Security problems in Balochistan are reportedly complicating Pakistan's ambitions to develop critical-mineral supplies for the United States, as militant attacks threaten mining-linked activity.

Critical Minerals In Focus

Pakistan has been promoting its critical-minerals sector as part of its expanding economic and strategic engagement with the United States.

Balochistan, in particular, is considered central to Pakistan's mineral ambitions because the province contains significant deposits of copper and other critical minerals. The region, however, has faced a long-running insurgency that has repeatedly targeted infrastructure and mining-related interests.

The security challenge has raised questions over how quickly Pakistan can turn mineral resources into reliable commercial supplies.

Balochistan Creates Risk

Militant activity by the Balochistan Liberation Army and other groups has complicated investment and infrastructure projects in the province.

The BLA has previously targeted projects connected with China's Belt and Road Initiative as well as mineral transport and energy infrastructure.

The same security environment presents risks for any American company seeking to develop a long-term critical-minerals supply chain in the region.

US Company Activity Reported Halted

A report published September 8 said work linked to US Strategic Metals at offices in Karachi and Islamabad had stopped after security problems affected activity around mineral-producing areas.

The report attributed the disruption to attacks by Baloch militants and road blockages near the Reko Diq mining area in Chagai district.

The details have not been independently confirmed by a US government announcement, so the reported suspension should be treated as a media-reported development.

Reko Diq At Centre

Reko Diq is one of the major mineral projects in Balochistan and is associated with large copper and gold resources.

The broader region's mineral potential has attracted increasing international attention as the United States and other countries seek alternatives and diversification in critical-mineral supply chains.

Pakistan's challenge is not simply identifying deposits. It must also establish secure transportation, processing infrastructure and commercially dependable export arrangements.

Trump Administration Interest

The United States has shown interest in Pakistan's critical-minerals potential as Washington seeks greater access to strategic raw materials.

The Council on Foreign Relations reported that agreements were announced involving US access to critical minerals and rare-earth elements, while a Missouri-based mining firm signed a $500 million memorandum with a Pakistani military-linked conglomerate for a polymetallic refinery.

This indicates that critical minerals have become part of the wider US-Pakistan strategic relationship.

Munir And Mineral Samples

The supplied claim that Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir personally showed mineral samples to US President Donald Trump has also appeared in media reports.

A September 8 report said Munir had presented mineral specimens during a White House meeting and that Pakistan had previously sent a consignment containing materials including antimony, copper concentrate, neodymium and praseodymium.

The significance of those samples should not be confused with proof of a fully operational rare-earth export supply chain.

Security Could Delay Ambitions

Pakistan's mineral ambitions face a fundamental challenge: deposits alone do not guarantee exports.

Mining projects require roads, processing facilities, electricity, logistics and secure transportation. Persistent militant attacks can raise costs, delay operations and discourage foreign companies.

For Washington, reliable access will therefore depend not only on Pakistan's geological resources but also on whether Islamabad can provide a stable operating environment.

What Happens Next

Pakistan is likely to continue presenting its critical-minerals sector as an opportunity for US investment. But security conditions in Balochistan will remain a key factor in determining whether proposed projects can move from agreements and exploration to sustained production and exports.

The reported disruption involving US Strategic Metals highlights the gap between Pakistan's mineral ambitions and the operational challenges on the ground.

Protest organisers in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir have alleged that security deployments and road blockades are disrupting access to education, healthcare and essential supplies.

Protests Over Governance

Pakistan-occupied Kashmir has remained under pressure amid continuing political and social protests linked to demands over governance, economic conditions and public services.

Recent reports have highlighted allegations by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee that security restrictions and blockades have disrupted normal life in parts of the region.

The group has called for protests and sit-ins over what it describes as restrictions affecting schools, hospitals and movement.

Schools And Hospitals Affected

According to reports citing protest organisers, security deployments and roadblocks have made it difficult for residents to reach educational and medical facilities.

The JKJAAC has alleged that some schools and medical facilities were either inaccessible or affected by security deployments. It has demanded the restoration of educational services and removal of military presence from medical facilities.

These claims come amid wider tensions over the region's political and economic situation.

Independent verification of every individual claim about closures and access restrictions remains limited, and the allegations should therefore be attributed to protest organisers.

Food And Medicine Claims

Earlier reports from the protest movement also carried allegations that Pakistan had restricted the movement of food and medicines into parts of PoK.

In July, India Today reported claims by protest leader Sardar Aman Khan that food and medicine supplies had been blocked for weeks. Protesters said restrictions were worsening the humanitarian situation.

The Pakistani authorities have disputed or denied allegations of a deliberate blockade, according to reporting on the protests.

Political Anger Intensifies

The protests have been driven by a broad set of demands covering inflation, electricity prices, subsidies, unemployment and governance.

The movement has also included criticism of what protesters describe as long-standing political discrimination and economic neglect.

The situation became particularly sensitive after demonstrations expanded and authorities treated sections of the movement as a security concern. Reports earlier this year said activists were booked under anti-terror laws after the organisation was banned.

‘India Agent’ Claim

The supplied claim that residents were first engaged by the government and later labelled "India's agents" could not be independently established from sufficiently reliable current reporting.

However, the broader protest movement has included statements appealing to India and references to the Line of Control. At a Rawalakot gathering, protest leader Aman Khan called for support across the LoC while criticising Islamabad's policies.

