Saturday 26 September 2026 07:30 UTC

Trump Rejects Iran Ceasefire and Expects Strikes to Resume

Donald Trump rejected Iran’s proposed seven-day ceasefire and told aides he expected to resume US strikes after the November midterm elections, according to an account of internal discussions. Iran had offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz on day six and begin negotiations the next day. Indirect contacts continue, but Washington intends to maintain its blockade and economic pressure. Iran also said it would make no concessions on its nuclear programme. Oil prices still fell on hopes of a truce, with Brent dropping about $3 a barrel.

The Houthis assured the United States and European Union that they would not target their ships in the Red Sea, saying operations near Bab al-Mandab were not intended to disrupt international shipping. Their attacks have increasingly focused on Saudi targets, including claimed strikes against Riyadh and oil facilities at Yanbu. Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan planned talks on supporting Riyadh under their joint defence agreement. Saudi forces also struck Houthi targets in Yemen.

Trump made a final decision to license Ukraine to produce Patriot missiles, Volodymyr Zelensky said. US and Ukrainian teams have begun detailed negotiations, although Zelensky previously estimated domestic production could take another 12 to 18 months after licensing is completed. Ukraine also said it hit several Russian refineries, a defence-electronics plant and two radar stations. A Russian drone strike on a Kyiv office building killed four civilians and injured seven, including a child. Other attacks disrupted internet service to about 100,000 households.

The US Army Reserve is examining which medical, military-police and logistics units could support possible operations against Cuba within four months. The requested capabilities include a medical brigade, a forward surgical team and a combat-support battalion.

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