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Japan plans releasing 20-day oil stock from reserves — Kyodo

In mid-March, the country already started releasing stocks corresponding to needs during about 45 days

TOKYO, April 9. /TASS/. The Japanese government is considering an opportunity of releasing a 20-day oil stock from its reserves, Kyodo News agency reports.

This can be done as early as in May, it said. In mid-March, the country already started releasing stocks corresponding to needs during about 45 days. The Japanese oil sector calls to continue this process in May, being concerned that the actual blocking of the Hormuz Strait may continue for some time.

Japan depends on Middle East imports by approximately 95% and a significant portion of such supplies goes through the Strait of Hormuz.

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US-Israeli strikes on Iran

Prior levels of oil supplies from Middle East require months to achieve — investor

The break in the form of the two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran "may end without even getting started," Kyle Shostak added

EU complicity in attacks on Russia, Middle East peace process: MFA statements

Moscow sees that many European countries are showing increased interest in either fielding nuclear weapons or coming under the protection of nations who already have them, Maria Zakharova noted

Cameroonian volunteer cites food crisis as motive to join special military operation

The Cameroonian volunteer emphasized that he had supported Russia from the very beginning

Oil and gas revenues of Russian budget down 45.4% in Q1 — ministry

Monthly transactions on sale and purchase of foreign currency and gold to form additional revenues was suspended until July 1 of this year, the ministry said

After meeting with Rutte, Trump recalls disagreements over Greenland

The US president called the island a "big, poorly run, piece of ice"

Iran obliges ships passing through Hormuz Strait to follow alternative routes

The IRGC Navy directive specifies two alternative routes, both passing through the waters near Larak Island

Carlson urges US military to disobey presidential order to strike Iran

The journalist warns that the world is at a "pivot point" after which "nothing is the same"

Waiting for Ukraine talks, Putin-Orban transcript leak: what Kremlin said

The Kremlin hopes that Washington pays more attention to Ukraine talks soon, Dmitry Peskov noted

Carlson doubts US-Iran truce is victory for Washington

US Journalist Tucker Carlson says there has been no fundamental change in power in Iran, while US military bases in the Middle East have been damaged

Iranian parliament speaker says talks with US unreasonable amid ceasefire breaches

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said three key clauses of the ceasefire proposal were violated, condemning continued military operations in Lebanon, an unauthorized entry into Iranian airspace, and denial of the Islamic Republic’s right to enrich uranium

Putin could speak on Ukraine at news conference after Belarus talks on Thursday — Kremlin

The Russian president is scheduled to take questions jointly with his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko

NATO chief says he understands US disappointment with some alliance members

The recent conversation with US President Donald Trump was "a discussion between two good friends," Mark Rutte added

Russia ready to resume Ukraine talks soon — Foreign Ministry

Ambassador-at-Large Rodion Miroshnik says that the situation may depend on whom the US appoints to lead its dialogue with Iran

Iranians take to streets to celebrate ‘US defeat’ — Mehr news agency

A video shot from Tehran's largest street shows people with Iranian flags, loud music is played in the background

Iran presents US with ‘entirely different’ proposal, used as basis for talks — White House

"The Iranians originally put forward a 10-point plan that was fundamentally unserious, unacceptable and completely discarded," Karoline Leavitt said

Soyuz-2.1b launches Gonets-M satellites, first Sfera module from Vostochny spaceport

It is the first rocket launch from Vostochny in 2022

EU explores ways to create nuke production capabilities — Russian intel agency

Moscow draws the attention of the US administration and the leaders of all other countries to the need to make everything possible to prevent the EU from creating its own nuclear weapons

Russia says Europe becomes accomplice to Kiev’s regime crimes at sea

Maria Zakharova recalled a recent drone attack on Arctic Metagaz, a Russian liquefied natural gas tanker in the Mediterranean Sea

Ukrainians in Hungary promised $6,000 to take part in antigovernment rallies — Russia

According to the source in Russia’s security departments, former head of Vladimir Zelensky’s office Andrey Yermak looks for people who speak fluent Hungarian, are physically fit, and can handle stress

Press review: US, Iran agree 2-week ceasefire as Trump questions NATO role

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, April 8th

Iranian forces to respond ‘fittingly’ if Israel continues striking Lebanon — IRGC

The Israeli army's press service announced earlier in the day that the Israeli Air Force recently completed a new series of strikes across Lebanon

