COMBATE Digest - combate-20260918-1200Z

🌍 WEST ASIA

Iran Holds 313,000-Strong 'Sacrifice for Iran' Mobilization

The large-scale "313,000 Janfada of Iran" drill began Friday morning in Tehran under the code "Labbayk ya Khamenei," with units of newly mobilized volunteers parading along Enqelab Street; Fars reported that six hours in the crowd was several times larger than the announced number (mehrnews, farsna). President Pezeshkian attended and told IRNA "our lives are a sacrifice for the people and Iran," saying national unity disheartens the enemy (sepah_pasdaran, irna_1313). IRGC Greater Tehran commander Brig. Gen. Hassan Hassanzadeh told Al Mayadeen that nearly 33 million citizens have registered in the "My Soul is a Sacrifice" volunteer initiative (almayadeenespanol, mehrnews). Analysts noted millions of Iranians received government SMS enlistment calls, with hundreds of thousands of recruits expected to join the Basij in coming months (guerrasygeo, worldpravda). IRGC drones and missiles were displayed (sepah_pasdaran), effigy coffins labeled for Trump and Netanyahu were carried (sepah_pasdaran), and the chief rabbi of Iran's Jewish community took part (mehrnews). Basij chief Hossein Taeb called the Janfada a "nightmare for the enemies" and a symbol of readiness for all-out defense (presstv, mehrnews). Tehran's Friday prayer leader said the enemy "has fallen into desperation, begs for negotiations and sends mediators, but until all the conditions of the Leader of the Revolution are met, there will be no negotiations" (farsna); armed forces spokesman Shekarchi said repeated US and Israeli threats cannot save their "terrorist, weakened" army from heavier defeats (mehrnews).

Rubio Personally Blocked Peace Deal With Iran

NBC News, citing an official, reported Secretary of State Marco Rubio played the decisive role in sinking a potential peace agreement during the Pakistan negotiations that involved Vice President JD Vance (sputnikglobe_rss, sputnikvietnam_rss); RT noted the direct Washington-Tehran talks were held in Islamabad in April and ended without agreement (rt_spanish_rss, rt_arabic_rss). Trump told ABC News "Iran wants to make a deal, but I don't think they're ready yet — either we get a good deal or there's no deal" (irna_1313), and was quoted saying "we will win, but I'm not sure it will be through a deal" (Hidcunim_news).

US Exits UN Human Rights Council Day After War Crimes Report

Washington announced it has formally ended its membership and participation in the UN Human Rights Council, with the State Department accusing the body of promoting "anti-American rhetoric" and being lenient toward repressive governments; the move came one day after the UN fact-finding mission said there are "reasonable grounds" to believe US forces committed war crimes in Iran (farsna, mehrnews, presstv, iribnews). Iranian Deputy FM Gharibabadi responded that "history will not forget — in Minab a school was stained with the blood of 168 children, and in Lamerd a sports field became a slaughterhouse for civilians," adding the US cannot shed responsibility by leaving the council (mehrnews, irna_1313, almayadeenespanol).

Hormuz: IRGC Strikes Tanker; Traffic Falls to Four Ships a Day

The IRGC Navy said it struck the Togo-flagged oil tanker Trend, which caught fire and was halted, as it attempted an illegal passage through the Strait of Hormuz after being "provoked and deceived" by the United States; the IRGC warned illegal passage "will achieve nothing other than the destruction of the offending vessel" (sputnikindia_rss, presstv, almayadeenenglish, akhbarefori). The UK Maritime Trade Operations reported another vessel hit by an unidentified projectile and burning in the strait — the second such incident in quick succession — with the fire later extinguished (farsna, mehrnews, akhbarefori, rtde_live_rss). Kpler data showed only four cargo ships transited Hormuz on Thursday against six on Wednesday and a daily average of about 16 over the past ten days (rt_arabic_rss, mehrnews). Vortexa said no oil cargo has left Saudi Arabia's Yanbu port since September 11 (irna_1313); Mehr denied rumors of an explosion near Kharg Island (mehrnews). Former US NSA Jake Sullivan said reopening the strait "partially" cost billions of dollars with nearly half the US Navy, yet only about four ships passed in 24 hours — "we are stuck, and there is no good way out" (meo_verified). RT DE reported Italy is sending warships to protect shipping through Bab al-Mandab without waiting for the EU (rtde_live_rss).

