Jul 29, 2026, 05:00 AM UTC

The United States military intercepted multiple ballistic missiles launched by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps toward American forces in the Middle East, including a base in Jordan. Following the failed attack, US Central Command confirmed that American and Saudi military forces carried out joint precision strikes in Iraq targeting Iran-backed militants.

The military exchange comes during fragile diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran. US President Donald Trump stated that discussions remain ongoing, but warned that failure to secure an agreement would result in a "large-scale military operation." Despite the escalation, global oil prices fell as financial markets anticipated a potential diplomatic breakthrough. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Washington to urge continued military pressure against Iran.

Sources: Corriere della Sera, El Mundo, La Stampa, TVP info

The United States and Saudi Arabia executed joint military strikes against Iran-aligned armed groups in Iraq on Tuesday, marking a renewed escalation following days of relative calm. The joint operation followed Saudi defense forces intercepting multiple drones originating from Iraq that targeted domestic oil facilities. In the Red Sea, Yemen's Houthi movement reported launching ballistic missiles at a Saudi oil tanker for allegedly breaching their blockade.

Concurrently, reports from Gaza indicate that Israeli strikes are still resulting in civilian casualties, raising questions over the effectiveness of the United States-brokered ceasefire established in October. Despite the military activity, global crude oil prices continued their downward trend as financial markets weighed the potential for diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran.

Sources: Le Figaro, Le Monde

Following his meeting at the White House with US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated in a Fox News interview that Trump agreed to grant Ukraine a licence to manufacture interceptor missiles for Patriot air defence systems. Zelenskyy described the reported decision as a clear "message to Putin" and noted subsequent discussions with representatives from the American defence manufacturing sector. He also asserted that Russia has lost the battlefield initiative.

The White House has not publicly confirmed Zelenskyy's claims regarding the licensing agreement. Ukrainian and US officials had previously characterized the closed-door discussions on air defence capabilities and diplomatic efforts as "positive and productive," though initial reports indicated no formal breakthrough had been reached during the meeting.

Sources: Bloomberg, La Stampa, ORF, Respect, TVP info

Recent security and diplomatic updates across Eastern Europe highlight ongoing challenges tied to the war in Ukraine. In Kyiv, anti-corruption authorities (NABU and SAP) uncovered a scheme allegedly involving a former ambassador to Romania accused of embezzling over $1 million in foreign aid provided early in the invasion. Concurrently, interim Defense Minister Ievhenii Hmara emphasized that Ukraine must adopt asymmetric tactics and rely on U.S. military support, particularly Patriot interceptors, to avoid a war of attrition.

In regional defense procurement, Bulgaria is seeking to acquire Poland's Soviet-era MiG-29 fighter jets, assets also coveted by Kyiv. Meanwhile, reports indicate an experienced U.S. diplomat will lead the OSCE Mission to Moldova.

Sources: G4Media

Rescue operations and casualty assessments are ongoing in southwestern Japan following a magnitude 7.1 earthquake that hit the region on Tuesday. Discrepancies exist regarding the casualty numbers, with Le Figaro reporting at least 13 fatalities while Le Monde initially cited local authorities confirming at least five deaths and more than 100 injuries.

More than 9,000 residents sought refuge overnight in emergency evacuation centers across the affected areas. The powerful tremor reached the maximum intensity level of 7 on the national seismic scale, triggering tsunami warnings, structural collapses, and fires. Emergency responders confirmed that two victims died following a quake-induced explosion at the Aeon shopping center. Search and rescue teams continue to work through collapsed buildings for missing individuals.

Sources: Le Figaro, Le Monde