United Kingdom Expected to Recognize Palestinian Statehood
The United Kingdom is poised to officially recognize Palestinian statehood today, September 21, 2025, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer expected to make an announcement from Downing Street. This move follows similar intentions declared by several other nations, including France, Australia, Canada, Belgium, Malta, and Portugal, all aiming to foster a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The UK's decision comes after Israel reportedly failed to meet conditions set by Starmer in July, which included a ceasefire in Gaza and progress towards a two-state solution. If confirmed, this would mark a significant shift in British foreign policy, which historically supported a two-state solution but maintained that recognition should be part of an overall peace process between Israel and Palestine. Recognition is largely symbolic but would allow the UK to enter treaties with Palestine and elevate the Palestinian head of mission to a fully recognized ambassador.
Cyberattack Disrupts Major European Airports
A significant cyberattack targeted check-in and boarding systems at several major European airports on September 20, 2025, causing widespread delays and some cancellations. Airports affected included London's Heathrow, Brussels, and Berlin's Brandenburg. The disruption stemmed from an attack on Collins Aerospace, a service provider for check-in and boarding systems, impacting their MUSE (Multi-User System Environment) software. This incident forced airports to resort to manual check-in and boarding procedures. While the initial impact was described as limited by some officials, the attack highlighted vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure and raised concerns about the robustness of aviation systems.
US Clarifies H-1B Visa Fee Policy
The White House has clarified its new H-1B visa policy, stating that the $100,000 fee will be a one-time payment applicable only to new applicants. This clarification comes after President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on September 19, 2025, significantly raising the fee for H-1B visas. The administration aims to reform immigration policies and ensure only "truly extraordinary" individuals are brought into the U.S. The new fee, which took effect on September 21, 2025, is not intended to affect existing H-1B visa holders or those seeking renewals, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. This change is expected to have a notable impact on Indian tech workers, who constitute a large majority of H-1B visa beneficiaries.
Guinea Holds Constitutional Referendum Amidst Concerns
Guinea is conducting a constitutional referendum on September 21, 2025, which critics fear could enable coup leader Mamady Doumbouya to run for president. Doumbouya, who seized power in a 2021 coup, had initially vowed not to seek the presidency. The proposed new constitution, drafted by selected members of the junta's transitional council in an opaque manner, has sparked controversy. Concerns include provisions that could remove the prohibition against junta members running for political office and extend the presidential term from five to seven years, renewable once. Human rights organizations have called on Guinean authorities to protect human rights and ensure a fair, inclusive, and transparent electoral process.
Iran Suspends IAEA Cooperation After UN Sanctions Push
Iran's Supreme National Security Council announced that it will suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) following European actions to reimpose United Nations sanctions. Britain, France, and Germany activated a "snapback mechanism" in the 2015 nuclear agreement, accusing Iran of non-compliance. The UN Security Council voted on September 20, 2025, to restore previously frozen UN sanctions, which are set to take effect on September 28 unless Iran can persuade the council otherwise. Iran stated that European powers undermined months of engagement aimed at resuming monitoring and ensuring compliance with international rules.
British Couple Released by Taliban
An elderly British couple, Peter and Barbie Reynolds, detained by the Taliban in Afghanistan for more than seven months, have been released and returned to the UK. The couple, aged 80 and 76 respectively, were arrested in February while traveling to their home in Bamyan province. Their release, facilitated by Qatar, saw them arrive at Heathrow Airport on September 20, 2025, appearing in good health and "delighted to be free." The Taliban had not disclosed specific charges, only stating that the couple "violated Afghan law."
Cuba Sentences Protesters for Blackout Demonstrations
Cuba has sentenced at least 15 protesters to up to nine years in prison for their participation in demonstrations last year over power and food shortages. The island's Supreme Court reported the sentences on September 21, 2025. Hundreds had taken to the streets in March 2024 in cities like Santiago de Cuba, Bayamo, and Santa Marta during a period of extensive blackouts. The charges included public disorder, assault, resistance, contempt, and incitement. These protests were the largest since the social unrest of July 2021, which also resulted in hundreds of convictions.
Emerging TikTok US Deal Ensures US Control
An emerging deal concerning TikTok's US operations aims to ensure that US companies control the app's algorithm and that Americans hold a majority of seats on a board overseeing US operations. The White House confirmed that six out of seven board seats for the US entity would be occupied by Americans, with Chinese parent company ByteDance appointing one. Tech giant Oracle is expected to be responsible for the app's data and security. This agreement seeks to address ongoing concerns from Washington regarding data privacy and potential foreign influence, following earlier legislation calling for a TikTok ban unless its US assets were separated from ByteDance.