Sep 19, 2026, 12:00 AM UTC

Military confrontations around the Strait of Hormuz have intensified following reciprocal strikes between the United States and Iran. US Central Command reported destroying five Iranian Revolutionary Guard vessels after an attempted strike on American naval assets. Tehran retaliated by firing 20 missiles at US military positions in Jordan, while state media claimed Iranian forces struck six maritime vessels, including tankers and an aircraft carrier. Emergency teams extinguished a fire on a damaged commercial ship in the area.

Despite the ongoing hostilities, US President Donald Trump insisted the strategic passage remains open, stating Tehran is in "great difficulty." Conversely, American intelligence assessments warned that Revolutionary Guard commanders feel emboldened and could escalate the confrontation further.

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

European security services have heightened alert levels following warnings from Danish intelligence that Moscow is preparing industrial sabotage against domestic targets. The alert coincides with progress in the investigation into explosive devices discovered at Leipzig airport, where authorities identified two suspects linked to Russia. One suspect, a Belarusian national, acquired a Schengen visa issued by Italian administrative channels, though security officials confirmed he did not enter Italy.

Concurrently, Russia announced renewed strikes targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure following Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian fuel refineries. Responding to rising hybrid risks across the bloc, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated, "We will not tolerate attacks on EU soil, ready to respond."

Sources: Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.

Ukraine is expanding its domestic defense manufacturing to address critical gaps in air defense and long-range strike capabilities while awaiting U.S. licensing for Patriot missile production. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that establishing local manufacturing for Patriot systems could take between one and several years due to bureaucratic delays.

To counter persistent Russian ballistic strikes, two domestic defense companies are working on developing Ukrainian ballistic missiles. Additionally, the military is procuring the newly tested "Equalizer" precision glide bomb kit, developed by DG Industry and the Brave1 innovation cluster. The conversion kit transforms unguided munitions into long-range precision weapons compatible with Soviet-era fighters and Western aircraft like F-16s, aiming to reduce Ukraine's long-term reliance on foreign military supply chains.

Sources: NEXTA, NV, Point, The Insider, Українська правда

Cross-border military activity and infrastructure strikes have intensified between Russian and Ukrainian forces. Ukrainian drone strikes targeted Russian commercial logistics, hitting warehouses belonging to e-commerce giants Wildberries and Ozon across Leningrad Oblast, Moscow Oblast, and Dagestan. Ozon shares dropped nearly 30 percent after six facilities sustained damage.

Fatalities mounted across multiple regions. Russian bombardment of Kyiv resulted in nine deaths, while Ukrainian drone strikes in Moscow Oblast left five dead. Additionally, a drone crash on a beach in Krasnodar Krai killed seven people and injured dozens.

On the front lines, Russian forces achieved a tactical breakthrough near Artelne in Kharkiv Oblast, while Ukrainian units advanced near Velyka Novosilka. Meanwhile, Belarus announced plans to establish a new air assault brigade along its border with Ukraine.

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

The United States military launched airstrikes targeting two missile launchers on Iran's Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first direct attack on Iranian territory in a month. Iranian state media confirmed six naval servicemen were killed during the bombardment.

Despite the military action, diplomatic channels remain active. Qatari mediators reported ongoing efforts to facilitate an accord between Washington and Tehran. Meanwhile, Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaïl Baghaï stated that Tehran and Oman agreed on coordinates for a new shipping route, provided that "parties tierces ne viennent pas entraver le processus."

However, diplomatic progress faces friction after US President Donald Trump stated Washington will demand financial compensation from Iran for past casualties, complicating potential negotiations.

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