Real-time News

According to CBS News: Former U.S. Army Secretary Driscoll has arrived in Kyiv, Ukraine.

Market news: The Yemeni armed forces reported that Houthi strongholds in Taiz, Yemen, were hit by three airstrikes.

September 13th - According to the Wall Street Journal, recent sales data shows that Tesla (TSLA.O) is once again expanding its market share in the US electric vehicle market as traditional automakers withdraw from the sector. According to Motor Intelligence data, Tesla has regained more than half of the US electric vehicle market, reaching 52% in the first eight months of 2026, up from 43% in the same period last year. However, Tesla has not escaped the overall market downturn. So far this year, its US sales are 325,351 vehicles, a 16% decrease year-over-year. But the overall electric vehicle market has shrunk even more, declining by 30%. Tesla once accounted for more than 80% of US electric vehicle sales, but in recent years, its share has continued to decline as established automakers such as Hyundai, Ford, and GM have launched electric models. In 2025, Tesla's share fell to a record low of 41%, when Musk's political involvement and cooperation with the Trump administration to cut federal government spending alienated some buyers and led to protests outside stores. Now, the Austin, Texas-based company is recovering lost ground, even though it has downplayed its core automotive business.

On September 13th, it was reported that the National Healthcare Security Administration established a credit evaluation system for pharmaceutical pricing and procurement in August 2020 to guide pharmaceutical companies to operate with integrity and compliance, and to create a fair and just business environment for the pharmaceutical industry. Analysis of commercial bribery cases in the pharmaceutical procurement and sales sector over the past three years revealed that some medical institutions have lax internal education and management, with their staff accepting commercial bribes from dishonest companies on a frequent, large-scale, and prolonged basis. Following the public exposure of a Shanghai-based science and technology trading company's involvement in stent and balloon bribery at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Hebei Medical University, which allegedly received a 5,000 yuan kickback per stent, the hospital was involved in nine more judicial and criminal judgments in the second half of 2025 alone. Staff members of this hospital accepted commercial bribes 46 times, with the largest single bribe amounting to 16.58 million yuan, lasting for up to 11 years, and totaling 184 million yuan.

September 13th - Due to the conflict between the United States and Iran disrupting global fuel supplies, U.S. diesel prices hit a record high on September 4th, surging to an average of $5.85 per gallon for the first time. Prices subsequently rose further, with the American Automobile Association stating that as of September 11th, the national average diesel price reached $6.05 per gallon, setting another record high. Paul Mitchell, professor of agricultural and applied economics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, stated that high diesel costs are severely squeezing farmers' profit margins, affecting every stage from harvesting to final transportation. Mitchell said, "The prices are unbearable. The cost pressure isn't just in the harvesting stage, but also in all transportation expenses: getting grain or silage from the field to the farm, and then from the farm to the sales point—someone has to bear that transportation cost. And rising diesel prices push up all of those costs."

Conflict Situation: 1. Russia stated that its forces destroyed 172 Ukrainian drone control stations in the past day. 2. Ukrainian President Zelensky: On Saturday, Russian attacks on 10 regions of Ukraine resulted in 3 deaths and dozens of injuries. 3. Russian Ministry of Defense: Russian forces struck facilities in Odessa Oblast that support the transport of large quantities of weapons and ammunition from abroad to Ukraine, hit two cargo ships in the port of Chernomorsk, and also attacked a metallurgical plant in the Zaporizhzhia region. Peace Talks: 1. Ukrainian officials: Ukraine is preparing for a new round of trilateral talks between Ukraine, the US, and Russia in October. 2. Peskov: It is still uncertain whether Russian President Putin will attend the G20 summit. Other Situations: 1. According to the UAE News Agency: The UAE Crown Prince met with the Russian President, emphasizing the need to continue coordinating the summit's outcomes and translating them into practical measures that benefit all parties. 2. According to Interfax: Rosatom stated that it plans to increase the number of experts at Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant to 150 in the near future. 3. Ukraine's Minister of Economy: Approximately $40 billion in export revenue is at risk due to port blockades. The economic costs of the damage and blockades to Ukrainian seaports are expected to account for about 1.5 percentage points of GDP this year.

On September 13th, it was reported that the Houthi rebels in Yemen have recently intensified their offensive against government forces and seized control of strategic locations in the Red Sea. Experts analyze that changes in the balance of power within Yemen and the conflict between the United States and Iran are the reasons for the rapid escalation of the conflict in Yemen. Li Zixin, assistant researcher at the China Institute of International Studies, stated that firstly, since the sudden escalation of the current Israeli-Palestinian crisis in October 2023, the Houthi rebels have frequently conducted military operations in the Red Sea under the pretext of supporting Hamas. During this process, the Houthis have continuously trained in missiles, drones, and cross-sea strikes, and have also cooperated to a considerable extent with regional allies, gradually enabling them to operate on multiple fronts. Secondly, since the UN-mediated ceasefire agreement in 2022 failed to be renewed, the various factions within the Yemeni government forces have never been able to effectively integrate. Currently facing multiple Houthi attacks, the US forces are almost instantly routed, with some even retreating before the battle even begins. Within nine days, they have lost several strategic locations, including the Mukha and Hanish Islands, surrendering areas once largely controlled by the government forces to the Houthis. Thirdly, with the US deeply mired in the war against Iran, the Houthis have precisely seized upon this power vacuum.

