Iran Sanctions, Ryder Cup, Deep Sea Wookie

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Adam Rogers
September 29, 2025

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The UN has reimposed sweeping economic and military sanctions on Iran, a decade after they were lifted under the 2015 nuclear deal. The UK, France, and Germany triggered the “snapback” mechanism, citing Iran’s atomic escalation and refusal to cooperate with UN inspectors.
Iran initially complied with the 2015 agreement but escalated banned nuclear activities after Trump withdrew the US in 2018. The country suspended nuclear inspections following the US and Israeli bombing of its facilities in June, further violating the deal's terms.
The snapback mechanism automatically restores previous UN sanctions without requiring new Security Council approval. Recent talks between European allies and Iran at the UN General Assembly failed to prevent the reimposition. Iran called the sanctions 'illegal' and warned of a 'firm response.'

Europe retained the Ryder Cup with a 15-13 victory over the United States at Bethpage Black. The Americans mounted a dramatic Sunday comeback from a 12-5 deficit but fell short when Shane Lowry's birdie putt secured the winning half-point for Europe.
The tournament was overshadowed by unruly American fans who threw objects and shouted abuse at European players, particularly Rory McIlroy. Nonetheless, Europe dominated the team sessions over the first two days, winning or halving all four matches to build a commanding lead heading into Sunday singles.
The victory extends European reign in golf's premier team competition, with 11 wins in the past 15 tournaments since 1993. Europe's superior putting was decisive, occupying 10 of the top 11 statistical rankings. The teams meet next at Adare Manor in Ireland in 2027.

Venezuela mobilized its civilian militia after US naval forces destroyed at least three boats carrying alleged drugs, killing 17 people. President Maduro called the strikes a 'non-declared war' and ordered military training for the volunteer force.
The militia consists mainly of elderly volunteers from poor neighborhoods with little weapons experience. Training includes handling Russian-made rifles, combat positions on pavement, and drills with tanks and armored vehicles. Maduro claims 8.2 million civilians are enlisted.
Analysts argue the militia serves more as political theater and a potential 'human shield' to increase casualties from any US military action rather than provide effective defense.

NYC Mayor Eric Adams dropped out of his reelection race Sunday, blaming media speculation and withheld campaign funds for his decision. (More)

President Trump agreed to meet congressional leaders today after canceling Thursday's talks, with just days left to avoid a government shutdown. (More)

Hurricane Humberto hit Category 5 strength while another storm approaches the Carolinas, both creating dangerous surf and flooding threats this week. (More)

Moldovan President Maia Sandu's pro-Europe party won about 50% of the vote Sunday, securing a new parliament majority over pro-Russian rivals. (More)

Police opened a criminal case after 40 people died in a crowd crush at Indian actor Vijay's rally on Saturday. (More)

The UK will issue digital ID cards for public services, work eligibility, and faster benefits, sparking civil liberty concerns. Nearly 900,000 signed a petition opposing the plan. (More)

US stock markets closed higher on Friday (S&P +0.59%, Nasdaq +0.44%, Dow +0.65%). The major indexes snapped a three-day losing streak but still finished the week lower overall. (More)

Occidental Petroleum is negotiating to sell its OxyChem chemical division for over $10 billion to help reduce the company's debt load. (More)

The government will take a small stake in Canadian miner Lithium Americas to help fund Nevada's electric vehicle battery mine. (More)

The New York Mets lost 4-0 to Miami in their season finale, missing the playoffs after leading their division before the All-Star break. (More)

Indiana beat Las Vegas 90-83 at home Sunday, forcing a winner-take-all Game 5 in their WNBA playoff semifinal Tuesday. (More)

No. 17 Alabama upset No. 5 Georgia 24-21 on the road, ending the Bulldogs' historic 33-game home winning streak. (More)

Scientists using moon laser measurements found Earth's satellite drifts 1.5 inches farther away each year because of ocean tides. (More)

A study of 2,100 adults found that strong lifelong social connections slow aging at the DNA level, making people biologically younger. (More)

Harvard scientists built the world's first quantum computer that runs continuously for hours, a breakthrough in the field. (More)

Watch: How to plate your food like a Michelin chef.

See the furry “Wookie” of the deep sea.

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