Jul 29, 2026, 05:30 PM UTC

US Central Command and Jordanian air defenses intercepted multiple Iranian ballistic missiles launched in a surprise attack targeting American positions in the Middle East. Official sources reported all incoming projectiles were successfully downed, with Jordan confirming it intercepted five missiles.

The attack occurred during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Washington. In response, joint US and Saudi forces executed precision air strikes in Iraq targeting militants affiliated with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

United States President Donald Trump confirmed that American forces would retaliate against Tehran while remaining open to negotiations, stating that US ammunition reserves remain "well beyond our needs." Following the military exchanges, global crude oil prices fell by over five percent in Asian trading on expectations of potential diplomatic resolution.

Sources: Corriere della Sera, Dagens Industri, El Mundo, ORF, TVP info

Rescue operations continue across Kyushu following Tuesday's magnitude 7.1 earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed at least 13 fatalities, with government officials warning the death toll could increase as search teams reach affected areas.

Structural destruction remains widespread, including severed roads, damaged bridges, and severe building collapses. In Kashima, emergency responders are focusing on a shopping center where an upper floor caved in following a reported explosion, leaving multiple people trapped. A tsunami warning issued immediately after the quake was later rescinded.

More than 9,000 residents have been relocated to temporary shelters. Japanese authorities caution that the exact number of missing individuals remains unclear as search efforts proceed under difficult conditions.

Sources: Der Standard, FAZ, ORF, TV 2 Nyheter

United States Senator Lindsey Graham has died at the age of 71 following a reported aortic rupture, shortly after returning from a diplomatic visit to Ukraine. The Republican politician passed away on July 11, two days after his birthday.

Graham was viewed as a crucial transatlantic link, playing a notable role in connecting Washington with European leadership, including acting as a bridge between former US President Donald Trump and Finnish President Alexander Stubb. Security analysts emphasized that his unexpected death creates a temporary void in Finnish-American security relations, as replacing his specific diplomatic influence will not be straightforward.

Sources: Helsingin Sanomat.

The United States government is preparing to further accelerate production of the B61-13 nuclear gravity bomb after achieving major development milestones ahead of schedule. The program has reportedly progressed at least three months faster than initially planned, leading defense officials to advance manufacturing timelines for the weapon system.

The B61-13 variant is specifically engineered to address hard and deeply buried targets, reinforcing Washington's strategic arsenal. The schedule adjustment reflects ongoing efforts within the US defense industry to modernize its nuclear deterrent and streamline warhead manufacturing processes.

Sources: Shephard Media

A Swedish court has convicted a 34-year-old former IT consultant for the Swedish Armed Forces after he attempted to pass classified military information to Russian intelligence services. The individual worked as an external contractor for Sweden's military between 2018 and 2022.

According to court findings, the defendant suffers from a severe psychiatric disorder. As a result, the judge ordered him to undergo mandatory psychiatric care rather than serve a traditional prison sentence. The Swedish-born contractor was arrested following an investigation into his attempts to establish contact with Russian foreign intelligence operatives.

Sources: Digi24.