Sep 20, 2026, 01:00 PM UTC

Military engagements between United States forces and Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps have renewed concerns over security around the Strait of Hormuz. According to US Central Command, American forces destroyed five Iranian vessels after neutralizing an attempted assault on Navy ships. In response, Iranian state media reported that Tehran fired 20 missiles targeting American positions in Jordan and claimed strikes on six vessels, including three oil tankers and a US aircraft carrier.

US President Donald Trump insisted the maritime passage remains open, maintaining that Tehran is in "great difficulties." However, American intelligence assessments suggest Iranian military leaders may feel emboldened, raising concerns about potential further escalation. Emergency responders have since extinguished a fire aboard a damaged oil tanker in the area.

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

Russian forces launched nearly 60 attacks across five districts in Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region over a 24-hour period, leaving at least five people dead and 16 others injured, according to local emergency services.

The bombardments caused severe casualties and physical destruction across multiple communities. Local officials reported three fatalities and five injuries in Kamianske district, while strikes on Pavlohrad resulted in two deaths and seven casualties. Additional injuries and fires were reported in Nikopol district, where emergency crews worked to extinguish blazes and provide emergency assistance. Regional authorities continue to monitor the situation and clear damaged infrastructure.

Sources: Ziarul de Gardă.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally rejected a 15-point Gaza peace plan endorsed by US President Donald Trump, insisting Israeli forces "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed".

In televised remarks to his cabinet, Netanyahu stated that Israel rejects the proposal, which Hamas had accepted in late July. The decision highlights an increasing political rift between Washington and Jerusalem, occurring as Netanyahu faces domestic political pressure ahead of Israel's national election scheduled for 27 October. Despite the diplomatic friction, Israeli military strikes in Gaza have reportedly slowed under pressure from the White House.

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

Former Slovenian national team captain Aleš Čeh and forward Jan Mlakar have shared insights into their sports careers and the landscape of domestic football.

Čeh, who captained Slovenia during its prominent period under manager Srečko Katanec, discussed his transition into coaching. He spent over a decade assisting Katanec, including seven years coaching in Asia. Despite his personal affection for Olimpija Ljubljana and Austria's Grazer AK, Čeh expressed enduring respect for Maribor.

Separately, 27-year-old Ljubljana native Mlakar addressed returning to Maribor for a third tenure. Mlakar expressed confidence in leadership figures Zlatko Zahović and Darko Milanič while noting the unpredictable nature of derby matches against Olimpija, emphasizing that team form offers little guarantee in high-stakes rivalries.

Sources: Delo, Siol.net