Sep 17, 2026, 06:00 AM UTC

US President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have forcefully rejected media reports alleging that American military ammunition stockpiles are dangerously depleted following military actions against Iran. Trump asserted on Truth Social that the United States possesses "huge amounts of 'ammunition'" and threatened long prison sentences for individuals leaking details to journalists.

However, a newly released Pentagon inspector general report delivered to the US Congress contradicts these statements, acknowledging "strategic inventory bottlenecks and supply constraints" resulting from the conflict. While administration officials maintain that domestic production remains robust, the internal audit highlights growing structural pressures on weapon reserves.

Sources: Die Zeit, FAZ, ORF, Tagesschau.

Cross-border strikes and frontline clashes have intensified between Ukrainian and Russian forces. Ukrainian drone raids targeted logistics infrastructure, causing fires at major Wildberries and Ozon facilities near St. Petersburg and in Makhachkala, Dagestan, which contributed to a sharp decline in Ozon's share price.

Russian authorities reported civilian casualties following drone impacts in several locations. Strikes in Moscow Oblast resulted in five deaths and ten injuries, while seven people were killed and dozens injured after a drone hit a beach near Gelendzhik in Krasnodar Krai. Meanwhile, Russian attacks on Kyiv killed nine people and injured over 30 others.

On the front lines, Russian forces made tactical gains near Artelne in Kharkiv Oblast, while Ukrainian units advanced near Velyka Novosilka. Additionally, Belarus announced the creation of a new air assault brigade along its southern border.

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

The United States military executed airstrikes targeting Iranian missile launchers on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz, marking Washington's first direct bombardment on Iranian territory in a month. Iranian state media confirmed that six naval personnel died during recent American strikes.

Despite military escalations, diplomatic channels remain active. Qatari officials confirmed ongoing discussions to broker a bilateral agreement, while Tehran reported reaching a tentative deal with Oman regarding a new shipping lane through the strategic strait, conditional on no external interference.

However, diplomatic progress faces severe friction. US President Donald Trump announced plans to demand financial compensation from Iran for historical casualties linked to Iranian actions, further complicating prospects for a swift resolution.

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

United States President Donald Trump has cautioned that additional military strikes against Iran remain an option following recent targeted attacks on military locations in Bandar Abbas and Sirik. Trump claimed that Tehran is actively seeking a diplomatic agreement with Washington to prevent further escalation.

In response, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that while his nation does not desire an expanded conflict, it will "decisively respond to aggressors." Meanwhile, Iranian naval leadership dismissed assertions of major operational damage, maintaining that military forces along the southern coast remain fully functional. The exchange marks the first direct military engagement between the two countries in a month, heightening regional tensions as both sides balance military threats with rhetoric regarding potential negotiations.

Sources: CDM (Cafe del Montenegro).

Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has called on the country's parliament to begin drafting legislative measures to enable future post-war elections. Fedorov, who was dismissed by President Volodymyr Zelensky in July, argued that early legal preparations are necessary to ensure a structured transition once martial law is eventually suspended.

National elections remain legally prohibited in Ukraine while martial law is active. President Zelensky has consistently maintained that holding votes during ongoing hostilities poses severe security risks, logistical challenges, and displacement issues for voters. Despite these official constraints, Fedorov’s proposal reflects an intensifying internal debate regarding Ukraine's post-conflict political governance and democratic roadmap.

Sources: Le Monde