Aug 8, 2026, 08:00 PM UTC

US President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have rejected reports alleging that American military stockpiles are dangerously depleted following operations against Iran. Addressing media claims that missile shortages halted further strikes, Trump stated on Truth Social that the US holds "huge amounts of 'ammunition'" and threatened individuals leaking internal military assessments with long prison sentences.

Meanwhile, diplomatic friction continues as Trump asserted that negotiations with Iran have resumed for a final opportunity to reach an agreement, a claim Iranian representatives promptly refuted. On the domestic front, several US states filed lawsuits challenging newly enacted tariffs imposed by the administration. The policy push comes amid mounting political pressure, with recent polling reflecting declining public support for Trump ahead of November's midterm elections.

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

Russian missile bombardments across Kyiv and surrounding districts have killed at least 15 people and inflicted critical damage on Ukraine's energy network. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that the country has "almost no thermal power plant intact" heading into winter following persistent attacks targeting utility sites and energy infrastructure.

In Washington, the U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passed a sanctions package aimed at Moscow's hydrocarbon industry. The legislation now awaits approval from the House of Representatives in September. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that direct discussions between American and Iranian representatives are actively taking place regarding ongoing Middle East conflicts.

Sources: La Tribune, Le Figaro, Le Monde, Le Soir, RTBF Info.

Former Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte defended his administration’s pandemic response during a lengthy hearing before a parliamentary inquiry commission. Resigning temporarily from his position on the panel to testify, the Five Star Movement leader maintained that his government committed no wrongdoing during the crisis.

Conte turned over an anonymous document to prosecutors in Rome concerning a 100-million-euro contract with JC Electronics for mask procurements, demanding a thorough investigation into possible counterfeit equipment. Denouncing the political nature of the commission, he rejected criticisms regarding his executive decrees and urged lawmakers not to turn the inquiry into a "firing squad." Conte insisted Italy's emergency protocols were transparent and science-driven throughout the initial phases of the emergency.

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

Firefighters in southern France have stabilized a 100-hectare wildfire near Montséret in the Aude region, with emergency crews staying on-site to monitor remaining hot spots. In response to extreme weather and heightened fire risks, local authorities in the Var department restricted access to seven forest massifs.

French Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced he will travel to Gironde on 17 August to launch reconstruction initiatives for areas devastated by recent megafires. Environmental data shows that French wildfires have produced nearly four million tonnes of carbon dioxide since January. This total exceeds historical emissions from previous major fire seasons in 2003 and 2022.

Sources: Le Figaro, Le Monde, Le Soir, Libération, RTBF Info

A teenage student killed his grandparents at home before launching a firearm attack at a secondary school in Nonthaburi province, north of Bangkok, on Friday. Authorities reported that the shooter opened fire inside the school, killing several students and teachers before the violence ended.

Initial reports from official sources and local media varied regarding the total casualties, with deaths reported between seven and eight people, and at least 15 to 23 others injured. Conflicting details also emerged regarding the suspect's age, cited as 14 or 15, as well as his condition, with most outlets reporting he died by suicide at the scene while others noted he was transported to a hospital in critical condition.

Sources: Canarias7, Diário de Notícias (DN), El Mundo, Expresso, La Repubblica.