Nov 2, 2026, 09:30 PM UTC

United States Central Command launched airstrikes against two missile launchers on Iran's Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first U.S. bombardment of Iranian territory in a month. Iranian state media confirmed six naval personnel died during the attack.

The military escalation comes amid stalled diplomatic efforts. Qatari mediators indicated discussions remain ongoing to secure a U.S.-Iran agreement. However, Iranian officials declared Tehran sees "no necessity" for direct meetings with Washington until its preconditions are met.

Diplomatic prospects further diminished after U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to demand financial compensation from Tehran for historical attacks against foreign adversaries and internal protesters.

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

US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping held detailed talks at the White House during Xi's first state visit to the United States in over a decade. According to statements from the Chinese Foreign Ministry and official readouts, the leaders addressed key geopolitical issues, including the war in Ukraine, tensions on the Korean Peninsula, and instability in the Middle East.

The summit follows recent appeals from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who asked Washington to encourage Beijing to leverage its relationship with Moscow to push for de-escalation in Ukraine. Political analysts suggest Beijing could seek trade concessions or diplomatic compromises from Washington in exchange for curbing its support for Russia's military effort.

Sources: Liga net, NV, Радіо Свобода, Українська правда.

Polish President Karol Nawrocki convened emergency consultations with parliamentary leaders on Friday following the suspension of Constitutional Tribunal President Bogdan Święczkowski.

The suspension followed efforts by Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s government to strip top tribunal leaders of judicial immunity to pursue criminal charges. Tensions escalated in Warsaw as riot police secured the tribunal’s headquarters after protesters attempted to force entry into the building.

Nawrocki, who cut short an overseas trip to return to Warsaw, declared that the "constitutional order has been violated" and pointed to heightened internal security risks. Nationalist opposition figures denounced the tribunal chief's removal as an unconstitutional coup, whereas government officials maintained the action was essential to restore the rule of law.

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

Political scientist Alpo Rusi has detailed how Soviet intelligence targeted former Finnish Prime Minister Keijo Liinamaa prior to his death in December 1980. Writing for Iltalehti, Rusi outlined KGB efforts to influence domestic Finnish policy during the transition period near the end of President Urho Kekkonen's era.

According to the analysis, Soviet operatives focused on executive decision-making and trade union negotiations to preserve Moscow's geopolitical control over Helsinki during the Cold War. Liinamaa, who also served as Finland's national conciliator, had informed diplomatic contacts about the intimidation attempts shortly before his sudden passing.

Sources: Iltalehti