Pakistan Weighs Joining Yemen War Under Mecca Defense Pact

Pakistan considers the time has come to implement its defense pact with Saudi Arabia and Turkey, under which an attack on any of the three signatories counts as an attack on all, as Ansar Allah multiplies operations against Riyadh (rt_french_rss). Army spokesman Ahmad Sharif Chowdhry said Pakistan will go "as far as necessary" to defend Saudi Arabia, calling Riyadh's security "unconditional" (sepahcybery, irna_1313). The FT, citing Pakistani officials, reported Islamabad may join air operations to defend Saudi Arabia against drones and even target launch positions in Yemen if the pact's defense clause is activated (akhbarefori); army chief Asim Munir has urged Iran to rein in Ansar Allah attacks, citing the mutual defense accord (rt_arabic_rss). A Saudi official told Israel's Channel 12 that Turkey and Pakistan have offered nothing but statements — "they just want to sell weapons" (farsna, parstodayrussian). Lebanon's Al-Akhbar reported Riyadh has proposed a ceasefire and talks with Ansar Allah, while the movement insists on a comprehensive solution ending the war and blockade (irna_1313). RT DE reported that when Riyadh asked Washington for direct military strikes against Ansar Allah, Trump refused (rtde_live_rss).

Iran Downs US Drones; Trump Rails at Whistleblowers

CBS News, citing US officials, reported Iran has downed at least two American MQ-1 drones in recent days (irna_1313, sepah_pasdaran); Iran separately displayed wreckage of an MQ-9 Reaper downed over Khomein (yt_jpmas). Trump wrote on Truth Social, referencing a Washington Post article: "Keep exposing, dirty dogs! When we find you, you will pay a heavy price" (akhbarefori, sepah_pasdaran). A Fox News poll found 60% of Americans believe the decision to start the war on Iran was a mistake, with Trump's approval at 39% and foreign policy approval at 37%, the lowest of his term (irna_1313); a Democratic congressman cited reports that Riyadh asked Trump to prolong the war, noting Kushner's fund holds $2 billion in Saudi investment (snninternational). South Korea's President Lee Jae-myung said Seoul will not deploy troops or military assets that could make it a party to the Iran war, while weighing an expanded navigation-protection role in Hormuz (irna_1313, tabzlive).

US Moves Heavy Equipment From Iraq to Jordan

Iraqi users filmed a large US military convoy of heavy vehicles and armored equipment departing Iraqi Kurdistan toward Jordan; the US military is scheduled to end its 23-year presence in Iraq by September 30 (iribnews, irna_1313, sepahcybery, parstodayrussian).

Around West Asia

Israeli media reported secret negotiations underway between Kuwait and Israel following what were described as Iranian attacks on regional countries (mehrnews). In southern Lebanon, Israeli soldiers advanced toward a Lebanese army position at Deir Mimas, fired stun grenades and set a deadline to vacate the area (mehrnews, irna_1313); Israel demolished buildings in Mansouri and Beit Yahoun (mehrnews) and struck Bani Haiyan (rt_spanish_rss). Nearly a year after the Gaza ceasefire, over 1,350 Palestinians have been killed since the truce and 76% of housing is damaged or destroyed (rt_french_rss); a 100-meter shroud bearing the handwritten names of more than 20,000 children killed in Gaza was displayed at the Church Center for the United Nations in New York (me_observer_TG), and a US senator demanded the release of detained Press TV journalist Naqaa Hamed (presstv). On the F-35 sale, Rep. Rashida Tlaib demanded the Senate halt weapons "fueling the Yemen siege" (presstv); Riyadh's embassy called the deal proof of a durable strategic partnership (mehrnews); Israeli media said Israel intends to seek "compensation" from Washington, including weapons previously withheld (akhbarefori). Israeli platform Natsif reported Egypt obtained French Meteor missiles for its Rafale jets, drawing anger in Tel Aviv over broken air-superiority assurances (rt_arabic_rss); Lieberman said Netanyahu is responsible for October 7 and should "go home" (rt_arabic_rss). Iranian security forces killed two Jaish-e-Zulm gunmen and arrested another in Zahedan (sepahnewsir403, iribnews). A suicide bombing at a mosque in a police headquarters in Kohat, Pakistan killed at least 15 people and wounded more than 50 during Friday prayers; the Interior Ministry later gave a toll of 17 dead, and PM Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack (iribnews, farsna, mehrnews, mehrnews). Bushehr's governor said the Iranian province welcomes Russian investment in its special economic zones (meo_verified); Mehr examined how the US and EU are backing the Trans-Caspian middle corridor to bypass Iran's route to Central Asia (mehrnews).

