Netanyahu's Secret UAE Trip Dominates as Iran Talks Loom; IDF Completes Al-Mansouri Operation (Sep 28, 2110 UTC, 0010 Israel) (Morning Edition)

• Mediation Talks — Mediators are expected to hold separate talks with the United States and Iran on Monday or Tuesday in New York over an amended version of Iran's seven-day proposal, sources briefed on the negotiations told Reuters. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Qatari mediators are remaining in the US for the discussions, which will focus on the amended proposal Reuters. A US official described the indirect talks as 'positive and constructive,' telling CNN that Washington was in no rush to reach a deal while mediators tried to narrow differences [CNN via Iran International]. Araghchi is scheduled to meet the Qatari mediator in New York later today to discuss the exchange of messages between Tehran and Washington, according to an informed source IRNA. Iran's ISNA reported that no US representative would attend the meeting [ISNA via Iran International].
• Araghchi at UN — Araghchi met UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York on Monday IRNA. He attributed insecurity in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz to 'interventionist and illegal actions' of the US and Israel, saying the international community must hold them accountable IRNA. Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson said Araghchi's stay in New York has not been extended IRNA.
• Military Threats — Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Ali Abdollahi warned that Iran's Armed Forces and the Islamic Resistance stand prepared to deliver a 'decisive and devastating response' to any threat against the Islamic Ummah IRNA.
• RAF Fairford Denial — Iran's embassy in London rejected what it described as 'unfounded and malicious speculations' linking Tehran to the arrest of five men near RAF Fairford Reuters.
• Aviation — Iraq will resume direct flights to Iran from Najaf International Airport within 24 hours, Iraq's ambassador to Tehran said, adding that Baghdad had not ordered a halt to air services IRNA. The US is considering granting a sanctions waiver for flights between Iran and Najaf for one month to allow pilgrims to travel, Reuters reported N12. Iran has filed a formal ICAO complaint over restrictions on Iranian airlines IranWire. FDD analysis noted that sanctioned Iranian airlines continue flying to Turkey despite US sanctions pressure FDD.
• Domestic — IranWire reported exclusively that plans are being made to replace Mojtaba Khamenei as Leader of Iran after the war, citing two informed sources IranWire. The Judiciary confirmed the incarceration of hardline MP Hamid Rasaei in a special clerical ward IranWire. Human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh was awarded the Council of Europe's 2026 Václav Havel Human Rights Prize IranWire.

• Al-Mansouri Operation Completed — The IDF announced the completion of its operation in the Al-Mansouri area of the security zone in southern Lebanon. Troops from the 55th Brigade, under the 91st Division, dismantled more than 600 terrorist infrastructure sites and, with Yahalom Unit troops, eight underground routes. Soldiers also located dozens of missile launchers left in the security zone IDF (English). Lebanese authorities accused Israel of systematically destroying villages in the south, with AFP correspondents observing large clouds of smoke from Al-Mansouri Arab News.
• Buffer Zone Incident — IDF soldiers operating in southern Lebanon identified two suspects entering the security zone and approaching forces. Troops opened fire and neutralized the suspects; no IDF injuries were reported. The incident is under review IDF (English).
• Interceptor Launch — The IDF launched an interceptor missile toward a 'suspicious aerial target' identified over an area of southern Lebanon where troops are operating. No sirens sounded as no threat was posed to Israeli civilians; circumstances are under investigation IDF (English).
• Airspace Violations — UNIFIL recorded 143 Israeli airspace violations by drones and fighter jets over three days, and 166 projectile trajectories attributed to Israel between Friday and Sunday, with no launches from Lebanon Arab News.
• Nasrallah Anniversary — Tens of thousands of Hezbollah supporters gathered in Beirut's southern suburbs Sunday to mark the second anniversary of Hassan Nasrallah's killing. Al-Manar broadcast an exclusive video showing Nasrallah meeting with elite Al-Rudwan fighters Al-Manar TV. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said Nasrallah turned resistance into a 'deterrence doctrine' IRNA. Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said the group would not surrender its weapons Arab News. Lebanese Forces chief Samir Geagea accused Hezbollah of prolonging Israel's military presence in the south by refusing to disarm Arab News.
• Israeli Strikes — Israeli artillery targeted the towns of Hadatha and Al-Nabatieh Al-Fawqa, and a new bombing was reported in Aitaroun border town Quds News Network Al-Manar TV. Two explosions were reported in Al-Mansouri Bint Jbeil News.

