Sep 23, 2026, 12:00 AM UTC

Military tensions near the Strait of Hormuz have escalated following direct clashes between United States forces and Iran. According to US Central Command, American military forces destroyed five Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps vessels after Iranian forces attempted to target US naval ships.

In response, Tehran launched 20 missiles aimed at US military facilities in Jordan and claimed to have hit six vessels, including three oil tankers and an aircraft carrier. Additionally, US intelligence agencies warned that Iranian forces may seek to further intensify regional hostilities.

Despite the strikes, US President Donald Trump stated that Tehran is facing "great difficulty" and confirmed that maritime traffic through the strait remains open after emergency teams extinguished a tanker fire.

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

Cross-border strikes between Russian and Ukrainian forces persisted overnight, resulting in casualties and infrastructure damage across several regions despite impending diplomatic engagements. Russian missile and drone attacks killed multiple civilians in regions including Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, while Ukrainian forces hit a Russian oil refinery alongside sites in Sochi and Belgorod.

The continued military activity coincides with statements by former US President Donald Trump indicating both sides agreed to refrain from targeting energy infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy clarified that Kyiv would halt such strikes provided Western partners guarantee Moscow also stops targeting Ukrainian energy facilities, infrastructure, and food supply routes.

The developments unfold as US envoys prepare to visit Moscow and Kyiv for peace discussions, ahead of Zelenskyy's scheduled address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York and planned talks with Trump.

Sources: Avaz, Beta, CDM, N1, Vijesti

European security officials are on high alert following warnings from Danish intelligence services regarding potential Russian sabotage targeting industrial infrastructure. The alert follows the identification of two suspects linked to Moscow in connection with incendiary devices found at Germany's Leipzig airport. German investigations revealed that one suspect, a Belarusian national holding Russian documentation, obtained an Italian Schengen visa, though Italian security sources ruled out his physical transit through Italy.

Concurrently, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that hybrid attacks on European Union territory will not be tolerated, pledging a firm response. On the front lines, the Russian Defense Ministry announced a renewed offensive specifically aimed at crippling Ukraine's power network. Ukraine has responded by stepping up long-range drone strikes against Russian oil facilities, forcing Moscow to import petroleum products to satisfy domestic needs.

Sources: Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.

Cross-border attacks between Ukraine and Russia have intensified, with Ukrainian drone strikes increasingly targeting major Russian e-commerce logistics infrastructure. Ukrainian strikes hit facilities operated by retail giants Wildberries and Ozon across multiple regions, including a hub in Makhachkala, Dagestan, and a warehouse in Leningrad Oblast. The operational disruptions caused Ozon's shares to tumble nearly 30 percent.

Meanwhile, Russian authorities reported significant civilian casualties from drone impacts. Five people were killed in Moscow Oblast, while seven died when a drone crashed onto a beach in Krasnodar Krai. Concurrently, a Russian missile strike on Kyiv left nine people dead and over thirty injured. On the battlefield, Russian troops registered a tactical advance near Artelne in Kharkiv Oblast, whereas Ukrainian forces made modest gains near Velyka Novosilka. Additionally, Belarus established a new air assault unit along its southern border.

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

Italian League leader Matteo Salvini announced an extraordinary party congress scheduled for October during the annual rally in Pontida. The unexpected announcement came at the conclusion of his speech, where Salvini stated he would convene the party's federal council to formally launch the leadership vote and confirm internal support.

The decision follows months of internal tension and declining poll ratings, with northern faction leaders pressing for a renewed focus on regional autonomy. While Salvini emphasized unity, prominent party members such as Veneto Governor Luca Zaia reiterated that the party's primary reference point must remain northern Italy. Internal critics reportedly expressed surprise at the sudden call for a leadership test, which aims to resolve internal divisions.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero, Il Sole 24 Ore, La Repubblica.