Thaad: US to sell $15bn missile defence to Saudi Arabia
Craig TaylorThe deal will supply the US’s advanced Thaad missile defence system to Saudi Arabia. BBC News – Middle East
Middle East
Iraq forces retake town of Hawija from IS
Troops are close to clearing one of the last two enclaves of so-called Islamic State in Iraq. BBC News – Middle East
US defence chief Mattis suggests backing Iran nuclear deal
President Trump, who is critical of the deal, is to decide by mid-October whether Iran is complying. BBC News – Middle East
Palestinian PM in rare Gaza visit as rift with Hamas eases
Jubilant crowds welcome Rami Hamdallah amid hope of an end to divisions between Fatah and Hamas. BBC News – Middle East
Syria’s war has deadliest month this year – monitor group
The Syrian Observatory says almost a thousand civilians died in September, including 207 children. BBC News – Middle East
Iraq halts international flights to Kurdistan Region
The move comes as pressure mounts after a decisive “Yes” vote in an independence referendum. BBC News – Middle East