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Tanker freight rates via Strait of Hormuz jump 600% — IEA

Approximately 98% of oil exported via the strait is transported on Very Large Crude Carriers

MOSCOW, March 12. /TASS/. Freight rates for oil massive tankers (Very Large Crude Carriers - VLCCs) transiting the Strait of Hormuz surged by 600% in early March, topping $14 per barrel, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).

Rates skyrocketed as missile and drone strikes effectively paralyzed shipping through the strategic chokepoint. The IEA noted that approximately 98% of oil exported via the strait is transported on VLCCs, primarily from the Persian Gulf to Asia.

In particular, freight rates for VLCCs on the Persian Gulf-to-Asia route, which had already risen by $2.54 per barrel in February to $4.13 (a 141% year-on-year increase), jumped above $14 per barrel in early March, which is nearly 600% higher than last year's levels, the IEA stated.

The agency added that the spike has also spilled over to other vessel classes.

US authorities change their position on petroleum reserves in several hours — WSJ

According to the sources, US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright told his colleagues from the G7 that releasing strategic petroleum reserves is premature because the oil price dropped below $90 a barrel

Net profit of Russian banks in 2027 to reach $46-53 bln — regulator

In 2026, banks’ profits are projected in the range of 3.3-3.8 trillion rubles

Ukrainian drones strike Russian regions, spark oil depot fire, 80 downed

No casualties were reported

Gold most profitable instrument on Russian market in Feb, yield amounts to 6% per annum

Securities from the banking and financial sectors were in the second place, yielding 4.7% per annum

Trump says wants to see people capable of governing country in power in Iran

The US president earlier said that Iran’s next supreme leader needs US approval if he wants "to last long"

Press review: Could Iran mine Strait of Hormuz and war riles American public

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, March 12th

What we know about Russian presidential envoy’s meeting with US officials in Florida

According to Kirill Dmitriev, the meeting addressed both promising projects that can help restore Russia-US relations and the current crisis on global energy markets

Europe spurs Kiev to fight on for another couple of years — newspaper

The majority of the newspaper’s sources in the Rada believe that Ukraine will not hold elections in the near future

At least 30 people killed in Lebanon in past day during Israeli attacks — health ministry

On the south of the country, Tebnine and Deir Intar were under attacks where eight and three people died, correspondingly

Strike on Bryansk, confronting hostile social media: Kremlin spokesman’s remarks

Russia must continue its special military operation and achieve its goals, Dmitry Peskov said

UNSC adopts Bahrain's resolution on Middle East, with Russia, China abstaining

Thirteen of the 15 members of the Security Council approved the resolution

Gulf countries facing food shortages due to conflict — FT

The Gulf countries import about 90% of their foodstuffs, according to the report

Iran's 37th wave of attacks on Israel, US facilities most powerful since start of war — TV

According to the TV channel, the duration of several attacks carried out using missiles and drones was at least three hours

Envoy to Russia lays out terms under which Iran would return to negotiating table

"We believe that this time we must resist to the very end, we must hold on, because this is a fateful war for the whole world," Kazem Jalali stated

Ukrainian platoon led by Colombian mercenary surrenders in Zaporozhye Region

Most of the Ukrainian soldiers surrendered without resistance

Putin holds second telephone call with Iranian president in one week — Kremlin

Their previous telephone conversation took place on March 6, after Putin held a series of talks with leaders of the Persian Gulf countries

Iranian national football team to skip 2026 FIFA World Cup — minister

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States between June 11 and July 19

Putin discusses Middle East with leaders of Azerbaijan, UAE: what is known

The Russian leader expressed gratitude to Ilham Aliyev for his assistance in evacuating Russians from Iran amid attacks by the US and Israel

US to continue striking Iran with same force — Trump

The US president added that Washington is supposedly "leaving certain things" untouched

G7 leaders not to lift sanctions against Russia despite issues with oil supplies — Marcon

The French president noted that G7 states are working to mitigate the negative impact of the conflict on global markets

Death toll from Israeli strikes on Lebanon surpasses 600 — Health Ministry

The ministry reported that 91 children are among the casualties

Russian embassy in London says blood of Bryansk residents on British military’s hands

