IIME Morning Brief · September 21, 2026

Gargash calls for new mindset re Iran while Saudi Arabia and the Houthis exchange strikes. Bipassing Hormuz, Aramex has completed more than 100 Europe-to-Dubai trucking journeys through Turkey, Syria and Jordan. IMF negative on Lebanon.

Iran’s military command said it had been informed of US plans to resume strikes, while Tehran vowed to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed — Agencies and ToI Staff, The Times of Israel.

A new US military estimate put the cost of the Iran war at $43.6 billion — AP.

Iran is rapidly reconstructing the Taleghan 2 facility — Isis Online.

Turkey revoked Iran’s Mellat Bank operating license amid US measures — Reuters.

UAE official Anwar Gargash said Arab states need a new mindset and dialogue with Tehran — The National.

Yemen’s Houthis claimed missile and drone attacks on sensitive sites in Riyadh — Reuters.

The UN Security Council condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia — Asharq Al-Awsat.

Saudi Arabia and the Houthis exchanged strikes as Yemenis fled by boat amid the widening Middle East war — Reuters.

Saudi aluminum demand could rise as much as 80% to 1.8 million tonnes annually by 2030 — Arabnews.

The EU’s Red Sea naval mission raised its alert level over the Houthi threat to shipping — Dawn.

Engineers India is in talks on Saudi and UAE oil infrastructure projects intended to bypass the Strait of Hormuz — Rediff Money.

Aramex has completed more than 100 Europe-to-Dubai trucking journeys through Turkey, Syria and Jordan amid Iran-related shipping disruption through the Strait of Hormuz — Arabian Gulf Business Insight.

Hormuz disruption prompted Asian and European refiners to seek alternative supplies, driving a $20 billion supertanker buying spree — Logistics Middle East.

Etihad Rail launched a direct cargo service between Fujairah and Abu Dhabi amid supply-chain disruption linked to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz — The National.

Israel said withdrawal from southern Lebanon depends on the Lebanese army becoming stronger — Asharq Al-Awsat.

The UN peacekeeping chief in Lebanon said a smooth transition is critical before the mission’s pullout — Asharq Al-Awsat.

Gaza’s Kuwait Specialty Hospital suspended routine services because of a fuel shortage — Middle East Monitor.

A father of six was killed in a shooting near a West Bank spring, and the Israeli military said it captured the attacker — The Times of Israel.

Syria arrested five former officers over Assad-era airstrikes — Asharq Al-Awsat.

The IMF said Lebanon’s economic activity is expected to contract sharply in 2026 as conflict weighs on the economy — Asharq Al-Awsat.

Sudan’s army said it repelled an attack in Blue Nile state and advanced in Kordofan — Asharq Al-Awsat.

Migrants in Tunisia are returning home amid questions over whether their departures are voluntary or forced — Asharq Al-Awsat.

Turkey said it could help meet Saudi Arabia’s military needs under a defence pact — Reuters.