Sep 18, 2026, 01:00 PM UTC

Military exchanges between the United States and Iran have intensified near the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command reported destroying five Revolutionary Guard vessels following an attempted assault on American naval assets. Tehran responded by launching 20 missiles aimed at US military installations in Jordan and claimed to have struck six vessels, including three oil tankers and an aircraft carrier. Emergency crews successfully contained a fire aboard a struck commercial tanker.

US President Donald Trump stated that the strategic waterway remains open and asserted that Iran is experiencing severe operational difficulties. However, American intelligence officials warned that Revolutionary Guard commanders could escalate the conflict further.

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

European security services are intensifying monitoring following Danish intelligence warnings of potential Russian sabotage against domestic industrial sites. The developments coincide with investigations into explosive devices at Leipzig airport, where authorities identified two suspects associated with Moscow, including a Belarusian national who obtained an Italian Schengen visa without entering Italy.

In response to rising hybrid threats, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared, "We will not tolerate attacks on EU soil, ready to respond." Meanwhile, the Russian Ministry of Defence announced a renewed offensive aimed at destroying Ukrainian energy infrastructure. Concurrently, Ukrainian drone strikes targeting Russian refineries have severely limited domestic fuel production, forcing Moscow to import fuel from foreign suppliers.

Sources: Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb has rejected warnings from German officials that Russia could launch a military attack on NATO territory by 2029. In an interview with German media, Stubb stated he sees "neither evidence nor facts" to support such forecasts, adding that he cannot imagine Moscow attacking the alliance. However, Stubb emphasized that NATO must remain prepared for any scenario to effectively deter potential aggression.

While Nordic and Baltic nations agree that a direct military invasion remains unlikely, security officials highlight escalating non-conventional threats across the region. Polish military analyst Col. Maciej Korowaj warned that Russian forces are actively monitoring NATO defense responses in the Baltic region to update operational plans, noting that the risk of provocations could rise in autumn. In response, regional partners continue to strengthen defense cooperation against hybrid, intelligence, and sabotage operations.

Sources: Defence24, Portal obronny, Rzeczpospolita, TVP info

Cross-border attacks and frontline fighting have escalated significantly across Ukraine and Russia. Ukrainian drone strikes targeted major Russian e-commerce facilities, igniting a Wildberries warehouse in Leningrad Oblast and hitting several Ozon logistics hubs, including a facility in Dagestan. The disruptions triggered a market decline, causing Ozon's shares to drop nearly 30 percent.

Casualties were reported across multiple Russian regions following drone incidents. In Moscow Oblast, attacks resulted in five fatalities and ten injuries, while a drone crash on a beach in Krasnodar Krai left seven people dead. Meanwhile, an overnight Russian attack on Kyiv killed nine residents and injured dozens.

On the ground, Russian forces achieved a tactical breakthrough near Artelne in Kharkiv Oblast. Concurrently, Ukrainian troops advanced toward Velyka Novosilka, as Belarus announced plans to establish a new air assault brigade along its southern border.

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

The United States has conducted its largest crude oil transport operation through the Strait of Hormuz since military hostilities began six months ago. Supported by naval, aerial, and space assets, the movement occurred alongside an American strike on Iran's Larak Island. In response, Iranian forces deployed rocket-launched sea mines across the critical maritime corridor.

Tehran reiterated that the passage "will not be opened" until Washington satisfies conditions outlined in a memorandum. Iranian demands include lifting port blockades, terminating oil sanctions, unfreezing assets, and halting military operations. Prior to the conflict, approximately 20 million barrels of crude oil passed through the waterway daily, leaving global energy flows heavily disrupted as both nations intensify military actions.

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