Such statements have added a geopolitical dimension to an already tense domestic protest.

Security Becomes Central Issue

The reported restrictions have placed security policy at the centre of the dispute.

Protest organisers argue that blockades, curfews and security deployments are affecting ordinary residents. Authorities, meanwhile, have security and law-and-order considerations in dealing with large demonstrations.

The competing claims have made independent verification difficult, particularly in areas where movement and communications are restricted.

What Happens Next

The JKJAAC has continued to demand restoration of services and release of detained activists, while calling for further demonstrations in different parts of PoK.

The immediate concern remains whether authorities and protest leaders can reach an understanding that restores normal access to schools, healthcare and essential supplies.

For now, reports point to continued political tension rather than a settled resolution.

The Eiffel Tower was temporarily closed to visitors after employees went on strike over allegations that female staff were sidelined during a private visit by a delegation associated with the Hindu organisation BAPS (Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha).

The dispute followed a visit by around 100 BAPS members on Saturday, September 5. Staff representatives alleged that female employees were asked to leave some of their workstations or avoid certain areas while the delegation was present, with some positions reportedly being filled by male colleagues. The Eiffel Tower's operating company, SETE, acknowledged that the delegation had requested arrangements limiting interactions with women and said the request should not have been accepted. 

The landmark reopened on Tuesday after the strike and discussions between employees and management. Paris authorities have also announced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. 

What happened during the BAPS visit?

According to Eiffel Tower staff representatives, female employees were instructed to make themselves “invisible” during the delegation's visit. Some were allegedly moved away from their regular positions, while others were reportedly told not to enter or cross particular areas.

The staff said they were shocked by the instructions and considered them discriminatory. Their protest eventually led to a work stoppage, forcing the Eiffel Tower to remain closed for the day.

SETE, the company operating the monument, acknowledged that the conditions surrounding the visit were inappropriate. It said such arrangements were inconsistent with the company's values and France's principle of gender equality. 

BAPS denies restricting access, apologises

BAPS disputed the suggestion that its delegation prevented anyone from entering the Eiffel Tower.

The organisation said the private visit had been coordinated with the Eiffel Tower team because of the size of the delegation. It said the timing was chosen to minimise disruption to other visitors.

BAPS stated that, to its knowledge, no one was denied access to the monument. However, it apologised to anyone who may have been hurt or inconvenienced by the incident and said it remained committed to values of mutual respect and service.

The exact sequence of decisions that led to female employees being moved remains the subject of the investigation.

Why were women reportedly kept away?

The controversy has raised questions about religious practices associated with some BAPS sadhus.

BAPS follows traditions of celibacy among its male ascetics, including restrictions on physical interaction and close contact with women. However, there is an important distinction between those religious practices and the alleged workplace instructions at the Eiffel Tower.

There is currently no independent evidence establishing that the staff arrangements were directly ordered by BAPS because of those religious rules. What is established is that the Eiffel Tower's operator acknowledged a request to limit interactions with women and admitted that accepting such conditions was a mistake. 

French political leaders criticise incident

The episode quickly became a political issue in France.

Paris Mayor Emmanuel Gregoire said employees' anger was legitimate and called for the facts to be established through an investigation. France's gender equality minister Aurore Bergé also criticised the reported treatment of female workers.

National Assembly President Yaël Braun-Pivet said welcoming visitors should not require France to compromise its principles concerning women's participation in public life.

Former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal and far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen also criticised the reported arrangements.

BAPS temple opened near Paris

The controversy came shortly after the inauguration of BAPS' first major temple in France.

The Paris-area temple was inaugurated on Sunday, September 6, with BAPS spiritual leader Mahant Swami Maharajattending the ceremony. The Eiffel Tower visit was part of the delegation's activities in Paris but was described by BAPS as a private visit rather than a religious ceremony at the monument.

BAPS is a global Hindu socio-spiritual organisation with temples and community activities in several countries. The organisation is known for its religious, cultural and humanitarian work.

Investigation now under way

The Eiffel Tower episode has brought together questions of workplace equality, religious accommodation and the limits of such accommodation in public institutions.

For now, the allegations concerning the treatment of female staff should be distinguished from any claim that BAPS itself directly instructed Eiffel Tower employees to remove women. The operating company has acknowledged accepting a request to limit interactions with women and said that decision should not have been made.

The Paris investigation is expected to establish how the arrangements were proposed, who authorised them and how the instructions were communicated to staff. 

French President Emmanuel Macron has urged the European Union to introduce legislation banning children under 15 from accessing social media platforms, stepping up his campaign for stronger protections for minors online.

In a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen dated August 29, Macron called for a “European legislative text” that would harmonise age restrictions across the bloc and “protect all children in the Union”, according to a letter seen by Agence France-Presse.

The proposal comes weeks after France’s Constitutional Council rejected legislation seeking to impose a similar restriction nationally, forcing the French government to reconsider how such a ban could be implemented within constitutional and European Union rules.

Macron Seeks EU-Wide Rules

Macron argued that national measures alone may not be sufficient to address the risks children face on social media.

In his letter, he said it was “now essential to go further” and establish a common European framework. Such legislation would prevent individual EU countries from adopting significantly different age thresholds and could place uniform obligations on major social media platforms.

