Sep 13, 2026, 04:00 AM UTC

United States forces conducted airstrikes on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz, killing six Iranian naval personnel in the first direct attack on Iranian territory in a month.

Despite the military escalation, diplomatic channels remain open. Qatari mediators reported ongoing talks between Washington and Tehran aimed at securing an agreement. Concurrently, Iran established updated maritime navigation coordinates with Oman for the strategic strait, conditional on no third-party interference.

However, diplomatic prospects remain uncertain after US President Donald Trump announced demands for financial compensation from Tehran regarding historical casualties, creating additional hurdles to a potential resolution.

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

Diplomatic friction between Nordic countries and Moscow continues to intensify alongside growing concerns over Russian hybrid operations across Northern Europe. Russian leadership recently labeled Norway a security threat and accused Oslo of state terrorism following NATO maneuvers and the seizure of a Russian vessel.

Simultaneously, reports of hybrid activity have emerged, including simulated sabotage against Svalbard subsea cables, drone incidents at German transport hubs, and alleged plots against Danish defense contractors. Security analysts offer differing perspectives on Western strategy. While some argue that cautious responses signal "a weakness and a cowardice" to the Kremlin, others urge European governments to maintain composure while reinforcing critical infrastructure. Meanwhile, strategic assessments suggest Moscow faces shrinking operational flexibility despite sustaining its war efforts.

Sources: Aftenposten, Berlingske, Dagens Næringsliv (DN), Finansavisen, TV 2 Nyheter

Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has urged parliament to draft a legal framework for holding national elections once the conflict with Russia ends. Fedorov, who was dismissed from his post by President Volodymyr Zelensky in July, emphasized that advance legislative preparation is essential to secure a democratic transition after martial law is lifted.

Ukrainian law prohibits elections during state-of-war conditions, and President Zelensky has repeatedly maintained that security risks and logistical barriers prevent voting while fighting continues. Nonetheless, Fedorov's statements underscore a expanding political discussion in Kyiv over the country's post-war governance roadmap.

Sources: Le Monde

The French social-democratic primary for the 2027 presidential election is taking shape, with Socialist Party First Secretary Olivier Faure and six other candidates officially entering the contest. Organised jointly by the Socialist Party and Place Publique, the vote will take place across two rounds in October.

Former presidential candidate Ségolène Royal confirmed she secured the necessary sponsorships to participate, stating she has "gardé beaucoup d'amitiés au sein du PS." Meanwhile, early campaign disputes have emerged over media exposure, with candidates including Faure, Philippe Brun, and Jérôme Guedj advocating for three televised debates prior to the first round on October 10. Outside the primary framework, Communist Party leader Fabien Roussel announced his own independent presidential bid.

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

Leaders from the BRICS bloc gathered in New Delhi for a summit marked by geopolitical uncertainty and regional conflicts. Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the summit in India for the first time in seven years, meeting host Prime Minister Narendra Modi against a backdrop of persistent border tensions between the two nations.

During the talks, member states issued a joint declaration urging "maximum restraint" regarding escalating hostilities in the Middle East. President Xi called on the group to take a more active role in promoting peace in the Gulf region, citing complex security dynamics and human loss. Analysts noted the final agreement reflected a minimum consensus among diverse members facing internal differences and shifting international relations.

Sources: DW, Der Standard, FAZ, ORF, Tagesschau.