• Hamas Financier Eliminated — The IDF eliminated Shadi Abu Hasira, a key money exchanger in Hamas's military wing, in a strike in Gaza City on Sunday. Abu Hasira headed the 'Geneva' money exchange network, which transferred tens of millions of Israeli shekels in foreign currency to Hamas's military wing. The funds were used to finance terrorists, restore military infrastructure, and advance attacks against IDF troops, the military said IDF (English). Abu Hasira was also involved in commercial activities that supported Hamas Manniefabian.
• Security Council — The UN Security Council met Monday morning with the Gaza peace plan stalled. The plan's remaining phases, including Hamas's disarmament and Israel's full withdrawal, remain unimplemented, and civilian suffering continues UN News.

• Settler Violence — Israeli settler gangs assaulted and injured a Palestinian in the town of Halhoul, north of Hebron Quds News Network. Israeli occupation forces reportedly detained Palestinians in the centre of Jenin city Quds News Network.
• Supreme Court Ruling — Israel's Supreme Court ruled that the government is failing to comply with its order requiring the resumption of International Committee of the Red Cross visits to Palestinian detainees. The court gave the government until October 11 to confirm measures are completed, or it will establish a mandatory committee to enforce its orders Quds News Network.
• Security Council — The Security Council meeting also addressed rising West Bank tensions, with settler violence and settlement expansion raising fears for a two-state solution UN News.

• UN Security Council — The Security Council met Monday morning with prospects for peace under strain on two fronts: West Bank settler violence and settlement expansion, and the stalled Gaza peace plan. The illegality of settlements under international law remains a key point of contention UN News.
• Slovenia Policy Shift — Slovenia's policy towards Palestine has changed sharply following a UNGA sideline meeting with Israeli PM Netanyahu, according to Al Jazeera Al Jazeera.
• US Congress — US Congressman Ro Khanna opposes a provision in the NDAA that would integrate the American military with Israel's, stating the US has no such arrangement with any other country Quds News Network.

• RAF Fairford Arrests — Five men arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences near RAF Fairford, a US-used airbase in Gloucestershire, have been released on police bail, counter-terror police said. The men, UK nationals in their 20s, were arrested under the Explosives Act and on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act. Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said the investigation was not over as police consider numerous avenues BBC News. Iran's embassy in London rejected speculation linking Tehran to the arrests Reuters.
• Italy-Egypt — An Italian court convicted three Egyptian agents in absentia to 10 years in prison over the 2016 fatal abduction of Cambridge scholar Giulio Regeni Al Jazeera.

US Domestic — President Trump announced a $15 billion steel mill project in Iowa before the US midterms Al Jazeera. The NFL asked US Homeland Security to remove a video featuring Hall of Fame player Brian Dawkins used to show border protection readiness Al Jazeera. Apple was ordered to pay $5.7 billion in a patent infringement case in California Al Jazeera.

• UAE-Israel — UAE confirmed Prime Minister Netanyahu's visit to Abu Dhabi, which took place as the Israeli PM battles domestic turmoil ahead of October's Knesset elections Al Jazeera. Netanyahu spent six hours on the ground in the UAE; the meeting with MBZ focused on Iran, and the leaders spoke by phone prior to the trip Jerusalem Post. AP reported Netanyahu secretly met UAE President bin Zayed to seek a denial of claims he had warned Israel of an impending Hamas attack before October 7 Arutz Sheva.
• Yemen — Yemeni Armed Forces Spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Saree reported 38 Saudi raids and missile attacks on Taiz, Saada, and Hajjah governorates over 24 hours Al-Manar TV.