Sep 12, 2026, 05:00 PM UTC

Military actions between the United States and Iran near the Strait of Hormuz have intensified following American airstrikes targeting Iranian Revolutionary Guard positions near Larak. United States Central Command stated it destroyed five Iranian vessels to disrupt mine-laying operations, a claim Tehran dismissed as "pura fantasia".

In response, Iranian forces launched 20 missiles at American bases in Jordan and claimed to have struck six vessels, including an aircraft carrier and three tankers. United States officials reported that a ship fire resulting from the clash was promptly extinguished.

While United States President Donald Trump asserted that the maritime passage remains open and described Iran as facing severe strain, American intelligence assessments warned that Revolutionary Guard troops could further escalate military action.

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

Ukrainian forces targeted a major Lukoil oil refinery in Russia with drone strikes, following widespread Russian aerial bombardments across several Ukrainian regions. Amid ongoing hostilities, Moscow announced that discussions regarding a potential prisoner exchange are currently underway.

International tensions escalated after Britain approved a joint French-Ukrainian initiative to locally produce Scalp cruise missiles, prompting threats from the Kremlin. Simultaneously, Italy reaffirmed its stance against sending troops to Ukraine and confirmed it will not participate in upcoming multinational military maneuvers scheduled for October.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.

German security authorities have linked a foiled August drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport directly to Russia’s GRU military intelligence agency. Classified investigative files reportedly identify a Russian operative as the primary organizer who coordinated logistics for the operation. The targeted attack involved an explosive-laden drone aimed at four Ukrainian cargo aircraft, which failed to detonate due to a malfunctioning fuse.

The attempt forms part of an escalating pattern of hybrid warfare across Germany. State and federal agencies are examining over 100 suspected cases involving unauthorized drone flights, transport sabotage, manipulated media, and disinformation. Domestic intelligence officials further suspect that foreign actors may have covertly hidden weapons within German territory to facilitate future sabotage operations aimed at undermining public security.

Sources: Correctiv, Der Standard, FAZ, ORF, Tagesschau

State elections in eastern Germany have sharpened public debate surrounding education, regional identity, and cultural policy. Teachers in eastern state schools report increasing far-right activity among students, including the display of banned symbols and songs. In response to gaps in historical knowledge, Evelyn Zupke, the federal commissioner for victims of the communist SED dictatorship, has urged mandatory school visits to East German memorial sites.

Meanwhile, identity issues dominate campaign events across the region. In Saxony-Anhalt, where the Alternative for Germany leads in polls, the party's proposal to defund "anti-German" cultural programs has raised concerns for institutions like the Bauhaus and Holocaust memorial initiatives. In Berlin, administrative challenges compound educational stresses, as nearly 400 teachers have remained on sick leave for more than a year.

Sources: Correctiv, Der Spiegel, DW, FAZ, Tagesschau

Yemen's Houthi movement launched a series of drone and missile strikes targeting cities and energy infrastructure across southwestern Saudi Arabia, injuring over 70 people and sparking fires at several oil facilities. The attacks forced a temporary suspension of operations at impacted sites, prompting Saudi authorities to vow a direct response.

Simultaneously, heavy ground combat escalated near the Yemeni port city of Mocha, where a Houthi offensive has left more than 300 people dead. Telegram claims from Houthi sources alleged strikes on airbases and airports, though full details on specific military targets were not immediately verified by Riyadh. The escalation leaves Saudi leadership evaluating whether to broaden its military involvement or accept growing rebel leverage over vital Red Sea shipping lanes.

Sources: BBC News, Bloomberg, Daily Sabah, France24, Sweden Herald.