Moscow reiterated its firm condemnation of the terrorist assault

At least 17 US facilities damaged in Iranian retaliatory strikes — NYT

In addition to US military bases, American diplomatic missions in Iraq, Kuwait, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia were attacked

Trump says is not planning to immediately end operation against Iran

Iran has lost most of its military potential, the US president says

US President Trump says military operation against Iran to be over soon

According to the US leader, there is "practically nothing left to target" there

Novak instructs agencies to analyze situation in sectors considering global environment

Relevant agencies were tasked with presenting a detailed analysis of the state of the automotive industry, the areas of construction and building materials in terms of demand and supply, Russian Deputy Prime Minister said

Spain permanently recalls its ambassador to Israel — decree

There is currently no information on the appointment of a new head of the diplomatic mission

Expert admits risk of destabilization Transnistria due to US forces deployed in Romania

Dmitry Sorokin, head of the Russian-Moldovan Friendship and Cooperation Center, noted that approximately 200,000 Russian citizens live in Transnistria

IDF reports another missile attack from Iran

Defensive systems are operating, the authority says

US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln moved away from Iran after strike — IRGC

The US Central Command reported that the carrier came under fire but was not hit

Ukrainian leadership ordered attack that killed civilians in Bryansk — diplomat

Rodion Miroshnik emphasized that this was an "atrocity," an attack that is beyond comprehension

Dovod cargo drones with machine vision developed in Russia

The Dovod drones use algorithms that allow them to locate points on the ground

Russian troops 'turn war on its head' by pioneering drone warfare era - expert

According to Dmitry Kuzyakin, the war that everyone had known since the advent of artillery and aircraft was changed forever

Islamic Resistance in Iraq conducts almost 300 operations against US military bases

According to the statement, 13 American servicemen were killed in the attacks

At least 21,700 civilian facilities in Iran damaged by US-Israeli strikes — Red Crescent

According to the authority, houses accounted for 17,353

Ukrainian attack in Bryansk aimed at disrupting negotiation process — Russian MFA

Rodion Miroshnik noted that Zelensky "will be held directly accountable for the crimes committed"

US underestimates oil impacts from its operation against Iran — Politico

Despite near-record US crude production, the conflict has sent gasoline prices at the pump up 60 cents a gallon in less than two weeks

Putin congratulates Russian Paralympian Golubkov with gold at 2026 Winter Paralympics

Ivan Golubkov won the gold on Wednesday afternoon in men’s 10-km (sitting) event

Death toll in Ukraine’s missile attack on Bryansk rises to seven people — governor

Alexander Bogomaz added that 42 people are wounded

Nearly 40 people evacuated from attacked tankers off Iraqi coast — security service

Saad Maan says that the tankers were hit in the national territorial waters

US bears responsibility for strike on school in Iranian city of Minab — NYT

According to the publication, the Tomahawk missile strike on the school was carried out due to a targeting error

Tankers begin crossing Strait of Hormuz

No ships were tracked to be moving in the opposite direction

Aviation college attacked in Iran’s Isfahan — TV

The sounds of explosions are heard in the city

IN BRIEF: What is known about newest Ukrainian attack on TurkStream infrastructure

The Russian Defense Ministry specified that no damage was caused to the facility

Iran launches 40th phase of operation against Israel, US

The IRGC says attacks US military facilities in Jordan and Saudi Arabia

Europe's reparations to African countries may range $18-$100 trillion — expert

Galli Monastyreva emphasized that the AU, representing all 54 African nations, has made justice for slavery and colonialism a priority, especially by declaring 2025 the "Year of Reparations"

Ukrainian aircraft used for Bryansk strikes may have taken off from Odessa region

The Ukrainian military launched a missile strike on Bryansk on March 10

Bloodthirsty Israel, strikes on neighbors, talks: Iranian envoy's statements

Kazem Jalali noted that Tehran is not refusing to negotiate, still a number of conditions must be met

Zelensky on edge hearing what was discussed in Putin-Trump call — expert

Viktor Medvedchuk emphasized that, amid the conflict in the Middle East, Vladimir Zelensky continues to treat his own people like expendable material

Bank of Russia sells yuan worth $58.2 mln with settlements on March 11

The Central Bank sold yuan on the domestic market in the amount of $59.4 mln with settlements on March 10

