Aug 29, 2026, 02:30 AM UTC

US President Donald Trump has downplayed the urgency of fully reopening the Strait of Hormuz, describing the standoff as "like a game of chess" while suggesting a resolution could occur shortly. Speaking to media outlets, Trump stated the US is not engaging in direct formal negotiations with Tehran, citing Iran's economic difficulties and high inflation.

Despite Trump asserting the strategic waterway remains operational, commercial shipping traffic dropped an additional 20 percent last week following a recent vessel attack. Iranian officials maintain that normal maritime transit will not resume until Washington alters its policy. Meanwhile, Tehran continues discussions with Oman to establish secure maritime corridors, warning it could adopt an offensive military posture if diplomatic efforts fail. Washington has similarly warned of military escalation if Tehran or Oman obstruct US objectives in the region.

Sources: Avaz, Beta, CDM, Dan, Vijesti

Russian authorities are increasing political pressure ahead of upcoming parliamentary elections in September. The government banned the anti-war Yabloko party and sentenced senior politician Lev Shlosberg to 11 years in prison, marking a further crackdown on opposition dissent.

Public anxiety is rising over potential post-election military mobilization to cover heavy battlefield losses in Ukraine, prompting some citizens to sell property and plan departures. This tension coincides with late August, a period historically associated with political and economic instability in Russia.

Meanwhile, questions linger over long-term political stability given President Vladimir Putin's lack of an explicit successor. Internationally, Western intelligence agencies warn that Moscow could test NATO cohesion through hybrid attacks or limited incursions in the coming years.

Sources: Avaz, Danas, Index, Klix, Vijesti

US President Donald Trump has issued two new executive orders targeting birthright citizenship and birth tourism, following a recent Supreme Court rejection of earlier efforts. The moves coincide with a State Department notification to Congress proposing the closure of five diplomatic missions worldwide to cut costs, a decision foreign policy experts warn could expand China's strategic influence.

Concurrently, a Financial Times poll indicated that a majority of registered US voters feel financially worse off during Trump's second term. International media analyses contend that these policy shifts, coupled with domestic economic discontent, are eroding long-standing alliances, weakening American global standing, and signaling a decline in executive political influence despite the administration's expansion of executive power.

Sources: Avaz, CDM, Danas, N1, Vijesti.

Ukrainian anti-corruption authorities have intensified enforcement operations, uncovering multiple illicit schemes across government sectors. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP) announced a joint special operation targeting an alleged criminal organization led by current and former lawmakers, alongside senior officials from the Office of the President.

Concurrently, former Vice Prime Minister and ex-Ambassador to the United States Olha Stefanishyna was served with a notice of suspicion. Her defence team requested a closed hearing before the High Anti-Corruption Court regarding pre-trial measures. In a separate case, NABU served a notice of suspicion to a Security Service of Ukraine officer for allegedly orchestrating a 1 million UAH draft-exemption scheme.

These enforcement actions unfold amid heightened concern over judicial delays, following the dismissal of several high-profile corruption cases due to expired statutes of limitations.

Sources: Liga net, NV, The Insider, Радіо Свобода, Українська правда

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has pledged to secure two major corporate investors for the city of Kraljevo over the next 12 months. Speaking during a visit to the central Serbian municipality, Vučić emphasized that attracting significant industrial commitments remains vital to bolstering the regional economy, noting that the prospective ventures are anticipated to create approximately 1,000 jobs.

Meanwhile, in legislative affairs, the National Assembly of Serbia wrapped up its scheduled daily proceedings after fulfilling its agenda. Lawmakers suspended the session in the early evening and are set to resume debates on Tuesday at 10:00.

Sources: Tanjug