Sep 6, 2026, 10:00 PM UTC

United States military forces have launched air strikes against two missile launchers on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz, marking Washington's first direct attack on Iranian territory in a month. Iranian state media confirmed that six naval personnel were killed in recent operations.

Despite renewed military action, diplomatic talks continue on multiple fronts. Qatari mediators indicated that discussions regarding a potential bilateral agreement between Washington and Tehran are underway. Meanwhile, Iranian officials announced a preliminary arrangement with Oman concerning navigation routes through the Strait of Hormuz, provided outside powers do not intervene.

However, prospects for a swift resolution remain uncertain following statements from US President Donald Trump, who announced intentions to seek financial reparations from Iran for past hostile acts.

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

Severe heatwaves continue to sweep across Europe, prompting high-level health warnings, historical temperature records, and thousands of excess deaths. In Italy, the health ministry issued red alerts for 27 major cities as the country faces its fourth heatwave of the year, with temperatures approaching 40 degrees Celsius expected to persist into next week.

In Austria, a national heat record was set after temperatures reached 40.8 degrees Celsius near Vienna. Meanwhile, French health authorities reported more than 7,300 excess deaths linked to persistent heatwaves since May, with extreme conditions lasting over 50 days since mid-June. Forecasters warn that upcoming high temperatures across France and the United Kingdom will further intensify ongoing drought conditions and elevate wildfire risks.

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

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's administration has officially become the longest-serving continuous government in Italy's post-war republican history, reaching 1,413 days in office and surpassing the previous record set by Silvio Berlusconi's second cabinet.

Marking the milestone during an address in Bari, Meloni told supporters that "stability is the first major reform" and expressed her intention to seek a second term in 2027. While she outlined her executive's economic record, she introduced no major new policy initiatives for the final stretch of her current mandate.

Italian media offered contrasting evaluations of the achievement. Business-focused commentators underlined gains in fiscal discipline and international standing, while critical analyses highlighted policy gaps and noted that the coalition's longevity was aided by a divided political opposition.

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

French political leaders on the left have launched their candidacies for the 2027 presidential election as the political season opens. Following declarations by Place Publique founder Raphaël Glucksmann and Socialist Party First Secretary Olivier Faure, French Communist Party national secretary Fabien Roussel officially confirmed his bid on Sunday.

Roussel announced his candidacy on television after 72% of party members voted in favor of his nomination. Meanwhile, Faure confirmed he will participate in a joint primary organized alongside Place Publique. Glucksmann described Faure's declaration as a helpful "clarification" for social-democratic voters, while Roussel enters the presidential race for a second time following his 2022 campaign. The early announcements reflect strategic positioning across a divided left-wing political landscape.

Sources: La Tribune, Le Figaro, Le Monde, Libération, Le Soir.

The German government has formally accused Russia of conducting hybrid warfare on its territory following an investigation into explosive drone incidents at Leipzig airport on 4 August. German authorities stated they possess evidence linking Moscow to sabotage attempts targeting a DHL transport plane and a Ukrainian cargo aircraft carrying military supplies.

In response, the German government announced retaliatory measures, including ordering the closure of the Russian Consulate General in Bonn by 18 September, ending the lease for the Russian House in Berlin, and increasing pressure on Russia's shadow fleet.

NATO and European Union officials pledged a firm response to the incidents. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed "piena solidarietà" with Berlin, emphasizing that threats against an ally affect the entire bloc.

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