Breakthrough innovations, new threats to humanity: Medvedev's statements

According to the Russian politician, modern technological progress is unprecedented in its speed, and humanity was not prepared for such rapid changes

Press review: Iran won't compromise with US as Russia offers lifeline in Mideast crisis

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, March 10th

Lavrov, Bahrain's foreign minister stress need to end military operations around Iran

The developments in the Gulf region were in focus of the discussion

Kiev’s new attacks on Russkaya compressor station are reckless — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov said "this is yet another attack on an international facility, an international pipeline that ensures the energy security of Turkey and several other countries"

Iranian cyberattack disables Israel’s railway system — Iranian news agency

According to the report, all of the railway stations are "not safe until further notice"

Effectiveness of Iranian strikes to increase as US arsenal depleted — expert

It’s surprising how quickly Iranian military learned and implemented lessons from the 12-day war, Vali R. Nasr noted

Drone motherships capable of carrying thousands of UAVs coming soon — Medvedev

Dmitry Medvedev noted that the rapid growth in the global production of unmanned systems had created a qualitatively new spectrum of threats to a wide range of facilities

Foreign volunteer killed in Kiev forces’ attack on car in Kursk region

Governor Alexander Khinshtein expressed condolences to the relatives and loved ones of the deceased volunteer

US focus on Middle East to limit munitions supplies to Ukraine — newspaper

According to the report, some prices of weapon systems are clearly doubled

Kiev brings Colombian mercenaries to Ukraine under construction job cover — document

Evidence was found on the phone of Colombian mercenary Jose Luis Pocheco Navarra

EC may deprive Venice Biennale of €2 mln grant for inviting Russia

European Commission Spokesperson Thomas Regnier added that the grant funds are intended for training and film production

Ukraine launches 54 artillery attacks on Russia’s Kursk Region in past day — governor

A national of Saint Kitts and Nevis was killed in an attack on a motor road near the village of Bolshoye Soldatskoye, Alexander Khinshtein said

FACTBOX: What is known about aftermath of Ukrainian missile attack on Russia’s Bryansk

The attack killed six people and injured 42

Russia’s oil production down 56,000 bpd in February — OPEC

Russia’s production was planned at 9.574 mbd of oil in February considering all voluntary cuts

Russian UAV control unaffected by shutdown of foreign comms terminals — Defense Ministry

According to the ministry, UAVs of the Russian unmanned systems forces continue to engage enemy weapons, equipment, military facilities, and personnel on a daily basis

Ukraine’s missile attack on Bryansk attempts to disrupt peace process — Russian MFA

London and other western capitals are attempting to undermine the peace process through large-scale provocation with civilian casualties, the Russian Foreign Minister said

Iranian Foreign Ministry asked neighbors not to let US abuse their territory

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman added that a great responsibility lies with the Europeans, and they must not pander to the US and Israel

Attack on Arctic Metagaz terrorist act, war crime — Russian MFA spokeswoman

According to Maria Zakharova, it is noteworthy that this terrorist attack "was carried out in close proximity to the shores of an EU member state, yet so far, not a single European state has condemned what happened"

Tensions in Strait of Hormuz unlikely to benefit either US or Iran, expert says

According to Liu Zhongmin, this kind of high-cost conflict is unsustainable for both sides and for the countries in the region

Israeli air defenses down only half of rockets fired by Hezbollah over past day — NYP

According to the report, the IDF is preparing a ground operation into Lebanon in response

Iran to stop holding back in case of aggression against its islands — parliament speaker

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that "the blood of American troops will be on the conscience" of US President Donald Trump

Russia testing AI-based Svod drone in special military operation zone

The Svod is a separate line of UAVs with an improved system for intelligent guidance, tracking, and autonomous target engagement

Russian presidential envoy thanks US side for productive meeting in Florida

The US was represented by presidential envoy Steve Witkoff, US president’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, and White House Senior Advisor Josh Gruenbaum

Trump says US can destroy Iran's electric power network in one hour

"It'll be almost impossible for them to rebuild their country," the US president said

