Global Times

Iran's foreign minister says the country is 'ready for diplomacy' and 'war at the same time', stressing a dual posture in the face of mounting tensions. In a full interview, he signalled Tehran is open to negotiations while insisting it will defend itself if confronted, a message drawing wide international attention.

President Donald Trump spoke before world leaders at the United Nations summit, in an address carried live by major US news outlets. The speech drew large audiences as viewers followed his remarks to the General Assembly in real time, with commentary focusing on his message to the international community.

Iran and other world leaders are delivering full speeches on the second day of the 2026 UN General Assembly in New York. Live coverage from outlets including the Associated Press is drawing a large global audience, with viewers following statements on conflicts including Ukraine and wider diplomatic tensions as leaders use the annual gathering to set out their positions.

Saudi Arabia has withdrawn from a China-led cross-border currency platform, according to the Financial Times. The move marks a retreat from Beijing's efforts to build alternatives to dollar-based international payments, and it will fuel debate over the pace at which Gulf states are willing to align financially with China. The reported decision has drawn wide attention given the kingdom's central role in global oil trade and dollar settlement.

Saudi Arabia has indicated it could pursue developing nuclear weapons, according to a New York Times report on US-Saudi political discussions. The statement marks a significant shift in the kingdom's public stance on nuclear capability and raises questions about nuclear proliferation in the Middle East, particularly given regional tensions and ongoing negotiations with Washington over security guarantees and civilian nuclear cooperation.

China told the UN General Assembly that the international community must safeguard the postwar order, calling on member states to defend the framework established after World War Two. The appeal, delivered on the General Assembly floor, underscores Beijing's positioning of itself as a defender of the existing international system at a time of heightened global tension and debate over the rules-based order.

The United States has rejected a United Nations declaration on preparing for future pandemics, according to The New York Times. The move sets Washington apart from international efforts to strengthen global coordination against future health emergencies, and it has drawn attention to tensions over how far nations should commit to shared pandemic planning and response obligations.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has spoken at the United Nations, drawing international attention to the ongoing war with Russia. Analysts and commentators are weighing his appeal for continued global support, with discussion focusing on what his message signals for Western backing and the diplomatic standing of Ukraine on the world stage.

Canada has called on countries to build stronger partnerships, warning that the international order is facing a 'rupture'. The message, delivered in remarks carried by UN-affiliated media, stresses multilateral cooperation at a time of growing geopolitical strain. The warning underscores Ottawa's push for renewed diplomacy and collective action among nations.

The United States and China have agreed to a trade truce, pausing escalation in their ongoing tariff conflict as economic and political pressure mounts on both sides. The deal is being read as a temporary measure that buys time for negotiations rather than a lasting resolution, with observers watching to see whether talks can ease tensions before the truce expires.

Singapore has proposed a United Nations framework convention on artificial intelligence safety, according to the Straits Times. The proposal would create an international treaty framework aimed at coordinating how countries manage AI risks. The initiative reflects growing calls for global governance of advanced AI, with the UN seen as the natural venue for such an agreement.

Chinese state media declared that the United States shares responsibility with China for managing artificial intelligence, positioning the two powers as joint stewards of the technology. The statement lands amid ongoing US-China tensions over AI development, chip exports and safety rules, and will fuel debate about whether rivals can cooperate on governing a technology both are racing to dominate.

President Trump has rejected an Iranian cease-fire proposal that would have reopened the Strait of Hormuz, according to The New York Times. The proposal came amid ongoing tensions over the strategic waterway, a critical route for global oil shipments. The rejection signals a continuation of confrontational US-Iran dynamics, with observers watching closely for any further escalation in the region.

British authorities have arrested five people on suspicion of preparing a terrorist attack near a UK airbase that is used by US forces. The arrests were reported by international outlets including The Times of India. Details about the suspects, the alleged target, or the timing of the operation have not yet been made public, and investigations are understood to be ongoing.

A New York Times opinion piece argues that the emerging super El Niño, while expected to bring severe weather impacts worldwide, gives governments and communities valuable lead time to prepare. The author urges using the advance warning to strengthen defenses against likely heatwaves, droughts, floods and other disruptions linked to the climate pattern.

The Financial Times has published an opinion piece examining India's role as a major exporter of labour to the global economy. The argument frames the movement of Indian workers abroad as a "shock" with significant implications for labour markets, migration policy and India's economic standing. Details of the author's full argument are not available beyond the headline.

A New York Times analysis examines why Chinese officials and researchers have grown wary of international appeals for AI safety cooperation. The report suggests Beijing views safety initiatives partly through the lens of geopolitical competition, suspecting calls for shared oversight could slow its domestic AI industry or constrain its ambitions relative to the United States, complicating efforts at global coordination.