Russia’s Medvedev sees Iran’s success in Trump’s approval to discuss its 10-point plan

Dmitry Medvedev noted that it was not clear if Washington would accept the plan

Russia’s High Precision Systems develops modification of Depesha tracked platform

High Precision Systems noted that the target system based on the tracked Depesha platform increases training efficiency and allows for practice firing at moving targets, which helps improve marksmanship skills

Iran directly shapes US stock market — news agency

According to Fars, for the first time in history, a single country is determining the New York Stock Exchange trends without using conventional financial instruments

Only 1% of Ukraine’s 2026 budget reserve fund remains — lawmaker

"As of today, out of $1.12 bln, $11.4 mln remains," Yaroslav Zheleznyak said

US forces to remain at Iran's borders until agreement terms are met — Trump

The president elaborated that the US would retain all ships, aircraft, and military personnel

Kremlin announces creation of blockchain-based payment system in BRICS

Work will continue to develop the Contingent Reserve Arrangement, primarily regarding the use of currencies different from the US dollar," the Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov pointed out

Russian MFA summons Tokyo’s envoy over Japan-Ukraine agreement on drones

Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that a protest was lodged over reports of an investment agreement between Tokyo and Kiev

Up to $10 mln brought from Ukraine via Romania to bribe European official

According to the source, dozens of Ukrainian citizens were transporting huge amounts of undeclared cash on flights from Bucharest airport

Death toll from Israeli strikes on Lebanon rises to 254 in past day, with 1,165 injured

The emergency operations center says that it is prioritizing completing search-and-rescue operations

Vance says Lebanon not part of ceasefire deal with Iran

The US vice president says there is a "misunderstanding" between the sides

Russian stock market closes in the red — market data

The MOEX Russia Index lost 1.15% to 2,765.06 points, while the RTS Index fell by 0.59% to 1,112.4 points

Shipping in Strait of Hormuz won’t quickly recover after ceasefire — The Independent

According to the report, the situation "remains extremely volatile"

Belgian foreign minister says he narrowly missed being hit by Israeli strike in Beirut

Maxime Prevot did not comment on Israel’s actions

Moscow to host Russian Space Forum bringing together participants from 40 countries

The forum marks the 65th anniversary of the first human spaceflight

Iraq detains individuals linked to French officer’s killing near Erbil — PM

Mohammed al-Sudani and Emmanuel Macron also discussed the overall situation in the region and efforts to resolve the conflict

Access of Venezuelans to Chavez lying in state resumes after mourning ceremony

People passing by the coffin do not conceal their tears, many women are crying out loud

Ceasefire to cover all locations of Middle East conflict — Russian Foreign Ministry

Owing "to the sound position of the UN Security Council, formed at the insistence of Russia and China, required conditions were managed to be provided for reaching understandings of ceasefire and negotiating process start," the ministry noted

Iranian delegation to arrive in Pakistan on Thursday for talks with US — ambassador

Reza Amiri Moghadam said it is planned despite the skepticism of the Iranian public due to the repeated ceasefire violations by Israel

Expenditures on National Projects in Russia total $17.1 bln as of April 1

This figure ammounts to 19.8% of the planned volume

India to purchase Russian oil regardless of duration of US sanctions suspension — source

"India needs to ensure energy security for the benefit of its people," the source said

Ten-point plan to end war: US accepts Iran’s proposal

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, in turn, declared victory and a "historic and crushing defeat" of the US and Israel

Islamabad hotel vacating rooms ahead of arrival of US, Iranian delegations

A Serena employee said there is no precise information yet on whether the hotel will serve as the venue for US-Iranian negotiations

Vance condemns Zelensky’s threats to Orban ahead of Hungary election

The US Vice President criticized Zelensky’s actions as outrageous and unacceptable

EU remains one of leading importers of Russian fish products

China is the main importer, head of the Federal Agency for Fishery Ilya Shestakov said

Iran seeks new rules for ships passing through Hormuz — Reuters

"This war has affected everything," Ali Bahreini, Iran’s permanent Representative to the United Nations, noted

Russia postpones Start-1M rocket launch to 2027

The new light-class rocket, the Start-1M, would be capable of launching a payload of up to 500 kg into low orbit

Russia welcomes Brahimi’s appointment as UN/LAS envoy on Syria

Russia welcomes the appointment of Lakhdar Brahimi as the joint representative of the UN and LAS on Syria, Russian Permane Representative to the UN Churkin said

