Sep 11, 2026, 10:00 PM UTC

Tensions between the United States and Iran have intensified near the Strait of Hormuz following American air strikes against Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps targets near Larak Island. US Central Command stated it sank five Iranian vessels to disrupt naval mine-laying operations. However, an Iranian military source rejected Washington's rationale, calling claims of mine-laying "pura fantasia".

In response, Tehran fired 20 missiles targeting American military bases in Jordan and claimed to have struck six maritime vessels, including three oil tankers and an aircraft carrier. US President Donald Trump stated that the Strait of Hormuz remains open and that Tehran faces severe difficulties, while American intelligence reports warned that Revolutionary Guard forces could further escalate the conflict.

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

US forces struck missile positions on Iran's Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first American attack on Iranian soil in a month. Iranian state media confirmed six naval personnel died in the strikes.

Concurrently, diplomatic negotiations continue. Qatari officials reported ongoing talks to secure a bilateral agreement between Washington and Tehran. Meanwhile, Iranian authorities announced a preliminary accord with Oman establishing a new maritime transit path through the Strait of Hormuz, provided external actors do not intervene.

Prospects for a rapid breakthrough remain uncertain after US President Donald Trump declared that Washington will seek financial compensation from Tehran for past casualties, complicating diplomatic momentum.

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

France’s Constitutional Council has approved groundbreaking legislation establishing a legal right to assisted dying, paving the way for its official promulgation. In its ruling, the court attached three interpretative reserves, including a conscience clause that allows private and religious healthcare facilities to decline involvement in end-of-life procedures. The court noted it would not substitute its judgment for parliament's on major social reforms.

Concurrently, the Council struck down the core provision of a digital regulation bill seeking to ban children under 15 from social media, determining that a general prohibition excessively restricts personal freedoms. President Emmanuel Macron praised the validation of the end-of-life reform, stating it "parachève un débat démocratique exemplaire".

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

Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has urged the nation's parliament to begin drafting legislation for future national elections following the conclusion of martial law. Fedorov, who was dismissed from President Volodymyr Zelensky's cabinet in July, emphasized that early legal preparations are crucial to facilitate a seamless democratic transition once active hostilities end.

Under current Ukrainian law, elections are prohibited while martial law remains active. President Zelensky has maintained that conducting elections during ongoing conflict is impractical due to security risks, military mobilization, and civilian displacement. However, Fedorov's push highlights an accelerating internal conversation regarding post-war political governance and democratic continuity.

Sources: Le Monde

Former Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti and MEP Roberto Vannacci engaged in a sharp debate regarding European integration at the Ambrosetti Forum in Cernobbio. Vannacci, leader of Futuro Nazionale, argued against increasing defense spending and criticized current Green Deal policies, maintaining that Russia poses no military threat to continental Europe.

Monti strongly rejected his assertions, claiming Vannacci’s rhetoric reflected a revival of fascist ideology. Vannacci dismissed the accusation as "ridiculous," insisting his goal is simply to reform European governance. Forum attendees overwhelmingly supported Monti and challenged Vannacci over his prior forecasts concerning the war in Ukraine. The conference also featured remarks from European Council President António Costa on EU expansion and an appearance by Rassemblement National leader Jordan Bardella.

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