BBC News – Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says Tehran has proposed a plan to the United States that would allow the Strait of Hormuz to reopen within a week, provided certain conditions are met. Speaking at the United Nations in New York, Araghchi said the requirements were outlined in the June memorandum of understanding linked to a ceasefire agreement that later collapsed. A US official, responding to the reported offer, said discussions were progressing through mediators, with nuclear‑related issues also part of the dialogue, according to BBC reporting. Earlier in the week, President Donald Trump issued a sharply worded warning, threatening to “annihilate the Islamic Republic” if hostilities escalated further. The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most strategically important waterways, and any breakthrough could have immediate implications for global energy markets and regional stability.

Daily News – The 22nd Amendment to the Constitution Bill was passed in Parliament with amendments yesterday (25), receiving a special two‑thirds majority. A total of 158 votes were cast in favour and 63 against. Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne announced that the Bill was approved with a majority of 95 votes. MPs Ravi Karunanayake and Faizer Mustapha of the National Democratic Front (NDF), along with MP Nayana Wasalathilaka of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), were not present at the time of the vote.

Daily Mirror – An International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff mission has concluded its visit to Sri Lanka, with discussions centered on recent economic trends, progress under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF), and policy priorities outlined in the 2026 Article IV Consultation. The team, led by Evan Papageorgiou, was in Colombo from September 10 to 23, 2026. At the end of the visit, the IMF noted that Sri Lanka’s economy had shown continued resilience, expanding 4.2% in the second quarter of 2026 despite facing multiple external shocks. According to the IMF, Sri Lanka has now recorded 11 straight quarters of economic growth. However, inflation pressures have resurfaced, with headline inflation rising to 8% year‑on‑year in August, driven mainly by higher global oil prices. The Fund added that inflation expectations remain broadly stable. Sri Lanka’s gross official reserves climbed to US$6.9 billion by the end of August, reflecting improved external buffers. The IMF also reported that the country’s banking sector remains well‑capitalised and profitable, and that fiscal performance in the first half of 2026 was strong. The Fund further noted that Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring process is largely complete, marking an important step toward restoring long‑term stability. It urged authorities to stay