Aug 12, 2026, 09:30 AM UTC

US President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have denied media claims that American military ammunition stocks are critically depleted following operations against Iran. Trump asserted on Truth Social that the armed forces maintain "huge amounts of 'ammunition', especially certain types," while warning that leaking inventory figures could result in lengthy prison sentences.

Additionally, Trump stated that diplomatic talks with Tehran have resumed, describing them as Iran's final opportunity to reach a deal, despite previous denials from Iranian officials. Meanwhile, the administration faces lawsuits from several states regarding new trade tariffs, alongside declining public approval ratings ahead of November's midterm elections.

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

Former Italian prime minister Giuseppe Conte appeared before a parliamentary inquiry commission in Rome to address his administration's management of the COVID-19 pandemic. Speaking for over three hours, the Five Star Movement leader rejected allegations of wrongdoing regarding emergency decrees, lockdowns, and medical equipment procurement.

Conte defended the government's containment measures and revealed that he recently submitted an anonymous report to Rome prosecutors. The document concerns a 100-million-euro mask deal involving JC Electronics, which he urged authorities to investigate for potential counterfeiting. He also criticized the parliamentary panel, characterizing it as a political instrument set up by the governing coalition to target political opponents rather than conduct an objective review.

The hearing experienced a four-hour delay due to parliamentary scheduling conflicts before proceeding at Palazzo San Macuto.

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

German security agencies have linked more than 100 recent incidents of sabotage, reconnaissance drone flights, and disinformation campaigns to foreign state actors. Reports highlight escalating hybrid warfare tactics aimed at destabilizing democratic processes, including an explosive-rigged drone detected near Leipzig/Halle airport and targeted disruptions against critical transport infrastructure.

Ahead of upcoming regional elections in September, security officials warned of increased Russian disinformation networks targeting mainstream political parties. These campaigns allegedly employ manipulated videos and websites to undermine candidate credibility. Simultaneously, defense experts are debating whether Germany's military procurement strategy adequately addresses modern threats, as low-cost drones increasingly challenge costly heavy armor on global battlefields.

Sources: Correctiv, Der Spiegel, Die Zeit, DW, FAZ

Emergency operations are underway across Colombia following a magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck near San José del Palmar on August 10. The seismic event, centered roughly 107 kilometers underground, destroyed multiple buildings and triggered tremors felt as far as Ecuador. A national state of emergency has been declared as military units and rescue personnel clear debris to locate survivors trapped under collapsed structures.

Casualty figures varied across initial media updates as rescue efforts progressed. Early reports placed the death toll at 20, but subsequent counts rapidly escalated. While several outlets reported at least 132 deaths and over 500 injuries, later updates pushed the confirmed fatality count to at least 164. Authorities warned that casualties could rise further as search operations reach isolated municipalities.

Sources: Adevărul, Digi24, HotNews, Moldova1, Ziarul de Gardă.