Iran denies dropping preconditions amid ‘very productive’ three-hour UN talks in New York 23. September 2026 (12:41) Trump says further talks possible as barrel of Brent crude falls to below $100 for first time in two weeksUnited Nations general assembly – latest updatesIran has pushed back on claims that it dropped former preconditions for reopening the strait of Hormuz in surprise talks held in New York under the mediation of Qatar between Tehran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, and Donald Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.Trump said the three-hour talks held in a room at the UN headquarters had gone very well and been very productive. He suggested further talks were possible imminently, which led to the price of a barrel of Brent crude to fall to below $100 (£75) for the first time in two weeks. Witkoff said the talks had been “encouraging, constructive and successful”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Judge wrong to hear case from bed while recovering from surgery, court says 23. September 2026 (12:29) Richard Clayton KC had undergone operation for ruptured achilles tendon day before hearing optician’s appealA judge was wrong to hear a case from his bed via video link while recovering from surgery, the court of appeal has said.Richard Clayton KC, sitting as a deputy high court judge, heard an optician’s appeal against a finding of serious misconduct from bed the day after returning from hospital where he had undergone an operation for a ruptured achilles tendon. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Chagos Islands deal ‘can’t go ahead’ without US support, Streeting says 23. September 2026 (12:11) Defence secretary places annual payments to Mauritius on hold as UK government reviews deal over Diego Garcia baseUK politics live – latest updatesWes Streeting has said annual payments worth at least £120m to Mauritius are on hold as the government reconsiders its deal over the Chagos Islands, after Donald Trump refused to back the agreement.The defence secretary said the payments would not be made “at this stage” and confirmed the deal “can’t go ahead without US support”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Dolly Parton estate in feud with nephew over alleged ‘warfare’ threats 23. September 2026 (12:08) Bryan Seaver, who announced Parton’s death to the world, is alleged to have intimidated her manager and others, which he deniesThe estate of the late Dolly Parton is involved in a dispute with the country star’s nephew and former head of security, and has filed for a restraining order against him amid allegations of threats.Bryan Seaver was responsible for Parton’s security, and was tasked with announcing her death on 25 August with a video, “something Dolly asked of me years ago”, he said. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Republican jitters grow as unpopular Trump fuels midterm ‘bloodbath’ fears 23. September 2026 (12:00) Iran war, rising prices and president’s low ratings give Democrats advantage, but Republicans have poured cash into key races – could it be decisive?Donald Trump pulled out all the stops at the Republican party’s midterm convention two weeks ago. In speeches aimed at the voters who will soon decide whether to keep Republicans in control of Congress for the final phase of his presidency, the president dangled $5,000 checks, and warned the United States would turn into a “communist country” if Democrats are elected.The unprecedented political gathering amounted to a hail-mary pass at retaining control of Congress, which history indicated Trump’s Republican allies had always been likely to lose in the 3 November vote. Two weeks later, with election administrators in several states already sending out mail ballots, there is no indication the gambit has worked. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
