US News

• A judge recommended victims of 9/11 not have access to Afghan government funds. MEE

South America

• Colombia and Venezuela and working to restore their relationship. WSJ

Russia

• Pentagon officials say weapon transfers to Ukraine has harmed the US military readiness. RS
• Moscow has identified their second suspect in the August 20 car bomb murder of Russian journalist and political scientist Darya Dugina, according to an FSB statement issued Monday. The Institute
• The EU is split on a proposal to ban visas for Russians. DW
• The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has sent a team of inspectors to Ukraine to inspect the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP). IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said on Twitter Monday that the inspectors will be at the plant “later this week.” AWC
• The Biden administration announced Friday that it will appoint a new ambassador for the Arctic, a region the US military and NATO view as a potential battleground with Russia. AWC

China

• Russia and China will kick off massive war games. AJ
• The Biden administration is planning to ask Congress to approve a $1.1 billion arms sale for Taiwan that includes anti-ship missiles and anti-air missiles, Politico reported on Monday, citing sources with knowledge of the weapons package. AWC
• UK Foreign Minister Liz Truss says she will name China a threat if she becomes prime minister. China dismissed Truss’ statement. South China Morning Post
• Taiwan says 12 Chinese warplanes crossed the median line in the Taiwan Strait. US News

Middle East

• A human rights group reports three Palestinian children have died in Gaza because Israel denied the proper travel permits. Palestine Chronicle 
• An Israeli official said that the US hinted it was preparing a military option against Iran during a meeting between Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz and US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on Friday, The Times of Israel reported. AWC
• Former Mossad chief Yossi Cohen said, “During my term as Mossad director, countless operations were conducted against Iran’s nuclear program.” The Times of Israel
• Former Head of the Israeli Defense Ministry’s Political-Military Affairs Bureau Amos Gilad and former National Security Adviser Major General Yaakov Amidror urged Israel to prepare for war with Iran. Palestine Chronicle AWC
• Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said Monday that in order to revive the nuclear deal, Iran must resolve its issues with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) over “safeguard agreements,” referring to the nuclear watchdog’s inquiry into uranium traces at undeclared nuclear sites in Iran. AWC
• Iran activates its advanced IR-6 centrifuges. Haaretz
• Iran is reviewing Washington’s response to the EU’s proposal to restore the nuclear deal, known as the JCPOA, and is not expected to reply until the end of the week, Iranian media reported on Sunday. AWC
• An overnight attack near the Yemeni city of Taiz left at least 10 soldiers dead and several others wounded, once again reflecting the control the Houthis have over the area. AWC