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Brent crude oil falls by more than 6.8%

The price of WTI crude futures for May 2026 delivery fell by 5.45%

MOSCOW, March 25. /TASS/. The price of Brent crude oil futures for May 2026 delivery on the London ICE exchange fell by more than 6.8%.

As of 11:34 Moscow time, Brent was down 6.88% at $97.3 per barrel.

By 12:15 Moscow time, Brent slowed its decline to $98.62 per barrel (-5.62%). At the same time, the price of WTI crude futures for May 2026 delivery fell by 5.45% to $87.32 per barrel.

US-Israeli strikes on Iran

Global energy crisis about to hit US very hard — WSJ

Unless peace talks pan out fast, record high prices for specific grades of Middle Eastern crude cargoes will soon cascade to the US and elsewhere, the article notes

Pentagon orders deployment of 2,000 paratroopers to Middle East, NYT says

Soldiers of the "Immediate Response Force" of the elite 82nd Airborne Division were sent to the region

Russia calls on Arab countries to show wisdom amid regional challenges — MFA

Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Alimov underscored Russia’s keen interest in bolstering the League’s role in resolving regional issues

Iran’s 'present', 15-point plan, US ploy: situation in Middle East

It remains unclear how many members of the Iranian leadership received the plan and whether Tehran intends to accept it as a starting point for negotiations

Qatar Energy declares force majeure on LNG supply Contracts to four countries

The company noted that specialists are currently assessing the damage and the timeframe for repairs to facilities, as well as the impact of the damage on its operations

Vorobey-10 drone carrying thermobaric munitions to be tested in special op zone

The Vorobey-10 has a range of approximately 15 km, and can carry a payload of up to 10 kg

IN BRIEF: Iran’s Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant comes under attack once again

According to preliminary reports, the facility was not damaged, there were no casualties among the personnel

Blow to non-proliferation regime and IAEA acknowledgement: Russian diplomat’s statements

Now, nuclear sites "indeed, are targets for attacks," Mikhail Ulyanov noted

Iran halts gas supplies to Turkey after Israeli strike — Bloomberg

According to sources, Turkey is still importing gas from Russia and Azerbaijan and also has reserves

Rosatom to mine and process critical metals in Brazil

As part of their joint activities, the partners plan to obtain the necessary permits, conduct geological exploration at promising deposits and establish modern mining and processing facilities based on them

Iranian missiles intercepted over Lebanon were targeting Hamaat air base — portal

No official statements from the authorities regarding the interception of the Iranian missiles in Lebanese airspace have been issued

Russia, Israel leaders maintain very good relations — ambassador to Russia

Oded Joseph says that Russia and Israel are friendly countries

Russia to update target list if nuclear weapons appear in Poland, Sweden — MP

Andrey Kartapolov also emphasized that current European politicians have no idea what risks a country is taking when it decides to deploy military facilities with nuclear weapons on its territory

Russian troops liberate Peschanoye community in Kharkov Region over past day — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted more than 235 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed four enemy armored combat vehicles in its areas of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

FIFA cancels over 2,000 hotel room reservations in US ahead of 2026 World Cup

The global football organization did not provide reasons for such decision

EU oil product prices hit records amid Strait of Hormuz crisis — Platts

Near-record levels were recorded in the diesel market as well as for several other products

Kiev faces biggest risk yet of losing US aid — media

According to the source, Washington does not believe that Kiev is capable of agreeing on the "key issue," referring to Ukraine’s withdrawal from Donbass

IN BRIEF: Russian regions face most massive drone attack as air defenses down 389 UAVs

Several residential buildings and cars were damaged in a drone attack on Kronstadt, a suburb of St. Petersburg

Trump trapped in Iranian crisis, with no good options to get out — TV

Presidents often are faced with crises with no good solution, but few find themselves in a dead-end situation that Trump has driven himself into, the TV channel noted

Trump says Iran has agreed not to have nuclear weapons

He did not say, however, who the United States is engaged in consultations with

No talks between Iran and Washington during US aggression — Iran’s ambassador to Russia

Kazem Jalali says there were no negotiations between representatives of the countries for more than 20 days, the entire duration of the conflict

US operation on Kharg Island could awaken Iran's sleeping forces — expert

Marat Zembatov also did not rule out the possibility that the information about the operation on Kharg Island could be a US disinformation tactic

