Oct 28, 2026, 02:30 AM UTC

U.S. forces executed airstrikes against Iranian missile launchers on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first direct American attacks on Iranian territory in a month. Iranian state media reported six naval personnel were killed in the bombardment.

Despite the military action, Qatari mediators stated that diplomatic discussions between Washington and Tehran remain active. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi presented terms to U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff for reopening the strategic waterway, demanding an immediate end to the U.S. naval blockade, the release of frozen Iranian assets, and a complete cessation of hostilities.

However, negotiations face hurdles following statements from U.S. President Donald Trump demanding financial compensation from Tehran for past casualties before an agreement can be reached.

Sources: Le Figaro, Le Monde, Le Soir, Libération, RTBF Info.

Following an agreement between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin to permit Russian diesel exports, American envoys explained during Miami negotiations that the measure aims to entice Moscow back to peace talks. However, the arrangement has drawn widespread scrutiny across the political spectrum in Washington and from international observers.

US lawmakers from both the Democratic and Republican parties criticized the agreement, expressing concern that relaxing restrictions to lower domestic fuel prices before upcoming midterm elections undermines sanctions. Energy and foreign policy analysts further warned that revenue generated from diesel sales could stabilize Russia's economy and potentially enable financial support for foreign partners, including Iran. Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials and policy experts expressed growing frustration, cautioning that the move risks undermining Kyiv's strategic position.

Sources: Adevărul, Digi24, HotNews, Moldova1, Ziarul de Gardă.

A series of Ukrainian drone strikes targeting a major oil refinery near Moscow has severely impaired Russia's refining capacity, according to Ukrainian officials, highlighting the Kremlin's shrinking strategic options and willingness to take operational risks.

At the same time, diplomatic relations between Russia and Norway have frayed. Russian officials criticized Nordic NATO military maneuvers and the recent detention of a Russian vessel, with President Vladimir Putin accusing Oslo of "state terrorism." Norwegian leaders, including Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, have urged the public to remain prepared and vigilant while avoiding panic. European analysts contend that long-term regional stability will ultimately require a clear Russian defeat in Ukraine.

Sources: Aftenposten, Berlingske, Dagens Næringsliv, TV 2 Nyheter, VG

Turkish opposition leader Özgür Özel has condemned the recent municipal election in Istanbul's Üsküdar district, which transferred local administrative leadership to the ruling Justice and Development Party. Speaking at a public rally in Üsküdar, the Republican People's Party chairman questioned democratic standards under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan following the contest.

In a separate broadcast on Koza TV, Özel addressed a meeting between Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş and Erdoğan. He categorized the discussions as standard municipal consultations rather than political compromise, assuring supporters that opposition mayors would maintain public service commitments despite central pressure.

Sources: Bianet, Cumhuriyet

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda has urged citizens not to fear increased security measures along the border with Russia, describing the troop deployments as necessary precautions to mitigate provocation risks. In an interview, Nausėda asserted that "it is better to observe even excessive caution" rather than reacting after an incident occurs.

Beyond border security, Nausėda conceded that Lithuania’s air defense capabilities remain suboptimal and cited delays in joint drone production efforts with Ukraine. He also discussed civil and political matters, acknowledging friction between the Ministry of National Defense and military leadership, alongside reputational fallout from a controversial ministry event. Furthermore, the president addressed disaster readiness following recent severe storms and spoke on church abuse scandals.

Sources: 15min, LSM