Iran airs footage purporting to show details of alleged Israeli nuclear program

 Iranian state television broadcast images of documents and footage on Wednesday that it said relate to Israel’s alleged nuclear activities.

The documentary showed copies of passports said to identify more than 100 Israeli scientists, along with information on the location of military sites. It also featured footage said to have been filmed inside the Dimona reactor in southern Israel.

According to foreign reports, Israel is the only nuclear-armed state in the Middle East, with its main nuclear facility at Dimona. Israel has never confirmed or denied having nuclear weapons.

The Iranian documentary comes three months after an air war between Israel and Iran that began when the Israel Defense Forces conducted a sweeping assault on Iran’s top military leaders, nuclear scientists, uranium enrichment sites and ballistic missile program. Jerusalem said the attack was necessary to prevent the Islamic Republic from realizing its avowed plan to destroy the Jewish state, and that Tehran had been taking concrete steps toward assembling an atomic bomb.

In the documentary, Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib claimed that in June, Iran obtained information that it used to hit sensitive sites inside Israel during the war. Before the war, Iranian officials had contended that they acquired thousands of classified Israeli documents, including details on nuclear and military sites.

Israel has conducted intelligence operations inside Iran, and has previously uncovered troves of material about Tehran’s nuclear program.

Iran has long tried to recruit a domestic network of spies inside Israel, and Khatib boasted in the program about Israeli sources who funneled a “huge volume of documents” to Tehran, Israel’s Kan public broadcaster reported. The spies, he reportedly said, were motivated by financial gain and animosity toward Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Kan reported that the documentary included purported footage from Dimona, as well as personal information about 189 Israeli nuclear scientists and specialists.

The documentary also included photos of UN International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi that were described as personal, with one showing him kissing a person in a Minnie Mouse costume. Iran claimed the photos had been obtained by Israel, accusing it of spying on Grossi. The IAEA monitors the use of nuclear facilities worldwide, including in Iran.

The documentary comes as tensions continue to simmer over Iran’s nuclear program.

Speaking on Wednesday at the United Nations General Assembly, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian condemned Israel’s June attack on its nuclear facilities, which the United States joined at the end of the war. And he reiterated Iran’s longtime denial of a nuclear weapons program.

“I hereby declare once more before this assembly that Iran has never sought and will never seek to build a nuclear bomb,” he said.

Iran has consistently denied trying to obtain a bomb. However, it has been enriching uranium to levels that have no peaceful application, obstructed international inspectors from checking its nuclear facilities, and expanded its ballistic missile capabilities, all while regularly threatening to flatten Israeli cities.

Iran retaliated to Israel’s strikes by launching over 500 ballistic missiles and around 1,100 drones at Israel. The attacks killed 31 people and wounded over 3,000 in Israel, almost all of them civilians, according to health officials and hospitals.

Since then, Iran’s political leadership has openly targeted the IAEA and its director, accusing them of partial complicity. Tehran slammed the agency for failing to condemn the strikes on its nuclear facilities, and has restricted the agency’s access to its nuclear sites.

In addition, France, Britain and Germany triggered a mechanism for the UN Security Council to reimpose sweeping sanctions at the end of Saturday on Iran, which they say has not cooperated in talks over its nuclear program.

On Wednesday, French President Emmanuel Macron and US envoy Steve Witkoff said that Iran still had a last chance to avoid the sanctions if it addresses their concerns.

Macron met Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly and urged him to allow full access to UN nuclear inspectors, immediately resume nuclear negotiations and offer transparency on highly enriched uranium whose whereabouts have been the subject of speculation.

“An agreement remains possible. Only a few hours are left. It’s up to Iran to respond to the legitimate conditions we have raised,” Macron wrote on X after meeting Pezeshkian.

Witkoff, US President Donald Trump’s envoy who had been negotiating with Iran until Israel attacked, said without further elaboration that he was still in touch with Iran.

Witkoff said that Iran was in a “tough position” ahead of the return of the so-called snapback sanctions.

“I think that we have no desire to hurt them. We have a desire, however, to either realize a permanent solution and negotiate around snapbacks,” Witkoff told the Concordia summit on the sidelines of the General Assembly.

Arsenal: Arteta reveals two reasons behind ‘risky’ decision as Redknapp claims it ‘doesn’t make sense’

 Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has explained his decision regarding Bukayo Saka on Wednesday night, while Jamie Redknapp claims it “doesn’t make any sense”.

The Gunners booked their place in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night, beating League One side Port Vale 2-0.

Goals in either half from Eberechi Eze and Leandro Trossard settled the game in Arsenal’s favour after Arteta fielded a strong starting XI, which included Saka, Eze, Gabriel Martinelli and William Saliba.

Arteta’s decision to start Saka, who was taken off after 63 minutes, in this game was somewhat surprising as he’s recently returned from a hamstring injury, with Redknapp claiming that it was “certainly a risk” to play him.

“He obviously feels he does,” Redknapp said on Sky Sports on whether Saka needed to play against Port Vale.

