Sep 27, 2026, 06:00 AM UTC

Former national team captain Aleš Čeh and striker Jan Mlakar have reflected on their footballing journeys and shared perspectives on Slovenian club football. Čeh, a long-time assistant to Srečko Katanec, discussed his transition into coaching following a decade-long partnership that included seven years managing in Asia. Despite maintaining deep connections to Olimpija Ljubljana and Austrian club Grazer AK, Čeh emphasized his ongoing respect for rival side NK Maribor.

Meanwhile, forward Jan Mlakar returned to Maribor for a third stint, expressing confidence in the club's sporting leadership. Addressing transfer speculation, Mlakar stated he was "never close to joining Olimpija" while noting that the struggling Ljubljana club could gain momentum in the upcoming derby.

Sources: Delo, Siol.net

Tensions between the United States and Iran have escalated following a renewed exchange of fire near Bandar Abbas and Sirik, marking the first direct military engagement between the two nations in a month. US President Donald Trump threatened additional military bombardments if Tehran retaliates, asserting that Iranian officials are "begging" for a diplomatic deal with Washington.

In response, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized that while Iran does not desire a wider war, it will "respond decisively" to future acts of aggression. Iranian defense leadership also minimized the impact of the US strikes, maintaining that their naval forces remain operational. Both nations continue to issue military warnings as forces remain on high alert in the Persian Gulf region.

Sources: CDM (Cafe del Montenegro).

Military clashes between the United States and Iran continue near the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. Central Command reported destroying five armed Iranian vessels following attempted strikes against American warships. Iranian forces retaliated by firing 20 missiles at U.S. military installations in Jordan.

Iranian state media claimed six maritime vessels, including three tankers and an aircraft carrier, were hit, though Washington reported no critical warship damage. A commercial tanker caught fire during the clashes before crew members extinguished it. U.S. President Donald Trump asserted the maritime corridor stays open and claimed Tehran faces significant distress. However, American intelligence officials warned that Revolutionary Guard forces could increase attacks as hostilities persist.

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

Reciprocal military strikes between Russia and Ukraine persisted despite reported agreements to pause attacks on capitals and energy infrastructure during talks with visiting U.S. envoys. Russian strikes across Ukrainian regions caused multiple casualties, including fatalities in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, while Ukrainian drone attacks targeted locations in Belgorod, Sochi, and a Russian oil refinery.

While U.S. President Donald Trump claimed both nations agreed to refrain from targeting energy facilities, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy specified that Ukraine would comply only if Western partners guarantee Russian restraint regarding Ukrainian infrastructure and food supply routes. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy dismissed Ukraine's prosecutor general before traveling to the United States for the United Nations General Assembly. EU diplomats also condemned a Russian strike near the Polish border as an effort to intimidate European allies.

Sources: Avaz, Beta, CDM, N1, Vijesti

Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has called on parliament to establish a legal framework for future post-war elections. Dismissed from his cabinet role in July by President Volodymyr Zelensky, Fedorov urged early preparation to ensure democratic continuity once martial law is eventually lifted.

Holding national elections during martial law is currently prohibited under Ukrainian law. However, officials confront complex logistical challenges for any future ballot, including securing voting rights for millions of refugees living abroad and active service personnel deployed on the frontlines. Fedorov's push highlights expanding discussions in Kyiv regarding electoral readiness following the end of hostilities with Russia.

Sources: Le Monde.