Trump Cuts Camp David Trip Short as US Issues Middle East Travel Alerts

PUBLISHED

SEP 20, 2026 AT 07:43 AM EDT

By Hugh Cameron

Reporter

Donald Trump ended a weekend trip to the Camp David presidential retreat in Maryland ahead of schedule, following a warning from the State Department that the security situation in the Middle East could “escalate rapidly.”

According to the White House’s public schedule, Trump was meant to depart Camp David on Sunday but returned to Washington, D.C. a day early. A White House pool report states that he landed at the Ellipse south of the White House just before 8 p.m.

The White House has not confirmed the reason for the shortened trip, though this came amid another escalation in the Middle East, with the Houthi rebels claiming responsibility for an attack on Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh. Saturday also saw a new security and travel alert from the State Department concerning the region.

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“Due to tensions in the Middle East, the security environment remains complex with the potential for unforeseen escalation,” read the notice, which has been pushed out by a number of embassies and consular offices. “Americans currently in the Middle East should exercise heightened vigilance and be aware of potential flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions.”

Saudi-Houthi conflict LIVE: Fresh strikes escalate regional tensions

 Saudi-Houthi conflict LIVE: Fresh strikes escalate regional tensions

The Sunday Guardian

Yemen’s Houthi movement has launched fresh attacks targeting Saudi Arabia and forces linked to Yemen’s internationally recognised government, according to reports and Houthi statements. The escalation follows a series of strikes across the region, including a Houthi ballistic missile aimed at Riyadh. Watch live coverage of the latest developments.

Yemen Crisis LIVE: Houthis Clash With Saudi-Backed Forces in Al-Jawf

Watch live coverage of the latest fighting in Yemen’s al-Jawf province, where Houthi fighters have released footage they say shows clashes with Saudi-backed forces. AFP footage has also shown Yemeni government forces battling Houthis near the Saudi border. Reuters says the Houthi-released footage could not independently verify its location or date.

Iran-US war latest: Trump issued fresh demands to end war by Tehran as smoke and flames seen at Riyadh Airport

The conditions include ending the US naval blockade around the Strait of Hormuz
Maryam Zakir-Hussain & Alex Croft

Sunday 20 September 2026 00:01 BST



Smoke seen rising near Riyadh airport


Iran has laid out to Donald Trump its conditions for re-engaging in negotiations aimed at ending the war with the US, security chief Mohsen Rezaei said.

The conditions include ending the war on all fronts, unfreezing Iranian funds and ending the naval blockade, Rezaei said in an interview according to Al Jazeera.

Discussions with Qatari and Pakistani mediators are ongoing, he added, as the delegations work to bring an end to the stalemate which has seen the war drag past the six-month mark.

It comes amid fears of war widening in the region as violence between the Iran-aligned Houthi rebels and Saudi Arabia escalates.

A large plume of black smoke was seen near ⁠Riyadh's main airport on Saturday after booms were heard. Saudi Arabia sent alerts overnight warning of potential danger around the capital and the city of Al-Kharj, before issuing an all-clear on Saturday morning.

The Houthis, who control the most populous parts of Yemen and much of the north, have been launching attacks towards Saudi Arabia since declaring a naval blockade against Riyadh in July, with strikes targeting Saudi vessels in the Red Sea.

KEY POINTS
Tehran lays out to Trump fresh conditions for ending war, says security chief
Black smoke seen near Riyadh airport after Tehran-backed Houthis vowed revenge
Trump says he faces 'big decision' on whether to resume major attacks on Iran
Tanker hit by projectile in Strait of Hormuz
UN experts level explosive war crimes accusation at US over Trump’s Iran strikes
Iran’s national security chief says ‘no trust whatsoever’ in US

Dollar General CEO says even $100k earners shopping like bargain hunters

Sep 16, 2026, 11:37 AM ET

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images News

Dollar General (DG) CEO Todd Vasos said earlier in the week that sustained inflation and high gas prices (UGA) (XB1:COM) are squeezing shoppers across all income levels, driving even those earning over $100K to adopt budget-conscious habits and positioning the discount retailer to capture a broader demographic.

