AI-generated summary
The US-Iran talks were brokered by Qatar in an attempt to avoid a military escalation in the Gulf, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical area for global oil transit.
Efforts by Qatari mediators to foster a diplomatic breakthrough between the United States and Iran have produced little progress this week, with neither side willing to give in. Axios reports this, citing three sources familiar with the talks. The stalemate reinforces the belief on both sides that a resumption of military conflict is becoming more likely. According to the site, US officials believe President Donald Trump may order a return to large-scale combat operations after the midterm elections.
Insights:
Strait of Hormuz, from transit to mine clearance: what the Iran-Oman agreement provides
What does the new Israel-Lebanon agreement that Hezbollah rejects provide?
Iran, how mines work in the Strait of Hormuz and why it is difficult to remove them
War in Iran, how much have the US and Israel spent so far?
War in Iran and inflation, who risks being most affected by the increase in prices
Pasdaran, who are the Guardians of the Iranian Revolution
War in Iran, the history of crises and conflicts in the Gulf from 1979 to today
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Efforts by Qatari mediators to foster a diplomatic breakthrough between the United States and Iran have produced little progress this week, with neither side willing to give in. Axios reports this, citing three sources familiar with the talks. The stalemate reinforces the belief on both sides that a resumption of military conflict is becoming more likely. According to the site, US officials believe President Donald Trump may order a return to large-scale combat operations after the midterm elections.
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Trump will order a return to large-scale combat operations in Iran after the midterm elections.
Possible · Within months

The Council of Ministers will examine the new public finance program and the extra trade deficit for energy and defense. The Government is aiming for 14 billion for green investments and restructuring bonuses, negotiating with Brussels while the Regions ask for funds for healthcare.

France has said it is willing to provide military documents relating to the Ustica massacre, marking a turning point after decades of unanswered requests. The Rome prosecutors will today file the documents with documents from 1981 to 1994.

The Meloni government has raised the question of trust on the electoral reform called Stabilicum or Melonellum, which introduces the majority bonus through coalition lists and the obligation to indicate the prime minister candidate on the lists. The prime minister fears secret votes against which would lead to a return to the Rosatellum and new elections, a scenario in which Roberto Vannacci's party (National Future) could cause the center-right to lose. Meloni is banking on the useful vote to exceed 42% and activate the prize, while the wide field remains divided and below 44.5% according to Ipsos.

The front pages of the Italian newspapers on 30 September highlight the Regeni case with the clash between the government and the opposition over Egypt, the 37% increase in bills and discounts on electricity and gas, the fuel cap accepted by Q8, the wiretaps in the Garlasco case and the Russian threats to use nuclear weapons to defend Kaliningrad from NATO.

The 2026 Budget Law provides for a progressive increase in the excise duty on traditional cigarettes from 32 to 38.50 euros per 1,000 units between 2026 and 2028, with a reduction in the percentage rate from 49.23% to 48%. From 2027, taxation on e-cigarette liquids will also increase, although with uncertain effects on final prices. The minimum tax burden rises from 216 to 227 euros per 1,000 cigarettes in the same period. Airc data show that over 7% of students between 11 and 13 have tried tobacco products, while the Veronesi Foundation reports a decline in consumption of traditional cigarettes but an increase in polyconsumption among young people.

Starting from 1 October, Milan will eliminate the registration of the license plate for the first five days of the annual exemption to Area B for all those entitled, while from 1 April 2027 the subsidized licenses for Area C will be exclusively digital, with the paper ones already purchased usable until 31 March 2027.