US President Donald Trump has rejected a virtual debate with Biden, and all eyes are on 2020 Nobel peace prize

*) US President Trump vows not to do a virtual debate with Biden

US President Trump has said the new virtual format announced by the Commission on Presidential Debates was not acceptable to him.

Trump returned to work in the Oval Office just six days after testing positive for coronavirus despite warnings that his return could put others at risk.

The president said he might try to do a rally on Saturday night, probably in Florida.

*) Azerbaijan continues operation to save territories in occupied Karabakh

Russia has said the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia have accepted its invitations for talks in Moscow today.

The Kremlin’s invitation followed reports of fresh clashes in the ongoing military conflict over the Nagorno-Karabakh region.

The recent fighting, which flared on September 27, has increased concerns about the security of pipelines that carry natural gas and oil to Europe.

*) US imposes sanctions on major banks in Iran

Washington has slapped fresh sanctions on Iran’s financial sector, targeting 18 banks to further shut Tehran out of the global banking system.

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the action would “stop illicit access to US dollars”.

According to Iran’s Foreign Minister Javad Zarif, the US wants to starve Iran’s population and choke their remaining channels for food and medicine.

*) FBI foils plot to kidnap Michigan governor

The FBI has said it’s thwarted a plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and forcibly depose its government.

At least 13 people, including seven men associated with the Wolverine Watchmen militia group, have been arrested for the alleged plots.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer accused US President Trump of encouraging extremist groups that targeted her.

And finally...

*) World Food Programme wins Nobel peace prize

The UN World Food Programme has won the 2020 Nobel peace prize.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee said a total of 211 individuals and 107 organisations entered the race.

The 2019 peace prize went to Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali for his efforts to resolve the border conflict with neighbouring Eritrea.