Nov 13, 2026, 10:30 AM UTC

US President Donald Trump stated in a CNN interview that renewed military strikes against Iran are "extremely unlikely," pointing to ongoing diplomatic progress regarding Teheran's nuclear program and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Trump highlighted a positive momentum toward ending the conflict following talks in Washington with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, who is acting as a key mediator. However, reports indicate that formal negotiations have not yet yielded definitive peace agreements.

Concurrently, the US administration plans to expand its economic containment through Operation "Iron Gate." Building on naval restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz, the initiative aims to monitor Iran's land borders and the Caspian Sea to enforce a comprehensive blockade.

Energy markets stabilized on Monday after recording their sharpest weekly decline since the pandemic. European Brent crude traded near $98.35 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate rose 0.5% to $91.30 as markets reacted to potential diplomatic breakthroughs.

Sources: Adevărul, Digi24, Economedia, G4Media, HotNews.

French President Emmanuel Macron has welcomed five-time Olympic judo champion Teddy Riner's unexpected entry into the 2027 presidential race. Speaking during a television broadcast, Macron stated that Riner's participation "can only benefit the country," praising the athlete's commitment and ideas as a positive contribution to the national political debate.

Prominent sports figures and government officials have also addressed Riner's ambitions. Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra and fellow athletes defended his right to run against claims of political inexperience, though commentators noted that despite his sports achievements, he remains politically untested. In his announcement, Riner highlighted national economic concerns, specifically pointing to public debt and rising living costs. His candidacy joins more than thirty declared or prospective contenders seeking to succeed Macron.

Sources: France24, Le Figaro, Le Monde, Le Soir, Libération.

Following the political defeat of former Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, political and academic figures across the Western Balkans are examining the future direction of Belgrade's regional policy. Former Montenegrin President Milo Đukanović stated at an event in Cetinje that Serbia faces a choice between establishing a government focused on domestic affairs or one targeting ethnic Serbs across neighboring states, emphasizing that bilateral relations require urgent restoration.

Meanwhile, former National Bank of Serbia governor Dejan Šoškić noted that Vučić's departure offers an opportunity for Serbia to act as a regional factor of stability, particularly in repairing ties with Montenegro. Amid these shifts, institutional legacy issues persist, as reports confirm that Željko Ivanović, founder of the Montenegrin media outlet Vijesti, remains subject to an entry ban imposed by Serbian authorities last year.

Sources: Dan, Danas, Klix, N1, Vijesti

Turkish authorities have placed nine suspects in custody pending trial following a fatal explosion at the HABAŞ steel factory in Aliağa, İzmir. The disaster occurred during maintenance work when falling materials severed natural gas and oxygen lines during liquid steel pouring, triggering a blast and fire.

While early official statements indicated 16 fatalities, updated reports confirm that 18 workers were killed and 13 others injured, two severely. Search and rescue operations have concluded after regional emergency teams controlled the blaze and cleared the site.

Following an investigation led by the Aliağa Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, eleven individuals were brought before a court. A judge remanded nine in custody and released two others under judicial control with house arrest, including HABAŞ board chairman Mehmet Rüştü Başaran.

Sources: TRT Haber (Turkish Radio and Television Corporation), Cumhuriyet, Anadolu Ajansı (Anadolu Agency), Bianet.

Jensen Huang, the co-founder and chief executive of Nvidia, has stepped down following intense pressure from the company's board of directors over personal scandals. Reports emerged that Huang was involved in extra-marital relationships, including one with an internal employee and another involving an alleged Chinese spy. The revelations raised significant governance and security concerns for the technology giant, leading the board to convene emergency meetings regarding his leadership. After rapid developments over several days, Huang officially resigned from his position at the helm of the world's second-most valuable corporation.

Sources: 444, HVG, Telex