The French president has increasingly made children's online safety a political priority, particularly amid concerns about excessive social media use, harmful content and the influence of digital platforms on young people.

France’s Earlier Ban Rejected

France had already attempted to introduce a ban on social media access for children under 15.

However, the country’s Constitutional Council struck down the proposal in August. The ruling created a legal obstacle for Macron’s government, which had sought to make the restriction part of France’s domestic legislation.

Macron subsequently said he hoped to find a way forward through revised national legislation that would comply with both EU law and the French Constitution.

Push Comes After Legal Setback

Rather than abandoning the initiative following the constitutional ruling, Macron is now seeking a European solution.

A common EU law could potentially provide a broader legal framework while reducing concerns about differing national regulations.

The approach would also put the issue at the European level, where regulations governing digital services and online platforms can have an impact across the bloc.

For Macron, an EU-wide measure would offer a more consistent response to what he considers a cross-border problem.

Child Safety At Centre

The French president's proposal is based on concerns about the effect of social media on children.

Governments across Europe have been examining how platforms handle minors, including questions surrounding age verification, exposure to harmful material and the amount of time young people spend online.

Macron's proposed threshold would mean that children could not legally use covered social media services until reaching their 15th birthday.

The precise definition of “social media” and possible exemptions would be important if the EU were to develop legislation.

Platforms Could Face New Duties

An EU-wide age restriction would also raise questions about how platforms verify users’ ages.

Social media companies could be required to introduce stronger age-assurance systems to prevent children below the permitted age from creating or maintaining accounts.

However, such measures would need to balance child protection with privacy and data-protection concerns. Any system requiring users to provide additional personal information could raise questions about how that information is collected, stored and processed.

These issues are likely to become central to any future European legislative proposal.

Wider European Debate

Macron's appeal comes as governments around the world debate whether existing safeguards are adequate for children using social media.

The issue has become increasingly contentious as policymakers weigh the potential benefits of online communication against concerns about children's exposure to harmful or age-inappropriate content.

An EU-wide approach would also put pressure on technology companies to apply common standards across member states rather than adapting to a patchwork of national rules.

What Happens Next

Macron has asked von der Leyen and the European Commission to move towards new EU legislation, but his request does not automatically create a ban.

The Commission would have to assess the proposal, determine the appropriate legal mechanism and potentially work with EU member states and the European Parliament before any bloc-wide measure could take effect.

For France, the European route could provide a way to revive Macron's under-15 social-media restriction after the Constitutional Council's August decision.

The coming months will therefore determine whether France can turn its national proposal into a wider European initiative — and whether the EU is prepared to establish a single minimum age for social media use across the bloc.

Iceland has summoned US Ambassador Billy Long after President Donald Trump shared a social-media map depicting Iceland and several other countries and territories as part of an expanded United States.

The map, posted by Trump on Truth Social without an accompanying explanation, shows the US flag covering the United States, Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. The entire landmass is labelled “United States of America”.

Icelandic Foreign Minister Thorgerdur Gunnarsdottir called Long to the foreign ministry on Monday. According to Iceland’s public broadcaster RUV, Reykjavik told the ambassador that the post was “completely inappropriate”. Long formally assumed his position in Iceland only last month.

Trump Map Sparks Diplomatic Row

The post has created a fresh diplomatic headache for Washington at a time when Trump's territorial ambitions have already strained relations with European allies.

The White House has not publicly explained the purpose of the map. The US State Department, US embassies in Copenhagen and Reykjavik, and the US consulate in Nuuk had not immediately responded to requests for comment, according to Reuters.

For Iceland, the appearance of its territory under the American flag is particularly sensitive because the country is a sovereign NATO member and has long maintained close security ties with the United States.

Greenland Remains Central Issue

The map also comes against the backdrop of Trump's repeated demands for the United States to acquire Greenland, the autonomous territory of Denmark.

Trump's campaign for control of Greenland has already caused tensions between Washington and Copenhagen, despite Denmark and the United States being NATO allies. Greenland's strategic location and Arctic resources have been central to the debate.

The latest map therefore comes at a particularly sensitive moment in US-European relations, even if it does not itself constitute a formal territorial claim.

Canada And Mexico Included

Trump's latest post goes beyond Greenland and Iceland. The map appears to depict almost the whole of North America, including Canada and Mexico, as well as Central America and much of the Caribbean.

Trump has previously floated the idea of Canada becoming the 51st US state, while his administration has also engaged in difficult diplomatic and trade disputes with Mexico.

The latest imagery therefore adds to a pattern of provocative geographical and political messaging from the president.

Iceland Caught In Wider Tensions

Iceland has found itself increasingly drawn into the broader European debate over US policy under Trump.

The country recently voted against reopening negotiations on European Union membership. Concerns about Washington's reliability under Trump were among the arguments made by some supporters of closer EU ties, although analysts said domestic economic considerations played a larger role in the referendum.

The Trump map appeared shortly after the European Commission announced a €200 million investment in Greenland during European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's visit.

Map Adds To Expansionist Messaging

Trump has increasingly used maps and social-media imagery to promote territorial and geographical ideas.

On September 7, he shared maps promoting the idea of changing the name of the US state of New Mexico to “New America”. The US federal government does not have authority to rename a state, while New Mexico's governor rejected the proposal.

