International
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has denied reports by The Washington Post stating that 22 U.S. soldiers have died so far in the ongoing war in the Middle East. The Maldives officially joined the multinational maritime defense coalition initiated by Saudi Arabia on September 16 to ensure the security of merchant vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Additionally, the Maldives participated for the first time as a full member in the 70th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) held in Vienna, with the delegation led by Dr. Salma Rasheed, Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the United Nations Office at Geneva.
The Washington Post reported on 19 September 2026 that 22 U.S. military personnel have been killed so far in the ongoing war. According to the newspaper, American troops are sustaining heavy casualties amidst these clashes. Furthermore, following these deaths, increased scrutiny has been drawn to the ongoing military operations, while the threat to soldiers' lives on the battlefield continues to grow.
The Maldives has participated in the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for the first time. Along with this news revealed on 19 September 2026, this marks a historic opportunity showcasing Maldives' representation in such an important international forum. The Maldives' participation in this conference is a significant step towards the peaceful and safe use of nuclear energy, and towards strengthening relations with the international community in this field. Additionally, this participation will pave the way for raising the Maldives' voice in discussions taking place at the global level.
On 19 September 2026, a special alliance or coalition was officially established to ensure the safety and security of Arabian waters. The primary objective of forming this coalition is to strengthen maritime security in the region and to protect against threats faced by navigating vessels. In addition, it has been decided to carry out important collaborative work under this alliance to establish a safe environment for maritime trade and general transport.