For Keeps

Iran's foreign minister has declared in an interview that the country is 'ready for diplomacy' and 'war at the same time', stressing that Tehran is open to negotiation while prepared for confrontation. The remarks underline Iran's hardline posture as tensions over its nuclear programme and regional conflicts keep diplomatic pressure high, drawing wide international attention to what Tehran's negotiating stance really is.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree immediately increasing the size of the Russian armed forces to 2,441,630 personnel, of whom 1,550,500 are military. The decree replaces all previous staffing decrees and marks the seventh expansion of the army's authorised strength since the start of the war in Ukraine.

The US Federal Reserve has voted to keep interest rates unchanged even as new figures show inflation climbing to its highest level in three years. The decision means borrowing costs stay where they are while price pressures persist. Commentators are weighing how long the central bank can hold off before it is forced to choose between supporting growth and restraining prices.

The New York Times reports that satellite imagery shows Israel continuing to expand its military footprint inside Gaza even as a cease-fire is supposed to be in effect. The images suggest ongoing entrenchment and construction by Israeli forces in the territory. The report is drawing attention because it points to a gap between cease-fire commitments and activity on the ground, raising questions about the durability of the truce and the prospects for a lasting settlement.

The Reserve Bank of Australia has raised its cash rate to its highest level in 15 years, extending its campaign against persistent inflation. Borrowers face higher mortgage repayments as lending costs climb to a level not seen in over a decade. The decision keeps Australia in line with other major economies still tightening monetary policy, and economists are watching whether further increases will follow in coming months.

Demands are mounting for the US government to release the sealed files connected to Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender who died in federal custody in 2019. Lawmakers and members of the public are pressing for full disclosure of court documents and investigative records, with the issue continuing to divide political figures over what should be made public and who might be implicated.

President Donald Trump rejected an Iranian proposal and then told Axios he expects new talks with Tehran to take place this week. The back-to-back moves signal that negotiations between Washington and Iran are continuing despite the setback, with officials watching whether diplomacy can ease tensions in the region.

The Israeli military says it has located a 600-meter-long tunnel in Gaza that it describes as a Hamas hideout, and footage shows the structure being destroyed shortly after its discovery. The find is part of Israel's ongoing operation to dismantle underground infrastructure, which it says Hamas uses for attacks and to hold captives. Hamas has not confirmed the claim.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly attacked critics of Israel's military actions in Gaza, pushing back against mounting international condemnation of the ongoing war. His remarks come as scrutiny of Israel's conduct in the territory continues to grow among foreign governments, humanitarian organisations and commentators.

President Trump is reportedly considering a ban on diesel exports from the United States, a move that would keep more fuel domestically and could lower prices at home. Such a step would ripple through global fuel markets, affecting allies that rely on American diesel supplies and raising concerns among refiners and trading partners about supply disruptions.

Iran's foreign minister says the country is 'fully prepared' for war, while stressing that diplomatic efforts are not over. The comments signal Tehran is pairing military readiness with continued negotiation, keeping open a channel with Western counterparts even as tensions rise. Observers are watching whether the mixed message of deterrence and engagement signals a shift in Iran's posture or an attempt to strengthen its bargaining position.

A BBC News Global Story episode examines the true scale of Russian military deaths in the Ukraine war, a figure that has been heavily disputed throughout the conflict. Official Russian casualty counts remain low, while Western estimates and independent researchers suggest far higher losses. The report looks at how the toll is being tallied and what it reveals about the war's cost.

The Reserve Bank of Australia has raised interest rates for the fourth consecutive time, moving to curb inflation that policymakers had warned was building. The decision signals the central bank's concern that price pressures are proving more persistent than expected. It adds to a global pattern of aggressive monetary tightening, and households and businesses face further pressure on mortgages and borrowing costs.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Ukraine will make this a tough winter for Russia, warning that pressure on Moscow is mounting. The statement signals Kyiv intends to keep targeting Russian energy and military infrastructure through the cold months, aiming to strain Russia's economy and war effort while sustaining Western support for Ukraine.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran is 'fully prepared' for the resumption of war while stressing that diplomatic efforts are not yet over. His remarks, reported by NBC News, signal a dual message of military readiness and openness to negotiation, keeping tension high around Iran's standoff with the West.

The United States and Iran have held talks through separate mediators, according to CNBC, while Middle East oil exports have reached levels last seen during wartime. The combination of diplomatic contact and resilient energy flows suggests both sides are testing channels even as regional tensions persist, with traders and governments watching closely for any shift that could disrupt oil shipments.

Australia's central bank has raised interest rates to their highest level in 15 years and warned that further increases remain possible as it battles persistent inflation. Policymakers said more hikes are 'not off the table', keeping borrowers and markets on alert over the path of monetary policy.

Israel says its forces killed a militant in Gaza who took part in the October 7 attack and abducted an Israeli hostage couple. The announcement, reported by international media including Le Monde, points to ongoing Israeli operations targeting those involved in the assault. Details on the timing, location and the fate of the abducted couple remain limited as the war in Gaza continues.

Reports say Israel inadvertently published images showing the scale of destruction in Gaza as well as sensitive footage of its military outposts. The accidental disclosure is drawing attention because the material reveals details the army would normally keep classified, including troop positions, while also documenting devastated areas of the Gaza Strip.

Brent crude rebounded more than 3% on Monday after US President Donald Trump rejected an Iranian peace proposal that would have resolved their conflict and reopened the Strait of Hormuz. With diplomatic efforts in stalemate, tensions in the Middle East remain elevated, keeping traders pricing in supply risk and pushing oil prices higher.

The Israeli military carried out a strike in Gaza City targeting a Hamas official, with several people reportedly wounded in the attack. Details about the official's condition and the full extent of casualties remain unclear. The strike comes amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which continues to draw international attention and concern over civilian harm.

Iranian officials say the country is open to diplomacy with the United States but is 'fully prepared' for war if the US attacks. The statement, carried by international outlets including Anadolu Agency, underscores Tehran's dual messaging amid heightened tensions. It signals Iran's attempt to keep negotiation on the table while warning of a firm military response to any American strike.

Foreign Policy examines why the war in Ukraine remains deadlocked despite ongoing diplomatic efforts. The analysis argues that neither Kyiv, Moscow, nor Western backers currently have both the incentive and the leverage to force a settlement, leaving the fighting to grind on with no credible endgame in sight.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has made a significant announcement on Iran's nuclear programme, according to Indian coverage of the Iran-America standoff. The report ties the development to escalating tensions involving US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with the Strait of Hormuz also in focus as a potential flashpoint in the conflict.

Lithuania is conducting its largest-ever military exercises, 'Vyčio skliautas 2026', which run until October 3. Authorities are rehearsing the evacuation of Vilnius and border regions in the event of a military threat from neighbouring Belarus. The drills come amid ongoing regional fears that Russia's war in Ukraine could spill over into NATO's eastern flank.

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde said the bank's policy of measured interest rate hikes remains appropriate to bring inflation back to target. Her comments, picked up by Reuters and financial outlets, signal the ECB will keep tightening gradually rather than pause or accelerate, as policymakers weigh persistent price pressures against slowing growth in the eurozone.