Losses of Russia’s coal industry may reach $7.13 bln in 2026 in stress scenario

Russian Deputy Energy Minister Dmitry Islamov recalled that the ministry had forecast the sector’s loss in 2025 at 360 bln rubles ($4.46 bln)

Russia 'negative' on Iran conflict spilling over to Caspian Sea region — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on media reports alleging that Israel had carried out strikes on Russian ships in the Caspian Sea

‘No justification’ for continued armed conflict in Middle East — Russian Foreign Ministry

According to the statement, Russia "firmly supports the UAE in defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity, condemns targeted attacks on civilians as well as on civilian infrastructure"

Israel must not be allowed to derail settlement of Iran conflict — Erdogan

The Turkish leader stressed that the conflict launched against Iran was "Israel’s war, but the whole world is paying the price"

North Atlantic at risk as Ireland, UK align against Moscow — Russian envoy

Yury Filatov said that it will be taken into account in Russia's military planning

Iran’s foreign minister appreciates German president's statement on US-Israeli attacks

Abbas Araghchi says Frank-Walter Steinmeier "should be given credit" for condemning the violations against Iranians

Press review: Washington plans Iran ground move as oil surge adds $41.5B to Russia

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, March 23rd

Belarusian leader arrives in Pyongyang for talks with North Korea’s Kim

The visit will center on talks between the two leaders who are planning to discuss the entire range of spheres of bilateral relations and outline the key fields of mutual interest

Fesco, Vietnam’s VIMC agree on cooperation in maritime shipping

The parties intend to expand cooperation to develop maritime container transportation between Asian countries and promote Fesco services in Vietnam and in international markets where VIMC operates

Strait of Hormuz open to countries not at war with Iran — top diplomat

Abbas Araghchi thanked Beijing for the emergency humanitarian assistance and stressed that Tehran wants a comprehensive rather than temporary ceasefire

US hands 15-point proposal to end war over to Iran — NYT

According to sources cited by the newspaper, the plan affects the missile and nuclear programs of the Islamic republic

US awaits Iran’s response on potential peace talks on March 26 — media

According to sources cited by Axios, if the plans for the negotiations are confirmed, US Vice President JD Vance will likely attend

Russian drones fly up to 60 km behind Ukrainian defense lines near Kramatorsk — expert

Vitaly Kiselyov said it is necessary to increase the number of strikes on Ukrainian troops from FPV drones

Russia ready to help resolve Middle East conflict — Nebenzya

The permanent representative to the UN urged the parties to cease fighting

About 290 US troops wounded since beginning of operation against Iran — CNN

According to a source in the Central Command, of the affected soldiers, 255 returned to service

Israel, US carry out new strike on Bushehr NPP, station sustains no damage — AEOI

According to the organization, no technical malfunctions have been witnessed at the plant

Kim Jong Un praises North Korea’s rejection of denuclearization as 'right decision'

The country’s leader emphasized that Pyongyang had, in a timely manner, "recognized the unchanging nature of imperialist forces striving for hegemony with ever-increasing intensity"

Trump supports Orban ahead of Hungarian parliamentary elections

The ballot is slated for April 12

Iran suspects trick in US offer for talks — Axios

Sources cited by the news portal say that the deployment of major troop reinforcements by the US has strengthened the suspicions in Tehran

Trump says, Vance, Rubio, Witkoff engaged in talks with Iran

And the other side, I can tell you, they'd like to make a deal, he said

About 25 new brands may enter Russian market this year — analysts

According to analysts, since the beginning of 2026 not a single new brand has entered the Russian market, while seven have left

Russia ready to supply all types of energy resources to Vietnam

According to Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko, the Russian side can offer supplies of agricultural products, fertilizers, as well as pharmaceutical and polymer products

Belarus, North Korea to sign treaty of friendship during Lukashenko’s visit to Pyongyang

There is an entire range of areas that both Belarus and North Korea are interested in, Maxim Ryzhenkov said

Japanese serviceman storms Chinese embassy in Tokyo, threatens diplomats — Chinese MFA

According to the embassy’s statement, the perpetrator, who claimed to be an officer of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces, climbed over the fence and forced his way onto the premises of the diplomatic mission

IRGC says it hit Israeli satellite communications stations, US bases in Middle East

