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US-Israeli strikes on Iran

Middle East conflict leads to revival of petroyuan initiative — Bloomberg

Iran has begun accepting yuan as payment for transit of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, the agency noted

NEW YORK, April 14. /TASS/. Military actions in the Middle East have triggered a sharp rise in oil payments in yuan, leading to the petroyuan starting to be re-actualized as an alternative to the petrodollar, Bloomberg reported.

Iran has begun accepting yuan as payment for transit of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, the agency noted. Moreover, China’s Cross-border Interbank Payment System (CIPS) recently registered a record transaction volume in a single day totaling 1.22 trillion yuan ($179 bln), which marks the first time the volume exceeded 1 trillion yuan.

Chinese officials are constantly working to strengthen economic ties with Middle Eastern oil-exporting countries, Bloomberg said. Chinese authorities are developing oil trading infrastructure in Shanghai, having expanded the reach of the CIPS, and are currently exploring the possibility of creating an international digital currency platform with the participation of Middle Eastern partners.

According to analysts interviewed by the agency, the US and Israeli war against Iran, as well as the growing number of contradictions between Washington and its traditional allies, are negatively affecting the dollar's attractiveness and will have a long-term effect, increasing the interest in finding an alternative currency.

Dollar falls below 75 rubles on Forex, first time since January 30, 2026

As of 11:47 AM Moscow time, the dollar lost 1.67% and reached 74.78 rubles

Western aid to Kiev in drone attacks on Russia not to go without consequences — paper

"The provision of airspace by the Baltic states and Finland for the passage of combat UAVs means direct participation of the NATO member states in attacks on Russian territory and infrastructure," Nikolay Patrushev said

Railroad bridge collapses in Russia’s Kursk Region as result of sabotage, says governor

A railroad bridge partially collapsed on the Sudzha-Sosnovy Bor line early on Sunday

Lavrov arrives in China for official visit

The Russian foreign minister will hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi

Decision of EC President to reject Russian energy leads to fuel shortage — Dmitriev

The Russian presidential special envoy said the EU's energy bill increased by $26 bln just in the last 1.5 months

Space among promising areas of Russia-Indonesia cooperation — Putin

The Russian president also emphasized that significant attention is being paid to developing humanitarian ties, particularly in the fields of culture and education

Readiness for pragmatic cooperation with Russia: Magyar’s statements

The Tisza party leader expressed hope that relations between Hungary and Russia "will change in the right direction in the near future"

Hungarian president invites Magyar to consultations about new cabinet

Tamas Sulyok says the meeting is slated for April 15

China demands Strait of Hormuz be unblocked, US has acted irresponsibly — MFA

Washington is "undermining the already fragile ceasefire," further damaging shipping, Guo Jiakun stressed

US proposed 20-year moratorium on uranium enrichment to Iran — Axios

The portal’s source in the US administration said the sides continue to dialogue in order to reach an agreement

Surface drone with ammunition on board discovered, destroyed in Bulgaria

The origin of the unmanned vehicle has not been disclosed

Israel eliminates over 100 Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon — army

According to Spokesperson Avichay Adraee, the Israeli army will take operational control of Bint Jbeil in the coming hours

Russia plans to send probe to approaching asteroid Apophis

Discovered in 2004 at Kitt Peak Observatory in Arizona, Apophis is an elongated celestial body approximately 400 by 250 meters in size

Russia is creating a satellite constellation to detect solar flares

The plan involves launching three satellites equipped with gamma-ray detectors in 2027

Japan not abiding by post-WWII restrictions — Patrushev

The Russian presidential aide recalled that 85 years ago, the Soviet-Japanese Neutrality Pact allowed the Soviet Union to avoid a two-front war, and Japan to gain time to refine its strategic plans in the Asia-Pacific region

New speaker of Slovenian parliament plans to visit Moscow soon

Zoran Stevanovic "would like to establish ties and cooperate fruitfully with all countries, despite the wall that has been erected between the West and the East"

Prospects for next round of US-Iran talks depend on Tehran — JD Vance

The vice president also says the US administration believes that the goals of its military operation against Iran have been reached

Kalashnikov Group begins testing new Krona air defense missile system

The Krona SAM system is designed to protect important government facilities and urban infrastructure from attacks

Top US diplomat to take part in Israel-Lebanon talks — TV

The negotiations, set to take place in Washington, are slated for Tuesday

External power supply cut off at Zaporozhye NPP, with diesel generators now operating

