Aug 24, 2026, 09:00 PM UTC

US President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have firmly rejected media reports suggesting that American ammunition stockpiles are running dangerously low due to military operations involving Iran. Posting on Truth Social, Trump insisted that the military maintains vast quantities of munitions and warned that individuals leaking or reporting shortage claims could face lengthy prison terms.

The administration's statements follow accounts alleging that depleted missile inventories had restricted further strikes in the region, as well as reporting on rising operational fatigue and strain among service members on extended deployments, including aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln. Meanwhile, Trump stated that diplomatic discussions with Iran have resumed, describing them as Tehran's final opportunity to reach an agreement, despite earlier Iranian denials that talks were underway.

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

Efforts to restore navigation through the Strait of Hormuz have seen parallel diplomatic tracks emerge amid competing narratives from Washington and Tehran. United States officials expressed optimism that an agreement to reopen the vital maritime corridor could be reached within days, supported by Qatari mediation. However, Iranian officials dismissed direct talks with Washington.

Instead, Tehran announced an agreement with Oman on coordinates for a new shipping route in the strait, working toward a joint statement contingent on avoiding third-party interference. Complicating prospects for broader de-escalation, US President Donald Trump announced plans to demand financial compensation from Iran for historical attacks and domestic unrest, raising further hurdles to a comprehensive diplomatic resolution.

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

Bulgaria's Ministry of Defence has provided further details regarding the unmanned aerial vehicle that came down within its territory over the weekend. According to military assessments, the craft belongs to a model "largely used by Ukrainian armed forces."

Despite the identification of the drone's model, authorities emphasised that there is currently no evidence suggesting an intentional attack on Bulgarian territory or infrastructure. Specialist teams are continuing forensic examinations of the recovered components to determine the exact trajectory and origin of the flight, while also checking for potential technical or communication failures.

The incident resulted in no injuries or damage on the ground. Sofia is maintaining communication with NATO allies as technical specialists complete their evaluation of the wreckage.

Sources: Le Monde

Ukrainian lawmakers are set to vote on President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's nomination of former intelligence chief Yevhen Khmara as defence minister, alongside the confirmation of Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.

The cabinet reshuffle follows the removal of former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov, an action that sparked rare public protests. Following his dismissal, Fedorov publicly highlighted governance crises, wartime corruption, and structural obstacles facing successful officers within the military hierarchy, urging the government to hold national elections despite the ongoing conflict.

At the same time, new armed forces commander-in-chief Mykhailo Drapatyj has initiated a comprehensive restructuring of Ukraine's top military command. Drapatyj, recognised for his frontline operational record, is moving to dismantle entrenched patronage networks and promote experienced combat officers.

Sources: Ekonomický deník, Hospodářské noviny, iROZHLAS, Respect, Seznam Zprávy