On September 13, U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, Duffy, recently urged Congress to expedite the approval of the Trump administration's $1.5 trillion defense budget for fiscal year 2027 to allow the U.S. military to replenish its stockpiles of critical weapons and ammunition. Duffy stated that the Department of Defense has already signed procurement contracts with defense contractors and is awaiting funding to meet the needs of warfighters. The Pentagon will work with Congress in the coming months to ensure all defense projects receive full funding.

On September 13, the Canadian Prime Minister's Office announced that Prime Minister Mark Carney will visit Strasbourg, France, and Liverpool, UK, from September 15-17. The announcement stated that the Canadian government is building diverse partnerships. In France, Carney will address the European Parliament at the invitation of European Parliament President Jean-Michel Mezzola, attend European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's State of the Union address, and meet with MEPs to strengthen ties between Canada and the EU in trade, investment, and security. In the UK, Carney will hold his first meeting with Prime Minister Burnham to discuss priorities in bilateral relations, particularly in defense, energy, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals.

On September 13, Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein spoke by phone with Iranian Foreign Minister Araqchi on September 12, local time. According to the Iraqi Foreign Ministry, the two sides discussed the reasons for Iraq's recent temporary closure of some border crossings with Iran and the subsequent arrangements, and exchanged views on the attacks on Saudi Arabia and the progress of related investigations. They also discussed a regional conference planned for Oman. Member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Iraq, and Iran will participate, focusing on issues related to the Strait of Hormuz. Hussein stated that Iraq supports holding the conference and will send a delegation. The two sides also exchanged views on the situation in Yemen and expressed their commitment to easing regional tensions through dialogue and negotiation.

On September 13, local time, Houthi military spokesman Yahya stated that in response to Saudi Arabia's continued military operation in Yemen, the Houthi rebels launched a military operation, striking an weapons depot at a military base in Saudi Arabia's Shahrala region, as well as the command and control center responsible for directing and coordinating military operations against Yemen and its people. Yahya said the operation used a large number of ballistic missiles and drones, and the target was "precisely and directly struck." He warned that if Saudi Arabia continues its military operation in Yemen, the Houthi forces will launch larger-scale and more intense military operations against targets deep within Saudi territory, and Saudi Arabia will bear serious consequences.

On September 13, the Prime Minister of Qatar and the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Jordan discussed diplomatic efforts to "de-escalate tensions and promote security and stability." Both sides stated that Qatar supports all efforts aimed at "reaching a solution that ensures freedom of navigation at sea and paving the way for a comprehensive agreement that achieves lasting peace in the region." They also discussed ways to support and strengthen bilateral cooperation.

On September 13, the Saudi Civil Defense Agency issued a statement on the evening of the 12th, saying that the Tuwar district of Jazan province in Saudi Arabia was attacked by Yemeni Houthi rebels that day, resulting in two injuries and damage to several buildings and vehicles. The Saudi Civil Defense Agency stated that the attack on civilian targets was a blatant violation of international humanitarian law, and that the incident had been handled according to established procedures. On the same day, the Yemeni Houthi rebels said that Saudi warplanes had conducted 129 airstrikes on seven provinces in Yemen in the past 48 hours. The group warned that these airstrikes "will not go unpunished."

On September 13th, Tesla announced a press conference scheduled for October 1st to showcase its next-generation Roadster electric sports car. This highly anticipated fall event for Tesla fans may further fuel speculation about a potential merger between Tesla and SpaceX. Tesla's official social media accounts used the phrase "Go for launch," echoing SpaceX's rocket launches, and Tesla has previously used live events to generate excitement among customers and investors. The launch of the second-generation Roadster has been delayed multiple times. In its recent earnings presentation, Tesla stated that the Roadster is still in the "design and development" phase. During Tesla's first-quarter earnings call in April, Musk said of the Roadster, "I think it could be one of the most amazing presentations ever."

September 13th - According to Axios, the United States is gradually losing its status as the "default option" for other governments to purchase weapons and store funds, and is also losing its appeal to international students. The report states, "The United States is losing its position as the default option for saving money, purchasing weapons, and sending international students." The report argues that even minor alienation from the United States could negatively impact Washington's efforts to maintain its economic and geopolitical dominance over the years.

ECB President Christine Lagarde: I will step down as ECB president in 2027; I am not considering returning to French politics and do not believe I am suitable as a French presidential candidate.

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde: The European economy is resilient. The current inflationary shock is expected to last longer, and market volatility and energy price pressures are anticipated to persist.