These posts have blurred the line between political messaging, online provocation and formal policy positions.

The Iceland map similarly does not amount to evidence that Washington has formally claimed Iceland or the other territories shown.

Europe Watches US Intentions

The diplomatic reaction in Reykjavik highlights how Trump's territorial rhetoric is being interpreted beyond the United States.

For European governments, the Greenland issue has already raised questions about Washington's approach to sovereignty and the reliability of traditional transatlantic relationships.

Iceland's decision to summon the American ambassador signals that even imagery without an accompanying policy announcement can carry diplomatic consequences.

What Happens Next

The immediate dispute is likely to remain focused on the meaning and intent of Trump's post rather than any formal US territorial action.

Iceland has made clear that it considers the depiction inappropriate, while Washington has yet to provide a public explanation for the image.

The episode nevertheless adds another layer to tensions surrounding Greenland, Canada and broader US-European relations. With Trump's administration already pursuing an assertive approach to territorial and geopolitical issues, European allies are likely to scrutinise similar statements and maps closely.

US President Donald Trump’s immigration policies are increasingly targeting not only undocumented migrants but also legal immigrants, international students and skilled foreign workers, according to immigration law expert Stephen Yale-Loehr.

In an interview with Firstpost, the retired Cornell Law School professor said the administration’s approach amounts to a broad restriction of immigration rather than a fundamental reform of the US system. He argued that the tightening of the H-1B visa programme could ultimately hurt American businesses and the country’s ability to attract global talent.

The H-1B programme currently provides 65,000 visas annually, with another 20,000 reserved for foreign nationals holding advanced degrees from US institutions.

Trump Expands Immigration Crackdown

Yale-Loehr said the major difference between Trump’s current immigration agenda and his first administration is its scope.

During Trump's first term, immigration enforcement largely focused on undocumented migrants and tougher border controls. The current administration, he said, is attempting to restrict both legal and illegal immigration.

The change has implications for workers, students, employers and universities that depend on international talent.

For Indian professionals, the H-1B programme is particularly important because Indians account for a large proportion of H-1B beneficiaries, especially in technology and other specialised occupations.

H-1B Rules Face Pressure

The administration has introduced or proposed several measures affecting H-1B holders. Among the most controversial has been a proposed $100,000 fee associated with certain new H-1B applications, raising concerns among employers and foreign professionals.

The administration has also moved to tighten conditions surrounding visa holders, increasing uncertainty for people whose employment and long-term immigration plans depend on the programme.

Yale-Loehr argued that these measures amount to a shrinking of the programme rather than the structural overhaul supporters of immigration reform might expect.

Legal Challenges Could Follow

Some of the administration’s immigration measures could face challenges in federal courts, Yale-Loehr said.

Immigration policy is governed by a complex combination of congressional statutes, executive authority and administrative rules. When agencies impose restrictions beyond what existing law permits, affected individuals, universities or businesses can challenge them.

The professor pointed to recent litigation over immigration restrictions as evidence that courts could play an important role in determining how far the administration can go.

Indian Students Face Delays

The impact is not limited to H-1B workers. International students seeking to study in the United States are also encountering additional scrutiny.

Yale-Loehr said students applying for F-1 visas can face longer processing times, additional background checks and social-media vetting. These measures can make the US a less predictable destination for international students.

The uncertainty is particularly significant for Indian students, who form one of the largest international student groups in American higher education.

CPT Rules Add Uncertainty

Another area of concern is Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which allows eligible international students to undertake practical work connected with their academic programmes.

Yale-Loehr said immigration authorities are taking a stricter approach to CPT eligibility. Under the interpretation he described, practical training may need to be required as part of a student's major rather than simply being an optional component.

That could reduce internship opportunities for international students in fields such as computer science and engineering.

US Risks Losing Talent

The broader concern, according to Yale-Loehr, is the potential economic cost of restricting legal immigration.

American technology companies, universities, hospitals and research institutions have long recruited highly skilled workers and students from around the world. Greater uncertainty could encourage some prospective migrants to choose competing destinations instead.

For Indian professionals in particular, changes to H-1B rules could influence decisions about studying, working and building careers in the US.

‘Shooting Itself in the Foot’

Yale-Loehr’s central argument is that the US risks undermining its own economic interests by making legal immigration more difficult.

Rather than producing a sweeping overhaul of the immigration system, he said the administration is effectively shrinking established legal immigration pathways.

The consequences could extend beyond individual visa holders. If skilled workers, researchers and international students increasingly view the US as difficult to enter or remain in, American employers and universities could face a smaller global talent pool.

For a country whose technology and research sectors rely heavily on international expertise, that could become a significant long-term disadvantage.

Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is seeking a route to power in Saxony-Anhalt after securing a historic victory in the eastern state election. The party won 39 of the 83 seats, falling three seats short of an outright majority.

The AfD has now claimed that some lawmakers from Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) are considering supporting or joining its side. However, there is no independent confirmation that CDU legislators have agreed to defect, making the claim a central point of uncertainty in the government-formation process.

AfD Wins Historic Mandate

The AfD secured 43.8% of the vote, more than doubling its support compared with the previous Saxony-Anhalt election. The CDU finished a distant second with 17.2%, while the Left, SPD and Greens each won eight seats. The BSW secured five seats.

