Sep 13, 2026, 12:00 PM UTC

The conflict in the Strait of Hormuz escalated after the United States conducted a large-scale operation using air, sea, and space assets to escort millions of barrels of crude oil through the corridor. American forces struck targets on Iran's Larak Island during the maneuver to secure safe passage. In response, Iranian forces deployed naval mines via rockets to disrupt maritime traffic.

Tehran declared that the strategic waterway will remain closed until Washington agrees to a memorandum requiring an end to military operations and threats, the lifting of petroleum sanctions, the unfreezing of Iranian assets, and the termination of port blockades.

Commercial shipping through the strait remains drastically reduced from pre-conflict levels six months ago, when around 20 million barrels of crude oil passed through daily.

Sources: Expresso, Expresso das Ilhas, RTP (Rádio e Televisão de Portugal)

Tensions between Russia and Northern European nations are intensifying as Scandinavian governments face rhetorical attacks and alleged hybrid warfare from Moscow. Russian President Vladimir Putin recently accused Norway of "statsterrorisme" following a NATO military exercise and the impounding of a Russian vessel. At the same time, regional authorities report heightened covert Russian operations, including drone activity in Germany and thwarted sabotage attempts against Danish defense infrastructure.

The escalating friction has sparked debate over the appropriate response. Some security analysts argue that Western hesitation conveys "svakhet og en feighet" to Moscow, risking further escalation. Conversely, other experts advise European officials to remain calm while strengthening critical infrastructure against gray-zone tactics.

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

Tensions near the Strait of Hormuz escalated after US Central Command destroyed five Iranian Revolutionary Guard vessels near Larak Island, claiming the action prevented mine-laying operations in the strategic waterway.

Tehran dismissed the US account, calling claims of mine-laying "pure fantasy" and denying any connection between the clashes and naval mines. Iranian forces subsequently launched 20 missiles targeting American bases in Jordan. Iranian state media also claimed strikes against six maritime vessels, including three oil tankers and a US aircraft carrier.

US President Donald Trump asserted that the strait remains open and that Iranian forces face severe operational difficulties. However, American intelligence agencies warned that the Revolutionary Guard feels emboldened and could further escalate the regional conflict.

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

Russian forces launched widespread overnight missile and drone strikes targeting Kyiv, Odesa, and Chernihiv, leaving at least 13 dead and 40 injured, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The assault followed a strike on a Kryvyi Rih shopping center that killed 15 people and wounded over 130, drawing condemnation from European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.

In response to ongoing hostilities, Ukrainian forces conducted a strike against a major Lukoil oil refinery inside Russia. Meanwhile, Moscow stated that efforts regarding a potential prisoner exchange remain underway.

Diplomatically, the United Kingdom and France approved local production of Scalp cruise missiles in Ukraine, prompting retaliatory warnings from the Kremlin. Concurrently, Italian officials reiterated that Italy will not send troops or join planned October multinational military maneuvers for Ukraine.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.

Ukrainian drone operations and Russian air strikes have intensified, causing casualties and targeting major commercial infrastructure. In Russia, Ukrainian drones damaged logistics hubs belonging to e-commerce retailer Ozon, including a site in Dagestan, contributing to a nearly 30 percent decline in Ozon shares. Fires were also reported at a Wildberries facility in Leningrad Oblast. Furthermore, regional authorities reported civilian casualties from drone impacts, including five deaths in Moscow Oblast and seven fatalities after a drone hit a beach in Krasnodar Krai.

Concurrently, a Russian night attack on Kyiv killed nine people and injured 33. On the ground, Russian forces achieved tactical progress near Artelne in Kharkiv Oblast, while Ukrainian units continued advancing toward Velyka Novosilka. In addition, Belarus announced the establishment of a new air assault brigade near its southern border with Ukraine.

Sources: Mediazona, Point, Радіо Свобода, The Guardian, The Insider