“The sports scientist will be telling him he needs minutes [but] it’s certainly a risk.

“When you’ve had a player who’s had a hamstring injury like he has, not that long ago, any time you play in a game that’s less important, it doesn’t make any sense to me.

“You’ve got a big game at the weekend against Newcastle. You’ve got a lot of players who could’ve played [against Port Vale].

“It’s not like you need him tonight. I think it’s a risk. This is the second time he’s done his hamstring, albeit a different one. It just feels like a game not taking a risk in.”

Despite this, Arteta has revealed that he started Saka because he “needs minutes” and the England international was “demanding” to play.

“[Saka] needs minutes and he’s demanding that as well,” Arteta said on the Arsenal star.

U.S. and Israel against the world as Palestine dominates UN week

 Leaders and diplomats from more than 140 countries will convene on Monday in New York to advocate for a Palestinian state and peace in Gaza.

There will be three notable absences: Israel, the U.S., and Palestinian leaders themselves, because the Trump administration banned them.

Why it matters: Recognition of Palestine by a wave of countries — including the U.S. and Israel's closest allies — will be the dominant topic this week at the UN General Assembly. President Trump will be the only major world leader still standing by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's side.

The intrigue: Netanyahu, who vehemently opposes a Palestinian state, will visit Trump in Washington after the assembly to seek his blessing for a strong response.

The most extreme option under discussion is the annexation of most or all of the occupied West Bank.

Driving the news: On Sunday, the U.K., Canada and Australia jointly announced recognition of Palestine. They were joined later by Portugal, bringing the total number of countries now recognizing Palestine over 150.

French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to follow suit on Monday, when he co-chairs a peace summit alongside Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. At least five more countries will also announce recognition.

Data: United Nations; Map: Axios Visuals

The big picture: During his first term, Trump supported a two-state solution and even presented a peace plan that included a Palestinian state. But after the Oct. 7 attacks, he said "the situation has changed."

His second administration has taken arguably the most anti-Palestinian stance in U.S. history. Trump has used the very word "Palestinian" as an insult.

Trump hasn't loudly opposed the wave of recognitions himself, leaving that fight to Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Rubio instructed U.S. diplomats around the world to lobby countries against recognizing Palestine or participating in the French-Saudi conference — with almost zero success, U.S. officials and European diplomats say.

The other side: Israel's unrelenting war in Gaza, its attacks on seven different countries since Oct. 7, and the extreme policies of Netanyahu's hard-right government have left Israel more isolated globally than ever.

Netanyahu attacked the leaders of the U.K., Canada, Australia and France for awarding "an absurd prize" to Hamas on Sunday, but Israel's full response won't come until after he visits the White House next Monday.

Behind the scenes: Netanyahu wants a green light from Trump before moving forward with any annexations, Israeli officials say.

Last week, Netanyahu told Rubio in their one-on-one meeting in Jerusalem that he's looking at different options for annexation, and is under pressure from his coalition partners to annex all of "Area C," two U.S. officials said. That would mean declaring 60% of the West Bank to be Israeli territory.

U.S. officials say at the moment there's no appetite for Israeli annexations within the Trump administration, especially because such steps could undermine the Abraham Accords.

Rubio told Netanyahu the U.S. would prefer the focus be on ending the war in Gaza, getting the hostages out, and agreeing on a day-after plan.

What's next: During Monday's conference, the participants are expected to endorse a post-war plan for Gaza stating that Hamas must disarm and have no role in future governance.

While the Trump administration took the unprecedented step of revoking the visas of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and his delegation before the assembly, an overwhelming majority of countries voted to allow him to address the UN by video.

Trump is expected to address the war in Gaza during his speech on Tuesday morning.

Netanyahu will speak on Friday. He's likely to get a frosty reception.

What to watch: On Tuesday, Trump will hold a meeting in New York with the leaders of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan and Turkey to discuss how to end the war.

Two Arab officials with direct knowledge said the White House told the invited leaders that Trump intends to present them with the U.S. principles for peace.

"Our understanding is that Trump wants to get our feedback and support for the U.S. plan to end the war and then push it forward," one Arab official said.

Paul Scholes blasts 'disgraceful' Marcus Rashford

 Paul Scholes has launched a scathing attack on Marcus Rashford, labelling him a disgrace for his behaviour at both Manchester United and Barcelona.

Rashford joined Barcelona on loan from United during the summer transfer window and was dropped from their starting line-up against Getafe on Sunday after arriving late to a pre-match meeting.

The 27-year-old was previously dropped at United by former boss Erik ten Hag for missing a team meeting in December 2022 after oversleeping.

Current United boss Ruben Amorim also dropped Rashford – because the attacker’s approach to football and training didn’t align with his standards.

Following news of Rashford being dropped at Barcelona, United legend Scholes has ripped into the Englishman for how he’s acted.

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‘I really struggle to feel happy for Marcus Rashford,’ Scholes said on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast.

‘Mainly because of his attitude. His attitude towards Man United towards the end was disgraceful.

