Oct 2, 2026, 01:30 AM UTC

Iran maintains that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the United States lifts its oil sanctions, unfreezes Iranian assets, and halts military operations. Tehran recently proposed reopening the strategic passage within seven days if Washington reduces military pressure, but U.S. President Donald Trump publicly rejected the offer. Despite the rejection, Iranian officials stated they are still awaiting a "definitive position" from the U.S. administration.

Meanwhile, military confrontations in the corridor have intensified. Following American air strikes on Iran's Larak Island and nighttime naval escorts for commercial tankers, Iranian forces deployed rocket-launched sea mines. Both sides face growing pressure as the standoff risks triggering further regional escalation along the key maritime route.

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

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković announced targets to increase the average net monthly salary to €1,600 by 2028, with upcoming consultations planned for October to adjust the minimum wage. In tandem, the government outlined a €3 billion industrial development strategy running through 2034, aiming to modernize manufacturing, enhance tech integration, and build long-term economic resilience.

However, business leaders and economic experts expressed concern over structural weaknesses. Mislav Balković, head of the Croatian Employers' Association, cautioned that rising labor costs are outstripping productivity gains. Meanwhile, former economy minister Ljubo Jurčić warned that the economy is drifting "without an engine or a rudder," noting that deceleration in growth and persistent inflation are straining consumer purchasing power.

Sources: HRT Vijesti, Index, Poslovni dnevnik, Vijesti.

Portugal's minority administration concluded a parliamentary debate on a motion of no confidence by directing criticism toward both the far-right Chega party and the main opposition Socialists. Chega introduced the censure measure following recent political controversy surrounding the Minister of Internal Administration.

The motion failed after governing coalition members voted against it while the Socialist Party abstained. Minister of the Presidency António Leitão Amaro affirmed that the executive maintains its position of governing without a "preferential partner" in the legislature. Leitão Amaro added that Chega's decision to trigger the vote would ultimately face a "political judgment" from the electorate. The outcome leaves the minority government functioning amid continued political opposition.

Sources: Diário de Notícias (DN), Expresso, RTP (Rádio e Televisão de Portugal).

Five British men in their early twenties arrested near RAF Fairford have been released on bail following a major counter-terrorism operation. Intercepted in three vehicles early Sunday morning, the suspects were initially detained under the Explosives Act before being re-arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act.

Counter-terrorism officers confirmed that while petrol was recovered from the vans, no explosive devices were found. Dozens of nearby residents who were evacuated during the security alert have since returned to their homes.

Investigators are examining whether the plot was carried out on behalf of a foreign state, with reports pointing to potential Iranian involvement. Senior police officials stressed that the decision to grant bail was taken to support ongoing investigative inquiries.

Sources: Cyprus Mail, STV News, The Guardian, The Herald, UK Defence Journal.

Israeli security agencies are investigating how an Omani co-pilot carrying a weapon managed to pass background checks before attempting to hijack Flydubai Flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv. According to reports, the assailant stabbed the Emirati captain in an effort to crash the aircraft carrying roughly 180 passengers, mostly Israelis.

Passengers and crew restrained the attacker, with witnesses reporting that travelers used headphone cables to immobilize him. A third pilot safely diverted the Boeing 737 to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after Israeli authorities denied the plane entry into national airspace and scrambled fighter jets. The passengers were later flown to Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport on a replacement flight.

Israeli officials termed the incident an attempted terrorist attack, prompting flight suspensions and tighter scrutiny over foreign crew vetting processes.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, El Mundo, Il Messaggero, La Repubblica.