International

Syrian president warns against Israeli attacks in landmark UN address

Published

1 year ago

September 25, 2025

President Ahmad Al-Sharaa

Syrian president warns against Israeli attacks in landmark UN address

LONDON: Israel’s attacks against Syria threaten to unleash “new crises” in the region, President Ahmad Al-Sharaa told the UN General Assembly on Wednesday.

Al-Sharaa, who led opposition forces in a lightning offensive to overthrow Bashar Assad late last year, became the first Syrian leader to address the UNGA in nearly 60 years.

He outlined the progress made since he came to power, and the many challenges still facing his country after more than a decade of civil war. Chief among those has been Israel’s airstrikes and military operations in Syria.

“Israeli strikes and attacks against my country continue, and Israeli policies contradict the international supporting position for Syria,” the former commander said, adding that Israel’s attacks threaten “new crises and struggles in our region.”

But despite the aggression, Syria is committed to dialogue, he said, adding: “We call on the international community to stand beside us in the face of these attacks.”

Al-Sharaa said Syria is also committed to the 1974 agreement to separate Syrian and Israeli forces through a UN-patrolled buffer zone in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.

As opposition fighters led by Al-Sharaa took control of Damascus in December, Israel took advantage of the tumult and seized the buffer zone, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declaring that the disengagement pact was “over.”

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Since then, Israel has carried out hundreds of airstrikes and ground operations inside Syria, including in the center of the capital.

Tensions also flared over sectarian violence in June in Syria’s Suwayda province. Israel said it carried out airstrikes to protect the Druze minority in the region.

The US has been pushing for calm between the two countries, and this week Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack said they are getting closer to a new de-escalation agreement.

The deal aims to stop Israel’s attacks on Syria, which in return would agree not to move any heavy equipment near the border.

Speaking at an event in New York on Tuesday, Al-Sharaa said he is hopeful that the deal will materialize, but said it is Syria that is “scared of Israel, not the other way around.”

The US has been among major international powers that have offered cautious support to Al-Sharaa’s administration, lifting some sanctions on Syria in the hope of offering an economic lifeline to drag the country out of years of chaos and bloodshed.

He used his UNGA speech to call for the complete lifting of all international sanctions “so that they no longer shackle the Syrian people.”

He also reeled off a list of achievements since he took power, guided by an approach based on diplomacy, security and economic development.

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Al-Sharaa said he has put in place a political roadmap that is proceeding toward elections next month for a new parliament, and his government has overhauled civil and military institutions.

He added that he has acted against outbreaks of sectarian violence, set up fact-finding commissions and allowed access to investigative UN teams.

“I guarantee to bring to justice everyone accountable and responsible for bloodshed,” he said. “Syria has transformed from an exporter of crisis to an opportunity for peace for Syria and the region.”

Al-Sharaa’s appearance at the UN marks a remarkable political ascent from leader of an Islamist rebel group to international statesman within 10 months.

Since arriving in New York on Sunday, he has packed in high-level meetings and events, including talks with US Secretary of State Mark Rubio and French President Emmanuel Macron.

Perhaps the event that most summed up his elevation from militant to political leader was an interview on stage on Tuesday with Gen. David Petraeus, who commanded US forces during the 2003 Iraq invasion.

Petraeus’s troops detained Al-Sharaa in Iraq between 2006 and 2011 while he was fighting the American occupation there.

“His trajectory from insurgent leader to head of state has been one of the most dramatic political transformations in recent Middle Eastern history,” Petraeus told the audience, adding that he is a fan of Al-Sharaa.

Syrian president warns against Israeli attacks in landmark UN address

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International

Iran Offers to Reopen Strait of Hormuz Within 48 Hours If…

Published

6 hours ago

November 2, 2026

Trends Admin

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei

Iran Offers to Reopen Strait of Hormuz Within 48 Hours If US Meets Demands

Iran has offered to reopen the strategically important Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours, but says the move depends on the United States accepting a series of conditions aimed at easing tensions and paving the way for renewed negotiations.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei announced the proposal on Monday, November 2, 2026, describing it as part of Tehran’s efforts to resolve the ongoing confrontation through diplomatic engagement.

Under the proposed arrangement, the United States would first have to meet Iran’s demands, after which the country could begin restoring access to the strategic waterway within two days. The proposal also provides for the resumption of negotiations between the two countries.

The offer marks a shift from an earlier seven-day framework reportedly communicated through mediators in September. Iran had previously proposed a sequence under which the Strait would reopen after certain conditions were met.

Baghaei described the shorter timeline as evidence of Tehran’s willingness to pursue a diplomatic solution. However, he made clear that the proposal would depend on Washington agreeing to the conditions.

Among Iran’s key demands is an end to the US naval blockade of Iranian ports, which Tehran regards as a major obstacle to negotiations. It is also seeking the removal of sanctions targeting its oil industry and the release of Iranian assets frozen abroad.