The result represents the strongest state-election performance yet for the AfD and puts the party within striking distance of leading a state government for the first time in post-war Germany.

AfD candidate Ulrich Siegmund has said he wants to become state premier if his party can secure a workable majority.

CDU Defections Remain Unclear

AfD leaders have intensified their appeal to conservative lawmakers following the election. National co-leader Tino Chrupalla urged CDU legislators to help create what he described as a centre-right conservative majority.

Senior AfD politician Maximilian Krah has separately claimed that disgruntled CDU politicians could consider switching sides. Alice Weidel has also suggested that CDU lawmakers may be reconsidering their position.

However, these remain AfD claims rather than confirmed defections. Reports have not established that any CDU legislator has formally committed to supporting the far-right party.

Merz Rejects AfD Cooperation

The election has placed additional pressure on Friedrich Merz and the CDU. Merz has ruled out cooperation with the AfD despite acknowledging the seriousness of the result for his party.

The CDU's poor showing has intensified debate over the political strategy known as the “firewall”, under which mainstream German parties refuse coalition cooperation with the AfD.

The CDU won only 15 seats in the new state parliament, compared with 40 in 2021, according to preliminary official results.

Firewall Faces New Test

Germany's firewall has traditionally prevented the AfD from entering state or federal governments despite its growing electoral strength.

The Saxony-Anhalt result is testing that strategy more severely than previous elections because the AfD has emerged as the largest parliamentary group and needs only a small number of additional votes to gain governing power.

Mainstream parties have again rejected formal cooperation with the AfD, which German intelligence authorities have classified as extremist. The party rejects that designation.

BSW Opens Another Route

The AfD may not necessarily need CDU defections. The populist Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW), which won five seats, has indicated that it could help an AfD-led government.

BSW leader Sahra Wagenknecht criticised attempts to construct another firewall against the AfD. The two parties share positions on immigration and Germany's support for Ukraine, although they come from different political traditions.

One possible route could involve BSW abstaining in a premier's election, potentially allowing an AfD-led minority government. Such an arrangement, however, would remain politically fragile.

Germany’s Political Landscape Shifts

The election has become a wider warning for Germany's established parties. About 83,000 former CDU voters moved to the AfD, while the CDU's vote share almost halved.

The result reflects dissatisfaction in parts of eastern Germany over economic conditions, migration and the performance of the federal government. It also gives the AfD a powerful argument ahead of Germany's next federal election, scheduled for 2029.

AfD leaders have already presented the victory as evidence that the party can move beyond its traditional strongholds.

What Happens Next

The immediate challenge is whether AfD leader Siegmund can secure enough support to command the state parliament. With 39 seats, the party needs at least three additional votes for the 42-seat threshold.

Whether those votes come from CDU lawmakers, BSW or another arrangement remains uncertain. Officially, the CDU continues to reject cooperation with the AfD, meaning the alleged internal rebellion has yet to translate into a confirmed political agreement.

The outcome nevertheless marks a major test for Germany's post-war political consensus. If the AfD succeeds in entering government in Saxony-Anhalt, it would represent a significant breakthrough for the far right and could reshape the debate over the firewall across Germany.

 US President Donald Trump has predicted a sharp decline in oil and gasoline prices once the United States achieves what he described as a victory in its ongoing conflict with Iran, saying petrol prices in the US could eventually fall below $2 a gallon.

In a post on Truth Social on September 7, Trump said oil prices would fall “precipitously” after the US wins the war with Iran. He first projected gasoline prices at around $3 a gallon before saying they could ultimately drop below $2. 

Trump also reiterated that Iran would not be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon and said the developments would happen quickly.

Trump links fuel prices to Iran conflict

Trump's comments directly linked the current rise in energy prices to the conflict with Iran and the disruption surrounding key oil routes in the Middle East.

The prediction comes as global energy markets remain highly sensitive to developments around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for international oil shipments. Iran has recently threatened to establish a maritime exclusion zone in the Gulf, while shipping through the strategic waterway has declined amid the conflict. 

The continuing uncertainty has kept crude prices elevated, despite expectations that an eventual end to hostilities could ease some of the supply pressure.

US gasoline prices remain elevated

Trump's forecast comes at a time when US consumers are still facing comparatively high gasoline prices.

The national average was around $4.15 per gallon around Labor Day, according to data cited in recent reports, significantly above the level Trump is predicting for the period after the conflict. Diesel prices have also remained elevated. 

Energy Secretary Chris Wright has stopped short of guaranteeing a sustained decline in fuel prices, saying gasoline futures indicated prices were more likely to fall than rise. (Benzinga)

Crude oil prices remain near $100

The president's prediction also comes against a backdrop of rising crude prices.

Brent crude has moved close to $100 a barrel, with reports attributing the increase to concerns over supply disruptions and the continuing instability around the Strait of Hormuz. West Texas Intermediate has also traded above $90 a barrel.

The direction of oil prices will depend heavily on whether the conflict escalates further, how quickly shipping through the Gulf can normalise and whether additional supplies become available.

Iran warns against attacks on energy infrastructure

Trump's comments came as tensions between Washington and Tehran remained high.

Iranian officials have warned that attacks on Iranian energy infrastructure could trigger retaliation against US-linked oil and gas interests in the region. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has warned that the country's energy facilities and regional US interests remain exposed to potential escalation. 

