Iran war latest: China criticizes new US sanctions as Iran vows to retaliate

• The Trump administration converted a refugee bureau into a $410 million operation to deport migrants to third-party countries. • The U.S. paid $5.1 million to the kingdom of Eswatini to accept up to 150 deportees, with 19 migrants already sent.

• Justices P.S. Narasimha and Alok Aradhe recommended that India create a new law to protect money deposited by people during pending court appeals. • The judges suggested a statutory framework based on the United States' Court Registry Investment System, which pools deposits into one unified scheme for better investment.

• Yemeni government forces killed four people and injured three others after striking telecommunications towers in the al-Jawf governorate. • The Houthi-affiliated broadcaster al-Masirah reported the attack, though the claims have not been independently verified.

• The Russian defense ministry announced on Monday that its forces attacked multiple targets in Ukraine, including two cargo vessels and the Izmail port. • The strikes targeted military-use ships, a gas distribution station, and a logistics center.

• David Barnes is currently imprisoned in Russia after traveling there to recover his sons who were abducted by his ex-wife. • A Russian judge ruled the country has "vicarious jurisdiction" over the case because the ex-wife holds Russian citizenship.

• President Trump announced he will appoint a new artificial intelligence adviser and establish a specialized "AI force." • The decision was reported by Reuters as part of the administration's strategy to manage emerging technology.

• A parliamentary committee adopted a confirmation hearing report for Land Minister nominee Hong Jee-sun on Monday, September 21. • The adoption of this report officially paves the way for the nominee's appointment to the position.

• The S&P 500 maintained its position above key technical support levels following a week of volatile trading. • This stability keeps the path open for the index to reach new record highs if current momentum continues.

• BJP leaders criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on September 20, 2026, for featuring a comedian's mimicry of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a student event in Indore. • Former Union Minister Manish Tewari stated that India's development requires a multi-partisan approach to avoid becoming a mirage.

• The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party won a state election in northeastern Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. • The AfD secured more than 37% of the vote in the state.

• Chancellor Friedrich Merz vowed to remain in his position following damaging exit poll losses for his centre-right CDU party in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. • The losses are described as a disaster in the polls for the party.

• German Chancellor Friedrich Merz suffered a heavy political setback following two state elections on Sunday, including a record defeat for his party. • The 70-year-old leader took office 16 months ago with promises to reignite an economy that has been stalled for years.