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Iran has further called for an end to hostilities across the region, including the conflict involving Lebanon, arguing that any agreement should address the wider security situation rather than focus exclusively on the confrontation between Tehran and Washington.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has also outlined a proposed arrangement for maritime traffic through the Strait. Under the plan, ships would use a new route agreed upon by Iran and Oman, with passage taking place under Iranian supervision.

Tehran has additionally called for a reduction in the presence of US military forces in the region and the removal of sanctions imposed on Iran since August.

Qatar is among the countries involved in diplomatic efforts to ease the crisis. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi has also travelled to Doha as part of the consultations surrounding the proposed framework.

However, there has been no indication that the United States has accepted Iran’s conditions. Consequently, the proposed 48-hour timeline should not be interpreted as confirmation that the waterway will reopen within that period.

The proposal comes amid continued tensions between the two countries. US President Donald Trump has warned that military action could resume if diplomatic efforts fail, while leaving room for negotiations to continue.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important maritime energy corridors. Connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, it provides a major route for crude oil and liquefied natural gas shipments from Gulf producers to international markets.

Any prolonged disruption to shipping through the passage could affect global energy supplies, increase transportation costs and put further pressure on oil prices and fuel markets.

Iran’s latest offer has therefore attracted international attention, particularly among energy-importing countries and shipping operators concerned about the security of vessels using the route.

For now, the proposed reopening remains conditional on an agreement with Washington. Whether the two sides can bridge their differences over sanctions, the naval blockade and regional security will determine whether the 48-hour proposal translates into the restoration of normal maritime traffic.

Iran Offers to Reopen Strait of Hormuz Within 48 Hours If US Meets Demands

International

Nine Killed as Learjet Crashes Into Florida Residential Area, Erupts in Flames

Published

15 hours ago

November 2, 2026

Trends Admin

Nine Killed as Learjet Crashes Into Florida Residential Area, Erupts in Flames

Nine people have been killed after a private Learjet 60 aircraft crashed into a residential area in Palm Beach County, Florida, United States, and burst into flames, triggering an emergency response and the evacuation of hundreds of residents.

The aircraft, which was travelling from Texas to the Bahamas, crashed at approximately 12:50 p.m. local time on Sunday, November 1, 2026, near Military Trail, between Cresthaven Boulevard and 10th Avenue North.

US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that all nine people aboard the aircraft died in the crash, describing the incident as a horrific tragedy.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said the Learjet 60 departed from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas and was heading to North Eleuthera Airport in the Bahamas when the accident occurred.

Videos recorded by motorists and other witnesses showed the aircraft descending rapidly before plunging towards the ground and exploding into a massive fireball. Thick black smoke subsequently billowed above the neighbourhood as emergency responders rushed to the scene.

The impact created a large crater beside the roadway, scattering aircraft debris across the surrounding area and damaging nearby infrastructure.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who visited the crash scene, described the incident as a catastrophic accident.

He said the aircraft appeared to have plunged towards the ground like a missile, leaving a large crater along the road.

DeSantis added that there were no immediate reports of deaths or injuries among people on the ground, apart from those aboard the aircraft.

However, the crash prompted authorities to evacuate approximately 600 residents from a nearby mobile home community as emergency teams secured the area and assessed possible dangers.

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Palm Beach County Commissioner Joel Flores said the affected residents were being assisted with temporary shelter and other emergency support at two designated locations.

The evacuation was necessary to protect residents while investigators and emergency personnel worked around the crash site.

Preliminary information from air traffic control recordings has provided some insight into the aircraft’s final moments before it crashed.

According to recordings of communications between the pilots and air traffic controllers, the crew reported ice accumulating on the aircraft while encountering moderate turbulence at high altitude.

The pilot initially described the icing as manageable but later reported worsening weather conditions and requested permission to climb to a higher altitude.

The situation deteriorated shortly afterwards as the aircraft began losing altitude rapidly.

In one of the final communications, the pilot declared an emergency and reported that the aircraft was descending at an alarming rate.

The crew initially reported a descent of about 10,000 feet per minute before indicating that the rate had increased to approximately 20,000 feet per minute.

The pilot eventually issued a distress warning, saying the aircraft was going to crash into the ground.

Flight-tracking information indicated that the jet lost approximately 27,000 feet in altitude within about a minute before tracking data stopped.

However, investigators have not established whether ice accumulation, turbulence, thunderstorms, mechanical failure or another factor caused the aircraft to lose control.

The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched investigations to determine the circumstances surrounding the disaster.

The NTSB is leading the investigation, with support from the FAA. Investigators are expected to examine the wreckage, flight records, aircraft systems, weather conditions and communications between the crew and air traffic controllers.