‘The amount of times I saw him walking because he wanted to leave… His whole demeanour about him was a disgrace.

‘I think he quit on Man Utd. When you quit once, you’ll quit again. He was late last night [for Barcelona].

‘He wont get away with that for long at Barca. There’s absolutely no chance.

How can you sleep in these days? Your phone, f*****g alarm, whatever. How can you sleep in?

‘He’s definitely got the talent to be [one of the best players in the world]. But he’ll never have the mentality.’

Rashford reportedly enjoyed a night out in Belfast the night before calling in sick and missing United training in January 2024.

The following month, Rashford passionately defended himself in a blog post for The Players’ Tribune, claiming the media had made him a target.

‘I think some of it goes back to the [coronavirus] pandemic,’ Rashford wrote. ‘I was just trying to use my voice to make sure that kids weren’t going hungry, because I know exactly how it feels.

‘For some reason, that seemed to rub certain people the wrong way. It seems like they’ve been waiting for me to have a human moment so they can point the finger and say, ‘See? See who he really is?’ – listen, I’m not a perfect person.

‘When I make a mistake, I’ll be the first one to put my hand up and say that I need to do better.’

Rashford has conjured up 138 goals and 78 assists across 426 games for United to date. Barcelona, meanwhile, have the option to sign the forward permanently at the end of his season-long loan spell.

Now is the time for Israel to pursue shift in its defense doctrine — it’s the only way to stop Hamas from rebuilding

 In just a few weeks, Israel will mark the second anniversary of the October 7 invasion by Hamas and the massacre that followed.

Despite two years of war, including ground operations and relentless airstrikes, Hamas remains in Gaza and the war drags on. Forty-eight hostages are still in captivity, including 20 believed to be alive.

And now Israel has launched another large-scale offensive — with ground forces moving into Gaza City, a week after targeting Hamas leaders in Doha — that the government claims could finally eliminate Hamas as both a military force and governing entity.

In our new book, “While Israel Slept: How Hamas Surprised the Most Powerful Military in the Middle East,” Amir Bohbot and I trace the path from Hamas’ creation in the 1980s through decades of Israeli operations and wars until October 7, when thousands of terrorists poured across the border and into Israeli bases and kibbutzim.

We document the alarm bells that rang through the night of October 6 — intelligence reports of rocket launchers being uncovered and bunkers prepared for commanders — and the signs that had been visible for years, warning that Hamas was not just another terrorist group and that containment was a dangerous illusion.

This perspective matters as the war enters a new stage. Hamas will not simply release hostages because Israel or President Donald Trump demand it. Hostages are freed only under crushing military pressure and when Hamas concludes it has more to lose than to gain by holding them.

This was proven in November 2023 and again in January 2025, when significant pressure forced deals that brought Israelis home.

The strike last week against Hamas leaders in Doha can also be seen in this light. Even if it failed to kill its intended targets, the very fact that Hamas leaders were hunted in what they thought was their safest sanctuary may alter their calculations. No one wants to be the next commander caught in Israeli crosshairs while sipping coffee in Qatar.

But the proof will lie in what happens next. If talks collapse, if Hamas retaliates by abusing hostages, if Israel resumes a Gaza City offensive without a parallel diplomatic track, then the gamble will look reckless — and possibly self-defeating.

What became clear as we researched our book is that eliminating Hamas and bringing back the hostages is not enough. Israel must also undergo a fundamental shift in its defense doctrine. It must adopt a policy of preemptive strikes to prevent Hamas and Hezbollah from rebuilding once the high-intensity stage of war is over.

Throughout its history, Israel has rarely launched preemptive wars.

It watched as Syria amassed huge quantities of chemical weapons in the 1980s and 1990s and did not strike, even though it knew those weapons would be used against it. After the 2006 Lebanon War, it watched Hezbollah grow its arsenal from 20,000 rockets to more than 150,000 — many with precision guidance and heavy warheads — and did little more than occasional covert operations.

There have been only two exceptions: nuclear programs in Iraq and Syria and Iranian entrenchment in Syria.

But against Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza, Israel held back. Even as it watched tunnels dug, assault drills staged and rocket convoys move openly through Gaza City, it convinced itself this was posturing, not preparation.

In reality, it was both. 

As we document in the book, Hamas’s military buildup was not a secret. Israel’s military and intelligence agencies closely followed what Hamas was doing and watched as the group amassed a massive rocket arsenal, dug a tunnel network the size of the New York City subway and the London underground combined, and openly trained to storm IDF bases and abduct soldiers. 

But instead of working to undermine this military buildup and stop it, Israel adopted a policy of containment that rested on three key pillars.

First, it believed that Hamas could be bought off and that the terrorist group would prefer economic prosperity— in the form of monthly cash payments from Qatar as well as Gazans being allowed to work inside Israel — over its radical genocidal ideology. 

The second pillar of the containment policy was technology. This was based primarily on Iron Dome that intercepted the rockets fired from Gaza as well as the sophisticated physical barrier that Israel built along the border, above and below, to stop Hamas attack tunnels.