Speaking at a Goldman Sachs Global Consumer and Retail conference, Vasos highlighted that economic distress is no longer limited to the chain's core consumer base. He noted that whenever gas prices approach or surpass $4 a gallon, Dollar General’s (DG) traditional customers radically shift their behavior. To manage costs, these shoppers opt to stay closer to home, making more frequent trips but purchasing less on each visit.

As the Middle East conflict lingers and drives up global energy (USO) (BNO) (XLE) prices, the national average for a gallon of regular gas is sitting well above that threshold at around $4.36, according to recent AAA data.

The financial strain has also cascaded up the income ladder. According to Vasos, middle- and upper-middle-class consumers are now mirroring the purchasing habits of lower-income shoppers due to years of sustained inflation on basic goods. Even households earning over $100K—which Dollar General (DG) categorizes as high income—are feeling the pinch.

Vasos said that the retailer is hearing more from this demographic, noting that many say they no longer feel like high-income earners because of persistent economic headwinds.

Despite the challenging macroeconomic environment for consumers, Vasos remains optimistic about the company's outlook, believing Dollar General (DG) is in a strong position to serve this newly budget-conscious spectrum of shoppers across all demographics.

Source

Middle East’s 2nd-largest economy deports nearly 15,000 people...

Middle East’s 2nd-largest economy deports nearly 15,000 people in one week as Ethiopians account for 58% of illegal border arrests

Olamilekan Okebiorun

03 September 2026 07:08 PM

Saudi Arabia has deported 14,905 people following a week-long nationwide crackdown on residency, labour and border violations, with Ethiopians accounting for the largest share of those caught trying to enter the kingdom illegally.

Saudi Arabian ruler Mohammed bin Salman at a US-Saudi investment event in Washington DC, in November 2025. In December, Paramount said a Saudi-controlled fund would pitch in $10 billion towards its bid for Warner Bros. Discovery.

BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images

Ethiopians constituted 58% of the 1,450 individuals caught trying to cross the border illegally, the largest share among nationalities.
Saudi Arabia deported 14,905 people after a week-long crackdown on residency, labour, and border violations.

Over 29,900 expatriates are currently undergoing enforcement procedures related to immigration and residency laws.
The government warned that those aiding illegal entry or stay could face severe penalties, including up to 15 years in prison and heavy fines.

The enforcement campaign, carried out between August 20 and August 26, led to the arrest of 14,434 people, according to the Ministry of Interior.

Of those detained, 6,976 were cited for residency violations, 4,110 for breaches of border security rules and 3,348 for labour violations, Gulf News reported.

Ethiopians account for 58% of border arrests

The figures are notable for Africa because Ethiopian nationals accounted for 58% of the 1,450 people arrested while attempting to cross into Saudi Arabia illegally. Yemenis made up 41%, while other nationalities accounted for the remaining 1%.

Trump threatens further Iran strikes as missiles intercepted overnight

NYC first lady Rama Duwaji jets off to Europe for posh Islamic calligraphy retreat

By Adry Torres and David Spector

Published Aug. 29, 2026, 9:00 a.m. ET

Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s wife Rama Duwaji is once again jetting off to Europe for a posh, Islamic- centered women’s retreat, The Post has learned.

Gotham’s controversial first lady will be resuming her role as the “artist-in-residence” with The Women Sanctuary for the third time this year when they host the “Journey through Islamic Calligraphy” retreat in Porto, Portugal.

The spiritual wellness gathering is set to take place in two sessions from Sept. 16-21 and 25-30, according to the group’s website.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is joined by his wife, First Lady Rama Duwaji, following a news conference at Gracie Mansion on Jan. 12.James Keivom

“Some days, we will explore the rich history of Islam in Portugal, uncovering the traces of a remarkable legacy still woven into the landscape. On others, we will gather for a marvelous illustration workshop with our artist-in-residence, Rama Duwaji, celebrating this heritage,” the retreat’s website says.

