World Briefing 28/09/2026: Serbia, US-Iran, Yemen

1. VUCIC RESIGNS AS SERBIA'S PRESIDENT
Vucic resigns to run for prime minister. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic formally submitted his resignation to the speaker of the National Assembly on 27 September. Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabic assumes acting head-of-state duties while Vucic campaigns for prime minister ahead of snap parliamentary elections set for 25 October 2026. The move reshapes leadership in Belgrade and could keep Vucic in executive power if his alliance wins.

2. US - IRAN: TALKS EXPECTED BUT TENSIONS RISE
Trump expects more talks, Iran warns it can respond. US President Donald Trump told Axios he expects further talks with Iran this week, but said the terms offered are not the deal he wants and that the military option remains active. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran is ready to negotiate but fully prepared to respond to renewed military attacks, outlining a seven-day proposal under which Tehran could reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed it captured a US underwater drone in the Strait of Hormuz; that claim has not been officially confirmed. Iranian Army spokesman Brigadier General Amir Akrami-Nia said the United States is in a dire situation in West Asia and that expelling US forces would make the region safer.

3. SWITZERLAND REJECTS STRICTER NEUTRALITY VOTE
Official result: 70.15 percent voted no. Swiss voters rejected a referendum initiative to enshrine stricter neutrality rules in the constitution. Turnout was 47.06 percent, with 29.85 percent in favor. The outcome preserves Switzerland's current flexible neutrality approach rather than creating stricter constitutional constraints and avoids a major shift in foreign policy.

4. YEMEN: MARKET STRIKE REPORTED AND HEAVY FIGHTING
Houthi media report deadly airstrike on Taiz market. According to Houthi-run media, Saudi-led coalition airstrikes on the Central Market in Al-Ta'iziyah district of Taiz killed at least 7 civilians and wounded 40; the claim has not been independently verified. Separately, Yemeni government forces said they carried out 756 operations against Houthi targets in 72 hours, killing or wounding 2,316 Houthi members and killing four Iranian specialists in Taiz province. The widely different figures remain unconfirmed by neutral parties.

5. UK ARRESTS FIVE NEAR RAF FAIRFORD
UK police arrest five under Explosives Act. British police arrested five men near RAF Fairford in western England on suspicion of preparing an act of terrorism; 85 households in a nearby village were evacuated and a major incident was declared. President Trump said the United States worked with British security services and that the suspects were looking to do big damage to US ports. The case highlights cross-border security coordination and potential threats to critical infrastructure.

6. ISRAEL - LEBANON - PALESTINE: CONTROVERSIAL CALLS AND STRIKES
Israeli minister calls for West Bank military operation. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called on the army to go to war in the occupied West Bank and do there what was done in Gaza. The Israeli military said it struck Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon; Lebanese media reported dawn airstrikes around Meifdoun, Kfar Kila, Al-Mansouri, Haddatha, Haris, Khiyam, Mays al-Jabal and Qantarah. France accused the Israeli government of tolerating violence against Palestinians and continued seizure of Palestinian land in the West Bank. The statements reflect sharply opposed positions between Israeli officials and critics of settlement policy.

7. SOUTH AFRICA: TWO MASS SHOOTINGS KILL 27
Twenty-seven dead in two weekend shootings. Police said 17 people were killed at a bar in Wedela township southwest of Johannesburg on Saturday night; early Sunday, 10 were killed at a shop in Lwandle near Cape Town. At least 27 people died and 26 were wounded, intensifying pressure on authorities over gun violence.

8. RUSSIA - UKRAINE: BRYANSK BRIDGE COLLAPSES AFTER DRONE ATTACK
Drone attack collapses bridge in Bryansk region. A bridge in Russia's Bryansk region collapsed after a drone attack, derailing 10 passenger cars and 18 open wagons. Acting regional governor Yegor Kovalchuk reported no casualties. The strike shows continued targeting of logistics infrastructure inside Russian territory.

9. IRAQ: COALITION HANDS OVER ALL BASES
After 30 September no coalition forces remain. Saad Maan, head of Iraqi security media, told Al Jazeera the US-led international coalition has handed over all military bases to Iraqi armed forces; after 30 September no coalition combat or training forces will remain. The transition places full security responsibilities on Iraqi forces amid persistent armed group threats.

10. UNITED NATIONS: GENERAL ASSEMBLY DEBATE CLOSES
High-level UN debate ends in New York. The 81st UN General Assembly general debate was due to close on 28 September after opening on 22 September. Leaders called for defending multilateralism, upholding UN authority and international law, opposing double standards, and strengthening the UN through reform. The session took place amid overlapping global crises.

What to watch today: Possible resumption of US-Iran talks this week and reactions around the Strait of Hormuz.

*Compiled for reference, reflecting multiple sources at the time of publication.*