🌍 EUROPE

Moscow Repels One of Ukraine's Largest Drone Attacks

Overnight, one of Kiev's largest attacks in years saw more than 350 drones head toward the Moscow region, most intercepted far from the city, with 64 destroyed on approach to the capital per Mayor Sobyanin (rt_french_rss); Russia said it repelled more than 620 drones overnight (rt_spanish_rss) and downed 5,706 fixed-wing Ukrainian drones over the week (sputnikbrasil_rss). Russian forces struck a cargo ship delivering military cargo in the port of Chernomsk and hit the Nova Poshta logistics center near Odessa that stored and distributed European military shipments (sputnikindia_rss, sputnikvietnam_rss, iribnews); Geran-4 drone operators continued destroying cargo ships near Odessa and Izmail (rt_spanish_rss). The Defense Ministry reported two major group strikes and five group attacks on Ukrainian military targets this week (sputnikvietnam_rss). The FSB detained a Russian citizen recruited by the SBU who was to blow up a gas pipeline in Kabardino-Balkaria (sputnikglobe_rss, sputnikvietnam_rss).

UPDATE: Duma Elections Reach Main Polling Day

Voting in Russia's three-day State Duma election officially began September 18, with the Donetsk and Lugansk republics and the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions participating in federal parliamentary elections for the first time (sputnikvietnam_rss, sputnikserbia_rss). Some 4,500 candidates from ten parties are running, with observers from the CIS, CSTO and BRICS present (rtde_live_rss). Zakharova said the vote is proceeding normally despite disinformation waves and interference attempts, watched by a record 1,126 international observers (rt_french_rss); CEC chief Pamfilova said unfriendly countries are trying to disrupt and discredit the elections and that Western states fear letting their own journalists report from Russia (sputnikserbia_rss); Lavrov called turnout "a joint response to those who want to weaken Russia" (sputnikserbia_rss). Russia launched a military satellite from Plesetsk aboard a Soyuz-2.1b (sputnikserbia_rss).

Moscow Summons British Chargé d'Affaires Over Arms Deliveries

Russia summoned British chargée Dayni Dolakiya over the continued increase in drone and weapons deliveries to Kiev, calling London an "accomplice in terrorism and war crimes," and warned that any UK military facilities in Ukraine used for strikes on Russia are legitimate targets (sputnikserbia_rss, tass_agency, rt_french_rss, irna_1313).

Sanctions vs. Deals: Trump Eyes Economic Agreements With Russia

Despite new House-passed sanctions, Trump is considering new economic deals with Moscow even before the conflict ends, departing from his previous line, the NYT reported (rtde_live_rss, sputnikvietnam_rss, sputnikbrasil_rss). Deputy FM Ryabkov said Trump and his team are "constructively minded" on a Ukraine settlement and understand the motives behind Russia's security guarantees demand (sputnikserbia_rss). Russia's embassy in Washington said the sanctions bill — initiated by the late Sen. Graham, listed as extremist in Russia — will harm the administration's "Make America Great Again" efforts (sputnikserbia_rss, sputnikindia_rss); Valdai Club's Ivan Timofeev noted the law permits but does not oblige Trump to impose the "sanctions from hell" (sputnikvietnam_rss). China sharply opposed the package, which empowers Trump to tariff buyers of Russian oil and gas, and warned Washington not to interfere in its cooperation with third countries (sputnikserbia_rss, sputnikvietnam_rss).

UPDATE: Pentagon Weighs Troop Cuts in Europe; Polish Base Coming

Seven current and former US and Western officials said the Pentagon is weighing withdrawing about 25,000 troops — roughly a third of US forces in Europe — with some estimates reaching 40,000, along with aircraft, ships and weapons, which would be the largest reduction since the Cold War (sputnikserbia_rss, sputnikbrasil_rss, mehrnews, sputnikindia_rss). Trump said significant progress has been made toward establishing a US military base in Poland "soon," crediting President Nawrocki's "brave leadership" (sputnikmundo_rss, sputnikserbia_rss).