This gave Israel a feeling that it was impenetrable and that Hamas could never succeed in launching an invasion with thousands of fighters as happened on October 7.  

But it was wrong. On October 7, not a single fighter crossed into Israel through tunnels. They just blew more than 60 holes in the fence and crossed above ground. 

The third pillar of this policy was the way Israel prioritized the threats it faced along its borders. While Hamas’s ambitions were known, Israel believed that the technology and money could keep the group in place and, as a result, Israel could allocate its military and intelligence resources and assets to the threats that is believed to be greater: Iran and Hezbollah. 

This prioritization was evident in the way Israel has successfully weakened Hezbollah and Iran over the last year. The beeper attack against Hezbollah and the successful elimination of Iran’s top nuclear scientists and uranium enrichment facilities show that, when Israel wants to, it knows how to focus its resources and achieve amazing success. 

This policy of containment collapsed on October 7. Israel continues to pay the price since, with hostages who languish in Hamas captivity and in a growing sense of political and economic isolation around the world.

Which is why, regardless which mechanism ends the current war — whether a new government in Gaza, a UN resolution, or an Egyptian-brokered ceasefire — it ultimately does not matter. 

What matters is that Israel changes the rules of the game.

The next time the IDF sees rockets being moved, it must strike. The next time Hamas trains for an assault, it must strike. The next time a tunnel is dug, it must be destroyed.

The hope, of course, is that the trauma of October 7 will deter future enemies. But if history is any guide, terrorist groups will rebuild, plot and strike again. Israel can no longer afford to remain silent. Preemptive action must become the new pillar of its defense doctrine — not as a choice, but as the only way to ensure that the horror of that October morning is never repeated.

Jose Mourinho makes honest admission after being appointed Benfica coach: ‘I made a mistake going to Fenerbahçe’

 After being unveiled as new SL Benfica coach, Jose Mourinho made a sharp message to his former club: "I made a mistake going to Fenerbahçe."

Jose Mourinho has been unveiled as Benfica’s new head coach, just three weeks after being dismissed by Fenerbahçe. Returning to Portuguese soccer, the legendary manager expressed his excitement about this new project but also sent a sharp message to his former club: “I made a mistake going to Fenerbahçe.”

After his first season in Turkey, Mourinho faced Benfica in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers with a group stage spot on the line. Following a scoreless first leg, Benfica clinched a 1-0 win at home, eliminating Mourinho’s side from the competition.

In a press conference, Fenerbahçe president Ali Koç explained why the club parted ways with Mourinho: “It’s not a problem to be eliminated by Benfica, but it’s unacceptable to be eliminated in this way. To me, it felt like a continuation of last year’s football. We parted ways because we believe that from this point on, this team must play better.”

During his Benfica presentation, Mourinho hit back, openly regretting his decision to join the Turkish club. “I made a mistake going to Fenerbahçe, but I gave everything until the very last day. At my previous club, things were easy. I wanted to play with a back four, but the club signed five players the day after I left. While I was there, it was impossible to play with four defenders when the team had seven center backs and only one winger,” the coach said.

The Portuguese boss also reflected on his career trajectory and what fuels his motivation at Benfica: “For some, I have two résumés: one that lasted a certain period of time, and another that, for others, represents a less fortunate stage of my career. My ‘misfortune’ is that in the last five years I’ve played in two European finals. But I am not important; what’s important is Benfica’s supporters. I’m here to serve, to make Benfica win.”

After a 3-2 Champions League loss to Qarabag, Benfica dismissed Bruno Lage and appointed Mourinho as head coach. The veteran manager has signed a two-year deal that includes a clause allowing either side to opt out within 10 days of the final match of the 2025-26 season, under the same conditions, before extending into 2026-27.

Is Mourinho nearing the end of his career?

Mourinho remains one of the most influential managers of the 21st century, but at 62, questions linger about how long he can continue at the highest level. Still, “The Special One” insists he has no plans to step away anytime soon.

Asked directly about retirement, Mourinho offered a defiant response: “If you expect me to finish in four or five years, you’re wrong. I will be the one to decide. I wanted to come last night, work, meet with the analysts, the assistants… I’ll only stop when I feel that something has changed. Today I feel that what has changed is that I’m hungrier than I was 25 years ago.”

BNN uncovers 11 drug networks, seizes 503 kg narcotics

  The National Narcotics Agency (BNN) has seized more than half a ton of narcotics from 11 drug networks in less than two months across the country.

"From August to September, the total narcotics evidence seized amounted to 503.7 kilograms," BNN head Comr. Gen. Suyudi Ario Seto said at a press conference on Monday.

The confiscated drugs included methamphetamine, liquid methamphetamine, marijuana, ecstasy pills, cocaine, synthetic marijuana, and both solid and liquid chemical substances.

"Officers from central and regional BNN offices worked together to uncover 11 narcotics networks in various regions, arresting 53 suspects," Seto said.

During the same period, the agency also dismantled a home-based clandestine methamphetamine laboratory and seized narcotics-laced vapes.

