US-Israel-Iran War Latest Live News: A new set of developments is reshaping the political and economic landscape around the Middle East, with Iran moving to deepen its financial ties with the BRICS bloc while tensions in the occupied West Bank draw an unusually strong response from Washington. Iran’s central bank governor says Tehran will soon join the New Development Bank (NDB), a BRICS-backed lender, as the country looks for wider economic partnerships amid continued US sanctions.
At the same time, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has condemned a settler siege of Palestinian homes in Qusra near Nablus, calling it a “horrific act of terror.” The developments come as Israeli settlers also return to the former Ganim settlement near Jenin following demolitions in the area.
US-Israel-Iran War Latest Live News: Iran Moves Toward BRICS Development Bank Membership
Iran is preparing to join the New Development Bank (NDB), the financial institution created by the BRICS group, according to Iranian Central Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati.
Hemmati made the announcement ahead of a BRICS meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors in India. The move could strengthen Iran’s financial relationship with major emerging economies at a time when Tehran continues to face extensive US sanctions.
The NDB has not independently confirmed Iran’s upcoming membership. Reuters reported that the bank’s corporate communications department did not immediately verify Hemmati’s statement.
The bank was established in 2015 by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa to finance infrastructure and sustainable-development projects. It has since expanded its membership beyond the original BRICS founders, including countries such as the UAE and Egypt.
Iran formally joined the wider BRICS grouping in 2024. Membership of the NDB would give Tehran another potential channel for economic and financial cooperation outside traditional Western-led institutions.
US-Israel-Iran War Latest Live News: Why Iran Wants Stronger BRICS Financial Ties
Iran has increasingly pushed for greater use of national currencies in trade and financial transactions among BRICS members. The strategy could help Tehran reduce its reliance on dollar-based financial channels that have become difficult to access because of sanctions.
Iran’s planned NDB membership therefore carries significance beyond a routine banking decision. It signals Tehran’s broader effort to deepen economic links with emerging economies while strengthening alternatives to Western financial institutions.
US-Israel-Iran War Latest Live News: US Ambassador Mike Huckabee Calls West Bank Settler Siege ‘Terror’
The diplomatic picture became more complicated as US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee sharply criticised Israeli settlers accused of surrounding Palestinian homes in the West Bank village of Qusra.
Settlers have reportedly blocked access around Palestinian homes since Sunday, restricting residents’ ability to obtain food and other essential supplies. One of the properties belongs to a Palestinian-American family.
Huckabee described the incident in unusually strong terms, writing on X, “The actions of those doing this to this family’s home are criminal,”
He added, “Actions by those who carried out this horrific act of terror meant to intimidate and harass this family are disgusting,”
“No excuse for such thuggish behaviour,” the envoy added.
The comments stand out because Huckabee has previously expressed strong support for Israel and its settler movement. His criticism comes as tensions between settlers, Palestinians and Israeli security forces continue to rise across the West Bank.
US-Israel-Iran War Latest Live News: Israeli Forces Clash With Settlers in Qusra
The dispute has also produced a rare confrontation between Israeli troops and Jewish settlers.
Reuters reported that Israeli forces attempted to remove an outpost established directly in front of Palestinian homes near Qusra. The operation led to clashes, with troops using tear gas before withdrawing after failing to fully clear the area.
The Israeli military described the outpost as “illegal, reprehensible, and unacceptable activity”, saying it harms local residents and disrupts daily life.
The episode highlights the growing challenge faced by Israeli authorities as unauthorized settler outposts expand across the occupied West Bank.
US-Israel-Iran War Latest Live News: Settlers Return to Ganim Near Jenin
Another major development has emerged near Jenin, where Israeli settlers have reportedly moved back into the former Ganim settlement.
The return followed the demolition of 26 shops in the area by Israeli forces. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich praised the demolitions and described them as an important measure for strengthening settlement and security.
Ganim was among four northern West Bank settlements evacuated during Israel’s 2005 disengagement plan. The Israeli government has since taken steps toward re-establishing settlements in the area.
The renewed activity around Ganim adds to a broader trend of settlement expansion in the northern West Bank. Earlier reporting has documented Israeli moves to restore or establish settlements that were evacuated in 2005.
US-Israel-Iran War Latest Live News: Why These Developments Matter?
The three developments point to two parallel shifts in the region.
First, Iran is seeking deeper economic integration with BRICS institutions. Joining the New Development Bank could strengthen Tehran’s financial links with emerging economies and support its effort to reduce dependence on Western financial systems.
Second, tensions over Israeli settlements are creating new diplomatic pressure on Israel. Huckabee’s unusually direct condemnation of the Qusra siege comes as Israeli forces themselves have confronted settlers over an unauthorized outpost.
Together, the developments show how the region’s geopolitical tensions now extend beyond military confrontations. Financial alliances, settlement policy and disagreements between Washington and its closest Middle Eastern ally are all becoming increasingly important parts of the wider regional picture.