The situation is under control

Russia remains top oil supplier to India, China in February — OPEC

India’s total crude oil imports in February rose slightly compared to January, averaging 5.08 mbd

Russian senator sees ideal storm coming for EU in wake of Sunday’s election in Hungary

The anti-European economy 'diversified' to cater to the needs of the United States will only aggravate problems facing the unified Europe under pressure from the anti-Russian policy course, Konstantin Kosachev noted

Turkey tries to set up new talks between Iran, US — ruling party

Omer Celik stressed that the situation "has reached a point that could lead to cracks even within NATO and the entire Western alliance"

Year after year, Kiev’s attacks during Great Lent, Easter becoming more and more intense

Igor Kimakovsky, an adviser to the DPR head, says Ukraine’s loitering munition attack on the administration building in Starobelsk was an example of a recent attack during Great Lent

Bank of Russia lowers dollar rate to 76.25 rubles for April 14

The yuan rate was set at 11.13 rubles, down 11.83 kopecks

Next round of direct Iran-US talks in Islamabad due Thursday — journalist

Arash Azizi, a contributing writer at The Atlantic, says he obtained the information from "a source in Tehran"

Russia begins mass production of Dvoinik robotic sniper system

The Lobaev Arms company said the system can be used in remote control mode, as well as in a highly autonomous mode, where AI performs most of the calculations and functions

IN BRIEF: What is known about Zaporozhye NPP external power loss and recovery

Specialists from the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant, together with the grid operator, have restored the facility’s external power supply via the high-voltage 330 kV power supply line, known as Ferrosplavnaya-1

Belgium, Spain to allocate €1 bln each in military assistance to Kiev — Ukrainian minister

Mikhail Fyodorov also says Belgium will transfer more F-16 fighter jets and spare parts to Ukraine

Trump warns China against sending weapons to Iran

"If China does that, China could have big problems," the US leader said

Kiev deploys strategic reserves to Sumy area due to heavy losses — defense source

According to the report, the enemy planned to use the personnel both to halt the advance of Russia’s Battlegroup North forces and retake the positions lost last year

Russian diplomat longs for 90s-era politicians who took pragmatic stance toward Moscow

Vasily Nebenzya highlighted that the current generation of European bureaucrats were persuading their countries’ population of the inevitability of a direct military confrontation with Russia

Ukrainian army carries out seven attacks on DPR in past day

A civilian was reported injured

Iran prepared for US blockade, with dozens of its oil-loaded tankers being at sea — portal

Experts cited by Baghdad Today estimate that the tankers may contain up to 170 million barrels of oil

Magyar says will not block 90-billion-euro EU loan for Ukraine

The Tisza party leader opined that his country should not participate in allocating the loan

Investigative Committee completes prove into 966 criminal cases involving Ukrainian troops

The Investigative Committee emphasized that more than 1,100 criminals have received appropriate sentences, some of whom were sentenced to life imprisonment

Hezbollah drones strike military camps, barracks in northern Israel

Earlier, Hezbollah warned residents of communities in northern Israel of an impending rocket and mortar attack

Magyar says would answer phone if Putin calls

Peter Magyar stressed that he would not call the Russian leader himself

Bank of Russia catches PFL Advisors in pump and dump scheme using Telegram channels

The investigation materials have been sent to law enforcement agencies

Russian diplomat slams election practices inside EU

According to Vasily Nebenzya, the elections inside the EU turned into a ‘testing ground’ for political and information technologies

EU expects new Hungarian authorities to support sanctions on Russia — media

According to sources cited by the Financial Times, European diplomats believe that this is what Peter Magyar has to do to mend Hungary's relations with the EU

Kim Jong Un observes weapons test of Choe Hyon destroyer’s weapons — agency

According to the Korean Central News Agency, two strategic cruise missiles and three anti-warship missiles were fired during the test, which hit the designated targets

Hormuz becomes ‘nuclear weapon’ in Iran’s hands — Stubb

The Finnish president noted that Iran held a lot of cards at present

Oil price growth forecast in EU coming true — Dmitriev

The presidential envoy anticipated earlier that global oil prices may climb above $150 a barrel

Iran has plenty of drones, missiles for attack, defense purposes — ministry

The Iranian Defense Ministry spokesman added that it allows to continue effective offensive warfare to inflict further defeat on the enemy

