Zero's Briefs

Foreign Affairs and Geopolitics — Trump announces energy truce between Russia and Ukraine — The US president wrote on Truth Social that Kyiv and Moscow have agreed not to strike each other’s energy infrastructure; Zelensky confirmed his willingness but called for a verifiable Russian commitment before considering the truce secured. Trump attributes the rise in diesel prices to Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries. (ANSA; The Social Post)

Foreign Affairs and Geopolitics — Hormuz, US destroys two Iranian vessels — A US drone fired two missiles at two small Iranian vessels that, according to a US official cited by Axios, were attempting to seize an American unmanned surface vehicle. Centcom spokesman Tim Hawkins confirmed the attempt. The following day, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed to have shot down a US drone west of the strait. (Axios; Anadolu Ajansı)

Foreign Affairs and Geopolitics — A Boston judge blocks visa crackdown on students and journalists — On September 14, federal judge F. Dennis Saylor IV issued a nationwide block on the Department of Homeland Security rule that would have limited foreign students’ stays to four years and journalists’ stays to 240 days for most countries. (The Washington Post; Inside Higher Ed)

Tech & AI — United States confirms operational weapons in orbit — Air Force Secretary Troy Meink stated on September 14, at the Air and Space Cyber conference in Maryland, that the United States has space-control weapons in orbit, without providing details on their type or function. (Associated Press; Ars Technica)

Italy — Talks on former Ilva plant resume at Palazzo Chigi — Discussions between the Government and trade unions on the former Ilva dispute resumed today at Palazzo Chigi, as part of the day’s institutional agenda. (Radiocor)

Europe — Meloni receives Costa at Palazzo Chigi — Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met today at Palazzo Chigi with European Council President Antonio Costa, as part of the day’s institutional agenda. (Il Sole 24 Ore)

News — Mild tremor off the Aeolian Islands, no damage — The INGV confirmed an earthquake of magnitude ML 2.6 at 10:05 am on September 15, located at a depth of 118 kilometers in the area of the Aeolian Islands: the considerable depth of the hypocenter prevented any damage to people or property. (The Social Post)

Cinema & Entertainment — Latin Grammy, honorees announced — The Latin Recording Academy announced that Alaska, Francisco Céspedes, Lila Downs, Daniela Mercury and Chichí Peralta will receive the Latin Recording Academy Special Award for Excellence in Music at the ceremony on November 12 in Las Vegas; nominations will be announced on September 16. (Univision)