US won’t escalate war against Iran to escort tankers — Pentagon

Wahington has capabilities that no other nation on Earth has, Pete Hegseth said

Container ship hit by unknown projectile some 60 km off Dubai — UKMTO

The vessel caught fire

Israel strikes Beirut’s Aramoun neighborhood — TV

No details about the outcome of the attack were provided

Iran not stopping Indian ships in Strait of Hormuz — Deputy Foreign Minister

Saeed Khatibzadeh urged New Delhi to ask Washington, why they attack Iranian ships in the Indian Ocean

Russian troops liberate Chervonaya Zarya community in Sumy Region over past day

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,370 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

Bank of Russia raises dollar exchange rate to 79.07 rubles for March 12

The official euro exchange rate has been raised by 3.99 kopecks to 91.9378 rubles

Russia, China now main beneficiaries of US-Iran conflict — newspaper

The Washington Post believes that military operations, given the US national debt, which is approaching $39 trillion, could make it difficult for the United States to "compete with much more significant adversaries, notably Iran’s allies Russia and China"

Iran wants peace but needs reparations, firm guarantees from US, Israel — president

Talking to leaders of Russia and Pakistan, I reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to peace in the region, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said

Iraqi oil ports suspend operations after attacks on tankers — authorities

The commercial ports continue operations

Iran loses more than 90% of its missile launchers — Bloomberg

According to the report, the US and Israel have "learned their lesson" after the escalation in the summer of 2025 and are now using the tactic of destroying launchers and command posts, which deprives Iran of the ability to carry out large-scale strikes

Use of drones creates new ethics of war — Medvedev

With the use of drones, the concept of "war" as an existential risk for its participants dissolves, creating the illusion of "clean" and "almost bloodless" conflicts, the politician stated

Epstein’s files mention Zelensky in connection with human trafficking from Ukraine

Vladimir Zelensky appears in Epstein's files several dozen times, most prominently in connection with the Jean-Luc Brunel case

Kremlin spokesman recalls Russia warned Turkey about Kiev's plans to sabotage pipelines

Russia has repeatedly conveyed this information, Dmitry Peskov noted

Gazprom reports 12 foiled attacks on gas pipeline infrastructure in Turkey

Today, the Russkaya compressor station in southern Russia came under another air attack

WHO reports over 1,800 deaths in Iran, Lebanon, Israel amid current escalation

At least 12,500 people have been injured, Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says

Press review: NATO unlikely to join Iran strikes as EU moves to sever Russia ties

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, March 6th

IN BRIEF: Further developments around Druzhba pipeline

Hungarian Deputy Energy Minister Gabor Czepek said that a Hungarian commission to assess the condition of the Druzhba oil pipeline has traveled to Ukraine for dialogue with the country's authorities on the resumption of Russian oil transit

Russian court hands out sentences in Crocus terror case, 15 accomplices get life in prison

The court also imposed additional penalties on all defendants in the form of fines

Russia doesn’t plan to request UNSC meeting following Ukraine’s attack on Bryansk

The strikes killed seven and wounded 42 people

Iran war plus Russian oil ban is a double whammy for Europe — Szijjarto

The Hungarian foreign minister noted that the situation surrounding Iran is escalating and isn’t likely to be resolved anytime soon

Nearly 1,350 civilians killed in Iran in US-Israeli strikes — Iranian diplomat

Amir-Saeid Iravani says that about 17,000 have been injured

Russian Navy to get latest submersibles for military goals

The Vityaz-D deep-water submersible is capable of operating at maximum depths in the World Ocean

Yolka drone being integrated into Russia's critical facilities anti-UAV defense system

The Yolka is a portable interception system that destroys targets with kinetic energy, no warheads needed

FACTBOX: Iran's new supreme leader injured, over 1,800 dead in Mideast conflict escalation

At least 12,500 people have been injured in Iran, Lebanon, and Israel since the escalation of the Middle East conflict began

'Reality changed' since Istanbul agreements — Kremlin

Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov stressed that agreements no longer meet the requirement of the changed situation

Press review: Trump floats sanctions relief as oil soars and Israel's nuclear shadow looms

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Pipeline attacks during energy crisis expose essence of Kiev regime — Kremlin

Such actions by the Kiev regime can be called especially irresponsible, Dmitry Peskov noted