Sep 12, 2026, 04:00 AM UTC

Tensions near the Strait of Hormuz remain elevated following recent military exchanges between American and Iranian forces. United States Central Command stated it sank five Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps vessels near Larak Island to stop alleged mine-laying operations. Iranian military sources rejected the American explanation, describing assertions regarding mine-laying as "pura fantasia".

In response, Tehran launched 20 missiles targeting American military bases in Jordan and claimed its forces struck six maritime vessels, including an aircraft carrier and three oil tankers. A fire aboard one affected vessel was subsequently extinguished. While US President Donald Trump maintained that the Strait of Hormuz remains open and stated Tehran faces severe difficulties, American intelligence assessments warned that Iranian forces could further escalate the conflict.

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

The United States military has launched strikes on Iranian missile launchers on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first American attack on Iranian territory in a month. Iranian state media confirmed that six naval personnel were killed during the operation.

Despite the military escalation, diplomatic negotiations continue. Qatari officials reported ongoing talks aimed at facilitating a bilateral agreement between Washington and Tehran. Additionally, Iranian officials stated they reached a preliminary accord with Oman on a new transit route through the Strait of Hormuz, contingent on third parties not interfering.

However, diplomatic momentum faces obstacles following statements by US President Donald Trump, who announced plans to demand financial compensation from Tehran for past casualties linked to Iranian actions.

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

Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has called on parliament to draft legislation establishing a framework for national elections once martial law is lifted. Fedorov, who was removed from President Volodymyr Zelensky’s cabinet in July, argued that legal groundwork must be laid immediately to ensure a smooth democratic transition following the end of hostilities.

Under Ukrainian law, elections are prohibited during martial law, which remains active due to the ongoing conflict. President Zelensky has maintained that holding votes during active warfare is unfeasible given security risks, displacement, and mobilization needs. However, Fedorov’s proposal highlights growing internal discussions regarding Ukraine’s post-war governance.

Sources: Le Monde

Italian Justice Minister Carlo Nordio has ordered an inspection of a court in Turin following widespread political outrage over the release of a suspect in a sexual assault case. A preliminary investigative judge granted conditional release to a 42-year-old man who confessed to abusing a 13-year-old girl, citing his expressed remorse. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and lawmakers across the political spectrum sharply condemned the ruling.

The case has reignited national debates on safety and judicial decisions. However, statistical analysis indicates that serious crime rates in major Italian cities continue to decline, remaining lower than in many comparable Western metropolises. Additionally, recent data shows consumer utility scams fell by nearly 27% over three years.

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

Former presidential candidate Ségolène Royal announced she has obtained the required sponsorships to participate in the social-democratic primary for France's 2027 presidential election. Royal stated that she has "gardé beaucoup d'amitiés au sein du PS" as she prepares to face six other declared candidates in the October vote.

Meanwhile, procedural tensions have emerged among contenders concerning the primary's organization. Candidates are currently divided over the campaign structure, specifically regarding the number of televised debates to hold prior to the first round on October 10. Socialist Party First Secretary Olivier Faure and fellow candidates Philippe Brun and Jérôme Guedj have called for three televised debates to outline their respective platforms to voters.

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