World News Today Live Updates: Netanyahu planned strikes on Iran earlier this month, but Trump opposed them, says report
Trump decided against reigniting the conflict with Tehran ahead of the US midterm elections on November 3.
by Navya Beri · The Indian Express · JoinUS President Donald Trump opposed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s reported plan to launch strikes against Iran earlier this month, seeking to avoid reigniting the conflict ahead of the US midterm elections, the Financial Times reported. The newspaper, citing three people familiar with the matter, reported that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) was set to carry out strikes on the weekend of October 10 aimed at Iranian nuclear facilities and regime sites, along with civilian infrastructure including energy plants. However, Trump decided against reigniting the conflict with Tehran ahead of the US midterm elections on November 3.
Iran says no response from Saudi Arabia, Houthis on mediation initiative
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran has not received a response from Saudi Arabia or Yemen’s Houthis regarding its mediation initiative. Speaking in an interview with Iraq’s Al Ekhbariya TV, Araghchi addressed Iran’s diplomatic efforts to engage the two sides. The proposal was made by Araghchi earlier this month as Iran-backed Houthis intensified their strikes on the kingdom.
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Iraq shuts Sheeb border crossing with Iran until further notice
Iraq has closed the Sheeb border crossing with Iran to passengers, vehicles and commercial trucks until further notice, news agency Reuters reported, citing two sources at the crossing. The closure suspends passenger movement and commercial transport through the border point.
Follow the latest world news and major international developments here. This live blog is a rolling curation of the day’s key global stories, with updates added as events unfold and the news agenda changes. The headline, introduction and Top Developments section will be refreshed throughout the day to reflect the stories that matter most at that moment.
Live Updates
Oct 21, 2026 01:15 PM IST
Saudi-led coalition fighting Houthi rebels say it intercepted five drones launched towards Medina region
The Saudi-led coalition fighting Yemen’s Houthi rebels said it had intercepted five drones launched towards Saudi Arabia, including in the Medina region, home to one of Islam’s holiest cities.
"Four drones launched toward the Kingdom have been intercepted and destroyed," coalition spokesman Turki al-Malki said in a post on X.
He added that the took place in Saudi Arabia's Eastern region as well as Medina.
Oct 21, 2026 12:41 PM IST
'Hormuz stays shut until US accepts Tehran's deal,' says Araghchi
Iran and the United States remain engaged in indirect negotiations through Pakistan and Qatar, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tuesday, while warning that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed unless Washington accepts Tehran’s conditions.
“The negotiating table is still there,” Araghchi said. “If they adhere to these conditions, they should know that the strait will be fully reopened, and after that we will hold further rounds of negotiations until a final agreement is reached.”
Oct 21, 2026 12:33 PM IST
Trump snaps at reporter over whistleblower programme
US President Donald Trump traded verbal blows with a reporter from The Independent on Tuesday following a press conference detailing the rollout of the newly unveiled Fraud Whistleblower Incentive Program (WHIP).
The tense confrontation unfolded after the press conference concluded, when reporter Andrew Feinberg questioned why whistleblowers would choose the programme when the historic False Claims Act offers significantly higher rewards of up to 25 per cent.
“I don’t know who the hell you are,” Trump said from the podium, before adding, “But you better be careful.”
When he tried to interject with another question, the US president raised his voice and silenced the exchange.
“Quiet. Quiet. What’s wrong with you? Are you a sick person?” Trump asked. “I actually think there is something wrong with you.”
Oct 21, 2026 12:15 PM IST
Iraq shuts Sheeb border crossing with Iran until further notice
Iraq has closed the Sheeb border crossing with Iran to passengers, vehicles and commercial trucks until further notice, news agency Reuters reported, citing two sources at the crossing. The closure suspends passenger movement and commercial transport through the border point.
Oct 21, 2026 12:14 PM IST
Netanyahu planned strikes on Iran earlier this month, but Trump opposed them, says report
US President Donald Trump opposed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s reported plan to launch strikes against Iran earlier this month, seeking to avoid reigniting the conflict ahead of the US midterm elections, the Financial Times reported. The newspaper, citing three people familiar with the matter, reported that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) was set to carry out strikes on the weekend of October 10 aimed at Iranian nuclear facilities and regime sites, along with civilian infrastructure including energy plants. However, Trump decided against reigniting the conflict with Tehran ahead of the US midterm elections on November 3.
Oct 21, 2026 12:14 PM IST
Iran says no response from Saudi Arabia, Houthis on mediation initiative
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran has not received a response from Saudi Arabia or Yemen’s Houthis regarding its mediation initiative. Speaking in an interview with Iraq’s Al Ekhbariya TV, Araghchi addressed Iran’s diplomatic efforts to engage the two sides. The proposal was made by Araghchi earlier this month as Iran-backed Houthis intensified their strikes on the kingdom.
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