The warnings have added another layer of uncertainty for energy markets already dealing with disrupted shipping routes.

What could determine future fuel prices?

A sustained decline in US gasoline prices would depend on several factors, including the restoration of oil shipments, increased crude supply and a reduction in geopolitical risk.

A conclusion to the Iran conflict could remove some of the geopolitical premium currently reflected in oil prices. However, the extent and speed of any decline cannot be established from Trump's statement alone.

Analysts cited in recent market reports have offered varying projections, with some expecting significantly lower crude prices if the conflict ends and supply disruptions ease, while others warn that continued instability could push prices higher.

Trump also reiterates Iran nuclear warning

Alongside his prediction on fuel prices, Trump again said Iran would not obtain a nuclear weapon.

His remarks come as the US-Iran conflict continues with no clear end in sight. Iran has maintained its ability to threaten regional shipping and energy infrastructure, while Washington has continued military and economic pressure on Tehran. 

For consumers and financial markets, the immediate focus remains on developments in the Middle East and their impact on crude supply, shipping and fuel prices. Trump's projection of gasoline falling below $2 a gallon therefore remains a future political prediction rather than a confirmed price forecast.

Indonesia reopened Jakarta’s main airport and four other air hubs on Tuesday after volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau disrupted air travel for several days. The closures affected nearly 3,000 flights and around 341,000 passengers, creating a major backlog for airlines and travellers.

Operations at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport resumed from 12:01 am local time on September 8 after aviation authorities assessed conditions in the affected airspace and around the airports. The Indonesian Transport Ministry said several other airports also returned to service after the ash threat eased.

However, the aviation disruption is not entirely over. Authorities are continuing to monitor Anak Krakatau after fresh eruptions on Tuesday, while airlines work to clear cancelled and delayed flights.

Jakarta Airport Resumes Flights

Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, which serves the Indonesian capital, resumed operations after being closed because of volcanic ash.

Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi said Soekarno-Hatta, Halim Perdanakusuma Airport in Jakarta and Husein Sastranegara Airport in Bandung were declared operational again from the early hours of Tuesday. Budiarto Airport in Curug and Pondok Cabe Airport in Banten also reopened later.

The reopening followed safety assessments of airport facilities and surrounding airspace.

Nearly 3,000 Flights Hit

The scale of the disruption has been substantial.

According to Indonesia’s Transport Ministry, volcanic ash had affected 2,961 domestic and international flights by Monday afternoon. The disruption included cancellations, delays and diversions and affected approximately 341,000 passengers.

The figures represented a sharp escalation from the earlier disruption estimates as ash continued to affect aviation routes around Java and nearby regions.

Airlines now face the difficult task of moving passengers whose flights were cancelled or delayed during the closures.

Volcanic Ash Forced Closures

Anak Krakatau erupted late last week, sending lava and large quantities of volcanic ash into the atmosphere.

The volcano is located in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra, about 150 kilometres from Jakarta. Ash entered aviation corridors and reached high altitudes, prompting authorities to suspend operations at multiple airports.

Eight airports were initially affected by the disruption. Authorities repeatedly extended closures while monitoring ash concentrations and wind conditions.

Volcanic ash is particularly dangerous for aircraft because it can damage engines and other critical components.

Airlines Face Passenger Backlog

Even after airports reopen, normal flight schedules are unlikely to return immediately.

More than 240 domestic and international flights were cancelled or delayed at Soekarno-Hatta alone on Monday morning, affecting nearly 30,000 passengers, according to airport authorities. The government had also prepared alternative airports for aircraft originally scheduled to land in Jakarta.

Airlines must now reschedule stranded travellers while repositioning aircraft and crews affected by the disruption.

Authorities are also inspecting grounded aircraft before they return to normal service. Reuters reported that 178 aircraft were undergoing airworthiness checks following the ash exposure.

Anak Krakatau Still Active

The reopening does not mean the volcanic threat has ended.

Anak Krakatau erupted again three times on Tuesday, although Indonesia’s geological authorities assessed the latest activity as less severe than the earlier eruption. Further flight disruptions remain possible depending on the amount of ash released and wind direction.

The volcano has remained under close monitoring because changing atmospheric conditions can quickly alter the aviation risk.

Authorities are therefore maintaining safety assessments even as airports return to service.

Volcano Has Deadly History

Anak Krakatau, meaning “Child of Krakatau”, emerged from the caldera created by the catastrophic 1883 Krakatau eruption.

The volcano has remained intermittently active since then. Its most notorious recent episode came in December 2018, when a collapse of part of Anak Krakatau triggered a tsunami that killed more than 400 people and displaced thousands.

The current eruption has not produced a comparable tsunami threat, but its impact on aviation demonstrates the wider risks posed by Indonesia’s active volcanic landscape.

Travel Recovery Now Begins

Indonesia’s immediate priority is restoring air connectivity while ensuring that aircraft and passengers remain safe.

The reopening of Soekarno-Hatta and four other airports is a significant step towards normal operations, but airlines will need time to clear the accumulated backlog.

With Anak Krakatau still active, aviation authorities are also keeping a close watch on ash levels and wind patterns. The coming days will determine whether the disruption remains limited or triggers another round of airport closures.