Seto warned that drugs pose a serious threat to the nation's future generations. He claimed BNN's operations had saved more than 1.1 million lives and prevented economic losses of Rp130 billion (around US$8 million).

In addition to crackdowns under its "War on Drugs for Humanity" campaign, BNN will also strengthen rehabilitation programs for drug abusers, he added.

Drug eradication, Seto stressed, requires cross-sectoral cooperation.

"We invite all elements of the nation — the government, private sector, academics, media, communities, and families — to work together to strengthen the war on drugs for humanity. With collective efforts, we can break the chain of drug trafficking and safeguard the nation’s future," he said.

Indonesia strengthens tourism collaboration at G20 South Africa

  Deputy Minister of Tourism Ni Luh Puspa visited Mpumalanga, South Africa, in a move aimed at strengthening collaboration among G20 countries in building inclusive, sustainable, and resilient tourism.

“Indonesia is committed to supporting joint tourism development with G20 nations, while also enhancing bilateral cooperation in line with South Africa’s G20 Presidency output points,” Puspa said here on Monday.

During her visit on Saturday (September 13), she attended the G20 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting, where Indonesia actively participated in discussions to shape global priorities for the tourism sector.

The forum culminated in the adoption of the Mpumalanga Declaration, a joint commitment by G20 ministers to foster sustainable and inclusive tourism. The declaration received unanimous support from G20 tourism ministers and representatives.

“By endorsing the Mpumalanga Declaration, Indonesia reinforces its commitment to collaborate with G20 members and international partners in positioning tourism as a driver of inclusive and environmentally friendly economic growth that gives tangible benefits to communities,” Puspa added.

Indonesia emphasized four focuses in the declaration: advancing digital innovation to empower tourism start-ups and MSMEs, promoting fair and sustainable tourism financing and investment, improving air connectivity, and strengthening resilience for inclusive and sustainable tourism.

On financing, she highlighted Indonesia’s push for greater access to funding for developing countries, integrating sustainability and inclusivity into investment criteria, and ensuring tourism benefits society.

On the sidelines of the G20 meeting, she also held bilateral talks with ministers from Japan, the UAE, South Africa, and Brazil to discuss cooperation and showcase Indonesia’s latest tourism initiatives, including five priority destinations and ten tourism Special Economic Zones.

“As a G20 member, Indonesia is committed to collective efforts in strengthening the role of tourism for sustainable and inclusive global growth,” she affirmed.

Italy issues warning to Israel as dozens of citizens join Gaza flotilla

 Italy has called on Israel to respect the rights of its citizens involved in an activist flotilla attempting to breach the Gaza blockade, after a vessel was reportedly attacked with incendiary devices in Tunisian waters.

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told parliament on Thursday that Italy would monitor the flotilla and provide consular and diplomatic assistance to the 58 Italian nationals taking part, including politicians.

Italy has called on Israel to respect the rights of its citizens involved in an activist flotilla attempting to breach the Gaza blockade, after a vessel was reportedly attacked with incendiary devices in Tunisian waters.

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told parliament on Thursday that Italy would monitor the flotilla and provide consular and diplomatic assistance to the 58 Italian nationals taking part, including politicians.

Mr Tajani said: "Our embassy in Tel Aviv, under my instruction, talked to the Israeli authorities about the respect of the rights for all the fellow citizens who are part of the flotilla including among them several members of parliament.

“I also called Foreign Minister (Gideon) Saar to personally make him aware of the matter."

His remarks came just hours before other flotilla boats were due to set sail from Siracusa, Sicily.

The Global Sumud Flotilla reported on Wednesday that one of its boats, docked in Tunisian waters, was attacked by a drone with incendiary devices for a second consecutive night.

CCTV footage from the British-flagged 'Alma' showed crew shouting “fire” as flaming projectiles landed on deck, exploding and causing a blaze. No injuries were reported.

The attack appeared similar to the one the night before on the Portuguese-flagged “Family” vessel.

Tajani said the ministry was closely following the flotilla’s progress and staying “in close contact” with the Italian spokesperson of the group.

Flotilla participants have reported seeing drones in the moments preceding the attacks and other moments during the journey from Barcelona.

Both the Alma and Family were motherships of the mission, providing support and provisions to smaller vessels and carrying the most high-profile members of the flotilla, including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau.

Tunisia’s Interior Ministry described Wednesday's attack as a ’’premeditated act″ and said in a statement that an investigation was underway into who was behind it. It did not elaborate.

While falling short of providing concrete evidence, some activists blamed Israel, which has in the past intercepted other activist boats seeking to reach Gaza by sea. Israel has not responded to the accusations.

Israel has previously dismissed the flotillas as publicity stunts, saying a blockade is necessary to prevent smuggling, particularly of weapons.

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Real Madrid and Argentina on collision course over rising star Franco Mastantuono

 Franco Mastantuono is reportedly at the center of a growing dispute between Real Madrid and the Argentina national team.

