Aug 7, 2026, 12:30 AM UTC

U.S. President Donald Trump declared that ongoing diplomatic discussions with Iran represent the country's "last chance" to secure a comprehensive agreement. Trump stated that regional partners, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, support the talks, while warning that American military options remain prepared should negotiations break down.

Simultaneously, U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker stated that Washington and Kyiv are unlikely to finalize a co-production agreement for Patriot missile interceptors prior to this winter, although joint work on broader air defense equipment with Ukraine and European allies remains underway.

In Russia, Ukrainian drone strikes targeted facilities operated by e-commerce firm Wildberries in the Moscow, Tver, and Saint Petersburg regions. Regional officials reported at least five people killed and ten injured near Moscow.

Sources: Kanal 5, Makfax, MIA (Media Information Agency), SDK, Sloboden Pečat

Former Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte defended his administration's management of the COVID-19 pandemic during testimony before a parliamentary inquiry commission on Thursday, rejecting allegations of wrongdoing.

Addressing the panel, the Five Star Movement leader asserted that his government acted legally and maintained that investigators would find "nulla di illecito" regarding his conduct. Conte strongly criticized the inquiry, characterizing the commission as a "plotone di esecuzione" aimed at targeting his administration while shielding other officials from political scrutiny.

During his testimony, Conte revealed that he had submitted an anonymous document to Rome prosecutors concerning a transaction involving potentially suspect protective masks, requesting authorities to investigate the matter. The hearing took place after a four-hour delay caused by parliamentary proceedings.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero, La Repubblica.

The International Atomic Energy Agency raised concerns over recurring external power outages at Ukraine's Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, warning of potential safety risks along the front lines. Meanwhile, former United States President Donald Trump elaborated on his skepticism regarding air defense shipments, stating, "We need missiles too," alongside previous warnings about protecting weapon secrets.

In Russia, reports highlighted fraudulent schemes where women briefly marry soldiers heading to the front to claim government compensation upon their death. On the battlefield, Ukrainian strikes expanded beyond border regions, including a drone attack near Moscow that left five dead and a suicide bombing outside a venue frequented by Russian military officials. Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure persist across multiple regions.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero, La Repubblica, La Stampa.

United States President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have dismissed reports that American military operations against Iran severely depleted missile stockpiles. Responding to claims that ammunition shortages halted further strikes, Trump stated on Truth Social that the nation holds "huge amounts of 'ammunition'" and threatened individuals leaking intelligence assessments with long prison sentences.

Diplomatic relations remain uncertain as Trump announced that Washington has resumed negotiations with Tehran, describing them as a final opportunity for a deal. However, Iranian officials previously denied that any discussions were active or scheduled.

Domestically, the administration faces legal and political challenges. Multiple US states have filed lawsuits against newly imposed tariffs, while recent polling from The Economist and YouGov indicates a sharp decline in Trump's approval ratings ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.

Sources: Der Standard, Die Zeit, FAZ, ORF, Tagesschau

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić visited the municipality of Jezero in Republika Srpska, the Serb-majority entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, where he announced plans for substantial financial aid from Belgrade.

Welcomed by local leaders and residents, Vučić reaffirmed Serbia's ongoing commitment to funding economic development and infrastructure across Serb-populated regions in the Western Balkans. During his remarks, Vučić cautioned against foreign diplomatic involvement in regional affairs, referencing historical precedents to argue that external powers have long sought to limit Serbian sovereignty and influence in the area. The visit underscores Belgrade's broader geopolitical effort to bolster economic ties and provide political backing to neighboring Serb communities.

Sources: Tanjug