AnewZ Morning Brief - 21 September, 2025

Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 21st of September, covering the latest developments you need to know.

1. Macron to recognise Palestine, with France caught in heated debate over Gaza

French President Emmanuel Macron will travel to the United Nations in New York on Sunday (September 21) to formally recognise Palestinian statehood, a move he has pledged since last year. The decision, echoed by several allies, has sparked sharp debate in France amid rising antisemitism, ongoing protests over Gaza, and mounting pressure on Israel to halt its war and settlement expansion.

2. Iran to suspend IAEA cooperation after UNSC keeps sanctions

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, chaired by President Masoud Pezeshkian, announced on Saturday that the country will “effectively” suspend cooperation with the IAEA after the UN Security Council declined to extend sanctions relief under the 2015 nuclear deal. The council condemned France, Britain, and Germany for triggering the deal’s snapback mechanism, while Pezeshkian insisted Iran would withstand renewed sanctions and continue advancing its nuclear capabilities despite Western pressure.

3. Thousands protest in Israel calling for war end and hostages return

Thousands of Israelis rallied in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv on Saturday, demanding a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages still held by Hamas, as families of captives accused the government of endangering their loved ones through continued military action without parallel negotiations. The demonstrations, which filled central squares in both cities, came as Israeli forces intensified strikes in Gaza City, where local authorities reported at least 34 Palestinians killed in a single day.

4.  U.S. Democrats Urge Trump Meeting to Avert Shutdown

U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries on Saturday urged President Donald Trump to meet with them to prevent a government shutdown when funding expires on September 30.

In a joint letter, they said Democrats are prepared to negotiate a bipartisan spending deal that supports American families and addresses what they called the Republican-created healthcare crisis, but stressed they will not back a “dirty” bill that prolongs GOP attacks on healthcare.

5. India's Goyal to visit U.S. on Sept. 22 for trade talks

India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal will travel to the United States on September 22 for trade discussions, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry announced on Saturday.

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