Europe Briefs

Von der Leyen announced the EU is allocating another €3.3 billion for missiles and drones for Ukraine under a €90 billion loan, including Patriot missiles (sputnikserbia_rss, irna_1313), and proposed an EU counterpart to NATO's Article 4 for consultations on threats (rtde_live_rss). Attal called for a "United States of Europe" led by a president elected by universal suffrage to counter the US, China and Russia (rt_french_rss); Zemmour confirmed his 2027 candidacy, defending "remigration" (rt_french_rss). A French policeman was indicted and jailed for "preparation of a terrorist act" with ultra-right links (rt_french_rss). Merz said the era of unconditional US-Europe friendship is over "at least for now" (sputnikserbia_rss), admitted internal CDU resistance to his Ukraine course while vowing not to abandon it (rtde_live_rss), and his party proposed fuel-price relief of up to 25 cents per liter (rtde_live_rss). Swiss diesel hit an absolute record of 2.41 francs per liter, up 11 centimes in a week, which the TCS blamed on the war against Iran and Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil infrastructure (rt_french_rss, rtde_live_rss); oil prices nonetheless fell for a third session Friday as supply fears eased (rt_arabic_rss). Germany's federal prosecutor took over the probe into drones found at Steinhuder Meer near Wunstorf, with a possible link to the Leipzig drone incident (rtde_live_rss). Putin signed a decree transferring the Russian assets of Nestlé, Auchan and other Western firms to external management (rt_arabic_rss, rtde_live_rss). Zelensky's ex-spokesperson Mendel called him a "vile creature" and "a threat to Ukrainian sovereignty," saying he rejected at least five peace deals and once demanded blowing up Kyiv's bridges and metro (parstodayrussian, rt_spanish_rss). US 10-year Treasury yields topped 5% — the highest since 2007 — with Norway's sovereign fund weighing an $80 billion cut to its US Treasury holdings (1087968996). Supporters of the convicted KLA leadership protested again in Pristina (sputnikserbia_rss).

🌍 NORTH AMERICA

US Acknowledges Weapons in Orbit as Generals Invoke Moon

The US for the first time acknowledged the presence of weapons in orbit, according to Air Force Secretary Troy Meink, in what experts call a new phase of the space arms race (rtde_live_rss). Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine said US forces must prepare for combat "from the ocean floor to the Moon's orbit" (rt_arabic_rss); Iran condemned the deployment as a "destructive" unilateral act accelerating a high-risk arms race (presstv). A UBC astronomer told Sputnik the US currently has no military capability near or on the Moon despite commanders' claims (sputnikvietnam_rss); Global Times warned US attempts to militarize space near the Moon threaten global security (sputnikbrasil_rss). Separately, Sputnik reported the US tanker fleet's repair backlog could take decades to fix, limiting power projection (sputnikvietnam_rss).

USS Abraham Lincoln Crew Drug Trafficking Uncovered

Cocaine, fentanyl and oxycodone were sold to crew members aboard the carrier USS Abraham Lincoln — which took part in the war with Iran — dating back to 2022 (rt_spanish_rss).

Around North America

OFAC sanctioned three Iranians and two Iranian companies, added three Cubans and six Cuban state enterprises to its lists, and removed several Belarusian organizations (parstodayrussian). A US federal court sentenced Samir Othman Sheikh, former director of Syria's Adra prison, to 60 years for torture and fraud (rt_arabic_rss).

🌍 SOUTH AMERICA

UPDATE: Venezuela's $4 Billion Gold Nears Transfer; Trump to Meet Rodriguez

Venezuelan authorities and the opposition are discussing moving the country's roughly $4 billion in gold reserves from the Bank of England to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York; under the emerging deal, the interim government of Delcy Rodriguez would gain legal control of the reserves but could not sell them (sputnikglobe_rss, irna_1313). Trump is planning a first-of-its-kind meeting with interim President Rodriguez early next week (rt_arabic_rss); Dugin commented that Venezuelans do not accept the agreements struck with Trump, predicting sabotage or open revolt (parstodayrussian). Caracas unblocked 17 websites while 188 remain restricted, as dialogue with the opposition resumed (yt_france24es).

Bolivia Extends State of Emergency by 90 Days

Congress approved extending the state of emergency through year-end, restricting protest rights and allowing military mobilization to prevent roadblocks and protect the economy (yt_france24es, sputnikmundo_rss); Santa Cruz authorities created a joint police-army task force against organized crime on the Brazilian border (sputnikmundo_rss).

US Pressure Across the Region

A local report revealed Washington demanded in October 2025 that Lula's government allow "political dissidents" to run in this year's Brazilian elections as part of tariff negotiations (yt_france24es). The US embassy warned Mexico that Washington "will use all tools available" against cartels and their backers (rt_spanish_rss); federal operations in Guerrero triggered narcoblockades and burned patrols blamed on Los Ardillos (yt_lajornada2023). Milei sent Congress a National Sovereignty Defense bill toughening sanctions for unauthorized resource exploitation in the Malvinas (yt_france24es). Washington announced new sanctions on eight entities and three Cuban citizens targeting the military and mining sectors (yt_canalcaribecuba); Cuba's foreign minister said the people will never renounce their sovereignty (rt_spanish_rss).

