World

Houthi official Mohamed al-Bukhaiti told the AP on September 20 that the group is not targeting the United States or other nations in Bab el-Mandeb, with Saudi Arabia as the sole exception.

Why it mattersJMIC confirms recent Houthi positions on Mayun Island and Mocha command both Bab el-Mandeb transit channels, shortening engagement ranges despite narrow political targeting.

Saudi Arabia started exporting crude through the repaired East-West pipeline, with flows reaching roughly 3.5 million barrels per day, Bloomberg reported on September 28.

Why it mattersThe route provides an export bypass around the Strait of Hormuz that previously carried 4% of global supply.

Milei and Trump participated in the Shield of the Americas session at UN headquarters on September 22, 2026. Milei urged regional security cooperation while Trump highlighted allied electoral wins in Argentina.

Why it mattersThe White House-designed initiative aims to confront drug cartels linked to China and Iran.

Delcy Rodríguez returned from a U.S. visit without deals or a firm election date after meeting Donald Trump. On September 23, she promised the UN General Assembly that elections will be held, but gave no date.

Why it mattersThe timing of Venezuela's promised elections remains unspecified as the interim government plans to engage opposition sectors.

Russia targeted gas stations and transport in Kyiv on September 23, with eight people injured in the Kharkiv region.

Ukrainian units maintained positions and advanced east of Slovyansk as of September 27, according to ISW. Russian forces continued attacking toward Mykolaivka between September 21 and 23 but secured no confirmed advances.

Why it mattersDenying Mykolaivka blocks Russian forces from bypassing difficult terrain to open an assault route westward into Slovyansk.

Machado's team reported three failed attempts to return to Venezuela from Panama on September 21–22. Following seven total blocked attempts, reports indicate her advisers are considering a visible return accompanied by international figures.

Why it mattersMachado's return remains unresolved while supporters hold nationwide rallies demanding presidential elections, which Machado says require seven to nine months of planning.

Campaign coordinator Edinho Silva said on September 28 that Lula may skip TV Globo's October 1 debate. Silva cited format limits that restrict direct exchanges with Flávio Bolsonaro.

Why it mattersCandidates must win over 50 percent of valid votes to avoid an October 25 runoff under Tribunal Superior Eleitoral rules.

Morocco's interior ministry confirmed on September 25 that the Authenticity and Modernity Party won the parliamentary election. Al Jazeera reported the party fell short of a majority.

Why it mattersThe vote follows mass migration attempts and deadly youth protests in Morocco.

Aleksandar Vučić signed his resignation as president on September 27 to participate in the upcoming parliamentary election as an ordinary citizen. National Assembly speaker Ana Brnabić was to take over as acting president.

Why it mattersBarred from a third presidential term, Vučić was proposed by his governing party as prime minister if it wins the election.

Delcy Rodríguez met Donald Trump in New York about 20 minutes from the prison holding Nicolás Maduro. She then left the city without visiting Maduro.

Why it mattersThe meeting placed Rodríguez alongside Trump while Maduro remained confined nearby in prison.

Aleksandar Vučić resigned as president on September 27. He stepped down to run for prime minister in October elections.

Why it mattersHis resignation paves the way for early elections as Serbia prepares for both parliamentary and presidential votes.

Reports on September 27 indicated small parties will serve as kingmakers in the Saxony-Anhalt election.

Siegfried Mureșan submitted his government programme to Parliament with 170 coalition votes, leaving him 63 seats short of the 233 needed for investiture. On September 28, PSD leadership unanimously confirmed it will not support the cabinet.

Why it mattersA failed vote allows President Nicușor Dan to designate a new prime minister or trigger snap parliamentary elections.

Reports published on September 27 showed Rafael López Aliaga leading Lima mayoral voter intention in studies by Ipsos and Datum. Datum reported his valid-vote advantage over Carlos Bruce widened from 10.2 to 12.4 percentage points.

Why it mattersLópez Aliaga leads the polling even though Agencia Andina listed him as Popular Renewal's first councilor, reporting the party had no mayoral candidate.