10 Global Stories You Need to Know — September 26, 2026

From renewed expectations of US-Iran diplomacy and developments in Yemen and Iraq to extreme weather in Thailand, volcanic disruption in Italy and the disappearance of Papua’s “eternal snow”,

here are 10 major international developments for September 26, 2026.

1. US-Iran Talks Expected Next Week Despite Trump Rejecting Tehran Proposal

US-Iran talks are expected to take place next week despite US President Donald Trump rejecting a proposal put forward by Tehran, CBS News reported, citing a source. The reported prospect of renewed engagement comes amid continuing regional tensions and diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing further escalation between Washington and Tehran.

2. Saudi-Led Coalition Commander Meets Yemen’s Tariq Saleh

Commander of the Joint Forces of the Coalition Lieutenant General Fahd Al-Salman met Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council member and National Resistance Commander Lieutenant General Tariq Saleh. The two discussed coordination aimed at supporting the readiness of the Yemeni army, as security tensions continue in the country.

3. Iraq, US Reach Understanding on Dollar Cash Shipments

Iraq has reached an understanding with the United States to continue US dollar cash shipments to the country, an Iraqi government spokesperson told the Iraqi News Agency. A new shipment is expected in the coming days, according to the spokesperson.

4. Torrential Rain Floods Bangkok, Forces Evacuations

Torrential rainfall triggered flooding in Bangkok and other parts of Thailand, disrupting traffic and forcing hundreds of people to evacuate. Heavy rainfall continued to affect several areas as authorities responded to flooding and associated disruption.

5. Mount Etna Ash Forces Suspension of Catania Airport Flights

Flights at Catania airport in Sicily were suspended due to volcanic ash from ongoing activity at Mount Etna and adverse weather conditions, according to the company operating the airport. Etna is one of Europe’s most active volcanoes and its eruptions periodically disrupt aviation in the region.

6. Papua’s Centuries-Old ‘Eternal Snow’ Nears Disappearance

The remaining tropical glaciers on the mountains of Papua in Indonesia are nearing disappearance after centuries of covering peaks close to the equator. The ice has provided scientists with valuable records of the Earth’s climate history while also holding deep cultural and spiritual significance for Papuan communities. Only a fraction of the once extensive ice now remains.

7. Iraq Seeks US Exemption From Ban on Iranian Airlines

The Iraqi government said it was holding talks with the United States to secure an exemption from restrictions on Iranian airlines after Iraqi airports enforced the ban this week. The restrictions have disrupted travel by patients, students and pilgrims, with significant effects reported at Najaf airport, a major destination for Iranian travellers.

8. Bangladesh Launches Measles-Rubella Vaccination Drive

Bangladesh launched a nationwide measles-rubella vaccination campaign, targeting 3.4 million children who had either missed previous vaccinations or remained unvaccinated. The drive comes amid what has been described as the country’s worst measles outbreak, which has killed more than 1,000 people and infected tens of thousands.

9. Spanish City Lleida Bans Full-Face Coverings in Most Public Spaces

The Spanish city of Lleida approved a ban on full-face coverings in most public spaces, a measure affecting garments including the burqa and niqab worn by some Muslim women. Spain does not have a nationwide prohibition comparable to restrictions adopted in some other European countries, making the municipal measure relatively unusual.

10. Five Officers Arrested After 14 Troops Killed During Kazakhstan Naval Exercise

Five defence ministry officers have been arrested following the deaths of 14 military personnel during a naval training exercise in Kazakhstan, according to foreign media reports. The incident occurred during bad weather along the Caspian Sea coast, while three people were reportedly rescued. Kazakhstan’s Interior Ministry said those detained included the navy’s first deputy commander.

A Day of Diplomacy, Security and Climate Disruption

September 26 saw diplomacy and regional security dominate developments in the Middle East, with attention focused on possible renewed US-Iran engagement, Yemen and Iraq. Elsewhere, extreme weather and environmental change remained prominent, from flooding in Thailand and volcanic disruption in Sicily to the rapidly disappearing tropical glaciers of Papua, while Bangladesh launched a major public-health campaign and developments in Spain and Kazakhstan added to the day’s global headlines.