US, Iran to meet for talks this weekend in Islamabad — White House

The first round will take place on April 11

US to conclude peace treaty with Iran by end of April, Russian expert predicts

According to Yegor Toropov, the US ceasefire with Iran is a logical consequence of US President Donald Trump’s unwavering negotiating strategy and tactics

Resuming cooperation in shipbuilding beneficial to Moscow, Seoul — Russian envoy

Among other things, 15 unique Arctic-class ARC7 gas carriers have been built at shipyards in South Korea in the interests of implementing the Yamal LNG project

Iran considering retaliatory strikes on Israel after latest attack on Lebanon — agency

According to the report, there is a growing opinion in Tehran that continued Israeli attacks indicate either that the United States is unable to control Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or that Washington has given Israel the green light to do whatever it wants

First launch of Voronezh ultra-light carrier rocket planned for 2029 — Skolkovo

The primary function of ultra-light rockets is to replace retiring satellites in satellite constellations

Israel bears full responsibility for missile attack on Beirut — Lebanese president

Israel "is increasing its aggression and disregarding all human values," Joseph Aoun said

Envoys from 30 NATO countries to visit Japan for insights into its relations with US — TV

According to NHK, the delegation will also discuss policy toward Russia and China

US leader says negotiations with Iran to be held behind closed doors

There is only one group of meaningful 'points' to an agreement that are acceptable to the United States, Donald Trump noted

Ukraine's actions threaten to turn Mediterranean into new hotbed — Zakharova

Maria Zakharova highlighted a recent report by Intelligence Online, which details how Ukrainian military intelligence, specifically the unit called Group 13 - an entity specializing in covert maritime operations - has utilized a dry cargo ship to track Russia’s so-called shadow fleet in the Mediterranean

US defense industry stocks in the red amid ceasefire with Iran

The decline was noted for stocks of Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and General Dynamics

Lavrov slams Zelensky over his claims of not backing Nazis while okaying SS-hailing events

According to the Russian top diplomat, Ukraine’s authorities are conniving at the manifestations of neo-Nazism

Russia-South Korea trade turnover down two-fold in three years — envoy

Georgy Zinovyev noted that bilateral trade turnover decreased from $21.145 bln in 2022 to $10.939 bln in 2025

Annual inflation in Russia accelerates to 5.95% from March 31 to April 6 — ministry

Inflation stood at 0.19% over the week from March 31 to April 6

Russia-Korea ties to be irreparably damaged if Seoul provides Kiev with arms — envoy

According to Georgy Zinovyev, "the South Korean government does not want to see such a scenario play out"

Iran has become world power, while US suffered humiliating defeat — portal

According to the media outlet, the event marks a pivotal turning point in global history and the international order

Israeli police lifts ban on visits to Jerusalem holy sites from April 9

Among Jerusalem’s main holy sites is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where the Holy Fire ceremony will take place on Holy Saturday, April 11

Ukraine launches seven attacks on DPR over past day

The strikes damaged four residential buildings, three civilian infrastructure facilities, passenger cars, and a bus

Trump says Lebanon not included in deal with Iran as separate conflict

The US president said that the confrontation between Israel and Shiite movement Hezbollah was a separate conflict

UN calls for investigation into Israeli strikes on Lebanon after US truce with Iran

High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk says Israel carried out about 100 strikes across the Arab republic within 10 minutes

Russia resolutely condemns attempts to change government in Iran

"This is not the first time that Washington has openly tried to destabilize the internal situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran," Maria Zakharova said

Artillerymen of 201st Russian Military Base destroy simulated enemy in Tajikistan

During the exercise, special attention was paid to camouflaging equipment and personnel using terrain, as well as quickly changing firing positions and coordinating artillery crews when operating with drones

EU leadership going crazy, seeking to acquire nukes: Russian SVR’s key statements

German experts are capable of covertly obtaining enough weapons-grade plutonium for a nuclear device within about a month, Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service said

Despite resistance from Ukrainian troops, Russia continues advance near Konstantinovka

Military expert Andrey Marochko says that Russian troops are achieving successes in the sector "almost daily"

Federal budget deficit totaled $58.6 bln in Q1 2026 — Finance Ministry

Expenditures of the federal budget are provisionally estimated at $164.2 bln as of the end of the reporting quarter, up 17% as compared to last-year figures

