Iraq is denying reports it’s allowed Iran to fly shipments of weapons and military personnel to aid the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad over Iraqi airspace. According to Reuters, the transfers have been authorized under a deal between top Iraqi and Iranian officials. On Wednesday, Senator John Kerry of Massachusetts warned Iraq that the alleged flights could jeopardize U.S. aid. Meanwhile, at the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said Syria would top the agenda at the General Assembly in New York City next week.

Ban Ki-moon: “Every morning when I watch TV and images, whenever I see many people, particularly young children, who are hurt with all this blood in their bodies, I couldn’t start my day with peace of mind. That really affects me very deeply. As you know — and unfortunately, the both sides, government and opposition forces, seem to be determined to see the end by military means. I think military means will not bring an answer. That should be resolved through political dialogue.”