Sep 10, 2026, 03:30 AM UTC

The United States is preparing to detail a new wave of economic sanctions targeting Iran and its foreign trading partners. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that Washington intends to eliminate all financial avenues supporting the Iranian government, warning that any entities facilitating transactions for Tehran will be excluded from the global US dollar system.

Bessent stated that intensifying economic pressure could diminish the necessity for future large-scale military actions in the region. Following warnings from US President Donald Trump of an imminent "economic D-day," Iran's currency, the rial, dropped to a record low of nearly two million per US dollar on unregulated markets. Bessent also called on international allies to support the campaign, framing the decision as a stark choice for foreign governments regarding their economic alignment with Washington.

Sources: BBC News, Bloomberg, Cyprus Mail, Sweden Herald, The Guardian

Debate over Serbia's 2026 state budget rebalance continued in parliament as Prime Minister Đuro Macut formally proposed dissolving the legislature to trigger snap elections.

During parliamentary sessions, ruling coalition lawmakers defended the proposed budget revision, asserting that higher state revenues will fund enhanced social welfare programs and public infrastructure. In contrast, opposition members criticized the expanded spending, arguing it relies heavily on increased public debt ahead of elections. Opposition MP Radomir Lazović submitted amendments seeking to redirect funding from the planned National Stadium toward student welfare, flood protection, and regional infrastructure.

Meanwhile, the Serbian cabinet approved Macut's motion to dissolve the assembly and sent the proposal to President Aleksandar Vučić, who now has 72 hours to formally dissolve parliament and announce early elections.

Sources: Tanjug, Danas, N1, Beta, Vijesti

At the Ambrosetti Forum in Cernobbio, a panel on European policy turned into a heated debate between life senator Mario Monti and MEP Roberto Vannacci.

Vannacci argued for significant shifts in EU strategy regarding energy and defense, reiterating his opposition to increased military expenditure and asserting that Russia poses no threat to the continent. Monti responded by criticizing Vannacci's rhetoric, stating it reflected the "spirit of fascism." Vannacci rejected the characterization, calling the accusations "ridiculous."

The audience at Villa d'Este largely favored Monti, applauding his statements while confronting Vannacci over his prior forecasts regarding the conflict in Ukraine. The exchange took place alongside wider discussions on the future of European integration and enlargement.

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

Spanish authorities in Ceuta have relocated around 2,000 migrants into two temporary reception facilities following late July's massive border crossings. The Ministry of Migration confirmed the move aims to clear public spaces, including beaches where hundreds of individuals had been sleeping under makeshift covers.

Security along the border with Morocco was reinforced ahead of August 15 after online rumors suggested another coordinated crossing attempt. Heightened deployments of Moroccan and Spanish security forces successfully prevented new mass arrivals over the weekend.

Meanwhile, frustration among local residents remains elevated due to public disruption and political exploitation of the situation. Authorities continue working to manage the remaining migrants after roughly 72,000 crossed into the North African enclave last month.

Sources: Correctiv, Die Zeit, FAZ, ORF, Tagesschau.

Projections from the state election in Saxony-Anhalt confirm a decisive victory for Alternative for Germany (AfD), which achieved approximately 44.5 percent of the vote. The result marks a major political shift in the eastern German region, where the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) saw its support fall sharply to around 18.5 percent.

Voter turnout reached a record high of nearly 80 percent. Among other parties, Die Linke took 9.3 percent, followed by the Greens at 8.7 percent, the Social Democrats at 8.4 percent, and the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance at 5 percent.

Lead candidate Ulrich Siegmund declared that the party had "written history." However, forming a state government remains complicated as mainstream parties continue to reject coalition options with AfD, leaving future governance unresolved.

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