In just a few short months, Franco Mastantuono has become an increasingly important figure for both Real Madrid and the Argentina national team. At only 18 years old, the young winger could now find himself caught in the middle of a tug-of-war between the Spanish club and his country for one key reason.

Starting September 27, Chile will host the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup—a tournament featuring 24 of the top youth national teams from around the globe, made up of players under the age of 20. Argentina is among the participants, and the plan is for Mastantuono to be part of the squad.

However, Real Madrid may oppose his involvement—and they would have valid grounds to do so. The U-20 World Cup is not classified by FIFA as a mandatory release tournament like the senior World Cup, Copa America, or the European Championship. Therefore, clubs are not required to release players for it.

Despite this, Argentina still plan to push forward in hopes of securing Mastantuono’s release. According to Ole, representatives from the Argentine Football Association will travel to Europe in the coming days to meet with Real Madrid—as well as other clubs in similar situations—and attempt to reach an agreement.

How many games would Mastantuono miss for Real Madrid if he plays the U-20 World Cup?

Unlike the senior World Cup—which will feature 48 teams next summer in the United States, Mexico, and Canada—the U-20 World Cup has a more compact format with only 24 teams, meaning the tournament runs on a shorter timeline.

The opening match is scheduled for Saturday, September 27, and the final will be played on Sunday, October 19. One positive detail is that a portion of the tournament overlaps with the October international break, which means that players called up will miss fewer matches with their clubs.

Still, during that time frame, Real Madrid are set to play four matches across La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. Factoring in Argentina’s pre-tournament training and the travel time before and after the competition in Chile, Mastantuono could end up missing up to seven matches.

Argentina’s stars at the U-20 World Cup

Franco Mastantuono’s situation at Real Madrid is not the only concern facing Argentina’s U-20 team. Several other young stars could feature in this year’s tournament but may be held back by their European clubs.

Claudio Echeverri, recently loaned by Manchester City to Bayer Leverkusen, is one of the most important players on the squad and finds himself in the same uncertain position as Mastantuono. The same goes for Julio Soler, who plays in the Premier League with Bournemouth.

Among the names included in head coach Diego Placente’s preliminary list are several players with top-flight experience in Argentina: Boca Juniors’ Milton Delgado, River Plate’s Ian Subiabre, and Velez Sarsfield’s Maher Carrizo. Inter Miami’s new signing, Mateo Silvetti, is also part of the preliminary roster.

AC Milan schedule new Christian Pulisic contract talks after USMNT star stalls agreement to 'reflect' on Serie A side's offer

 WHAT HAPPENED?

Contract renewal talks between Milan and star winger Pulisic have stalled after the player requested time to "reflect" on the club's direction, according to a report from Calciomercato. The Serie A side are keen to tie the USMNT international to a new long-term deal, but negotiations have been paused while Pulisic reflects on his future at San Siro.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Pulisic has become a cornerstone of the Milan project since his arrival from Chelsea, making his contract extension a key priority for the club's management. His current deal runs until 2027, but the Rossoneri want to offer an improved contract until 2029 to reflect his on-field importance and ward off potential interest from foreign clubs. The current stalemate is not due to any tension, but rather the player's desire for time after a deal was reportedly close to being agreed upon a few months ago. 

Due to the Growth Decree, Pulisic's current net income of €4 million is less taxed than its gross income of €5.24 million. Moreover, he has established himself as a fan favourite and one of the team's leaders; he even scored last week against Lecce, with Milan viewing him as a crucial asset for both his technical ability and his international marketing appeal, particularly in the United States.

DID YOU KNOW?

Ever since his arrival in Milan, the American footballer has scored 34 goals and provided 23 assists in 103 appearances so far.

WHAT NEXT FOR PULISIC & AC MILAN?

Despite the current pause, AC Milan view the situation as a strategic priority and are not alarmed. The club's hierarchy reportedly plans to restart negotiations with the player's agent during the next international break, which is scheduled for early October. Milan remain confident that a mutually beneficial agreement will be reached to keep Pulisic at the club for many more years. Pulisic will now be seen in action for Milan against Bologna after the current international break. 

Greta Thunberg's Gaza flotilla arrives in Tunisia

 Huge crowds gathered at Tunisia's port on Sunday to welcome Greta Thunberg as her aid flotilla, bound for Gaza, docked at the port.

The Swedish climate activist is travelling with 350 pro-Palestinian activists on boats stocked with aid that they are hoping to deliver to Palestinians in Gaza.

Pictures from the Sidi Bou Said port show hordes of people surrounding the 22-year-old as she addressed the crowd. "We all know why were are here," she said. "Just across the water there's a genocide going on, a mass starvation by Israel's murder machine."

Israel has repeatedly denied that there is starvation in Gaza and has blamed any hunger on Hamas and aid agency failures.

Last month a UN-backed body confirmed that there was famine in the territory and the UN's humanitarian chief said it was the direct result of Israel's "systematic obstruction" of aid entering Gaza.

French-Palestinian Member of the European Parliament Rima Hassan was at the port.

