Sep 23, 2026, 04:30 PM UTC

Tehran announced that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until Washington meets several conditions, including lifting port blockades, ending oil sanctions, unfreezing assets, and halting military operations. However, a proposal delivered via third-party mediators suggests Iran could reopen the strategic waterway within seven days if the United States lowers military pressure and returns to diplomatic talks.

The diplomatic push unfolds alongside rising military friction. After US naval forces escorted oil tankers through the strait overnight, Iranian troops deployed rocket-propelled sea mines. In response, American forces struck Iran's Larak Island, further heightening risks of regional escalation.

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

Former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has called on Ukraine's parliament to begin drafting legislative foundations for national elections to take place after martial law is lifted. Fedorov, who was dismissed from President Volodymyr Zelensky's cabinet in July, stressed that early preparation is essential to guarantee a transparent democratic process when military operations conclude.

Ukrainian law currently prohibits conducting elections while martial law remains active. President Zelensky's administration has repeatedly stated that organizing ballots during ongoing hostilities presents major security challenges and operational hurdles, particularly regarding voting arrangements for millions of displaced citizens and frontline personnel. Fedorov's comments highlight expanding discussions surrounding Ukraine's political future and post-conflict governance.

Sources: Le Monde

Ukraine is accelerating efforts to achieve domestic missile capability and reduce reliance on Western military hardware following heavy Russian ballistic strikes. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that two Ukrainian companies are developing ballistic missiles, though technical challenges delay immediate mass production. Additionally, regulatory processes for producing Patriot air defense systems under American licensing could take between twelve months and several years.

To address tactical shortages, the Ukrainian military is adopting the locally produced "Equalizer" glide bomb kit, developed by DG Industry alongside the Brave1 tech cluster. The module converts unguided munitions into standoff precision weapons compatible with existing Soviet-era aircraft and upcoming Western jet fleets. Despite these advances, defense analysts caution that Ukraine faces a prolonged window of vulnerability to ballistic attacks while internal manufacturing capacities scale up.

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

Finnish President Alexander Stubb has questioned predictions from German officials suggesting Russia could attack NATO by 2029. Speaking to Germany's Bild newspaper, Stubb stated that he sees "neither evidence nor facts" to support such timelines, expressing doubt that Moscow would challenge "the most powerful military alliance in the world."

Despite his skepticism regarding a direct assault, Stubb stressed that allies must remain fully prepared. Meanwhile, European intelligence officials continue to warn of escalating Russian hybrid warfare, espionage, and sabotage targeting NATO members. In response, Poland, Finland, and Baltic nations are strengthening regional military cooperation and defense readiness.

Sources: Defence24, Portal obronny, Rzeczpospolita, TVP info

With less than three months remaining before the US midterm elections, political advisers are reportedly urging President Donald Trump to avoid escalating tensions with Iran to preserve Republican control of Congress. Analysts warn that a shift in congressional power could significantly impact foreign policy, particularly regarding support for Ukraine.

During a visit to Kyiv, a delegation of US lawmakers reaffirmed support for Ukraine, emphasizing that the country must enter negotiations from a position of strength. However, congressmen acknowledged that partisan gridlock in Washington continues to stall key legislation, including a proposed Russian sanctions bill. Meanwhile, former Ukrainian diplomat Valeriy Chalyi warned that if Republicans lose control of both congressional chambers, domestic political disputes could draw American attention away from Ukraine entirely.

Sources: NV, Liga net, Українська правда, Радіо Свобода.