Sep 5, 2026, 03:30 AM UTC

The United States Military Central Command launched airstrikes against two Iranian missile launchers on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first US strikes on Iranian territory in a month. Iranian state media confirmed that six naval personnel died during recent American military operations.

Despite renewed hostilities, regional diplomatic discussions persist. Qatari officials reported ongoing efforts to broker a bilateral agreement between Washington and Tehran. Simultaneously, Iran and Oman agreed in principle to establish a new navigation corridor through the Strait of Hormuz, provided external parties do not interfere. However, prospects for a rapid diplomatic breakthrough have been complicated by US President Donald Trump's demand for financial compensation from Tehran over past hostile acts.

Sources: Le Figaro, Le Monde, Le Soir, Libération, RTBF Info

France's Constitutional Council has validated the nation's landmark end-of-life legislation while rejecting a proposed ban on social media for children under 15.

In decisions issued on Friday, the high court ruled that parliament acted within its constitutional authority regarding assisted dying, subject to three interpretation reserves. These include a conscience clause permitting private and religious healthcare facilities to opt out of performing end-of-life procedures. President Emmanuel Macron praised the ruling, stating it completed an "exemplary democratic debate."

Conversely, the council struck down the primary provision of a flagship initiative intended to block minors under 15 from social media platforms, deeming a general prohibition a disproportionate restriction on personal freedoms. The court also upheld an emergency agricultural bill in the same ruling.

Sources: La Tribune, Le Figaro, Le Monde, Libération, Politico Europe (Defense)

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni marked 1,413 consecutive days in office, officially making her cabinet the longest-running continuous government in modern Italian history. Surpassing the previous record held by former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's second administration, Meloni addressed supporters in Bari, asserting that executive stability is "not a record to show off" but an essential condition for long-term governance.

Italian media outlets presented contrasting evaluations of the milestone. Financial commentators highlighted improved economic credibility stemming from political predictability, whereas critical observers noted that Meloni’s speech omitted new policy commitments for the remainder of her term. Despite differing assessments, her coalition partners signaled unity as the administration prepares to complete its full mandate through 2027.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero, Il Sole 24 Ore, La Repubblica.

Search and rescue operations are ongoing along the Himalayan border between Nepal and China's Tibet region following a catastrophic glacial collapse that triggered severe flash floods.

Casualty figures remain fluid across reports as conditions unfold. Nepali authorities recently confirmed that the domestic death toll has climbed to 469, while Chinese officials have recorded at least three fatalities in Tibet. Between 1,000 and 1,500 people remain missing, including hundreds of foreign nationals from countries such as the United Kingdom, India, Australia, and the United States.

The floodwaters destroyed key infrastructure, including bridges, power projects, roads, and entire villages. Emergency workers face severe obstacles from adverse weather and risks of further landslides while searching remote regions.

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

Extreme weather continues to grip Europe as the continent faces its fourth major heatwave of the summer, triggering health warnings and breaking temperature records.

In Italy, health authorities extended red weather alerts to all 27 major cities, adding Messina and Reggio Calabria. Officials advised the public to avoid outdoor activities between 11:00 and 18:00 following at least four reported heat-related deaths.

Temperatures reached historic highs elsewhere on the continent. Austria set a national record of 40.8 degrees Celsius in a suburb of Vienna. Meanwhile, French health authorities reported over 7,300 excess deaths across 52 heatwave days recorded between May and July. Meteorological agencies warn that temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius will persist across France and the United Kingdom, compounding wildfire hazards and severe drought across the region.

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