Oct 30, 2026, 12:30 AM UTC

Former Slovenian national team captain Aleš Čeh and forward Jan Mlakar have shared perspectives on their career trajectories and the domestic game. Čeh, who served as assistant manager to Srečko Katanec for over a decade and spent seven years coaching in Asia, highlighted his continued respect for major regional clubs, including Olimpija Ljubljana and NK Maribor.

Concurrently, 27-year-old forward Mlakar has rejoined NK Maribor for a third spell. Ahead of the Eternal Derby against hometown rivals Olimpija Ljubljana, Mlakar voiced strong confidence in former club figures Zlatko Zahovič and Darko Milanič. He noted that while Olimpija faces current difficulties, derby fixtures remain unpredictable and allow struggling teams a chance to regain momentum.

Sources: Delo, Siol.net

Tensions between the United States and Iran have intensified near the Strait of Hormuz following direct military actions involving commercial oil vessels and military targets. US Central Command launched large-scale strikes on Iranian military positions and three oil tankers after Iran fired ballistic missiles at two American warships and attempted to lay naval mines in the vital maritime corridor.

The escalation marks a distinct shift toward targeting commercial shipping and critical energy networks. Following the military engagements, US President Donald Trump warned that further attacks on tankers would trigger retaliatory strikes against Iranian civilian infrastructure, including power plants and bridges. Analysts noted that the confrontation reflects an evolution into fifth-generation warfare, where drone operations and energy grid attacks increasingly impact global commerce and civilian populations.

Sources: Investor.bg, Mediapool, Nova TV

The fourth Sarajevo Security Conference convened international diplomats, NATO leaders, and security experts to discuss key geopolitical challenges across Europe. Discussions focused heavily on technological shifts, with EUROCONTROL Major General Karsten Stoye identifying low-altitude uncrewed systems as the primary emerging threat to European airspace safety over the next five years. Additionally, NATO Rear Admiral Van Zanten emphasized the crucial integration of artificial intelligence and autonomous vessels in modern maritime defense.

In parallel with the summit, officials from the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina announced plans to expand domestic military production following a doubling of output over the past three years. The expansion includes opening two new manufacturing plants and hosting the "First Balkan Shield 2026" arms exhibition alongside international industry representatives.

Sources: Avaz, FENA, HRT Vijesti, Index, Klix

World leaders presented sharply contrasting foreign policy approaches at the United Nations General Assembly.

French President Emmanuel Macron criticized international diplomatic strategy regarding Gaza, calling the situation a "shameful spectacle" during his final UN address before stepping down next year. Macron also denounced Israeli military activity in the West Bank, prompting criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Hours earlier, US President Donald Trump defended his unilateral stance, declaring, "while others talk, I act." Trump threatened to "annihilate" Iran, predicted the fall of Cuba's government, and emphasized American access to Venezuelan crude oil. Concurrently, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez approached Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to request a bilateral meeting on diplomatic ties.

Sources: Canarias7, El Mundo, La Vanguardia.

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde has officially confirmed she will step down from her post on 7 February, departing eight months ahead of the scheduled end of her mandate in October 2027.

Lagarde communicated her decision to the ECB Governing Council and European Council President António Costa, stating that serving the institution was a source of great pride. Costa expressed respect for her decision and offered gratitude for her leadership during her seven-year tenure. The timing of the public statement allowed the central bank chief to address ongoing speculation ahead of a scheduled press briefing.

Her early departure has accelerated discussions over who will succeed her at the helm of the euro area's central bank, with former Bank of Spain governor Pablo Hernández de Cos highlighted among potential candidates. Media reports also indicate Lagarde could assume a future leadership position at the World Economic Forum.

Sources: Canarias7, Diário de Notícias, El Mundo, La Repubblica, La Vanguardia