Pope Leo XIV condemns violations of international law and neo-colonialism — Reuters

According to the Pope, Africa knows better than anyone else that people and organizations that try to dominate others are destroying the world

US, Iran make ‘a lot of progress’ in Islamabad talks — JD Vance

According to the vice president, this was the first US-Iran meeting "at such a high level" in the history of the current leadership of Iran

US carries out strike on alleged drug vessel, killing two — statement

According to the US Southern Command, the ship was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and was involved in drug trafficking operations

Russian troops continue special military operation after Easter truce ends — top brass

Russia registered 6,558 violations of the ceasefire by the Ukrainian army, the Defense Ministry reported

Middle East conflict leads to revival of petroyuan initiative — Bloomberg

Iran has begun accepting yuan as payment for transit of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, the agency noted

Soyuz spacecraft carrying three space travelers undocks from ISS

Russian cosmonaut Alexander Misurkin and two NASA astronauts - Joseph Acaba and Mark Vande Hei - will return to Earth after spending 168 days in space

Protection of trade fleet, Kiev’s terror: statements by Maritime Board chief

According to Nikolay Patrushev, Russia will respond to Western attempts to block its shipping through political, diplomatic and other means

Russia’s envoy to UN says EU moving towards building ‘new Third Reich’

Vasily Nebenzya expressed hope that "sober heads" who understand the risks are ready to prevent such a development

Kremlin hopes contacts between Putin, Magyar 'to take place in time'

The opposition Tisza party, led by Peter Magyar, won the parliamentary elections in Hungary

US engages over 15 US warships in blockade of Iran — newspaper

An aircraft carrier, several guided-missile destroyers, an amphibious assault ship, and other combat units have been deployed to the Middle East

Russian forces destroying remaining Ukrainian troops at Miropolye in Sumy — expert

Andrey Marochko said the Ukrainian armed forces are still holding their positions in the Miropolye area

Russian deputy talks Iran with ambassadors of Arab League countries

According to Leonid Slutsky, the primary task is to minimize the risks of further escalation in the region

World Aquatics lifts all sanctions on Russia, Belarus

The decision applies to all disciplines: swimming, including open water, artistic swimming, diving, and water polo

Russia to respond to possible disconnection from SWIFT — PM

Dmitry Medvedev says there will be no limits to such a reaction

US needs to restore Iran’s trust by lifting sanctions — Pakistani newspaper

Both sides remain far apart on key matters, such as the Iranian nuclear program, and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the newspaper notes

Intervention into Strait of Hormuz security to cause escalation — Iran’s defense ministry

According to Iranian Defense Ministry spokesman Brigadier general Reza Talaei-Nik, Iran has full control over the Strait

Magnitude 5.7 earthquake hits US state of Nevada

There have been no reports of casualties or damage

Russian troops gain foothold on northern outskirts of Ozyornoye in Donetsk region — expert

Russian troops are consistently advancing in the southern direction, Andrey Marochko noted

US secretary of energy expects oil prices to peak in coming weeks

Chris Wright expects energy prices to peak in the next few weeks

Russia’s Battlegroup West takes control of large area at Kupyansk over week — expert

Russian troops also liberated two settlements in the Sumy Region and Donetsk People’s Republic over the past week

Iran’s sea blockade to last until first American destroyer is neutralized — analyst

The US Navy command will face new challenges and threats, Alexander Stepanov said

US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln spotted 200 km away from Iran

According to BBC, it was the closest approach to Iran by a US vessel since the start of the military operation

Iran restores railway bridge damaged by US and Israeli strikes — Mehr

All the six bridges damaged during the US and Israeli attacks were repaired and put into operation

Russian diplomat condemns EU for providing Ukraine with weapons

The European Union continues to do everything it can to further escalate the conflict in Ukraine, Vasily Nebenzya said

Russia, Hungary share some joint projects that require dialogue — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov emphasized that, given the current circumstances, "a degree of patience" is essential

Russia open to building relations with Hungary’s new government — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister pointed out that everything will depend on how this government understands its national interests

Ukrainian drone attack kills civilian, leaves another five injured in central Russia

Four people were taken to the hospital, Lipetsk Region Governor Igor Artamonov says

Time is on Iran’s side, strengthens its position — newspaper

Columnist Gideon Rachman believes destroying Iran’s infrastructure or conducting a ground operation to unblock the Strait of Hormuz will not be effective

