Middle East & Central Asia News
LAST UPDATE: September 23, 2025
UN Security Council votes on reimposing Iran nuclear sanctions
The UN Security Council has voted to reimpose deep economic sanctions on Iran over perceived failures to comply with its nuclear deal obligations, following pressure from Britain, France, and Germany.
Insight
With sanctions returning, Iran faces renewed economic pressures; however, the move could also drive Tehran deeper into confrontation unless parallel diplomatic channels are kept open.
UN warns of deepening ethnic violence in Sudan
The UN rights chief reported a sharp increase in ethnic violence in Sudan, particularly between the armed forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Summary executions and killings of civilians have surged in many regions.
Insight
The conflict is becoming more brutal and ethnically driven, heightening risks of mass displacement, humanitarian crises, and potential international involvement or pressure for intervention.
Plans under way for Trump, Syria’s al-Sharaa to meet at UN, CBS reported
According to CBS (reported via Reuters), U.S. President Donald Trump and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa may meet at the UN General Assembly next week.
Insight
If this meeting occurs it could signal shifts in U.S. policy toward Syria, possibly seeking normalization or strategic alignment, which might have regional implications for diplomacy and aid.
Iran says door to diplomacy still open after UN vote
After the UN Security Council decision to reimpose sanctions, Iran stated that diplomacy remains possible. Their Foreign Minister is expected to meet with European counterparts in New York during the UN General Assembly.
Insight
While pressures are rising, Iran is signalling it does not see diplomacy as foreclosed, which might keep space for negotiations, concession-making, or at least de-escalation if trust can be rebuilt.
EU extends sanctions against Sudan by a year
The European Union has extended its sanctions regime against individuals and entities in Sudan for another year, until October 2026. The sanctions target those responsible for destabilizing the country and obstructing its political transition, including members of both the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces. The measures include travel bans and asset freezes.
Insight
The extension of these sanctions indicates the EU’s continued concern over the ongoing conflict and political instability in Sudan. It shows a commitment to using diplomatic and financial pressure to push for a peaceful, inclusive political process, signaling that the international community is not satisfied with the current state of affairs.
Iran and Russia to sign documents on building new nuclear reactors in Iran, RIA news agency says
Russia and Iran are set to sign agreements this week on the construction of new nuclear power units in Iran. The announcement, made by Iran’s nuclear chief, comes as Western governments express concern over Tehran’s nuclear program. Russia maintains that it supports Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy.
Insight
This agreement highlights the deepening cooperation between Iran and Russia, particularly in the face of Western pressure and sanctions. The move underscores Iran’s pursuit of nuclear energy, with the backing of a major world power, which could further complicate diplomatic efforts to curb its nuclear ambitions.
Syria’s Sharaa, in New York, renews call for US to formally drop sanctions
Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, during a visit to New York, renewed his call for the U.S. to formally lift the remaining sanctions on Syria. His visit marks the first time a Syrian head of state has attended a U.N. high-level meeting in nearly 60 years. Sharaa praised the Trump administration for having already eased many sanctions and is seeking further relief to aid the country’s recovery.
Insight
Sharaa’s visit to the U.N. and his direct appeal to the US signal a significant effort by Syria to re-enter the international diplomatic fold. His request for the formal removal of all sanctions indicates that while some have been lifted, the remaining ones continue to hinder the country’s recovery from war. This highlights the complex and shifting dynamics between Syria and the West.
Wabtec and Kazakhstan reach $4.2 billion locomotive deal, US Commerce Department says
American company Wabtec has signed a $4.2 billion deal with Kazakhstan’s national railway company to deliver 300 new locomotives and provide long-term maintenance support. The agreement, which is the largest in Wabtec’s history, was signed in the presence of the U.S. Secretary of Commerce. The new locomotives are designed to operate in Kazakhstan’s challenging climate.
Insight
This deal represents a major investment and strategic partnership between a U.S. company and Kazakhstan. It underscores the U.S. commitment to supporting the development of critical infrastructure in Central Asia, and it positions Kazakhstan as a key transit hub in the Eurasian region. This also serves as a strong signal of economic confidence in Kazakhstan’s stability and growth.
Iran’s Araqchi says Tehran will not respond to language of pressure over its nuclear work
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated that Tehran will not respond to “the language of pressure and threat” regarding its nuclear work. He emphasized that diplomacy can resolve the dispute and urged Western countries to choose between “cooperation or confrontation.” The statement comes ahead of planned talks with European counterparts and the head of the UN nuclear watchdog.
Insight
Araqchi’s firm stance reflects Iran’s determination not to yield to international pressure and sanctions. By asserting that Iran will not be intimidated, he is signaling that any resolution must come through negotiation and mutual respect, which could make the upcoming talks particularly challenging.
IAEA says Iran nuclear diplomacy at a ‘difficult juncture’
The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, said that diplomatic efforts to resolve the dispute over Iran’s nuclear program are at a “difficult juncture.” He stated that a meeting with Iranian officials and European counterparts was planned to discuss the situation. The comments highlight the complexity and fragility of the ongoing nuclear talks.
Insight
Grossi’s statement underscores the significant challenges facing nuclear diplomacy with Iran. The use of the phrase “difficult juncture” suggests that the current situation is precarious and could escalate if a diplomatic solution isn’t found soon. It emphasizes the urgent need for a breakthrough in the stalled talks.
Iraq, KRG agree to restart oil pipeline to Turkey, officials say
Iraqi and Kurdish regional governments have reached an agreement to restart the oil pipeline to Turkey, which has been shut down since March 2023. The deal, which will allow for the resumption of exports of approximately 230,000 barrels per day from Iraqi Kurdistan, is expected to be finalized soon. This resolution is a breakthrough in the long-standing dispute over oil exports and revenues.
Insight
This agreement is a major step toward resolving a complex and costly dispute that has severely impacted both Iraqi and Kurdish economies. The resumption of oil exports will provide a significant boost to revenues for all parties involved and is a positive sign of cooperation between Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government.