Targets were hit in Jordan, Bahrain and Kuwait

Kiev intensifies drone attacks on Moscow, St. Petersburg as it knows it’s losing — Ritter

According to the former US Marine Corps intelligence officer, the US and the West could directly side with Ukraine if "Russia responds dramatically against Ukraine"

Trump tried to gauge if Iran ready for ceasefire via Pakistani intermediary — newspaper

According to the source, the US leader faced a coordinated and decisive response

Iran’s IRGC confirms delivering missile strikes on Dimona, Eilat in Israel, US army bases

The names of the military bases affected by the attack were not disclosed

Colombians from American PMCs fighting on Ukrainian side — expert

The majority of Colombians serving in American PMCs are veterans of Colombia’s protracted civil war, which began in the mid-1960s

No prospects for ending Middle East conflict visible today — Shoigu

According to the Russian official, the US-Israeli attack has struck not only the Islamic Republic but also the entire system of regional and international security

Ukraine damages Belgorod energy facilities seriously — governor

According to preliminary information, there are no casualties

Iran says Strait of Hormuz closed only to ships of hostile countries

The Islamic republic noted that the full restoration of security and sustainable stability in the Strait is contingent upon the cessation of military aggression and threats

US leader’s approval rating drops to 36%, lowest since his inauguration — poll

According to the provided data, 35% of respondents positively assessed the US strikes on Iran, while 61% viewed them negatively

Russia’s Energy Ministry expects to keep coal exports, production at 2025 level

Coal production in Russia in 2025 totaled 440 mln tons

At least 12 people killed in attack on Iranian city near Tehran

28 people were injured during the attack

Britain works with partners to open Strait of Hormuz — Starmer

The UK prime minister expressed "unwavering support" for Saudi Arabia

China delegation headed by high-ranking official to visit SPIEF — paper

The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum will take place on June 3-6

Britain pushes Ukraine to escalate conflict — ambassador Kelin

The Russian official doubts the sincerity of the UK peace initiatives, he says

Brent oil price rises by around 5%

By 20:01 Moscow time, Brent was trading at $104.24 per barrel

Iran wants all sanctions on it lifted before ending war — Khamenei’s adviser

Mohsen Rezaei says that Iran will not end the hostilities until the payment of compensations

Putin to award prizes to young cultural workers today

The president will also take part in a meeting of the Cultural Council via videoconference

Trump asserts power shift in Iran already took place

The US president said, referring to the new leaders of the country, that he would "see how they turn out"

Russia, Ukraine getting close to settlement deal, says Trump

These are people that they don't like each other very much, he added

Trump miscalculated timeline for Iran operation, but talk of results premature — expert

The United States and Israel launched a military operation against Iran on February 28, when major Iranian cities, including Tehran, were struck

Russia takes Kiev’s hits because it is winning on the battlefield — US expert

According to Scott Ritter, Russia could respond accordingly, but this could push the international community to think about supporting Ukraine

US says it can take Kharg 'any time it wants,' but keeping it is another story — expert

Alexander Kharchenko noted that "Iran will not accept this painful blow and will actively use drones and ballistic missiles"

Iran calls for creation of regional military alliance without United States

Iran’s General Staff says that the countries of the region "will never need a state located thousands of kilometers away to guarantee their security"

Today's global conflicts make it look like WWIII has started already: Lavrov’s remarks

According to the Russian top diplomat, developments in Latin America and the Middle East are a direct result of the West’s attempts to preserve the remnants of its dominance

Death toll from Colombian Air Force plane crash rises to 69

57 people were injured

EU energy crisis of its own making, Russia snub to blame — Dmitriev

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is still too slow to admit that it is critical in the EU, the special presidential envoy said

Press review: Russia ready for arms control reset with US and Mideast war's outlook hazy

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, March 24th

Britain expected quick US victory in Iran — Russian ambassador Kelin

The official said that in spite of the irritation of US President Donald Trump over London's reluctance to participate in unblocking the Strait of Hormuz, the depth of the transatlantic differences shall not be exagerated

Ukrainian strike on Zaporozhye hospital deliberate, not mistake — military expert

Vitaly Kiselyov believes that Kiev will describe the incident as a targeting error, an operator mistake, or attribute it to a Russian drone

Iran blocks container ship SELEN from passing through Strait of Hormuz — IRGC Navy

