What are the most important events and topics in the news today?

Based on current search results, here's a snapshot of the major stories making news around today (September 12, 2026):

U.S.–Iran Conflict Escalation
Tensions in the Middle East remain the dominant story. The United States has carried out additional airstrikes against Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps targets in Iran, in response to recent attempted attacks on commercial shipping vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and on U.S. troops in the region, killing five members of the IRGC Aerospace Force in Kermanshah. Iran has responded in kind — Iran has claimed new drone and missile attacks on U.S. military bases in the Persian Gulf, with its military saying it struck satellite communications systems, warehouses and fighter jet hangars at Ahmad al-Jaber Air Base in Kuwait.

Houthi Advances in the Red Sea/Yemen
Al Jazeera's top stories today highlight Yemen's government saying bombing has created a "kill box" near Mocha, and Saudi Arabia reporting its East-West pipeline was hit by drones launched from Iraq, as Houthi forces make advances along Yemen's Red Sea coast, raising questions about their ability to close the Red Sea shipping route.

Russia–Ukraine War and Peace Diplomacy
Diplomatic efforts continue alongside ongoing fighting. US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff arrived in Kyiv Sunday for their first visit to the Ukrainian capital, a day after holding talks with Russia's Vladimir Putin. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump says Russian President Putin wants a deal to end the war in Ukraine, though on the ground, the death toll in Russia's Novorossiysk has risen to four, including a child, after Ukrainian attacks on a naval base.

Climate Records
Environmental news this month includes a stark climate milestone: the Copernicus Climate Change Service reports that August 2026 was the hottest month globally since measurements began, with an average temperature of 16.96°C (62.53°F), exceeding the previous record set in July 2023.

Tech News — Apple's New iPhone Duo
In consumer tech, Apple made a major announcement this week: Apple announced the "iPhone Duo," a new kind of iPhone featuring two screens and a foldable inner display. Pre-orders for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max began today at 5:00 a.m. Pacific Time, with the new devices launching September 18, while pre-orders for the iPhone Duo will start on October 16, with a launch to follow on October 23.

Recent Anniversary
The news cycle this week was also shaped by the 25th anniversary of 9/11, with events honoring those lost at a time when Americans are divided about the meaning and legacy of the terrorist attacks.

If you'd like, I can dig deeper into any one of these stories (e.g., the Iran conflict, Ukraine peace talks, or the Apple launch) for more detail.