World · Important news for 17 September 2026
US Congress passes major Russia sanctions bill with potential secondary impacts
US lawmakers pass bill giving Trump more power to sanction Russia and its enablers
Trump claims US is nearing end of Iran war and holding direct talks
EU Invites Canada to Become First 'Associate Member'
Houthis seize strategic Red Sea islands as analysts warn of impending oil crunch
Yemeni Houthi militants have seized the strategic islands of Greater and Lesser Hanish in the Red Sea, escalating risks to global shipping and oil supply routes.
- Houthi militants captured the islands of Greater and Lesser Hanish near the Bab al-Mandab strait.
- Renewed fighting has displaced roughly 100,000 Yemenis.
- Qatar warned of a catastrophe if militants gain full control of the Bab al-Mandab strait.
Sweden votes against expanding far-right influence
EU chief supports plan for Canada to become associate member
Syria Abolishes Al-Assad-Era Terrorism Court Amid Kurdish Tensions
Russian Elections Take Place Amid Ukraine War Casualties
Putin urges Russians to vote in parliamentary election as support for Ukraine war
Zelensky celebrates anti-drone weapon success as Russia accuses Denmark of dangerous fly-bys
Sweden's centre-left opposition wins general election, SVT projects
Surge in Yemen violence ends ceasefire and drives mass displacement
US House passes war powers resolution to halt military action in Iran
Satellite imagery reveals major damage behind closure of crucial Saudi oil pipeline
Saudi Arabia and Egypt coordinate on Red Sea security amid Houthi threats
US Defense Inspectors Report Munitions Shortfall as Iran War Costs Hit $33B
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