Updates on tensions in the Middle East as of Wednesday (23 September)

As per latest reports, the updates on tensions in the Middle East as of Wednesday (23 September) are as follows:

• Iran: On Tuesday (22 September), Iran suspended flights to Baghdad and Muscat amid the impending implementation of expanded US sanctions against its aviation sector, while authorities explored rerouting Baghdad-bound flights to Najaf.
• EU and Iran: On Tuesday (22 September), European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas met Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi at the UN and called for unrestricted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, alongside an end to hostilities.
• US and Iran: On Tuesday (22 September), US and Iranian officials held talks at the UN, with US President Donald Trump describing the meeting as positive and saying another meeting was scheduled in the near future.
• US: On Tuesday (22 September), Trump stated to the UN General Assembly that Iran could face further military action if an agreement to end the conflict was not reached, while reiterating that he believed a deal remained possible.
• Iran, Turkiye, Azerbaijan and Iraq: On Tuesday (22 September), Iran Air said it had not received official notification of flight bans from Turkey, Azerbaijan or Iraq, despite US sanctions targeting Iran’s aviation sector scheduled to take effect on Wednesday (23 September).
• Yemen and Saudi Arabia: On Tuesday (22 September), Houthis reported a Saudi strike on a prison in Al-Jawf Governorate, Yemen.
• Iran and US: On Tuesday (22 September), Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian travelled to New York to attend the UN General Assembly, with his aircraft scheduled to arrive at John F. Kennedy International Airport at approximately 1800 hours local time (2200 hours UTC).
• Pakistan, Oman and Russia: On Tuesday (22 September), Pakistan began separate two-week joint military exercises with Russia and Oman in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, focusing on operational experience, counterterrorism procedures and military interoperability.

Categories: External Threats - Cross-border Attacks / Clashes