Russia tests technology for controlling 10 loitering munitions at once

The solution has undergone preliminary testing at a test site using practical targets

UKMTO issues advisory regarding blockade of Strait of Hormuz

According to the notice, the access restrictions apply without distinction to vessels of any flag engaging with Iranian ports, oil terminals, or coastal facilities

EU struggles to understand US stance on Hormuz Strait, top diplomat says

Kaja Kallas says Europe is ready to work together with other counties to ensure freedom of navigation in the strait

Ukrainian attacks kill nearly 30 Russians, including three children, over week — diplomat

Rodion Miroshnik added that 170 people were injured

Hungarian new government’s policy, relations with EU, Middle East — Kremlin’s statements

Russia’s relations with the European Union cannot get worse than they are now that the opposition has come to power in Hungary, Dmitry Peskov noted

US authorities eye potential second round of in-person talks with Iran — media

A source familiar with the talks told CNN that Geneva and Islamabad could host another round

US may ‘stop by Cuba’ after Iran — Trump

The US leader called Cuba "a failing nation," claiming that "it has been a terribly run country for a long time"

Putin wraps up talks with Indonesian president — Kremlin

The Russian leader saw his guest off to the car

Iran offers US to halt its nuclear program for up to five years — newspaper

According to the The New York Times, the fact that the parties are negotiating a timeframe for suspending Iran’s nuclear activity suggests that there is a chance a settlement could be achieved

Russian diplomat slams EU for role in instigating conflict in Ukraine

Vasily Nebenzya emphasized that instead of engaging in an honest dialogue and building a shared architecture of security in Europe, European countries had been nourishing Russophobic sentiment in Ukraine

Lavrov, top Chinese diplomat to hold talks in Beijing

Preparations for an official visit to China by Russian leader Vladimir Putin are expected to be discussed

Next round of Iran-US talks may take place in Islamabad or Geneva — agency

According to sources cited by the Associated Press, the negotiations could happen on Thursday, but the venue and timing have not been decided

Russian presidential envoy says EU collapse will accelerate after elections in Hungary

Kirill Dmitriev also said that it would become clear in four months whether his forecast was correct

Trade turnover between Russia, Indonesia gains 12.5% last year — Putin

According to the Russian leader, the two countries' intergovernmental commission is actively working

Press review: US-Iran talks fail as Ukraine violates truce and Orban loses elections

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, April 13th

Elon Musk says Soros organization seizes power in Hungary after elections

This was the businessman's response to a remark by Alex Soros that the Hungarian people had "taken back" their country

Freight turnover by rail between Russia, Uzbekistan up 32% in 2M 2026

Russian Transport Minister Andrey Nikitin also highlighted good dynamics of passenger transportation by rail and by air

Pakistan proposes hosting second round of Iran-US talks — agency

According to sources cited by the Associated Press, the negotiations could take place in the coming days

Russia boosts oil production by 3,000 bpd in March — OPEC

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

Lavrov reiterates Russia’s readiness to contribute to resolving crisis around Iran

The foreign minister emphasized the importance of preventing the resumption of armed confrontation

Hungarian Tisza party leader calls on Hungary’s president to step down

Peter Magyar also asked Prime Minister Viktor Orban not to make any decisions in his final days in office

Saudi Arabia demands US stops blockade of Strait of Hormuz — newspaper

The report pointed out that the Persian Gulf countries do not want the Strait of Hormuz to end up under Iran’s control

Russia, Indonesia may clinch deals on oil products supplies

According to Russian Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilyov, the sides are working on drawing up long-term contracts

Bank of Russia disputes freeze of assets by EU

The Bank of Russia demands cancellation of the decision to freeze sovereign assets and payment of legal costs by the EU Council

Newest anti-drone quasi-hypersonic cartridge successfully tested in Russia

The Lobaev Arms company specified that assembly and disassembly of the firing module is simpler than that of an assault rifle

Bessent says war with Iran could bring 50 years of stability to US economy

The US treasury secretary still acknowledged that the conflict would make it difficult to achieve 4% growth in the US economy

Iran says talks crumble due to unrealistic demands from US

The Iranian delegation "wisely defended the legitimate rights and achievements of the Iranian people", Iran’s judiciary chief, Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei, said

US demands Iran abandon ability to enrich uranium — JD Vance

The US vice president says Washington wants to "get that material out of the country completely" and take control of the uranium