Sep 20, 2026, 06:00 AM UTC

Military confrontations between American forces and Iran have intensified near the Strait of Hormuz following a series of retaliatory strikes. US Central Command reported destroying five Iranian vessels after thwarting an attack on American warships. In response, Iranian forces launched 20 missiles targeting US military positions in Jordan. State media in Tehran also claimed Iranian forces struck six vessels, including tankers and an aircraft carrier.

US President Donald Trump asserted that the maritime corridor remains open, maintaining that Iran is experiencing "great difficulties." However, American intelligence assessments cautioned that leadership within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps may feel emboldened, potentially exacerbating the conflict.

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

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared that the European Union "will not tolerate attacks on EU soil" and remains prepared to react, amid growing concerns over Russian hybrid operations.

Her remarks follow investigations into explosive devices discovered at Germany's Leipzig airport. German authorities identified two suspects tied to Moscow: a Russian national carrying a Latvian passport and a Belarusian citizen possessing Russian documents. Italian security officials noted that although the Belarusian national secured an Italian Schengen visa, preliminary checks indicate he did not travel through Italy.

Simultaneously, Danish intelligence services warned that Moscow is preparing sabotage operations against Denmark's domestic industries. Meanwhile, the military conflict continues to escalate, with Moscow launching a fresh campaign against Ukraine's energy network following repeated Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian petroleum facilities.

Sources: Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.

The United States carried out military strikes against two missile launchers on Iran's Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first US attacks on Iranian territory in a month. Iranian state media confirmed that six naval personnel were killed in recent US operations.

Despite the military actions, diplomatic efforts persist. Qatari officials reported ongoing talks to facilitate an agreement between Washington and Tehran. Meanwhile, Iran reached an understanding with Oman on revised shipping route coordinates through the Strait of Hormuz, provided third parties do not interfere.

However, US President Donald Trump stated he intends to demand financial compensation from Iran for past deaths, complicating negotiations.

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

The United States Supreme Court has temporarily permitted construction to resume on a $400 million ballroom at the White House while legal proceedings continue.

In an emergency decision, a five-justice conservative majority lifted a lower court injunction that had halted the expansion. Chief Justice John Roberts issued a brief order granting the court time to evaluate the administration's appeal against a lawsuit filed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The preservation group argues the project causes irreversible damage to the executive mansion's historical architecture.

While the justices noted the administration has a strong likelihood of prevailing, the court emphasized that the ruling does not constitute a final judgment on the lawsuit's merits. With construction authorized to restart, the building's structural shell could be completed before lower courts reach a final verdict.

Sources: Der Standard, Die Zeit, FAZ, ORF, Tagesschau.

German authorities are investigating over 100 cases of suspected state-sponsored hybrid warfare, with recent findings pointing directly to Russia's GRU military intelligence service. Classified investigation files indicate a Russian GRU operative organized logistics for a failed August explosive drone attack near Ukrainian cargo planes at Leipzig/Halle Airport.

According to security sources, tactics across Germany include transport sabotage, unauthorized drone overflights, disinformation campaigns, and hidden weapon caches. Intelligence agencies assess that these coordinated actions aim to destabilize democratic institutions and deepen societal division.

Sources: Correctiv, Der Standard, FAZ, ORF, Tagesschau