Lebanese Army Returns to Deir Mimas as Israel Withdraws; Saudi Aramco Halts European Crude (Sep 18, 1757 UTC, 2057 Israel) (Evening Edition)

• Mass Rally — Iranians rallied in downtown Tehran in what Al Jazeera described as the biggest show of defiance against the US since the war began, with volunteers joining the state-sponsored 'Sacrifice for Iran' campaign Al Jazeera English. IranWire reported that many Iranians are learning to ignore pro-regime rallies, with residents of Laleh Park enjoying Friday leisure activities IranWire.
• Basij Integration — Basij Organization chief Hossein Taeb said hundreds of thousands of 'Jan-Fada' volunteers are being integrated into Iran's defense units IranWire.
• IRGC Financial Network — The US State Department offered up to $15 million for information leading to the disruption of the IRGC's financial network IranWire.

• Deir Mimas Standoff — The Lebanese Army said its troops returned to their main post in Deir Mimas after an Israeli force withdrew. The army said communications via the MCG4L military coordination group led to the Israeli departure, and that it reinforced the observation post after an Israeli force approached and threw sound bombs Al-Manar TV. Arab News reported Israeli forces used tanks and stun grenades during the advance toward the outskirts of Deir Mimas, an area occupied by Israel since March Arab News. The Israeli army said it informed the Lebanese army of the need to leave the security zone and drove its personnel away after they failed to respond Bint Jbeil News.
• Artillery and Airstrikes — Israeli artillery shelled the town of Al-Qantara in southern Lebanon, with Al-Manar reporting the use of phosphorous shells Al-Manar TV Quds News Network. An explosion was reported in the outskirts of Ainata towards Aitaroun Bint Jbeil News. Al-Manar also reported Israeli forces set fire to the area surrounding Mais Al-Jabal Hospital Al-Manar TV.
• Hezbollah Analysis — Long War Journal analyzed how Hezbollah reframed the battle for Ali al Taher as Israeli forces advanced, shifting from denying Israeli entry to portraying the loss as an attritional achievement Long War Journal. A separate Long War Journal piece examined whether Hezbollah is finished or adapting, discussing the Lebanese Army's role and Beirut's ability to take Hezbollah's weapons Long War Journal.

Airstrikes and Shelling — Israeli aircraft launched an airstrike in Al-Jalaa, Gaza City, and Israeli artillery shelled the eastern areas of Gaza City Quds News Network.

• UNGA 81 Preview — FDD published an analysis of eight questions facing the United Nations at UNGA 81, noting more armed conflicts rage worldwide than at any point since the body's formation FDD.
• Yemen Humanitarian Crisis — The UN reported that Yemen's humanitarian crisis is growing by the hour amid a spike in displacement, with more than 112,000 people displaced by fighting and thousands fleeing to Djibouti. The UN said 22 million people need humanitarian aid UN News Al Jazeera English.
• EU Red Sea Mission — EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Operation Aspides has raised its alert level after Houthi forces expanded control near key maritime routes Jerusalem Post.

• UK Houthi Proscription Push — Jewish peers urged the UK to proscribe the Houthis as a terrorist group FDD.
• Austria Freedom Party — Israel signaled an opening toward Austria's Freedom Party after leader Herbert Kickl apologized for Austria's Holocaust role and pledged to move Austria's embassy to Jerusalem, according to Quds News Network Quds News Network.

• US Public Opinion — A poll found 71 percent of Americans believe Trump's team lacks a clear strategy for resolving the Iran conflict, with voter opposition to the war growing to new highs Al Jazeera English.
• US Midterms — Al Arabiya English examined how US midterm elections could influence the Iran war, noting Trump says the war will end 'immediately' after the midterms Al Arabiya English.

• Pakistan-Saudi Defense — Pakistan's army chief said Pakistan would be forced to assist Saudi Arabia against the Houthis Israel Hayom.
• India Bypass Plans — Engineers India expects gains from Middle East plans to bypass Hormuz Reuters.

• Saudi Aramco Halts European Crude — Saudi Aramco told at least some European refiners they will receive no Saudi crude in October following the shutdown of the East-West oil pipeline, which was carrying 4-5 million barrels per day Middle East Eye Jerusalem Post. Oil is on track to remain above $100 for a second straight week The National.
• Houthi Ceasefire Offer — Saudi Arabia reportedly proposed a two-week truce with the Houthis, to be followed by direct talks, through Omani mediators Jerusalem Post Iran International. The Houthis rejected the offer, demanding a full blockade lift and Saudi military withdrawal TLDR Iran SITREP.
• Hormuz Blockade Cost — The UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia estimated the Hormuz blockade has cost Arab nations $150 billion IranWire. Hormuz transits collapsed to 5% of pre-war levels, with Bab al-Mandab at 80% TLDR Iran SITREP.
• Italian Fighter Jet Damaged — An Italian fighter jet was damaged in an attack on a Saudi air force base, with no casualties reported News 0404 IL.