"The Palestinian cause is not in the hands of governments today. It is in the hearts of peoples everywhere," she said, adding praise for those who stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people.

Flotilla organisers have said that the aim of their mission is to "break Israel's illegal siege on Gaza", but the trip has not always been smooth sailing - a previous attempt in June was intercepted by Israeli forces.

This attempt started on Monday, when the flotilla of about 20 vessels set sail from Barcelona.

The group will now stay in Tunisia for a few days, before resuming the journey to Gaza, Reuters news agency reports.

"Some of the flotilla ships bound for Gaza has reached Sidi Bou Said port in Tunisia, where it will be expanded, loaded with additional aid, and joined by the Tunisian team for the next stage of the mission," the collective group of activists Global Sumud Flotilla wrote on X.

Israeli authorities have characterised Thunberg's previous attempt to sail aid to Gaza as a publicity stunt that offered no real humanitarian assistance.

In March, it introduced a nearly three-month total blockade on supplies entering the Strip, claiming the aid was being taken by Hamas. It started allowing a limited amount of aid back into the territory after increasing international pressure.

Ukrainian troops capture 9 Russian soldiers in first combat mission

 A Russian assault group fell into a trap set by fighters of Ukraine’s 425th Separate Assault Regiment Skelia. During their first combat mission, Ukrainian soldiers captured nine Russian troops, according to the regiment’s YouTube channel.

Four servicemen from the regiment managed to take nine Russians prisoner during their very first mission.

"It turned out that Russian commanders are sending untrained, unfit people into battle, who abandon their weapons at the first opportunity," the Ukrainian soldiers said.

Recent captures of Russian troops

Ukrainian border guards recently repelled an enemy assault in the Pokrovsk direction and captured a group of Russian soldiers.

Meanwhile, the Bratstvo unit in the Donetsk region successfully stopped the advance of Russian forces, killing more than 90 soldiers and capturing five.

Over the past week, troops of the Skelia regiment have captured 32 Russian soldiers, thwarting an enemy offensive.

Earlier, Ukrainian paratroopers took 10 Russian troops prisoner in the Kursk direction. Reports said conditions in Russian units were so inhumane that the soldiers surrendered voluntarily.

In another case, Ukraine’s Special Operations Forcescarried out a surprise raid on Russian rear positions, capturing six more soldiers.

Lebanon faces crunch point on Hezbollah disarmament

 Lebanon's government is set to discuss a plan on Friday for disarming Hezbollah, a critical juncture in a standoff between the Iran-backed group, which is refusing to give up its weapons, and rivals who want it to disarm in line with US demands.

Calls for Hezbollah's disarmament have taken center stage in Lebanon since last year's devastating war with Israel, which upended a power balance long dominated by the Shi'ite Muslim group.

Despite mounting pressure, Hezbollah has rejected any move to dismantle its arsenal, leaving a deep divide between the group and its Shi'ite ally Amal on the one hand, and other Lebanese, among them leading Christian and Sunni politicians.

Friday's cabinet session takes place against a backdrop of an escalation in Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon, adding to fears in Lebanon of further attacks if Hezbollah does not disarm. The IDF said it targeted a site where Hezbollah stored engineering tools being used for "the organization's recovery."

Longstanding tensions in Lebanon over Hezbollah's arms have sharpened since the administration led by President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam tasked the US-backed army on August 5 with devising a plan to establish a state monopoly on arms by the end of the year.

It is not yet clear how Friday's session will pan out. With the army keen to avoid confrontation with Hezbollah, the plan could avoid any disarmament timeline, a diplomat and a Lebanese source said.

Any cabinet decision opposed by Hezbollah is likely to prompt a walk-out by Shi'ite ministers loyal to the group and Amal, stripping the government of sectarian consensus. One possibility could be to delay a vote on the plan.

The army, drawn from Lebanon's mosaic of religious groups, split along sectarian lines at the start of the 1975-90 civil war, and has been widely regarded as the guarantor of civil peace since being rebuilt after that conflict.

Israel last week signaled it would scale back its military presence in southern Lebanon if the army took action to disarm Hezbollah.

But Hezbollah has ruled out disarming, saying its weapons protect Lebanon from Israeli attack. Senior Iranian official Ali Akbar Velayati criticized Beirut's disarmament moves last month.

Hezbollah politician Mohammed Raad said on Wednesday it was "imperative" for Lebanese authorities to refrain from agreeing on any plans regarding Hezbollah's arms.

A US proposal discussed by Beirut last month foresaw Hezbollah's disarmament by the end of the year, along with Israel's withdrawal and an end to its military operations in Lebanon. It also held out the prospect of economic support.

A source close to Hezbollah said Lebanon faced mounting US and Saudi pressure to implement the proposal, but that the group continued to communicate, including to the army, that it would neither hand in its arms nor allow anyone to take them.

'Ball of fire'

Amal leader and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri had been insisting that any discussion happen without a deadline, the source said.

Berri, in an August 31 speech, indicated that the Shi'ite parties were ready to discuss the fate of Hezbollah's arms, but "within the framework of a calm and consensual dialogue."