Other afternoons will be dedicated to picnics, poolside hangouts, walks and chats.

“We believe these unhurried moments are just as much a part of the retreat as the program itself; a space for suhbah, spiritual reflection, and presence, where hearts can soften, souls can be nourished, and remembrance can arise naturally amidst the beauty of creation,” The Women Sanctuary boasts.

The retreat, priced from $4,300 for a shared room to $5,260 for a private room with a private bathroom, will take place at the manor house in the tranquil countryside of Arcos de Valdevez.

“Surrounded by nature, the venue provides a truly restorative environment, featuring an exceptional heated outdoor pool, a heated indoor pool, and beautifully landscaped gardens,” says the Women Sanctuary website.

Critics scoffed at Duwaji’s latest high-flying jaunt.

Iran security chief threatens neighbors against economic measures,..

Image: Akbar Nemati from unsplash.com



Pastor Hal Mayer

Speaker / Director

Iran security chief threatens neighbors against economic measures, and other Mideast developments

Tuesday August 25th, 2026

AP News, by Angela Charlton: The new leader of Iran’s top security body is threatening neighbors against joining new U.S. efforts to squeeze Tehran’s economy. Egypt is trying to revive Iran-U.S. negotiations. And Iraq and Iran say Tehran has helped some ships carrying Iraqi oil to transit the Strait of Hormuz. France and Saudi Arabia are expected to discuss plans to bypass the waterway.

Meanwhile, Israel has carried out strikes in Syria and in Gaza.

Here’s a look at the latest developments in the Iran war and the wider Middle East on Saturday. Full coverage can be found here.

Iran’s new top security adviser issues threats

The hard-line new leader of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council threatened Tehran’s neighbors against joining the new U.S. effort to hurt Iran’s economy, and accused the United States of increasing global nuclear insecurity with months of war.

“If (Trump) wants to do something, we will retaliate in a seismic manner,” he said in an interview with the state broadcaster that aired Saturday.

Mohsen Rezaei was named this month as part of senior appointments widely seen as hardening Tehran’s political and military stance. His interview with IRIB is his most extensive public statement since then.

Rezaei said Iran would target oil-shipping routes out of the Persian Gulf — alternatives to the Strait of Hormuz — if neighbors join what he described as the economic war against Iran. Those neighbors would be considered enemies and “we will target their interests,” he said.

U.S. President Donald Trump in the past week has vowed to increase Iran’s pain by imposing an “unprecedented” level of economic warfare and isolation. Iran has lived under sanctions for years.

Thirty Years of War in God’s Name I SLICE HISTORY | FULL DOCUMENTARY

 

Pope Leo's Three Urgent Appeals in One Angelus

 Pope Leo's Three Urgent Appeals in One Angelus

ROME REPORTS in English

Jul 27, 2026 

Nearing the end of his summer vacation, Pope Leo XIV continues to draw thousands of pilgrims to pray the Angelus.

This Sunday, the Pope cautioned that a culture of consumerism fuels endless desires that are never satisfied, making it harder to recognize what truly matters.

Global Prayer for Peace in the Middle East

 

Sleeper Cells in the USA - Chris Pinto

 

LISTEN ▶️◀️ HERE

NOISE OF THUNDER RADIO - 03.26.2026
Today's Show: SLEEPER CELLS IN THE USA

Chris discusses the reports of sleeper cells in the USA and how they may choose to launch attacks on citizens in retaliation for the war in Iran. The sleeper agents are said to be the result of illegal immigration during the Biden administration, and even before. This warning happens in conjunction with an identical alert given by Nigel Farage in the United Kingdom, where several terror attacks have already taken place. The agents are said to be special operators from Iran and could, in theory, be anywhere. They could also be from other Islamic countries, working as part of the International Jihad against the West. In the Bible, God charges the watchman over a city to keep watch and to sound the alarm if an enemy is seen approaching. But what happens when government officials choose to ignore the warnings?

