Sep 3, 2026, 12:00 AM UTC

Poland celebrated Armed Forces Day with major public displays in Warsaw and Gdynia, commemorating the 1920 Battle of Warsaw.

Speaking at naval celebrations in Gdynia, Prime Minister Donald Tusk outlined key priorities for Polish security, citing secure borders, strong alliances, defense investments, and economic growth as vital foundations. Tusk emphasized deterrence, stating that "war will only be avoided by those who are strong, well-prepared, independent, and sovereign."

The nationwide events featured troop parades, aerial flypasts, and Baltic naval formations. Military leadership declared forces fully prepared following final rehearsals in Warsaw. Tusk also inspected construction of the frigate Wicher at the PGZ Naval Shipyard, highlighting long-term efforts under the Miecznik naval modernization program to enhance Baltic capabilities.

Sources: Defence24, Money, Portal obronny, Rzeczpospolita, TVP info

US officials have strongly dismissed media reports claiming American ammunition reserves dropped to dangerously low levels during recent military operations against Iran. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth rejected claims originating from CNN that stockpiles were critically depleted, while President Donald Trump stated on social media that the military retains "huge amounts of 'ammunition', especially certain types." Trump further threatened leakers and reporters sharing claims of weapon scarcity with lengthy prison sentences.

Meanwhile, diplomatic messaging remains contradictory. Trump told reporters at the White House that Washington has resumed negotiations with Tehran, characterizing the discussions as Iran's final opportunity to reach a deal. However, Iranian representatives previously insisted that no bilateral discussions were currently occurring or scheduled.

Sources: Die Zeit, FAZ, ORF, Tagesschau

Record-breaking summer heat continues to affect Southern and Central Europe, driving up health warnings and mortality figures. In Italy, authorities extended top-level red heat alerts across all 27 monitored major cities, including Messina and Reggio Calabria, as temperatures up to 40 degrees Celsius are expected to last another week. Health officials urged residents to remain indoors between 11:00 and 18:00.

Austria registered its highest temperature on record at 40.8 degrees Celsius near Vienna, while French authorities reported over 7,300 excess deaths between May and July following 52 days of heatwave conditions. Meteorological services warn that extreme temperatures, extended drought, and heightened wildfire risks are set to persist across Western and Southern Europe.

Sources: Aftenposten, Berlingske, DR, TV 2 Nyheter, VG (Verdens Gang)

Direct military conflict between the United States and Iran has resumed across the Middle East after several weeks of calm. American forces conducted strikes on Iranian positions near the Strait of Hormuz, targeting Qeshm and Larak islands alongside sites in Bandar Abbas and Sirik. US Central Command stated the operation targeted threats against merchant shipping and American personnel. Reports indicate at least 11 people were killed, including four at a wedding venue.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps retaliated by firing missiles at Jordanian airbases; Jordan reported intercepting eight projectiles, contradicting Iranian claims of heavy damage. Tehran also reported two commercial ships caught fire from naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz, while US President Donald Trump stated American forces retain control of the corridor. Trump promised further severe strikes, whereas Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian appealed for diplomatic dialogue.

Sources: 8 Sidor, Dagens Industri, Dagens Nyheter, Svenska Dagbladet, Sydsvenskan.

Six months after Iranian restrictions disrupted the Strait of Hormuz, daily maritime transits remain depressed at around 15, down from 95 prior to the conflict. Tehran reiterated that the strategic waterway will stay closed until Washington meets its demands, including lifting port blockades, suspending oil sanctions, unfreezing Iranian assets, and ending military operations.

Military friction in the region has escalated as US forces conducted night-time oil escorts, leading Iranian forces to deploy rocket-launched sea mines. US forces subsequently struck Iranian installations on Larak Island. Despite the military clashes, Iranian officials announced an agreement with Oman to establish a safe navigation route through the strait following weeks of negotiations.

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