Sep 26, 2026, 08:00 AM UTC

United States President Donald Trump delivered an address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York, defending his administration's unilateral foreign policy decisions and military operations targeting Iran.

Trump warned Tehran of potential further action, stating he faces a choice between securing a diplomatic agreement following the upcoming American midterm elections or pursuing "drastic steps." During his speech, Trump highlighted domestic economic performance, rejected international governance framework proposals for artificial intelligence, and denounced the International Criminal Court. He also commented on political developments regarding Cuba and defended actions in Venezuela.

The address highlighted an approach prioritizing unilateral power over international multilateralism.

Sources: France24, Sweden Herald, The Guardian, The Irish Times, United Nations News

The United States has launched a second wave of airstrikes against Iranian targets within 48 hours, following heightened friction in the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on American positions. In response to the growing confrontation, Tehran appointed a hardline official to head its Supreme National Security Council. Domestically, Iranian women continue to challenge mandatory veil laws four years after Mahsa Amini's death, with reports noting that "authorities have lost control" over enforcement.

Concurrently, fighting in Yemen escalated after Houthi attacks on Moca port left 18 dead, triggering retaliatory military bombardments in Marib province. In Afghanistan, relative domestic security under Taliban rule remains accompanied by severe poverty and strict social prohibitions, including bans on public music.

Sources: Canarias7, El Día, El Mundo, La Provincia, La Vanguardia

Hungarian Transport and Investment Minister Dávid Vitézy announced that a private equity fund linked to businessman Lőrinc Mészáros has refunded over 2.2 billion forints (€5.7 million) to the state. The reimbursement follows an audit into electronic toll system contracts negotiated under former minister János Lázár, which previously involved state acquisitions totaling 64.5 billion forints.

State officials are now expanding their investigation to examine long-term IT contracts awarded to IT entrepreneur Gábor Emőri. Emőri spent twelve years developing and operating key components of Hungary's toll collection infrastructure. Authorities are scrutinising historical agreements to determine if further public funds can be reclaimed from past transactions.

Sources: 444, HVG, Telex

Conflicting reports have emerged regarding the operational status of Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline following recent drone strikes. Citing Reuters sources, initial updates indicate that Riyadh has restored operations and resumed crude exports from the Yanbu terminal. Conversely, sources cited by the Associated Press suggest that repairs to damaged pumping facilities could take three to five weeks, leaving the pipeline functioning only partially.

Despite potential operational restarts, state energy firm Saudi Aramco notified several European refiners that scheduled crude deliveries for next month are canceled, forcing companies such as Poland's Orlen to secure alternative supplies. Meanwhile, severe shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz—where daily vessel transits dropped from 120 to four—and regional infrastructure damage threaten to push European retail fuel prices toward record highs.

Sources: Deník N, Ekonomický deník, Hospodářské noviny, iROZHLAS, Seznam Zprávy

Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev announced that the country will adopt its 2027 budget on schedule, describing the financial framework as realistic and vital for long-term stability as Bulgaria exits years of political turmoil. Speaking at a cabinet session, Radev urged lawmakers to prioritize pending judicial reforms and administrative optimizations.

In line with these priorities, the ruling Progressive Bulgaria party submitted its candidates for the parliamentary quota of the Supreme Judicial Council, citing their extensive academic and judicial experience.

However, media reports have drawn attention to the party's internal structure. Four months after winning the election, Progressive Bulgaria continues to be primarily identified with Radev, while only around ten spokespeople regularly represent the party in public. The remaining majority of its 131 lawmakers remain virtually unknown to the public.

Sources: Investor.bg, Mediapool, Nova TV.