Monday, September 28th

What happened

President Donald Trump rejected Iran’s ceasefire proposal, and Iran says it is ready for war to resume but still open to diplomacy. Talks continue indirectly through mediators, though no formal U.S. response has reached Tehran. Tehran has offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within about seven days and resume nuclear talks if Washington first lifts its naval blockade, eases oil sanctions and releases frozen assets. The strait carries roughly a fifth of the world’s oil supply, making it a central pressure point in the conflict. Washington says Iran violated earlier understandings, while Tehran says the United States broke the prior deal first. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claimed it seized an American underwater drone. Qatar is still trying to keep talks alive this week.

What happened

U.S. Ambassador to China David Perdue said Donald Trump asked Chinese President Xi Jinping whether China would like to buy American weapons. Perdue said Trump made the remark while arguing that the United States sells arms to countries around the world. The comments followed Xi’s Washington visit last week, where he and Trump discussed U.S.-China ties, including Taiwan. The issue behind the exchange is U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, which Trump officials have left pending and partly paused during talks with Beijing. China opposes those sales, and Chinese state media said Xi urged Trump to oppose “Taiwan independence.” The White House and State Department said no China arms sale is planned, and State said U.S. law forbids one. Perdue said Trump remains committed to Taiwan and later added that U.S. policy had not changed.

What happened

USC suspended linebacker Desman Stephens II for one game after his late hit on Oregon quarterback Dante Moore during Saturday’s game. Moore was taken to a hospital after the hit, was carted off on a stretcher, and was later evaluated in Los Angeles. The hit came as Moore slid on a scramble, when Stephens struck him in the head and neck area. Officials called targeting, a rule barring dangerous hits to defenseless players, and ejected Stephens. USC coach Lincoln Riley called the action unacceptable, while Stephens apologized for his reaction afterward. Oregon coach Dan Lanning called the hit disgusting. Moore suffered a concussion and is expected back this season.