Fuel Shortages Could Hit Water, Heat, and Power Next

 

U.S. sends Iran 15-point plan to end war: Report

UNHRC holds emergency debate on Iran

 

World Council of Churches calls on governments to hold Israel accountable for violations of international law

The World Council of Churches' new campaign called “From Condemnation to Consequences” aims to pressure governments to hold Israel accountable for its deepening occupation of the West Bank and its accelerated program of genocide and ethnic cleansing.

By Jeff Wright 

 March 11, 2026



Scenes showing the widespread destruction of buildings and infrastructure caused by Israeli attacks during the Gaza genocide in Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip. February 22, 2026. (Photo: Omar Ashtawy/APA Images)


Last week, the World Council of Churches (WCC), headquartered in Geneva, launched a month-long campaign titled “From Condemnation to Consequences.” The program calls its member churches—clergy leaders and lay alike—to hold Israel accountable for its failure to fulfill its obligations under international law.

George Sahhar, Advocacy Officer in the Jerusalem Liaison Office of the World Council of Churches, tells Mondoweiss. “When attention is focused on the war in the Middle East, we want the world to see that human rights violations by Israel against Palestinians continue, and that annexation is ongoing and deepened.”

During a webinar introducing the March 4-31 campaign, Kenneth Mtata, WCC Program Director for Life, Justice and Peace, said, “[O]ur campaign needs to remain focused on the commitments that the churches have made together, with all their partners, to see how we move from the statements and condemnation of the occupation and annexation of Palestine, and to try to translate this into concrete changes and transformation.”

“When attention is focused on the war in the Middle East, we want the world to see that human rights violations by Israel against Palestinians continue, and that annexation is ongoing and deepened.” 

George Sahhar, Advocacy Officer in the Jerusalem Liaison Office of the World Council of Churches

Strait Showdown: Iran Launches "Smart Control" Exercise At Oil Transit Point

by Tyler Durden

Monday, Feb 16, 2026 - 01:00 PM


Iran's elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) kicked off naval drills Monday in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, according to state media.

The exercise, dubbed "Smart Control of Hormuz Strait," is being carried out by IRGC naval forces under the direct supervision of the Guards' top command, state television reported, with semi-official Tasnim news agency describing the drills as testing combat readiness against "possible security and military threats." Energy markets are watching closely.

IRNA: IRGC Navy conducts a hybrid, live exercise dubbed "Smart Control of the Strait of Hormuz."

Under the supervision of IRGC Commander-in-Chief Major General Mohammad Pakpour, a state media press release described the exercise further as "A rapid, decisive, and comprehensive response to maritime security threats form the core focus of the intelligence and operational components of the units deployed during the exercise."

Indirect nuclear talks between the US and Iran have lately resumed after collapsing when Israel launched strikes on Iran in June 2025, igniting a 12-day conflict that included US attacks on three Iranian nuclear facilities - with another round of negotiations scheduled for Tuesday in Geneva, with Oman serving as mediator.

The timing is no coincidence, given that late last week President Trump announced he was dispatching a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East, while continuing to warn that military action against Iran remains on the table.

The IRGC has been conducing sporadic and in some cases unannounced drills in regional waters in order to demonstrate to Washington the Islamic Republic's military readiness.

Two weeks ago, when some of the first drills kicked off, US Central Command (CENTCOM) warned the IRGC it better be careful in the vicinity of US naval assets.

"We will not tolerate unsafe IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) actions including overflight of U.S. military vessels engaged in flight operations, low-altitude or armed overflight of U.S. military assets when intentions are unclear, highspeed boat approaches on a collision course with U.S. military vessels, or weapons trained at U.S. forces," CENTCOM said at the time.

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