Bill Gates has publicly criticised Donald Trump's refusal to back safeguards on artificial intelligence, arguing the US should support stronger oversight of the technology. Gates framed the resistance as a mistake at a time when governments worldwide are moving to regulate AI. The remarks add a prominent business voice to the debate over how far Washington should go on AI rules.

A New York Times analysis examines why China treats American-led calls for A.I. safety cooperation with suspicion, framing them as moves that could slow Chinese progress in the technology race. The piece explores how distrust between Washington and Beijing shapes each side's approach to regulating advanced artificial intelligence, and what that means for global governance efforts.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Belarus has taken the floor at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, addressing the annual general debate. The appearance places Minsk before a global diplomatic audience at a time of heightened international attention to Belarus's role in regional security and its alignment with Russia.

Grand Theft Auto VI remains one of the most anticipated entertainment releases in the world. French media are once again analysing why the next instalment of Rockstar Games' open-world franchise is drawing such global attention, years after GTA V's record-breaking run. Fans continue to discuss trailers, release timing and expectations for the game's return to Vice City and its two playable protagonists.

The Premier League has issued a joint statement calling for reform at FIFA, taking a direct stand against president Gianni Infantino. The statement presses for changes to how world football's governing body is run. The move sets England's top clubs against Infantino's leadership at a time when FIFA faces criticism over its decision-making and expanding competitions.

A Global Times commentary argues that the European Union cannot solve its energy price crisis through domestic measures alone, and that broader international trade cooperation is needed to bring costs down. It frames high energy prices as a structural problem best addressed through open trade rather than protectionist or unilateral policies.

Global spending on nuclear arsenals is accelerating, with major powers investing heavily in modernising warheads, delivery systems and command infrastructure. Reporting highlights a quiet but broad competition, as states upgrade legacy systems and develop new capabilities largely outside public debate. Analysts warn the trend raises arms-race risks at a time of strained arms-control frameworks and heightened geopolitical tension.

Investors and commentators are debating whether global stock markets are heading for a crash. The discussion, highlighted in a Guardian interactive piece, centres on rising government bond yields, which raise borrowing costs and can pressure equity valuations. With markets near highs and yields climbing, many are asking whether a sharp correction is coming, though views remain divided on timing and severity.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated an international conference titled "The Future of Environment & Climate Dynamics," marking the opening of discussions among global participants on environmental and climate issues. The event is drawing attention as India highlights its role in international climate cooperation at a time of growing concern over extreme weather and environmental change.

South Korea is pursuing a broad national strategy to make artificial intelligence widely accessible across its economy and society. The Financial Times reports on the country's push to scale AI adoption beyond big companies, positioning it as a key driver of future growth. The plan reflects Seoul's ambition to remain competitive as AI reshapes global industries.

Oman has called on members of the United Nations to refrain from resorting to the use of force. The appeal, reported by regional media, reflects the Gulf state's long-standing position in favour of diplomacy and peaceful resolution of disputes. The statement comes amid ongoing international tensions, prompting discussion of Oman's neutral, mediation-oriented role in regional and global affairs.

Future Health convened global health leaders on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly to discuss transforming health systems at scale. The gathering focused on how countries can restructure and strengthen health care delivery to meet growing demands, bringing together policymakers and health experts to align on priorities for large-scale reform.

A new comparison of twenty forecasts published over the past year examines when the global DRAM and NAND memory shortage might ease. The outlooks differ widely: AI-driven demand and limited wafer capacity have kept supply tight, while new fab construction and shifts in memory technology offer possible relief. There is no consensus on timing.

The Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix is underway in Baku, with fans following live race coverage alongside real-time commentary and timing updates. Interest is high as viewers track every overtake, pit stop and safety car moment on the demanding Baku City Circuit, one of the calendar's most unpredictable street tracks, with big engagement from the global F1 fanbase during the race.

The United Nations has declared September 29 as the International Day for Universal Access to Information. The designation gives global recognition to the right of the public to seek and receive information, including from governments and public bodies. Observers see it as a boost for transparency, press freedom and open-government efforts, and it is expected to be marked annually with events promoting access-to-information laws worldwide.

New data reported by The Korea Times shows that nearly 40% of South Korea's industrial technology leak cases involve semiconductor technologies. The figure highlights how heavily the country's flagship chip industry is targeted for industrial espionage, reinforcing concerns in Seoul about protecting critical technologies amid intense global competition over semiconductors.

A global health summit is being held in Saranac Lake, New York, focused on dengue fever and how the threat it poses is changing. The gathering brings attention to the mosquito-borne disease's shifting spread, a growing concern for health experts as cases expand into new regions.