US vice president says talks on Ukraine focus on 'a few square kilometers of territory'

JD Vance mentioned "some progress" being achieved

Ukraine's own data confirms child trafficking — Russian MFA spokeswoman

Maria Zakharova emphasized that the Russian side has repeatedly drawn attention to this problem

Oil and gas sector stocks being most profitable instruments of Russian market in March

High returns were also noticed for foreign currency-denominated instruments

Press review: Iran rejects US ultimatum as EU seeks to strip Hungary of voting rights

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, April 7th

Hezbollah warns of further attacks in response to Israel's actions

The organization said it had delivered a strike on northern Israel

Australia diversifies foreign policy ties due to US unpredictability — Foreign Minister

Penny Wong says Canberra is strengthening relations with countries in Southeast Asia and the Pacific, the EU, Japan, and Canada

Western special services deliver chemical weapons to Ukraine — Russia’s OPCW envoy

Vladimir Tarabrin says the supplies of toxic agents and protective equipment may indicate "plans to hold large-scale false flag attacks"

Iran makes its participation in talks with US conditional on ceasefire in Lebanon — WSJ

The Iranian side also warned that it would continue to strike countries in the region, including Israel, if Israeli attacks on Lebanon and Iran continue

Netanyahu says Israel to achieve Iran goals one way or another

Israeli Prime Minister said that there are still goals that Israel must achieve

Unfreezing of Russian assets tied to peace process, support for Ukraine — Meloni

The G7 said in the joint statement that Moscow should pay Ukraine for damage, which the World Bank estimates at $486 billion

US to not uphold ceasefire if Iran does not open Strait of Hormuz — vice president

JD Vance also said he saw signs "that the straits are starting to reopen"

Kuwait, UAE come under attack following strikes on Iranian oil refinery — TV

Earlier, the broadcaster accused the US and Israel of violating a ceasefire agreement over an attack on an oil refinery on Lawan Island

Hungary not canceling gasoline price cap as Brussels demands — Orban

The oil crisis is already on the threshold, the Hungarian prime minister noted

US ready to offer Iran ‘a lot’ if it negotiates in good faith — vice president

JD Vance did not elaborate on whether the US could drop its demand that Iran abandon uranium enrichment

Russian Defense Ministry starts mass production of Tsirkon missiles - Shoigu

Russian Defense Ministry to continue production of Kinzhal missiles

Trump escalates rhetoric against Iran as deadline for deal nears

The US president said that "a whole civilization will die tonight"

Moldova's withdrawal from CIS approved by president, enters into force

The withdrawal process will be finalized after a 12-month notice period

Russian Duma speaker believes giving up flat tax rate may be considered

A flat individual income tax rate of 13% is currently effective in Russia

French politician sees signs of Paris preparing for war with Russia

Florian Philippot says a potential war on the eastern flank "does not look promising" and calls on Paris to withdraw from NATO to avoid it

Vance says Israel expressed readiness for more restrained operations in Lebanon

The vice president reiterated that the US "never once said" the ceasefire applied to Lebanon

US, Iran could jointly charge for passage through Strait of Hormuz — Trump

The US president says that the measure will secure the strait "from lots of other people"

Washington Capitals nominate Ovechkin for Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy

No Russian has ever won the award to the NHL player who best exemplifies perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to the sport of hockey

Ukrainian residents to be able to apply for Russian citizenship in Kherson region

The Kherson region is in southern Ukraine, bordering the Republic of Crimea

FACTBOX: Recent developments in the Middle East

Passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz has been suspended due to Israeli attacks on Lebanon, while Iran is considering retaliatory strikes against Israel due to the ceasefire violation

First ships sail through Hormuz after announced ceasefire in region

MarineTraffic web service reported said that several hundred ships are still present in the Persian Gulf now, including 426 tankers

Russian troops hammer Ukrainian army’s energy, port infrastructure over past day

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,110 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

Iran condemns attacks on Lavan, Siri Islands after declared ceasefire — president

Masoud Pezeshkian says the Islamic Republic would "deliver a decisive response to any attack"

Macron believes ceasefire should include Lebanon

The French head of state says he is convinced that the ceasefire acceptance was "the best possible" decision

White House says Iran agrees to transfer enriched uranium to US

Karoline Leavitt hopes that it will be through diplomacy