Sep 2, 2026, 12:30 PM UTC

Maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains severely disrupted six months after Iran restricted passage in response to American and Israeli strikes. Daily ship transits have dropped from 95 to approximately 15.

Iranian officials reiterated that the strategic waterway will not reopen fully until Washington lifts its port blockade and oil sanctions, unfreezes Iranian assets, and halts military operations. Tensions escalated as US forces attempted night-time oil escorts, prompting Iranian forces to deploy rocket-launched sea mines. In response, the US military launched strikes against Iranian facilities on Larak Island.

Despite ongoing military friction, Tehran announced an agreement with Oman to establish a safe navigation route through the waterway.

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

Slovakia's government, led by Prime Minister Robert Fico, has resumed legislative work following an extended summer recess, confronting severe fiscal and political pressures.

Fico rejected statutory debt brake rules requiring a balanced budget, calling such enforcement unrealistic and damaging to public services as officials face a required two-billion-euro consolidation effort. Meanwhile, a cabinet-approved constitutional proposal permitting referendums to trigger early parliamentary elections lacks the necessary coalition votes to pass.

In energy and security policy, plans for a fully state-owned nuclear facility remain stalled due to valuation disputes regarding Czech utility ČEZ's stake. Additionally, Fico dismissed opposition demands for Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok's resignation over the inclusion of Russian components in traffic monitoring cameras.

Sources: Seznam Zprávy, Respekt, Denník N, iROZHLAS, Hospodářské noviny

Russian authorities are escalating domestic political control ahead of upcoming September parliamentary elections, banning the anti-war Yabloko party and sentencing politician Lev Shlosberg to 11 years in prison. The crackdown coincides with Russia's traditional late-summer "Black August" period, historically associated with political and economic volatility.

Despite official Kremlin denials, public anxiety regarding a potential post-election military conscription drive has prompted some citizens to liquidate assets and leave the country. High casualties in Ukraine continue to strain military recruitment efforts. Concurrently, analysts highlight growing long-term stability risks due to the absence of a succession plan for 73-year-old President Vladimir Putin.

Internationally, Western intelligence agencies warn that Moscow may attempt to test NATO unity through cyber warfare, hybrid actions, or minor territorial incursions in the coming years.

Sources: Avaz, Danas, Index, Klix, Vijesti

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić announced plans to secure two major investors for the city of Kraljevo over the coming year, with the aim of creating approximately 1,000 new jobs for local residents. Speaking during a visit to the municipality, Vučić emphasized the importance of attracting large commercial enterprises to bolster the regional economy.

Separately, the National Assembly of Serbia concluded its legislative business for the evening in Belgrade. Parliamentary proceedings were adjourned at the end of the day, with lawmakers set to reconvene the following morning at 10:00 to continue the scheduled session.

Sources: Tanjug

Russian state agencies are expanding digital oversight through technological tools and administrative measures. The Ministry of Digital Development has targeted virtual private network (VPN) services attempting to bypass blocks via whitelisted website infrastructure, aiming to curb routine VPN usage. Concurrently, a draft order from the Ministry of Defense seeks to grant military recruitment offices access to personal financial, income, and passport records.

In law enforcement, the Investigative Committee is employing artificial intelligence software to process biometric data and video footage to identify suspects. Separately, documents revealed cryptocurrency exchange Binance provided Russian investigators with client transaction records that were subsequently used in prosecution cases related to Ukrainian donations. Internationally, AI deployment in workforce management made headlines as Anthropic's Claude model reportedly terminated an employee during a management experiment in San Francisco.

Sources: Mediazona, NEXTA, Point, The Insider, Verstka.