Sep 10, 2026, 01:00 AM UTC

Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have escalated following a major US military operation that escorted millions of barrels of crude oil through the waterway while striking Iranian positions on Larak Island. The operation involved US air, naval, and space assets in the largest petroleum transit through the passage since hostilities began.

In response, Iranian forces deployed rocket-launched naval mines to maintain their maritime blockade. Tehran reiterated that the strait will remain closed until Washington meets specific conditions, including lifting oil sanctions, unblocking Iranian ports, unfreezing Tehran's foreign assets, and halting military operations across all fronts. Prior to the conflict, approximately 20 million barrels of crude oil passed through the strategic choke point daily.

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

US President Donald Trump has stated that no direct negotiations are currently scheduled between Washington and Tehran, as regional tensions persist following a reported vessel strike in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump reiterated his stance that Iran must not acquire nuclear capabilities, warning of potential military responses if maritime transit through the strategic waterway is disrupted. In response, Iranian officials warned of military action should diplomatic channels fail entirely.

Meanwhile, efforts to resolve the conflict in Gaza remain stalled despite Hamas announcing its acceptance of the second phase of a US-backed peace proposal. Israeli officials continue to insist on the complete disarmament of Hamas as an essential precondition for any troop withdrawal from the enclave.

Sources: CDM (Cafe del Montenegro)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić announced plans to secure two major corporate investors for Kraljevo over the next year, aiming to create roughly 1,000 local jobs. Speaking during a visit to the central Serbian city, Vučić emphasized that bringing large-scale operations to the region remains essential for long-term economic development.

Meanwhile, in Belgrade, the Serbian National Assembly concluded its daily legislative proceedings on Monday afternoon. Lawmakers wrapped up scheduled debates on agenda items before adjourning for the evening, with parliamentary discussions set to resume on Tuesday at 10:00.

Sources: Tanjug

Portuguese authorities are expanding capacity at the national temporary migrant installation center in Porto to 171 spaces by September, though officials acknowledge this falls short of the initial 300-bed target. The infrastructure adjustments come as arrivals along the West African Atlantic route dropped 78 percent in early 2026, driven by enhanced maritime enforcement between Senegal and Mauritania.

In domestic developments, Portuguese law enforcement recorded over 14,000 domestic violence complaints, representing an average of approximately 82 daily cases. Meanwhile, a group of eight Afghan women completed their first year of refuge in Portugal after fleeing Taliban restrictions on female education and employment.

Sources: Diário de Notícias (DN), Expresso, Expresso das Ilhas, RTP (Rádio e Televisão de Portugal)

Ukraine is expanding its domestic arms production to address air defense shortages and long-range strike needs amid escalating Russian ballistic missile attacks. President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that securing U.S. licenses to produce Patriot systems locally will take between one and several years due to regulatory hurdles.

To counter near-term vulnerabilities, Ukrainian forces are acquiring the "Equalizer," a locally developed guidance and wing kit created by DG Industry with the Brave1 accelerator. The module converts unguided bombs into precision long-range munitions compatible with both Soviet-era and Western combat aircraft. Simultaneously, Ukrainian firms are pursuing native ballistic missile projects, though technical obstacles remain before mass manufacturing can start.

Sources: NEXTA, NV, Point, The Insider, Українська правда