Nov 15, 2026, 06:30 PM UTC

Following midterms marked by electoral setbacks for the Republican Party, US President Donald Trump stated that the United States does not require a formal deal with Iran. Speaking alongside Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Trump suggested the regional conflict could conclude soon, noting that further military action currently appears unnecessary while emphasizing readiness if conditions shift.

Concurrently, Vice President J.D. Vance has been instructed to shift focus away from Middle Eastern diplomatic negotiations toward domestic governance and alleged corruption in Democratic-led jurisdictions. Regional observers note the election results may curb Washington's unilateral foreign policy initiatives, including pressures on Cuba. Meanwhile, analysts suggest the political landscape could trigger a long-term transformation within the MAGA movement beyond Trump's current term.

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

Serbia's Republic Hydrometeorological Service (RHMZ) is facing broader scrutiny following the arrest of its former director, Jugoslav Nikolić, and two others on money laundering charges on November 3. Experts warn that financial investigations alone will not address systemic degradation within the state institution, which has suffered from years of underinvestment and institutional decline.

Separately, the Ministry of Internal Affairs marked the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims on November 15, highlighting that one in four traffic fatalities in Serbia involves an individual under 30. Officials urged all road users to adopt safer driving habits to prevent youth casualties.

Sources: Danas, N1, Beta

Norwegian health authorities have culled 13,000 laying hens following a confirmed outbreak of avian influenza at a commercial poultry farm in Vestby, Akershus.

The Norwegian Food Safety Authority confirmed the presence of the virus on Friday evening and subsequently established a protection zone around the affected farm. Officials are conducting contact tracing and investigations to assess whether the infection has spread to other agricultural facilities. Authorities are also investigating a potential link to an earlier case of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian flu reported in Klepp, Rogaland.

Immediate restriction measures are being enforced at any locations suspected of contamination to prevent further transmission.

Sources: TV 2 Nyheter, Aftenposten, NRK, VG (Verdens Gang)

The Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague will deliver a first-instance verdict on Tuesday, 17 November, in the contempt case against former Kosovo President and Kosovo Liberation Army leader Hashim Thaçi.

Thaçi, along with co-defendants including former intelligence chief Bashkim Smakaj and former Justice Minister Hajredin Kuçi, faces charges related to obstructing justice, contempt of court, and revealing the identities of protected witnesses. During closing arguments in mid-September, prosecutors requested a six-year prison sentence for Thaçi, while defense counsel argued that the allegations remained unproven and called for a full acquittal.

This proceeding remains separate from Thaçi's main war crimes trial before the same international tribunal.

Sources: Danas, Beta, Koha

Nedžad Grabus officially assumed office as the 14th Reis-ul-Ulema of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina during a ceremony at the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque in Sarajevo. Grabus took the oath of office and received the Mensura, the official document confirming his religious authority to lead Muslims across Bosnia, Croatia, Slovenia, and Serbia for a seven-year term.

Following his inauguration, Grabus emphasized the importance of fostering unity, interfaith dialogue, and strong relations with neighboring communities. He affirmed that the Islamic Community aims to remain a reliable partner locally and internationally, framing its identity as both Muslim and European.

Sources: Avaz, Beta, FENA, Index, Klix