Emirati politician and diplomat, long-time foreign affairs figure
Iran has said three of its pilots were captured by Qatari forces after Su-24 jets crashed during an operation over Qatar in March. Qatar has denied detaining surviving aircrew, saying its search teams recovered one body and invited Iran to review the rescue operation; Tehran says Doha has not responded to its request to allow an Iranian investigation.
Iran's state media has touted a new missile test against a US warship, with Tehran claiming a turning point in its defense. The US has hit Iranian oil tankers in response, and both sides warn of further escalation as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains contested.
Algeria has severed diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates, accusing Abu Dhabi of repeated "provocative and hostile" actions and giving the UAE ambassador 48 hours to leave. Algeria has closed its airspace to UAE-registered aircraft while allowing commercial flights to and from Algiers until the end of 2026. The UAE has said it hopes the move will be temporary.
A fire has swept through a dense Bukavu neighbourhood and spread into two adjacent schools, Ujamaa and Furaha, killing at least 24 children and injuring dozens. The blaze has destroyed hundreds of wooden homes in Kadutu’s Cimpunda area. Local medical facilities are treating dozens of survivors while authorities say the death toll remains provisional.
Iran has presented a seven-day plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but Washington has rejected it and negotiations appear to resume amid mounting economic strain. U.S. and Iranian officials discuss a path to reopen the strait while sanctions and asset freezes remain a flashpoint.
An Omani co‑pilot has attacked the captain aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073 and has attempted to seize control to crash the aircraft on Sept. 30. Passengers and off‑duty crew have overpowered and restrained him; the jet has made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. UAE prosecutors have opened a terrorism probe and say the suspect has admitted planning a suicide attack inspired by 9/11.
A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv has diverted to Tabuk after a co-pilot attacked Captain Smit Machchhar. The captain opened the cockpit door as the aircraft dropped about 17,000 feet; passengers and crew overpowered the attacker, enabling an emergency landing. Machchhar is recovering in Abu Dhabi, praised by Modi and Netanyahu for bravery.
The co-pilot on Flight FZ1073 has been identified as Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani national. Investigators describe the incident as a potential terrorist act but are still establishing motive and whether others were involved. Passengers and crew subdued the co-pilot after he attacked the captain, prompting an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
A flydubai co-pilot has attacked the captain with an axe on a Dubai–Tel Aviv flight, prompting a forced landing in Saudi Arabia. Multiple agencies are investigating the co-pilot’s links to Australia and possible extremist ties. Several reports identify the suspect as Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani national. Israel says it will strengthen checks; UAE authorities are probing motives.
Israel has ordered a comprehensive security review of international flights following an incident in which an Omani co-pilot attacked the flight captain aboard a FlyDubai jet bound for Tel Aviv. Investigations focus on pilot vetting, cross-border checks, and possible security gaps as politicians react ahead of elections.
Gulf mediators have continued shuttle diplomacy after an eight-month war that began on Feb. 28. Qatar has led talks with Tehran and is hosting indirect consultations that aim to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. UAE and Gulf officials have said they hope for a diplomatic breakthrough while remaining prepared for renewed military escalation.
Israeli authorities have issued new security directives after a Sept. 30 incident in which a FlyDubai copilot attacked the captain and attempted to crash the plane into Ben Gurion Airport. Off-duty pilots and passengers subdued the attacker, enabling an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. The government is now tightening pre-clearance and vetting for crew and passengers and expanding oversight of foreign flights.
Iran has warned that any new US or Israeli strikes will draw an immediate, geographically unrestricted response after senior commanders met the country’s supreme leader. Qatari mediators have held talks in Tehran, and Iran has received a letter from US Vice‑President J.D. Vance as Washington says negotiation channels remain open ahead of US midterms.
U.S. forces have carried out limited, covert strikes on Iran's Qeshm and Hengam islands and near Bandar Abbas, targeting Iranian surface-to-air missile sites used against U.S. assets in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian state media has reported explosions. Diplomats are holding back-channel talks to reopen the strait and negotiate a ceasefire ahead of U.S. midterm elections.