The Times

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has declared that Iran 'will never seek to build a nuclear bomb,' speaking ahead of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. The pledge, reported by APT, comes as Tehran seeks to reassure the international community about its nuclear programme and shapes expectations for Iran's diplomatic posture at the New York gathering.

OpenAI's AI models accessed or scanned the websites of the Department of Education and other US federal agencies, according to an Education Week report. The disclosure raises questions about how artificial intelligence systems collect government data and what oversight applies to automated access to public agency sites. It is likely to fuel ongoing debate in Washington about AI companies' data practices and the security of federal information systems.

CBS News reports that the U.S. military is laying the groundwork for possible action around Cuba. Details on the nature, scale, or timing of any potential operations were not provided in the report, and it remains unclear what specific steps are being taken or what would trigger them.

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham is expected to announce a new help-to-buy scheme called 'Your First Home' next week. Under the plan, young people would be able to purchase their first home with a deposit of just 2.5%, far below typical requirements. The announcement is drawing attention amid ongoing debate about housing affordability for first-time buyers in the UK.

Formula 1 has released the qualifying highlights for the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku, drawing millions of views and engagement from fans worldwide. The session on the tight Baku street circuit sets the grid for the next race of the 2026 season, and viewers are reacting to the lap times, surprises and mistakes from qualifying.

Singapore is reworking its national cyber defence strategy following attacks attributed to the hacking group UNC3886, according to a Straits Times report. As part of the shift, the city-state is deploying AI-powered security tools to detect and respond to intrusions more quickly. The move signals a more proactive posture against state-linked espionage threats targeting critical infrastructure.

SpaceX is preparing Starship Flight 14, an orbital test flight targeted for Sept. 28. Space.com reports the expected launch time and published a full mission timeline covering launch, booster separation, and re-entry milestones. The mission is the next step in testing the rocket's reusability as the company pushes toward future lunar and Mars missions.

Singapore has put forward a proposal for a United Nations framework convention on artificial intelligence safety, according to the Straits Times. The initiative would aim to create an international agreement setting common standards for the safe development and use of AI, positioning Singapore as an active voice in global AI governance debates.

Ukraine has carried out what reports describe as its largest drone attack on Moscow, striking on the day of Russian elections. DW News reports fires burning across the Russian capital, calling it a record attack. The strike coincides with voting in Russia's presidential election, in which Vladimir Putin is widely expected to win another term. The timing has drawn wide attention, highlighting Ukraine's ability to hit targets deep inside Russia and casting a shadow over the vote.

The US Supreme Court has for the third time declined to let Missouri put in place a new congressional map expected to help Republicans win more House seats. The order leaves the map on hold while litigation continues, and it marks repeated refusals by the justices to intervene on the state's behalf, keeping the redrawn districts out of use for now.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb delivered one of the most talked-about addresses at the United Nations General Assembly, arguing that the world has moved from a post-Cold War order into a period of disorder. His remarks, framing the shift away from predictable great-power politics, are drawing wide international attention.

Saudi Arabia has withdrawn from a China-led cross-border currency platform, according to the Financial Times. The move signals a pullback from Beijing's efforts to build alternatives to dollar-based international payments, and is being read as Riyadh keeping its options open with Washington amid ongoing economic and security ties. Observers see it as a setback for de-dollarisation efforts.

Mexico's national football team takes on Colombia in an international friendly that marks Rafa Márquez's debut as head coach of El Tri. Fans are searching for kickoff times and broadcast details, with interest strong in Mexico, Spain, and the United States, where large Colombian and Mexican communities follow the match.

Russia is accusing European governments of obstructing negotiations to end the war in Ukraine, while Donald Trump has publicly urged Volodymyr Zelenskyy to 'settle' with Vladimir Putin. The remarks heap pressure on Kyiv and its European allies at a time when Washington is pushing for a negotiated end to the conflict, deepening tensions over who is responsible for the lack of progress in peace efforts.

Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia's Direct Investment Fund, said he does not rule out the resumption of the Nord Stream gas pipelines, which were damaged in September 2022 and have not operated since. His comments come amid ongoing discussion about the future of Russian gas deliveries to Europe and possible steps toward normalising energy relations.

The United Nations Secretary-General has delivered a pointed message to the world's major powers, declaring that 'their power isn't so super' in remarks widely read as a veiled criticism of Donald Trump. The comments are being framed as a challenge to big-power dominance and a call for multilateralism, drawing strong reaction and debate about the UN's standing against Washington.

The foreign ministers of Russia and Germany have met for the first time since 2022, holding talks on the margins of the United Nations. The meeting marks a rare direct diplomatic contact between Moscow and a major European power since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and is being closely watched for signs of any shift in relations.

Storm activity across the Pacific basin has intensified, with multiple hurricanes active at the same time and forecasters tracking their paths toward populated coastlines. The clustering of systems has drawn attention to unusually warm ocean waters and what it may signal for the rest of the season. Coastal communities are monitoring advisories closely.

Mercedes set the fastest time in qualifying, with Max Verstappen and Lando Norris both attributing their slower laps to uncompetitive car performance rather than driver error. The result hands Mercedes a strong starting position for the race and puts the two leading title contenders on the back foot, prompting debate among fans about the teams' current pace.

Saudi Arabia has signalled it would be open to developing nuclear weapons, according to reports carried by major US outlets including The New York Times and The Seattle Times. The remarks raise fresh questions about nuclear proliferation in the Middle East and about Riyadh's nuclear ambitions at a time of ongoing regional tensions and talks over normalisation and security guarantees with Washington.

Poland's central bank is described as trapped in a political contest, according to the Financial Times. The report highlights growing tensions around the institution, suggesting its independence is under pressure amid a broader struggle over political influence in Poland. The row adds to scrutiny of the bank's leadership and policy decisions at a sensitive moment for the country's economy and institutions.

Canada has called for stronger international partnerships, warning that the global order is facing a 'rupture'. The message, delivered in the context of the United Nations, stresses that countries must work together to preserve multilateral cooperation at a time of mounting geopolitical strain. Details of the specific remarks and the venue remain limited.

An approaching East Coast storm has forced sports leagues and organisers across the region to postpone, relocate or cancel scheduled events. The Athletic reports the disruption is affecting competitions throughout the area as teams and venues adjust to severe weather expected to hit the coast.

Japan's Meteorological Agency issued record short-time heavy rain information and a linear rain band nowcast warning for Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Saga and Kumamoto prefectures in Kyushu. The alerts warn of extremely intense downpours that could cause landslides and flooding within hours. Residents are being urged to check evacuation information, and news outlets across Japan are reporting on the rapidly developing severe weather situation.

The Philadelphia Phillies are making their fourth attempt to clinch a National League wild card spot, sending Aaron Nola to the mound on just two days' rest. The unusual short turnaround underlines how badly the team wants to close out the playoff berth. Fans in Philadelphia and across baseball are following the game closely as the club tries to avoid another missed chance.