🌍 EAST ASIA

Kim Yo Jong Condemns US-Led Naval Drills; DPRK Vows Nuclear Buildup

Kim Yo Jong said regular US-Japan-South Korea military exercises are the main factor raising tensions on the Korean Peninsula (sputnikvietnam_rss), calling the US-led drills a "war game" to ignite regional conflict and vowing that Pyongyang will keep upgrading its nuclear forces in response to growing threats (mehrnews, rt_arabic_rss). Deputy Defense Minister Kim Kang-il said the DPRK will continue strengthening its nuclear deterrent, calling its nuclear state status an "indisputable reality" (sputnikglobe_rss). South Korea's Lee Jae-myung said a Trump-Kim summit in the coming months "cannot be excluded," though chances remain uncertain (rt_arabic_rss).

Japan: BOJ Hikes to 1.25%; Russia Protests Typhon Deployment

The Bank of Japan raised its key rate 25 basis points to 1.25%, the highest since 1995 (rt_arabic_rss). Russia sent Japan a protest note over the deployment of US Typhon medium-range missile systems on Kyushu and demanded their withdrawal (sputnikglobe_rss, sputnikvietnam_rss). PM Takaichi reshuffled her cabinet, keeping the foreign and defense ministers and bringing in a member of coalition partner the Innovation Party (yt_cgtnespanol).

China: Tariff Talks, Sea Warnings, September 18 Anniversary

Chinese and US trade teams are in close communication on mutual tariff cuts covering about $30 billion in goods from each side, Beijing's Commerce Ministry said (yt_cgtnespanol, sputnikmundo_rss); Wang Yi told Rubio by phone that bilateral relations are advancing stably overall and exchanged views on the Middle East (yt_cgtnespanol). China's coast guard warned Manila will bear responsibility for the consequences of provocations in the South China Sea (sputnikvietnam_rss). The US returned 64 cultural relics and fossils to China, including a Tianlongshan bodhisattva statue looted over a century ago (1087968996, yt_cgtnespanol). Beijing said Japanese right-wing forces are using AI to filter archives and whitewash war crimes (sputnikglobe_rss) as China marked the 95th anniversary of the September 18 Incident (yt_cgtnespanol); a US magazine reported China's sixth-generation fighter is entering a new flight-test phase with radars reportedly more powerful than US counterparts (sputnikbrasil_rss). Vietnam's Party chief To Lam will address the UNGA and pay a state visit to Canada September 20-25 (sputnikvietnam_rss).

🌍 AFRICA

Russia-Africa: Ebola Tests, Vaccines, Mining Talks

Rospotrebnadzor delivered 7,000 tests for the Bundibugyo Ebola virus to Uganda at its Health Ministry's request (rt_french_rss), and Russia is nearing completion of clinical trials for Ebola and Marburg vaccines, watchdog head Anna Popova said (sputnikindia_rss). Russia will host the GECF summit and the third Russia-Africa summit plus economic forum in late October (sputnikindia_rss). Guinea and RUSAL discussed local processing of minerals under the Simandou 2040 program (rt_french_rss); Ivory Coast's president imposed a six-month moratorium on new artisanal gold-mining licenses (rt_french_rss); Senegal's PM launched a private-sector dialogue alongside an IMF agreement in principle (rt_french_rss). A Nigerien analyst said Niamey's vote against referring Iran's file to the Security Council showed it can "make a difference on the international stage" (sputnik_africa). Brazil's Petrobras signed production-sharing contracts for eight offshore blocks in Côte d'Ivoire (sputnikbrasil_rss).

UN Warns Hunger Could Reach 520 Million by 2030

The FAO said the number of people facing hunger could reach 510-520 million by 2030 due to the Middle East conflict, up from a pre-crisis forecast of 503 million (sputnikmundo_rss, rt_arabic_rss).

💬 NOTABLE QUOTES

"Keep exposing, dirty dogs! When we find you, you will pay a heavy price!" — Donald Trump, US President, on Truth Social (akhbarefori)

"Trump keeps talking about how he opened the Strait of Hormuz at least partially. But in just the last 24 hours, we heard that about four ships were able to pass through. This comes at a cost of billions of dollars, with the participation of nearly half of the US Navy... We are stuck, and there is no good way to get out of this situation." — Jake Sullivan, former US National Security Adviser (meo_verified)

"History will not forget: in Minab, a school was stained with the blood of 168 children, and in Lamerd, a sports field became a slaughterhouse for civilians... The US cannot shrug off its responsibility by leaving the Human Rights Council." — Kazem Gharibabadi, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister (mehrnews)

"The enemy has fallen into desperation and begs for negotiations and sends mediators, but until all the conditions of the Leader of the Revolution are met, there will be no negotiations." — Tehran Friday prayer leader (farsna)

"The era of unconditional friendship between the United States and Europe is over, at least for now." — Friedrich Merz, German Chancellor (sputnikserbia_rss)