmission in the region.
- 30DRC battles largest Ebola outbreak as fear spreads▼'When fear takes over': Responding to the DRC's largest Ebola outbreak
Health workers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are responding to the country's largest recorded Ebola outbreak. Reporting on the response highlights how fear among affected communities is complicating containment efforts, with teams working to trace cases, treat the sick and persuade residents to cooperate with containment measures despite distrust and alarm.
- 31World on track for 3.25C of warming by 2100, study finds▼World could warm 3.25C by 2100 under current policies, Swiss-German study suggests
A new Swiss-German study warns that current climate policies would put the world on course for around 3.25 degrees Celsius of warming by 2100, far above the 1.5C limit set in the Paris Agreement. The finding underscores the wide gap between governments' existing measures and international climate goals, renewing calls for stronger emissions cuts.
- 32Ten dead as Russia-Ukraine aerial war intensifies▼10 dead as the aerial war between Russia and Ukraine intensifies
At least ten people have been killed as air attacks between Russia and Ukraine intensify, with multiple US news outlets carrying the toll. The deaths come amid an escalation of strikes exchanged by the two countries, with drones and missiles hitting populated areas. The reported casualties underline the war's continuing civilian cost as fighting enters another intensifying phase.
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The European Central Bank has raised its key interest rates by 25 basis points, in line with expectations. The move is part of the bank's ongoing effort to bring eurozone inflation back toward its target. Analysts had widely anticipated the decision, so attention now turns to the bank's guidance on further policy steps.
- 34Russia accuses Europe of blocking Ukraine peace talks▼Russia accuses Europe of doing 'everything it can to thwart' prospect of Ukraine peace talks
Russia has accused European countries of doing 'everything it can to thwart' the prospect of peace talks over Ukraine. The accusation, reported by Anadolu Agency, adds to Moscow's ongoing friction with European capitals as diplomatic efforts to end the war remain stalled. It signals Russia is blaming European governments, rather than Ukraine or the United States, for the lack of progress toward negotiations.
- 35Palestinians, Including Child, Killed by Israeli Fire in Gaza▼Palestinians, Including Child, Killed by Israeli Fire in Central and Southern Gaza
Israeli fire killed several Palestinians, among them a child, in central and southern Gaza, according to a report carried by Fana News. The deaths add to the mounting civilian toll of the conflict, with children repeatedly among the victims. The report gave no further details on the circumstances of the killings or the exact locations.
- 36US warns Sudan's generals over worsening humanitarian crisis▼US warns Sudan’s generals: ‘The only people suffering are Sudanese’
The United States has issued a pointed warning to Sudan's military leadership, telling the generals that 'the only people suffering are Sudanese' as the country's conflict drags on. The message underscores mounting international frustration with warring factions while civilians bear the brunt of displacement, hunger and violence.
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Belarus has declared itself ready to facilitate talks between Russia and Ukraine, according to a report by Anadolu Agency. The announcement positions Minsk, a close Russian ally, as a potential mediator in the war. There are no further details yet on the conditions or timing of such negotiations.
- 38Russian Strikes Hit Kyiv for Third Straight Night●Ukraine War, Day 1,676: 3rd Straight Night of Russian Attacks on Kyiv
Russia launched attacks on Kyiv for the third consecutive night, continuing a sustained campaign against the Ukrainian capital. The strikes underscore the persistence of Russia's aerial assault strategy despite ongoing efforts by Ukrainian air defenses to intercept incoming drones and missiles. Repeated nighttime attacks on the capital have become a defining feature of the war's current phase, testing civilian resilience and air defense capacity.
- 39Russian and Ukrainian strikes kill 10 as Trump urges Zelenskyy to settle▼Russian and Ukrainian strikes leave 10 dead as Trump calls on Zelenskyy to 'settle with Putin'
Russian and Ukrainian strikes have left 10 people dead, while US President Donald Trump publicly called on Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy to 'settle' the war with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The combination of deadly attacks and mounting American pressure on Kyiv to reach a deal is drawing wide attention across international media, with commentators weighing what Trump's intervention means for the prospects of peace negotiations.
- 40Zelenskyy appeals to Trump and EU after overnight Russian attacks▼Following enemy's overnight attacks, President Zelenskyy addresses Trump and European Union
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has spoken out following a wave of overnight attacks attributed to Russian forces, addressing his remarks directly to US President Donald Trump and the European Union. He is pressing Western partners for a stronger response and continued support for Ukraine's air defences as strikes on Ukrainian territory continue.