For passengers, the reopening offers relief after days of uncertainty, but flight schedules and connections are likely to remain under pressure until airlines work through the backlog.

US investigators have recovered both flight recorders from the Amazon-contracted cargo aircraft that crashed at Miami International Airport on Sunday, killing five people and injuring others.

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Chair Jennifer Homendy said the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder had been recovered and would be sent to the agency for analysis. Investigators are now working to establish why the Boeing 767 overshot the runway and struck vehicles outside the airport.

The aircraft, operated by Miami-based 21 Air LLC under contract to Amazon, travelled about 1,300 feet (400 metres) beyond the paved runway before coming to a halt.

Five Killed In Crash

The cargo aircraft struck a cleaning-services van carrying seven people after leaving the runway, before tearing through an airport perimeter fence.

It subsequently hit an SUV travelling on a public road and breached another fence separating the crash area from a zone where robotaxis were parked.

Homendy said the five fatalities were among people in the two vehicles hit by the aircraft. She did not provide details about the condition of the plane's two pilots and said investigators still needed to interview the crew.

The crash caused extensive debris and fuel spillage around the site.

Recorders Sent For Analysis

The recovery of the two black boxes is a significant development in the investigation.

The flight data recorder can provide investigators with information about the aircraft's performance and systems, while the cockpit voice recorder may provide information about cockpit communications and sounds immediately before the crash.

Investigators will analyse both recordings alongside physical evidence from the aircraft, runway and surrounding area.

Homendy said recovery operations would take priority before investigators gained full access to all evidence at the aircraft.

Recovery Takes Priority

Homendy described the crash scene as devastating and said emergency teams were still recovering victims and securing the site.

She stressed that investigators would not interfere with recovery efforts while families waited for their loved ones to be accounted for.

The aircraft remains surrounded by debris and spilled fuel, with some fuel still inside the plane. Those hazards must be addressed before investigators can conduct a complete examination.

Boeing 767 On Third Flight

The aircraft involved was a Boeing 767 manufactured in 1994.

It was operated by 21 Air LLC and was flying under contract to Amazon when it arrived in Miami from San Juan, Puerto Rico. The flight was reportedly the aircraft's third flight of the day.

The plane continued well beyond the paved runway after the apparent runway excursion. Homendy said she personally walked the approximately 1,300-foot stretch covered by the aircraft after it left the runway.

The distance and the damage across the surrounding area will form part of the NTSB's examination.

Vehicles Hit Outside Runway

The crash extended beyond the airport's runway environment, increasing the number of people and structures affected.

The first vehicle hit was a cleaning-services van. Homendy described the van as having been torn apart in the impact.

The aircraft then struck an SUV on a public road before crossing another barrier near the robotaxi parking area.

Investigators will examine the aircraft's trajectory, runway conditions, operational procedures and other available evidence to determine how it travelled so far beyond the runway.

Miami Airport Disrupted

The accident caused major disruption at Miami International Airport, with hundreds of flights delayed as emergency and investigative operations continued.

Miami is one of the busiest airports in the United States, making the crash's operational impact significant beyond the immediate accident site.

Authorities must balance the need to restore normal airport activity with preserving evidence needed for the investigation.

NTSB Probe Continues

The recovery of the flight recorders provides investigators with potentially crucial evidence, but officials have not yet identified a cause for the crash.

The NTSB is expected to examine the aircraft's systems, maintenance history, operational data, weather and runway conditions, along with communications and crew actions.

Investigators also need to interview the pilots and other relevant personnel.

A final determination of the cause could take considerable time. For now, officials are focused on victim recovery, securing the crash site and preserving evidence while the investigation moves forward.

Operations at the Eiffel Tower were temporarily disrupted on Monday after employees staged a protest over the treatment of female staff during a private visit by a Hindu religious delegation over the weekend.

The dispute centres on a private visit by around 100 people associated with the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS). Trade unions alleged that women working at the Paris landmark were asked to leave their assigned positions as the delegation moved through the site.

The Eiffel Tower's operating company, Société d'Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel (SETE), acknowledged that the delegation had requested arrangements to minimise interactions with female employees. It later said the conditions should not have been accepted and apologised to staff.

Women Staff Stage Walkout

The Eiffel Tower delayed its public opening as employees gathered to protest what unions described as gender-based discrimination.

Visitors were informed that the delay was caused by “operational reasons” as workers demanded an explanation for the arrangements made during the private tour.

CGT union representative Diane Davoine told Reuters that female employees had been asked to leave their workstations while male colleagues took their places as members of the delegation passed through the monument.

The union strongly criticised the instructions, arguing that employees had effectively been sidelined because they were women.

BAPS Visit Sparks Dispute

The controversy arose from a private visit on Saturday involving about 100 members of the BAPS-linked delegation.

According to SETE, the group had requested that its visit be organised to minimise interactions with female employees. The company has acknowledged accepting those conditions was inappropriate.

The incident has since triggered a wider debate in France over workplace equality and whether religious or cultural requests from visiting groups can justify different treatment of employees.

French Officials Condemn Move

Senior French officials criticised the decision to accommodate the request.

Yaël Braun-Pivet, President of the French National Assembly, said women should not be asked to step aside to satisfy the demands of foreign visitors. She stressed that welcoming visitors should not require France to compromise its values.

