This weekend, United Nations sanctions on Iran related to its nuclear program are set to be reimposed. The development comes as a result of the “snapback” mechanism, a provision designed to restore all UN sanctions that were lifted under the 2015 nuclear agreement. The re-imposition of these measures places Tehran under renewed international pressure.

The move follows recent activity at the UN Security Council. A draft resolution was introduced to delay the snapback for six months, until April of next year. However, the effort, backed by Russia and China, was unsuccessful. The triggering of the snapback by the E3 powers means that the sanctions will go into effect as scheduled on Sunday.

Inside Iran, reports indicate growing concern among the population ahead of the sanctions' return. Citizens are reportedly worried about the future, with many finding themselves priced out of necessary food items. The economic pressure from the restored sanctions is a significant factor contributing to these anxieties.

The snapback sends international powers back to the drawing board to determine how to approach Iran's nuclear program. As the sanctions are reimposed, Western nations face the challenge of formulating a new strategy, marking a significant shift in the diplomatic landscape surrounding the 2015 agreement.

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Global Tensions Rise with Russian Warnings and Drone Activity

At the UN General Assembly, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov delivered a fiery address, warning NATO and the EU of a "real war" and a "decisive response" to any aggression, while denying that Russia has plans to attack. In his speech, Lavrov also criticized US sanctions against Iran, commented on Israel's actions in Gaza, and challenged President Trump’s recent shift in tone regarding Ukraine (Fox News). Separately, Russia has warned Western nations that any aggression will be met with a decisive response (Reuters). This comes as UN sanctions on Iran are scheduled for reimposition this Saturday (Reuters).

Meanwhile, tensions in Europe are heightened by drone activity. Denmark reported new drone sightings overnight at military installations, following previous incidents over its largest military base and airports, one of which an official called a "hybrid attack" (Fox News). The incursions, which also occurred in Norway, have prompted Germany to consider allowing its military to shoot down drones (Insider Paper). In response to regional threats, Latvia has called for NATO to strengthen Baltic air defense after Russian incursions (Reuters).

US Domestic and Foreign Policy Developments

In the U.S., President Trump ordered the deployment of military troops with "full force" to Portland, Oregon, to protect federal facilities, including ICE locations, from "Antifa and other domestic terrorists" (Task & Purpose). The president, who is considering similar actions for cities like New Orleans and Chicago, made the announcement via social media (Axios). Portland Mayor Wilson called the unrequested influx of federal agents a "distraction," and Senator Wyden voiced his opposition to the increased federal presence (Axios).

On the foreign policy front, the US State Department plans to revoke the visa of Colombian President Gustavo Petro due to his "incendiary" and "reckless actions" at a pro-Palestinian protest in New York, where he reportedly urged US soldiers to disobey orders (Insider Paper). In contrast, Hungarian officials are touting a "golden age" in US-Hungary relations under President Trump, who is president in 2025, and plan to follow the US in designating Antifa a terrorist organization (Fox News).

In other diplomatic and economic news, a top aide stated that South Korea cannot pay the $350 billion suggested by President Trump for a tariff deal (Reuters). Former Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers has joined the USIEA to advise on "friendshoring" pharmaceutical supply chains to Abraham Accords nations, an initiative designed to reduce US reliance on China (Fox News).

Military Modernization and Readiness Concerns

US military leaders are preparing for a meeting in Virginia where the agenda is now becoming clear (US military leaders are preparing for a meeting in Virginia, with the agenda now becoming clear.. On Wednesday, NORAD scrambled F-16 jets to intercept two Russian bombers and two fighter jets in the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone, though the Russian aircraft remained in international airspace in what NORAD described as regular and non-threatening activity (Task & Purpose).

Meanwhile, Northrop Grumman is using a Scaled Composites' Model 437 Vanguard jet as an AI testbed for its Beacon program, which develops autonomous flight software for future uncrewed combat aircraft (The War Zone). However, a Government Accountability Office report covering 2015-2024 found that 16 of 18 Army and Marine Corps ground vehicles were not ready for combat due to reduced overhauls, parts shortages, and fewer maintainers (Task & Purpose). Ukraine is also looking to bolster its capabilities, with a planned visit to the US to discuss potential weapons and drone deals (Reuters).

Around the World

• India: A stampede at a rally for actor-politician Vijay resulted in at least 36 deaths and over 50 injuries, according to a minister (Reuters).
• Middle East: Hezbollah commemorated the one-year anniversary of the killing of its former chief, Nasrallah, by Israel (Reuters). In New York, the UAE foreign minister met with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and urged an end to the war in Gaza (Reuters). Iraq has restarted Kurdish oil exports to Turkey after a 2.5-year halt (Reuters).
• France: The jailing of former President Nicolas Sarkozy has reignited the debate over political justice in France ahead of an appeal from Marine Le Pen (Reuters).
• AI & Jobs: CEOs from companies including Anthropic, Ford, Amazon, and Walmart are warning that artificial intelligence is causing a jobs crisis and could eliminate half of US white-collar jobs. Many firms are reducing hiring as a result, though officials anticipate new types of jobs will emerge in the long term (Axios).
• In Memoriam: Robert Barnett, a prominent Washington agent known for coaching presidential debate candidates and serving as a bipartisan literary agent, has died at 79 (Axios).

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