Jack Smith defends investigations into Trump during tense US Senate hearing
Former US special counsel rejects claims that his probes improperly targeted Republicans and conservative groups.

Former US special counsel rejects claims that his probes improperly targeted Republicans and conservative groups.





![IRGC spokesperson Hossein Mohebbi speaks during a press conference in Tehran, Iran, September 29, 2026 [Majid Asgaripour/West Asia News Agency via Reuters]](https://aljazeeranews.edgeone.app/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-29T084140Z_1203290914_RC2USNAIFCUB_RTRMADP_3_IRAN-CRISIS-1790694559.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)




Al Jazeera reports from Ethiopia’s Afar region, where fighting has spread amid efforts to oust PM Abiy Ahmed.
Police say the US shooting followed an altercation at an after-hours venue, and four people are in hospital.
Hundreds of Muslims have gathered in the Indian city of Ujjain to protest the partial demolition of a historic mosque.

Rival political rallies have been held in Brazil as campaigns intensify with one week to go until election day.
Nor’easter leads to the cancellation of more than 400 flights and power outages affecting 73,000 homes and businesses.
Demonstrators are demanding early elections and accuse Pedro Sanchez’s government of negligence.
Colombian President Abelardo De La Espriella has emerged as close ally the of Trump administration in South America.
The two sides appointed a committee to review selection of candidates for Supreme Court of Justice.

More than 40,000 students have taken to the streets of Berlin, in protest of Germany’s proposed military service plans.
Israeli politicians subject to ICC arrest warrants or international sanctions remain eligible to run.