Sep 15, 2026, 12:30 AM UTC

Military confrontations between the United States and Iran have re-escalated near the Strait of Hormuz despite a previous 14-point memorandum of understanding. According to US Central Command, American forces launched strikes against Iranian Revolutionary Guard vessels near Larak Island following attempted attacks on US Navy ships.

In response, Tehran fired 20 missiles at American military bases in Jordan and claimed to have struck six maritime vessels, including three tankers and an aircraft carrier. Iranian authorities confirmed a fire aboard one hit tanker was extinguished.

US President Donald Trump stated that the strategic shipping lane remains operational and described Iranian forces as struggling. However, American intelligence officials cautioned that the Revolutionary Guard may feel emboldened, raising concerns over potential further regional escalation.

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

Recent military actions in the Strait of Hormuz have intensified tensions between the United States and Iran. Following a major overnight operation where US forces utilized naval, air, and space assets to target Iranian positions on Larak Island and escort millions of barrels of crude oil through the waterway, Tehran responded by deploying rocket-launched naval mines.

Iranian authorities declared that the strategic passage "will not be opened" unless Washington fulfills specific conditions set out in a memorandum. These demands include lifting oil sanctions, unfreezing Iranian assets, terminating port blockades, and ending all military operations against Iran. Before hostilities escalated six months ago, approximately 20 million barrels of crude oil passed through the strait daily.

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

European security agencies have intensified warnings over Russian hybrid warfare following new intelligence and incidents across the continent. German investigators identified two suspects linked to Moscow—a Russian national with Latvian documentation and a Belarusian holding Russian papers—in connection with an explosive drone discovered at Leipzig airport. Separately, Danish intelligence officials warned that Russian operatives may be preparing sabotage operations against domestic industrial facilities.

The elevated warnings coincide with escalating military action in Ukraine. Russian forces launched drone strikes against Kyiv for a third consecutive night, while Moscow pledged to execute large-scale attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. The Russian Ministry of Defense stated the planned strikes are in retaliation for Ukrainian drone raids targeting Russian oil refineries.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.

Recent reports highlight ongoing political, social, and migration developments across Portugal and Western Africa. A study by the Francisco Manuel dos Santos Foundation revealed that women have accounted for just 15 percent of Portuguese cabinet ministers over the past 50 years, facing higher technical demands than male peers to secure executive office.

Domestic safety statistics indicate over 14,000 reported domestic violence cases in Portugal, averaging 82 incidents daily. In humanitarian developments, eight Afghan women marked one year of living in Portugal after escaping Taliban restrictions on education and public life.

Meanwhile, data from the International Organization for Migration shows a 78 percent decline in irregular arrivals along the West African Atlantic route between January and April, driven by strengthened border management between Senegal and Mauritania.

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

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally rejected a 15-point peace framework for Gaza supported by US President Donald Trump, stating that Israeli troops will not retreat until Hamas is completely disarmed. Addressing his cabinet, Netanyahu confirmed that "Israel rejects the 15-point document" and stressed that military forces would continue addressing security threats.

The announcement underlines an increasing rift between Washington and Jerusalem, following Trump’s recent endorsement of a proposal that Hamas had accepted in late July. Although Israel's military has curbed offensive actions in response to American pressure, Netanyahu is balancing demands from coalition partners opposing concessions against international diplomatic efforts as October elections approach.

Sources: Cyprus Mail, France24, STV News, The Guardian, The Herald.