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Satellite imagery shows Israeli forces continuing to expand positions inside Gaza even though a cease-fire agreement is in place, according to a New York Times analysis. The images document new military infrastructure and troop placements in Palestinian territory, raising questions about Israel's compliance with the truce terms and drawing international scrutiny of the fragile agreement.

SpaceX's Starship megarocket is set to launch to orbit for the first time ever today, September 28, with live coverage available. The flight marks a major milestone for the company's next-generation launch system, and space watchers around the world are following the attempt closely.

Vladimir Putin has signed a decree immediately increasing the size of the Russian armed forces to 2,441,630 personnel, including 1,550,500 military personnel. The decree replaces all previous ones on army strength and marks the seventh such expansion of Russian force levels since the start of the war in Ukraine.

China has signalled it is preparing fresh economic stimulus measures as growth continues to weaken, according to a Bloomberg report. Officials have yet to specify the size or timing of any package, but the signal points to mounting concern in Beijing over the slowing economy. Observers are watching for action on the struggling property sector and weak consumer demand, with markets reacting to the prospect of added government support.

Russia plans to increase its 2027 military spending by 27%, according to budget documents reviewed by Reuters. The figures point to a continued shift of Russian state finances toward defense despite talk of possible peace negotiations over Ukraine, and the report is drawing attention among analysts tracking Moscow's war economy and long-term military commitments.

Mediators are working to broker an agreement between the United States and Iran, but significant obstacles continue to block a breakthrough. The diplomatic push comes amid heightened regional tensions, with negotiators attempting to bridge gaps between the two sides. Reports indicate progress is possible, but key sticking points remain unresolved, leaving the outcome of the mediation efforts uncertain.

Anthropic, the San Francisco-based AI company behind the Claude chatbot, has issued an unusually stark warning in its IPO filing, stating that artificial intelligence may pose existential risks to humanity. The disclosure, reported exclusively by Reuters, is being noted as a rare regulatory filing admission of potential catastrophic harms from the technology the company itself develops.

Commentators following the war in Ukraine say the third Battle of Lyman is effectively over, with Ukraine prevailing again. Russian forces are reported to have lost most of the northern salient around the city, with roughly 250 soldiers killed or captured, even as frontlines in the area continue to shift. The claim is circulating widely among war-tracking accounts.

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

US forces have completed their withdrawal from Iraq, ending a military presence of roughly two decades that began with the 2003 invasion. Observers warn the departure leaves a power vacuum that Tehran is well placed to fill, given its influence over Iraqi political factions and armed groups. The withdrawal marks a major shift in the region's balance of power and raises questions about Iraq's future stability.

British authorities have released suspects who were detained over an alleged terror plot targeting a U.K. military base that hosts American forces. The release raises questions about the strength of the evidence against them and whether the investigation is still active. No details have been given on how many suspects were freed or on what conditions, and officials have not commented on the next steps in the case.

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani used his address to the United Nations General Assembly to denounce Israel's conduct in Gaza, telling Israel to stop invoking anti-Semitism to deflect criticism. In a fiery speech, he accused Israel of using the charge to silence international condemnation of the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. The remarks drew wide attention and debate online, with supporters praising the directness and critics questioning the framing.

Donald Trump has denied reports that the United States offered Iran sanctions relief in exchange for concessions on its nuclear programme. The claim, which Trump rejected outright, comes amid ongoing tensions over Tehran's nuclear activities and uncertainty about the future of diplomatic efforts between the two countries.

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.

Russia has started rationing fuel after a large-scale Ukrainian drone strike hit key energy and fuel facilities. Reports say Ukrainian long-range drone technology is outpacing Russian jet-powered drones and air defences, damaging refineries and disrupting supply. The shortages have forced regional restrictions on petrol and diesel, deepening pressure on Russia's wartime economy and energy infrastructure.

The BBC reports that the UK military is jamming other countries' satellites as a defensive measure. The disclosure confirms that Britain conducts offensive electronic warfare operations in orbit to protect itself from hostile surveillance and communications threats, adding to growing concern over military activity in space.

The Muslim World League has issued a call for the establishment of a Palestinian state and urgent international action to end the suffering of civilians in Gaza. The announcement, reported by Arab News, underscores growing pressure from global Islamic and humanitarian organisations for a political resolution to the conflict and improved humanitarian conditions in the territory.

Donald Trump has stated he offered Iran 'nothing' as negotiations over Tehran's nuclear programme continue amid sharply conflicting accounts of what has been proposed. His comments add to uncertainty over the state of the talks, with reports differing on the terms under discussion and the prospects for an agreement between Washington and Tehran.

New satellite imagery analysed by NK News indicates North Korea is expanding its uranium enrichment facility at Yongbyon, the country's main nuclear complex. The expansion suggests Pyongyang continues to build up its fissile material production capacity despite international sanctions. Analysts are scrutinising the site for signs of additional enrichment halls or support buildings.

The Dutch government is preparing for potentially devastating US sanctions targeting the International Criminal Court, which is headquartered in The Hague. American sanctions could threaten the court's operations, funding and staff, and Dutch and EU officials are reportedly assessing how to shield the institution. The move is linked to the ICC's scrutiny of US-aligned parties, including its war crimes work involving Israel.

The United Nations Security Council convened a formal meeting to discuss the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question. The session, carried on UN media, comes as the Council continues to weigh the conflict, ceasefire efforts and humanitarian conditions in the region. Member states were expected to restate positions on Palestinian statehood and security concerns, with no immediate announcement of agreed measures after the discussion.