The investigation will also seek to establish whether the aircraft experienced a technical malfunction or encountered conditions that affected its ability to maintain controlled flight.

The aircraft’s manufacturer, Bombardier, has indicated its willingness to cooperate with investigators.

Authorities had not publicly released the identities of the nine victims or provided a detailed breakdown of the passengers and crew as of the latest reports.

The crash site remained subject to emergency restrictions, with authorities closing sections of Military Trail and advising motorists to avoid the area.

The Florida accident has been described as one of the deadliest aviation disasters in the United States in 2026.

According to records cited by CNN, it was the second-deadliest US plane crash of the year, following a skydiving aircraft crash in Butler, Missouri, in June that killed 12 people.

The Learjet 60 accident was also reported as the deadliest crash involving the aircraft model.

The tragedy has renewed attention on aviation safety, particularly the risks associated with severe weather conditions and the importance of determining what happened during the aircraft’s final moments.

For families of the nine victims, the immediate concern remains the confirmation of identities and the circumstances surrounding the deaths, while investigators work to establish the cause of the disaster.

Nine Killed as Learjet Crashes Into Florida Residential Area, Erupts in Flames

International

Christians Still Under Attack in Nigeria, US Lawmaker Tells Trump

Published

15 hours ago

November 2, 2026

Trends Admin

US lawmaker Riley Moore

Christians Still Under Attack in Nigeria, US Lawmaker Tells Trump

United States Congressman Riley Moore has said Christians in Nigeria continue to face severe violence and persecution, calling for renewed international efforts to protect religious communities one year after President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).

Moore made the remarks in a statement posted on his X account to mark the anniversary of the designation, which was announced by Trump in November 2025 over concerns about religious freedom and attacks on Christian communities.

“Christians in Nigeria, and around the world, continue to face unspeakable violence. On this anniversary, we must rededicate our efforts to defend Christians in Nigeria and anywhere they face persecution,” the US lawmaker said.

He also defended Trump’s decision to place Nigeria on the CPC list, describing it as the right move and praising efforts by Republican lawmakers and faith-based organisations to press for stronger action against religious persecution.

In his post, Moore credited Trump’s leadership, alongside work by Republicans on the House Appropriations Committee, for what he described as progress in addressing attacks on Christians in Nigeria.

He specifically praised efforts by House Appropriations Republicans to introduce conditions on US assistance to Nigeria, including requirements for the Nigerian government to demonstrate concrete steps towards protecting Christian communities.

According to the congressman, pressure from the US government and advocacy by religious organisations had begun to produce results.

He claimed that Nigeria experienced its first Christmas without a massacre of Christians in recent memory, although he acknowledged that much more needed to be done to address the security challenges.

Moore also commended the Nigerian government, saying it had shown signs of willingness to confront violence against Christian communities.

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His latest comments are part of an ongoing campaign by some US lawmakers to draw international attention to attacks on Christians in Nigeria and push for stronger measures against those responsible.

Nigeria’s Country of Particular Concern designation

Nigeria was first designated a Country of Particular Concern by the United States in December 2020 under Trump’s first administration over concerns about violations of religious freedom.

However, the administration of former US President Joe Biden removed Nigeria from the list in 2021, a decision that attracted criticism from some American lawmakers and religious organisations.

Trump restored the designation in November 2025 after returning to the White House, citing concerns over attacks on Christian communities, particularly in parts of northern and central Nigeria.

The CPC classification is provided under the US International Religious Freedom Act and allows Washington to consider diplomatic and policy measures, including sanctions and restrictions on certain forms of assistance, against countries identified as engaging in or tolerating particularly severe violations of religious freedom.

The renewed designation has also intensified discussions between Nigerian and American authorities over insecurity, religious freedom and the protection of vulnerable communities.

US-Nigeria disagreement over religious persecution

The Nigerian government has repeatedly rejected the characterisation of the country’s security crisis as a campaign of religious persecution targeted exclusively at Christians.

The Federal Government maintains that insecurity in Nigeria is complex and involves terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal violence and farmer-herder conflicts, which have affected both Christians and Muslims.

It has also pointed to ongoing security operations, cooperation with international partners and efforts to protect vulnerable communities in states including Benue, Plateau and Kaduna.

Moore’s latest statement comes amid continuing international scrutiny of Nigeria’s response to insecurity and growing pressure on the government to strengthen the protection of religious communities.

The congressman, who has previously visited Nigeria as part of a US congressional investigation into religious freedom concerns, has continued to advocate stronger American involvement in addressing the violence.

In February 2026, Moore and fellow US Congressman Chris Smith introduced the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, seeking a comprehensive report on US efforts to address alleged religious persecution and mass atrocities against Christians in Nigeria.

The proposed legislation reflects continuing efforts by some members of the US Congress to make religious freedom and accountability central to Washington’s engagement with Nigeria.