🇸🇦Week of September 21

Iran is waiting for a final US response on ending the war, according to DW.com. US President Donald Trump has denied offering sanctions relief to Iran, as reported by BBC News Arabic. The two sides remain at odds over the terms for ending the conflict.12

The Gulf Cooperation Council secretary-general issued a statement after Houthi attacks on Riyadh and Khamis Mushait, expressing support for Saudi Arabia in all measures it takes to protect its security. The Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted two drones heading toward Riyadh and a ballistic missile toward Khamis Mushait. Egypt condemned the launching of missiles toward Taif and Yanbu.3456

Attributed claim: Trump denied offering sanctions relief to Iran, while Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi said he is awaiting Washington's final response on Tuesday, according to BBC News Arabic. DW.com reported that Tehran is waiting for a US response after a report that Trump rejected its proposal to end the war. The accounts differ on whether a proposal was made and rejected or whether no offer was extended.21

Yemeni forces carried out 356 strikes against the Houthi militia and neutralized 476 of its members within 24 hours, according to the Yemeni army's account of the fighting. Clashes between Yemeni government forces and the Houthis continued in Taiz and Lahj. Four Iranian experts were killed in Taiz during what was described as expanded Yemeni strikes that hit Houthi capabilities.123

A military analyst said the Yemeni army is delivering painful blows to the Houthis and continuing to drain the militia's capabilities. The strikes were described as air and ground operations that are exhausting Houthi forces in Taiz.42

Wire outlets also reported air and ground strikes draining the Houthis in Taiz, and a separate report described mountain battles and air strikes depleting Houthi capabilities.567

Iran has filed a formal complaint with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) over US restrictions on its aviation sector. The complaint was submitted in protest against US-imposed curbs on Iranian flights. Iran also lodged a case at the International Court of Justice against the US sanctions on its aviation sector.1234

Iraq is preparing to resume flights with Iran through Najaf airport. Iraqi Airways has resumed its flights to Iran, amid talk of an exemption from US sanctions. A source said the United States is considering granting a sanctions exemption for Iranian flights to Najaf.567

The United States issued a serious warning to Baghdad against violating the air blockade. The warning was reported by Al-Sharq Al-Awsat. The US is weighing a sanctions exemption for Iranian flights to Najaf, according to a source.87

China announced an extension of its trade truce with the United States, describing it as an opportunity to move forward with economic talks. The Chinese commerce ministry said the extension keeps negotiations on track.123456

Washington and Beijing agreed to reduce tariffs on trade worth $60 billion, according to the Saudi financial outlet Argaam. The agreement follows a summit between President Trump and President Xi Jinping.7

The Trump-Xi summit has raised questions about new rules for US-China competition, according to the Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat. The summit was also noted in a BBC press review that described a dinner between Trump and Xi as 'the worst part of hell'.8