The U.S. and Russia weakened a U.N. effort to regulate lethal AI weapons by removing key safeguards, including requirements for predictable systems, ethical considerations and human review before AI-assisted strikes.

The talks marked the furthest progress yet toward a possible treaty on autonomous weapons, but Washington and Moscow pushed to reduce restrictions during closed-door negotiations.

Source: WaPo

Russian Firms Lease Air Defenses, Hire Gunners to Counter Ukrainian Drones

As Ukrainian strikes reach industrial and logistics sites, Russian companies are leasing air-defense systems and recruiting guards who can shoot down incoming drones.

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China’s Vice President Han Zheng:

The world wants peace, not war.

We should turn into action the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security and reject the Cold War mindset and block confrontation.

We should settle differences and disputes through dialogue and consultation and oppose unilateral military actions that violate the UN charter and circumvent Security Council authorization.

China’s Vice President Han Zheng on Cuba:

China urges the relevant country to immediately stop using the threat of force against Cuba and immediately and completely lift the blockade and sanctions against Cuba.

China’s Vice President Han Zheng:

China holds that the sovereignty and security of countries in the Middle East, including the Gulf, should be respected.

China calls for advancing the governance of the West Bank and the post-conflict reconstruction of Gaza in accordance with the principle of the Palestinians governing Palestine.

It also calls for bringing the Palestinian question back onto the right track of the two-state solution at an early date.

Russia could quickly restart up to 80% of its Black Sea and Sea of Azov grain export capacity if attacks stop and a ceasefire is reached.

Three terminals, accounting for about 20% of regional export capacity, suffered major damage and may take months to repair.

Türkiye is leading diplomatic efforts to restore Black Sea grain trade.

Source: Reuters

The Republic of Ireland confirmed Sunday’s UEFA Nations League B3 match against Israel in Debrecen, Hungary will take place after uncertainty over whether the fixture would be played.

Reports said several players, including goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, wanted to withdraw, leading to a team meeting and delays to pre-match activities.

After a players’ vote, the decision to play was approved by a significant majority, the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) confirmed.

Trump on Iran:

They made a proposal, but I rejected it.

NEW: Sudan's Army recaptured Umm Sura in western North Kordofan, continuing the September offensive that took Sodari the day before.

The gain tightens SAF supply lines and increases pressure on remaining UAE-backed RSF terror group positions around Al-Mazroub and Umm Badr.

Reporter: Do you only want outlets that support you?

Trump: I want real news, not fake news like you. I love an open, free press. What I don't like is fake press.

Reporter: Will you strike Iran after the midterms?

Trump: I'm rejecting their deal. They want to make a deal where they open the Strait immediately because they're losing so badly.

They want to make a deal, and I think that's fine. I like making a deal, too, but that deal would not be acceptable.

Protests erupted in Basra today against Iraq's compliance with US aviation sanctions on Iran.

Demonstrators gathered ne
ar Basra airport around a grounded Iranian aircraft.

Crowds chanting against PM Zaidi's government for joining what Iran-aligned voices call a US "blockade."

Iraq halted Iranian airline services after Washington threatened secondary sanctions on airports servicing them.

The government says it's seeking US exemptions for humanitarian and religious travel.

Protests are so far smaller than Basra's major 2018 unrest.

Trump on Iran:

They outsmarted themselves.

They said, "Let's close the Strait and cause a problem for the world." And then I came along, and we put up the greatest blockade ever in military history.

Guess what? They don't have any money now because they wanted to close the Strait, and we closed it on them.

Trump on Taiwan:

We didn't talk about Taiwan too much with Xi. Right now, it's, you know, fine. It's just moving along.

Xi understands very much how I feel.

Trump on AI:

Xi likes the idea of changing the name of AI to SI because it's much more accurate and elegant.

The U.S. is not going to be putting on brakes.

Trump:

You're all supposed to be dead now because of global warming. It's a hoax.

Reporter: Obama just said, "If you put women in charge of every government for 2 years, things would be better."

Trump: I love women. I think they're great. But what a ridiculous statement that is, right?

Trump on Ukraine:

You know what I want Zelensky to do? Make a deal. I want him to settle with Putin, and I want Putin to settle with Zelensky.

Reporter: Any military action planned for Cuba?

Trump: Cuba and us will make a deal. I don't think we'll need the military. Cuba is failing very badly. We want to help Cuba.

We want to open Cuba up to our people. We have great Cuban-Americans who want to go back.

Reporter: How did your meeting with Iraq's PM go?

Trump: It went great. He is a fantastic man, a friend of mine. I endorsed him. He is a fantastic guy.

Reporter: Did you talk about elections with the President of Venezuela?

Trump: I did. By the way, she was very nice, very terrific. Venezuela is making a lot of money now for its people, really a great thing.