IIME Morning Brief · September 28, 2026

Iran maintains its diplomatic and nuclear positions as the United States increases pressure on its banking and air links. Houthis launch missiles and drones towards Riyadh, leading to school cancellations. Turkey insists on right to veto Greece-Cyprus-Israel subsea cable construction.

Oil prices rise after Iran says it will not soften its conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz — The National.

A US pressure campaign urges Iran’s trading partners to sever banking and air links with Tehran — The Wall Street Journal.

A Saudi-led coalition says it intercepted Houthi missiles and drones launched toward Riyadh — Reuters.

Schools in Riyadh move classes online for the rest of the week amid a Houthi threat — The National.

UNICEF says acute malnutrition is rising among Yemeni children as fighting between government-backed forces and the Houthis intensifies — Reuters.

US lawmakers receive intelligence indicating Saudi Arabia has not ruled out developing a nuclear weapons programme — The Times of Israel.

Rising Red Sea insurance costs create a new obstacle for Saudi oil exports — Reuters.

Israel conducts raids across several southern Lebanese districts — L’Orient-Le Jour.

Washington is pushing for the Lebanese army alone to secure Lebanon’s southern border — Aawsat.

Palestinian authorities open election nominations, unsettling factions in Gaza — Asharq Al-Awsat.

Israel-Syria talks stall amid a dispute over the Golan Heights — Asharq Al-Awsat.

Millions returning to Khartoum find Sudan’s capital largely unlivable — Asharq Al-Awsat.

Flash floods hit western Libyan cities and destroy bridges — Aawsat.

Iraq begins importing petrol through Syria — The National.

Turkey says the Greece-Cyprus-Israel subsea power cable requires Ankara’s approval — Al-Monitor.