Trump gives Iran ultimatum over Strait of Hormuz
US President Donald Trump has warned Iran that he will hit its power plants if it does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. In a post on his Truth Social network, Trump said the US could “destroy” Iranian power plants if the demand is not met.
On the other hand, Tehran has reacted by warning that it will strike the energy infrastructure of the US and Israel if its facilities are targeted.
The statements have heightened tensions in one of the world's most important oil shipping lanes. The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic point for global energy trade and any escalation could have a major impact on international markets.
Referendum in Italy on justice reform
Italians voted this weekend in a two-day referendum on a reform of the judicial system that aims to separate the functions of judges and prosecutors. According to Interior Ministry data, turnout by noon reached 14.88%, the highest level for a referendum in the last 23 years.
The reform was previously approved by parliament, but did not reach the majority needed to avoid a popular vote.
The vote is seen as a crucial political test for Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government, a year before national elections. On the ballot, citizens must choose between "Yes" to confirm the reform or "No" to reject it.
France votes for mayors in thousands of communes
Voters in France headed to the ballot boxes to elect mayors in Paris, Marseille and more than 1,500 other municipalities.
The local elections are seen as an important test for political parties ahead of next year's presidential election. France has around 35,000 municipalities and at the local level, mayors remain among the most trusted officials by citizens.
Polling stations opened at 08:00 and are expected to close between 18:00 and 20:00, depending on the area. Results are expected to be published gradually throughout the evening.
Damaged Russian tanker enters Libyan waters
A Russian tanker damaged by explosions in the Mediterranean a few weeks ago has entered Libya's search and rescue zone and is heading towards its coast. According to Italian civil protection authorities, any intervention now falls to the Libyan authorities, while Italy has offered assistance if requested.
The gas ship, called the Arctic Metagaz, is part of Russia's so-called "shadow fleet" that transports energy while avoiding international sanctions over the war in Ukraine.
The tanker was damaged near Maltese waters by a suspected naval drone attack. Russia accuses Ukraine of the attack, while Kiev has not yet commented on the claims.