IRGC Navy Commander Ali Reza Tangsiri stressed that the passing of any vessel through this waterway required thorough coordination with Iranian authorities

Explosive-laden insoles intercepted and other terrorist plots foiled: FSB hard at work

Employees of the Russian Federal Security Service, the Interior Ministry, and the Federal National Guard Service were put on high alert

Zelensky can undermine TurkStream to attract attention — State Duma deputy

Alexander Borodai says that Zelensky has "absolutely nothing to lose" and needs escalation by any means

FSB seizes shipment of shoe insoles rigged with explosives destined for special op zone

A Ukrainian handler ordered a foreign national to receive a shipment of 504 improvised explosive devices disguised as heated shoe insoles through a logistics company in Moscow

Israel’s army strikes two missile production sites in Tehran

According to the IDF, the two Iranian plants operated under the command of Iran’s Ministry of Defense

Iran in talks with friendly countries, neighbors over mediation in conflict with US — MFA

According to Esmail Baghaei, "there have been many countries in the region and outside that have reached out to Iran to mediate between Iran and the United States"

Russia does not see implementation of US plan on Gaza — permanent representative to UN

Vasily Nebenzya says that the lack of progress on the issue "could lead to another round of armed conflict"

Iran agrees not to enrich uranium — US leader

Donald Trump added that the Islamic republic "can’t have certain things"

Contacts between Iran, US have been established through intermediaries — CNN

According to the source, Iran "is not asking for a meeting or direct talks with the United States but is willing to listen" to proposals that take into account the republic’s national interests

Newest barrage ammunition Knyaz Vladimir Svyatoslavovich passes combat testing

The general designer of the engineering team says that the producer continues to develop the system

About 3,500 Russians injured or killed by Ukrainian drone attacks in 2025 — diplomat

The number includes about 200 children

Iran's Supreme Leader is feeling well, the state is functioning effectively — MFA

Iranians remain united in the face of this barbaric act of aggression, Esmail Baghaei emphasized

Blinken calls Tretiak his childhood hero

The former head of the US Department of State called Tretiak "probably the greatest goaltender of his era"

US cannot achieve regime change in Iran — Italian expert

Michele Geraci noted that Iran had a system of power distribution and control that was very difficult to dismantle

Tehran receives Washington’s 15-point ceasefire proposal — agency

According to the sources, the plan touches on sanctions relief, civilian nuclear cooperation, a rollback of Iran’s nuclear program

Trump threatens Iran with destruction of $10 billion power plant

There are no obstacles for the US to strike targets in Iran, the president says

Israel strikes Iran’s largest explosives production facility in Isfahan

Besides, the Israeli Air Force attacked "dozens" of Iranian facilities during the day, including ballistic missile launching sites, weapons production sites, and air defense systems

Bosnian Serb leader calls NATO bombings with uranium criminal

Milorad Dodik pointed to the devastating health consequences, noting that many individuals suffer from malignant diseases as a direct result

Iranian diplomat denies reports of talks with Washington

Esmail Baghaei noted that Iran had a very catastrophic experience of United States diplomacy

EC postpones publication of ban on Russian oil imports for EU countries

Initially, April 15 was discussed, but the ban clause has now disappeared from the European Commission's agenda

AI-based anti-drone systems reduce effectiveness of Kiev’s drone strikes — expert

Andrey Marochko said that problems within the Ukrainian army can also be attributed to the enemy’s high percentage of defective, cheap products and low-quality components for unmanned aerial vehicles

Turkey determined to stay out of ongoing conflict in region — Erdogan

The Turkish leader noted that the parties involved in the war were resorting to tricks to drag other countries into the conflict

Kiev making bombs disguised as household items — expert

Andrey Pirozhkov said the components for making such devices typically arrive from Europe via third countries

Belarus concluding Western Operational Command troops exercise

According to Pavel Muraveyko, Chief of the Belarusian General Staff and First Deputy Defense Minister, it’s too early to summarize the exercise results

Russia to discover dozens of oil and gas fields in 2026

Oleg Kazanov, head of the Federal Subsoil Resources Management Agency, added that field discovery is "a creative process"

Kiev needs to sign ‘capitulation documents’ to end Ukraine conflict — Russian MFA

Maria Zakharova stressed that any conflict was concluded by an agreement