- 41Russia rebuffs German calls to de-escalate tensions●Russia's top diplomat rejects German calls to ease off its `dangerous' escalation toward the country
Russia's top diplomat has rejected appeals from Germany to ease off what Berlin describes as a dangerous escalation toward the country. The German government had urged Moscow to step back from increasingly confrontational behaviour, warning of the risks posed by its posture. Moscow dismissed the appeal, signalling no shift in its stance and deepening concern among European capitals about rising tensions between Russia and the West.
- 42Ethiopia's army promises restraint amid civil war fears●Ethiopia’s army promises restraint amid fears of new civil war
Ethiopia's military says it will show restraint as concerns grow that the country could slide back into civil war. The pledge comes amid rising political tensions and fears of renewed large-scale fighting. Observers are watching closely for whether the army's commitment calms the situation or whether violence escalates further.
- 43Russia accuses Europe of sabotaging Ukraine peace talks▼Russia accuses Europe of seeking to thwart Ukraine talks
Russia has publicly accused European governments of working to derail negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. The accusation, reported by international outlets including France 24, escalates tensions between Moscow and European capitals just as diplomatic efforts to reach a settlement come under renewed scrutiny. European leaders have so far not responded directly to the claim, and no evidence was offered for the assertion.
- 44Trump says he rejected Iranian proposal to reopen Strait of Hormuz▼Trump says he has rejected Iranian proposal to reopen Strait of Hormuz
President Donald Trump says he has turned down an Iranian proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the critical shipping lane for global oil trade. The claim, reported by NBC News, suggests Tehran had floated reopening the strait as a diplomatic gesture, which the US president declined. The strait has been a flashpoint amid tensions between Washington and Tehran, and any move affecting its status has immediate implications for energy markets and regional security.
- 45Palestinian Journalist Death Toll Reaches 262, Gaza Observes Solidarity Day▼Palestinian Journalist Death Toll Reaches 262 as Gaza Marks International Solidarity Day
The Palestinian Journalists' death toll in Gaza has reached 262, according to the Palestine Chronicle, as the territory marked International Solidarity Day with the Palestinian people. The figure highlights the continued toll on media workers covering the conflict, and observers marked the occasion by renewing calls for protection of journalists and international accountability.
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An Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to grow, with reported cases approaching 7,900 and deaths near 3,800, according to a report from CIDRAP, an infectious disease news outlet. The virus has now spread to two additional health zones, signaling that containment efforts have not yet stopped transmission. Readers following the story are seeing updates on the outbreak's expanding geographic reach and its heavy death toll.
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A girl left disabled by an Israeli strike is calling for wheelchairs to be allowed into Gaza. She is urging that mobility aids be permitted entry so that people injured during the conflict can regain independence and move around. Her appeal highlights the shortages of medical equipment and assistive devices facing disabled residents of the territory amid ongoing restrictions on aid.
- 48Russia targets Ukraine's internet providers and datacentres▼Russia strikes at heart of Ukraine’s digital economy with attacks on ISPs and datacentres
Russia has launched attacks on Ukrainian internet service providers and datacentres, striking at the infrastructure that underpins Ukraine's digital economy. The strikes threaten connectivity for businesses, government services and ordinary users, adding a technological dimension to the conflict. The targeting of critical digital infrastructure highlights the growing importance of cyber and physical attacks on communications networks in the war.
- 49Iran Floats Deal to Reopen the Strait of Hormuz▼Where Things Stand After Iran's New Pitch for a Deal to Open the Strait of Hormuz
Iran has put forward a new proposal offering a deal that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the critical shipping chokepoint for much of the world's oil. The pitch has drawn attention across regional and international outlets, with analysts weighing what Tehran wants in return and how the United States and Gulf states might respond. Details of the proposed terms remain limited, but the move signals an attempt to de-escalate tensions over the vital waterway.
- 50Iran's Pezeshkian says Tehran no longer trusts talks with Washington●Pezeshkian says Iran ‘no longer trusts talks with Washington’
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran no longer trusts negotiations with the United States, according to Al Jazeera. The remark signals a hardening of Tehran's position toward diplomacy with Washington amid ongoing tensions. It comes as regional conflict concerns persist and questions grow over whether any renewed nuclear or de-escalation talks between the two countries are realistic.