Aug 25, 2026, 12:00 AM UTC

Satellite imagery has revealed the impact of recent aerial strikes on Russian aerospace facilities in Samara, showing structural damage to workshops at the Progress Rocket Space Centre and the adjacent Aviakor aviation plant. The industrial complex, which manufactures Soyuz launch vehicles and services military aircraft including Tu-95 bombers, was targeted during a wave of long-range attacks that prompted air defence activations across western Russia.

Concurrently, intense ground fighting persisted across the eastern front in Ukraine, where military commanders recorded more than 250 daily engagements. Russian forces pressed forward with offensive operations in the Pokrovsk and Lyman sectors, seeking to expand footholds south of Dobropillia and sever Ukrainian defensive positions along the Oskil River.

Sources: Mediazona, Point, The Insider, Радіо Свобода, Українська правда.

US President Donald Trump stated that negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz are progressing, forecasting that the waterway could reopen "very soon" while warning that Iran faces severe military strikes if an agreement is not reached. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also cited positive developments in discussions involving Oman.

Conversely, Iranian officials maintained that the strategic maritime passage will stay closed until Washington halts military operations, releases frozen Iranian funds, and removes petroleum sanctions. Although Iranian foreign ministry officials confirmed an agreement with Oman on a secure navigation route, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps leadership announced changes to their defense doctrine and warned of "strategic surprises" should the conflict intensify.

Sources: Diário de Notícias (DN), Expresso, Expresso das Ilhas, Jornal Económico, RTP (Rádio e Televisão de Portugal)

United States President Donald Trump has warned Oman of potential military strikes if the Gulf nation interferes with Washington's diplomatic discussions concerning the Strait of Hormuz. During a Fox News phone interview, Trump stated the US would retaliate if Oman "gets in the way" of negotiations, while asserting that Iran should "put up the white flag" of surrender.

The remarks follow announcements that Tehran and Muscat were finalising bilateral arrangements regarding navigation through the strategic maritime passage. While Trump claimed Washington maintained direct communication channels with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the Iranian force denied participating in any talks. Trump subsequently threatened economic penalties against nations offering financial lifelines to Tehran, as commercial vessel traffic through the waterway remained steady.

Sources: BBC News, Cyprus Mail, France24, Sweden Herald, The Guardian.