Emmanuel Grégoire, Paris deputy mayor, also condemned the arrangement and announced an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the decision.

He said the episode did not reflect his values or those that the Eiffel Tower should represent.

Eiffel Tower Operator Apologises

SETE has acknowledged responsibility for accepting the conditions attached to the private visit.

The operator said the request to minimise interactions with female employees “should not have been accepted” and apologised to its workforce.

The admission has placed the focus on how the visit was organised, who approved the arrangements and whether appropriate workplace procedures were followed.

The investigation is expected to establish the sequence of events and determine how the instructions affecting staff came to be implemented.

BAPS Expresses Regret

BAPS Paris has responded to the controversy by saying it is taking the concerns raised by employees and others “very seriously”.

The organisation also expressed regret for any distress caused by the incident.

The group had been in Paris as part of events marking the opening of a BAPS temple near the French capital. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the temple's inauguration.

The Eiffel Tower visit was separate from the temple ceremony but took place during the broader programme associated with the delegation's visit to France.

Debate Over Equality

The incident has generated strong reactions because France has strict principles around equality and non-discrimination in public life and employment.

The central issue is not the religious identity of the visitors but whether a private group's request resulted in employees being treated differently because of their gender.

For the Eiffel Tower's workforce, the protest has put workplace rights and management accountability at the centre of the dispute.

Investigation Underway

The immediate focus is now on the investigation announced by Paris authorities and the Eiffel Tower operator's response to employees.

SETE's acknowledgement that the arrangements should not have been accepted could increase pressure for clearer rules governing private tours and special requests.

For BAPS, the controversy has also created an unexpected backlash during an otherwise high-profile period for the organisation in France.

Authorities and the monument's management will now have to determine what happened and how similar situations can be prevented while accommodating religious and cultural visitors without compromising workplace equality.

US President Donald Trump has threatened to block Canadian business jet manufacturer Bombardier from selling aircraft in the United States unless the company expands manufacturing and assembly operations on American soil.

Trump issued the warning on September 7 in a post on Truth Social, saying Bombardier should manufacture in the US if it wants continued access to the American market. The move comes as Washington and Ottawa remain locked in an escalating trade dispute.

Reuters reported that Trump did not provide details on how his administration would enforce a potential sales ban. The White House also did not immediately clarify what legal or regulatory mechanism could be used.

Trump Demands US Production

Trump wrote that there should be “NO MORE SELLING BOMBARDIER IN THE UNITED STATES” and criticised the company’s products. He also argued that Bombardier should manufacture aircraft in America if it wants access to the US market.

The warning reflects Trump's broader push to encourage companies selling in the US to manufacture more products domestically.

However, Bombardier already has significant manufacturing, defence and service operations in the country.

Bombardier Has US Footprint

Bombardier operates manufacturing facilities in the United States, including locations in Wichita, Kansas, and Red Oak, Texas. Its American operations cover aircraft components, assembly-related work, defence modifications and customer support.

The company has also been expanding its US services network. Bombardier announced a multi-site expansion programme in 2025 aimed at increasing infrastructure and services for its growing American customer base.

Recent reporting puts Bombardier's US workforce at roughly 3,500 employees, while the company works with about 2,800 American suppliers.

US Is Key Bombardier Market

The potential threat is significant because the United States is Bombardier's most important market.

About half of the roughly 5,100 business aircraft operated by Bombardier customers are located in the US, according to Reuters reporting. The company also says its global supply chain includes about 2,800 product suppliers across 40 countries.

Bombardier's US-linked production is not limited to final aircraft operations. Its aircraft use components and systems supplied through an international supply chain, including American-made equipment.

Texas Wing Production Expands

Bombardier has already increased the amount of aircraft work carried out in the US.

Its Texas operations include wing production for the Global 8000 business jet, while its Wichita facility supports specialised defence aircraft activities.

That existing footprint could give Bombardier options if Washington pushes for further localisation. But moving substantial final aircraft assembly from Canada to the US would involve major investments, changes to supply chains and potentially new certification and production arrangements.

Trade War Raises Pressure

Trump's latest warning comes as the broader US-Canada trade dispute intensifies.

Canada has imposed retaliatory tariffs covering about $20 billion worth of US goods in response to American trade measures. The dispute has increasingly affected companies operating across the integrated North American economy.

Bombardier has consequently become another pressure point in negotiations between Washington and Ottawa.

Earlier Bombardier Threats

This is not Trump's first confrontation with Bombardier.

In January, Trump threatened to decertify Bombardier Global Express business jets and proposed 50% tariffs on aircraft manufactured in Canada unless Canada certified aircraft made by US rival Gulfstream.

Those threatened measures did not materialise. Canada later certified several Gulfstream aircraft.

The latest warning therefore marks a renewed escalation rather than an entirely new dispute.

Legal Questions Remain

The biggest immediate uncertainty is how the US government could legally prevent Bombardier from selling aircraft to American customers.

Aircraft entering the US market are subject to Federal Aviation Administration certification and other regulatory requirements, but Trump's statement did not identify a specific legal mechanism for imposing a blanket sales ban.

For Bombardier, the immediate priority is likely to protect access to the US market while maintaining its existing Canadian manufacturing base. The company has continued investing in American operations, but whether that will satisfy Trump's demand for more aircraft manufacturing in the US remains unclear.