He said it was "nationally unacceptable to throw the ball of fire into the lap of the Lebanese army" by requiring it to tackle the long taboo issue of Hezbollah arms too abruptly.

A US-backed ceasefire agreed in November 2024 required Hezbollah's disarmament, beginning in areas south of the Litani River, the area adjacent to Israel.

Hezbollah says the deal only applies to that region and that it has handed over weapons to Lebanese troops in that area. Israeli forces continue to occupy five hilltops in the south and to carry out airstrikes on Hezbollah fighters and arms depots.

Solid Fundamentals, Government Optimistic Indonesian Economy Remain Strong

 Jakarta: Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto emphasized that maintaining economic stability is a difficult task that must be shared not only by the government but also by all business actors. Regarding the current socio-political dynamics, the government is optimistic that the impact on the economy is only temporary and will subside in the near future.

"With these solid fundamentals, the impact of short-term volatility is expected not to alter our positive economic trajectory," Airlangga said at a press conference on the latest economic developments at the Indonesia Stock Exchange 

He noted that President Prabowo Subianto frequently emphasized the concept of Indonesia Incorporated, namely comprehensive collaboration between the government, the business world, and the public.

The government encourages companies, both listed on and off the stock exchange, to retain their existing workforce while creating new jobs. This commitment is crucial to realistically achieving the economic growth target of above five percent, while maintaining macroeconomic stability and public welfare.

"Of course, we all have a tough task to maintain the economy. Not just the government, but the entire economy," he emphasized.

Comprehensive strategy to achieve growth target

He explained that to achieve the 5.0-5.2 percent growth target in 2025, the government has prepared a comprehensive strategy that has been implemented since the second semester of this year.

The investment boost worth IDR924 trillion, a 32.5 percent year-on-year increase in capital goods imports, state-owned enterprise capital spending, and a 17.94 percent increase in government capital spending in the first semester will drive productivity through next year.

Furthermore, Airlangga explained that the IDR61 trillion economic stimulus in the first semester of 2025 will be continued with the economic stimulus in the second semester of 2025.

The government is also targeting state spending realization of at least 25 percent of the total state budget (APBN), equivalent to IDR694 trillion, including accelerated spending by major ministries/institutions, to maintain growth momentum.

Airlangga emphasized to capital market players that the government has the capacity and is fully committed to maintaining economic stability. Foreign exchange reserves are said to remain adequate, at USD 152 billion as of July 2025, equivalent to IDR 2,507.088 trillion (exchange rate of IDR 16,494). Furthermore, the banking system is considered healthy, along with strong synergy between fiscal, monetary/financial, and real sector policies.

Indonesia's Economic Fundamentals Solid: Airlangga Hartato

 Jakarta: Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto stated that Indonesia's economic condition remains solid. He stated that this resilience is evidenced by the positive economic growth of 5.12 percent in the second quarter of 2025.

Fundamentally, Indonesia has solid resilience. Second-quarter performance recorded 5.12 percent year-on-year (economic) growth," he said during a press conference at the Indonesia Stock Exchange on Monday, September 1, 2025.

Airlangga revealed that Indonesia's manufacturing PMI has also returned to above 50 to 51.5 percent, indicating expansion. Meanwhile, the Jakarta Composite Index (JCI) reached an all-time high.

"The JCI also experienced momentum last week, reaching an all-time high. Last week, we saw the index rise 0.87 percent to 7,926, on August 25th, up 0.2 percent to 7,952, and yesterday, on August 29th, it fell 1.53 percent to 7,830," he said.

Economic Indicators Maintained

Furthermore, Airlangga stated that Indonesia's inflation is also under control, with figures for August 2025 to be released today. Meanwhile, the rupiah exchange rate remains stable at Rp16,490 per USD, despite depreciating 2.35 percent this year.

"The trade balance has also consistently maintained a surplus, and relatively good figures will be released today. Domestic consumption remains strong, public mobility remains high, retail spending, both offline and online, is increasing, and the government continues to encourage stimulus to boost purchasing power," he said.

While Bank Indonesia (BI) is working to stabilize the rupiah following the demonstrations a few days ago.

"BI reaffirms its commitment to maintaining exchange rate stability and adequate rupiah liquidity," said Erwin Gunawan Hutapea, Head of the Monetary and Securities Asset Management Department (DPMA), in an official statement on Monday, September 1, 2025.

He explained that Bank Indonesia is present in the market to ensure the rupiah exchange rate moves stably through well-functioning market mechanisms. Stabilization efforts, or interventions, are carried out through the non-deliverable forward (NDF) market in the offshore market, and interventions in the domestic market through spot transactions, DNDF, and Government Securities (SBN) in the secondary market.

"This is to ensure the rupiah continues to move in line with its fundamentals," said Erwin.

BI also maintains adequate rupiah liquidity by providing liquidity access to banks through repo transactions, FX swap transactions, and SBN purchases in the secondary market, as well as lending facilities, or the provision of rupiah funds.