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Oil shortage to ease gradually as reserves near minimum levels — IMF

Reserves are approaching minimum levels, threatening problems for the energy sector’s physical infrastructure

WASHINGTON, July 15. /TASS/. The global oil shortage will ease only gradually, while reserves are approaching minimum levels, threatening problems for the energy sector’s physical infrastructure, according to a new analytical note published by the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF).

"Whenever supply begins to recover, the oil deficit will close only gradually, drawing inventories closer to operational minimums - the level below which the physical system itself begins to bind," IMF experts stressed, commenting on the situation around the Strait of Hormuz.

On February 28, the United States and Israel launched a war against Iran. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Iran's elite military force, announced a large-scale retaliatory operation. In addition, Iranian authorities decided to close the Strait of Hormuz to vessels linked to the United States, Israel, and countries that supported what Tehran described as aggression against the Islamic Republic. Roughly 25% of global oil trade and about 20% of liquefied natural gas shipments pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

In June, Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding providing for an immediate ceasefire on all fronts. However, on the night of July 7-8, the United States resumed large-scale strikes against Iran, accusing Tehran of violating the terms of the agreement. US President Donald Trump said on July 10 that the ceasefire with Iran was no longer in effect, although the negotiation process was underway.

Ruble’s share in payments by countries in Americas at historic high in May

The ruble’s share in payments by countries of the Americas for imports from Russia reached an all-time high of 71.6% in May

Senator Lindsey Graham dies at 71

Republican Senator passed away from a brief and sudden illness

Nevsky Shipyard floats out Project 23130 medium sea tanker for Russian Navy

The ceremony was attended by representatives of the Navy Main Command, the Nevsky Shipyard of the United Shipbuilding Corporation and honorary guests

Von der Leyen promises Kiev ‘safe and secure production sites’ for drones to attack Russia

The European Commission President also promised "huge technological and industrial capacity" in Europe

Press review: US, Iran vie for Hormuz leverage as Russia, US conclude ISS program by 2030

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, July 15th

Rostec develops critically needed materials despite sanctions — PM Mishustin

The Russian Prime Minister stressed that achievements in high-tech industries have a direct impact not only on industry and digitalization, but also on the country's overall economy and on people's quality of life

Russian permanent mission accuses EU of making unfounded public accusations against Moscow

The Russian position was brought to the attention of the EU side during a meeting at the European External Action Service on July 14, 2026

FACTBOX: Ukrainian parliament dismisses prime minister, government

Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada voted by a majority to dismiss Prime Minister Yulia Sviridenko

Trump says Iran is fighting US like 'great boxer'

The US leader stressed that Tehran continued to resist despite repeated US strikes

US completes another series of strikes on Iran — CENTCOM

According to the US military, the attack lasted 7 hours

Hungarian defense minister promises to 'slam the door on Russia'

Romulus Ruszin-Szendi stated that Hungary must restore the trust of its allies

Russian forces strike Ukrainian long-range UAV storage sites in past day — top brass

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,505 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

Soyuz MS-29 carrying new international crew docks with ISS

A Soyuz-2.1a launch vehicle lifted off from the Baikonur spaceport at 2:48 p.m. GMT carrying the primary crew of the ISS' 75th long-duration expedition

Modernizing Russia’s armed forces, fuel situation — Putin’s remarks

The Russophobic factions within the so-called collective West are fighting Russia, but the country is forging ahead with remarkable progress, the Russian leader said

FACTBOX: Key details of revised US sanctions bill targeting Russia

The bill targets the five largest buyers of Russian energy, including China and India

Russian troops advance northeast of Svyatogorsk in DPR — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, the combat conditions are the most intense in the Slavyansk-Kramatorsk area

Russian troops destroying over 80% of Ukrainian drones in LPR — expert

Andrey Marochko emphasized that Russian soldiers at this point "are handling the challenges from the Ukrainian militants quite effectively"

Ukrainian sabotage operation zone to be extended to Mediterranean — expert

According to Alexander Stepanov, any future actions against Russia’s merchant fleet in the Mediterranean Sea will depend on NATO states’ shore infrastructure

China opposes US bill imposing sanctions on buyers of Russian fossil fuels

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lin Jian emphasized that Beijing would take all necessary measures to protect legal rights and interests of Chinese companies

Russia rejects Western accusations of cyberattacks — embassy in The Hague

Vladimir Tarabrin warned Dutch authorities that any further expansion of EU sanctions would provoke retaliatory measures from Moscow

France to transfer ready-made SCALP missiles to Ukraine — Russian military analyst

This is a de facto outright legalization of deliveries, Alexander Stepanov said

Kiev’s attack on Kursk NPP is nuclear terrorism — envoy

"The Ukrainian militants have committed another nuclear terrorism attempt, launching at least 12 unmanned aerial vehicles towards the Kursk NPP-2," Rodion Miroshnik said

Russian holdings of US Treasuries rise to $29 mln in May

Japan remained the largest holder of US government securities in May, with holdings totaling approximately $1.14 trillion

Security guarantees for Kiev, sanctions against Max — Kremlin briefing highlights

Dmitry Peskov expressed confidence that Max would keep evolving fast despite the European sanctions

European Commission strips Venice Biennale of grant over reopening Russian pavilion

The European Commission has withdrawn a 2-million-euro grant from the Venice Biennale

Russia says deployment of contingents from ‘coalition of willing’ in Ukraine unacceptable

Maria Zakharova reiterated that such units would be considered by Moscow as legitimate military targets

Von der Leyen, Vucic, Sandu, other leaders arrive in Kiev

They are expected to meet with Zelensky and participate in the Southeast European summit

Brazil doesn’t want war, but should be ready to defend itself — President Lula da Silva

The Brazilian president stressed that the defense of national security is not reduced to the protection of borders

Kiev suffering unjustified losses counterattacking near Konstantinovka in DPR — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, all previous attempts by the Ukrainian command in this area have been futile and unsuccessful

US could target oil facilities on Iran's Kharg Island ‘at some point,’ Trump says

The US president added that he had ordered to "hit everything but the oil"

Trump says US has achieved main objectives of its military operation against Iran

The US leader revealed that if US forces ended military operations now, Iran would need 20 years to recover from the damage inflicted

Russia, United States continue cooperation in space — Dmitriev

The RDIF head earlier participated in the crew’s readiness report for Soyuz MS-29

EU openly preparing for conflict with Moscow — Russian embassy

The embassy stressed that Russia calls on the Netherlands to recognize that pressure on Moscow and the use of unlawful unilateral "coercive measures" will not change Russia's position but will only further increase the already extremely high level of instability in Europe

Eleven parties submit documents to participate in Russian parliamentary elections

According to Central Election Commission Chairperson Ella Pamfilova, the parties have submitted 8,796 documents totaling 135,922 pages

EU to revoke asylum eligibility for Ukrainian military-age men from March 2027

The EU does not plan to deport Ukrainian military-age men already residing in Europe

Over 50,000 US troops currently deployed across Middle East — Central Command

The US CENTCOM published the corresponding report on X

Those plotting 'new campaign' against Russia should remember lessons of history — MFA

Maria Zakharova advised them to stop deluding themselves into believing they can inflict a strategic defeat on Russia

Explosion takes place on Iran’s Hengam Island in Strait of Hormuz — agency

No further details were provided

Three civilians injured in Ukrainian attacks on Russia’s Belgorod Region

The wounded were taken to hospitals

Kremlin briefing covers US sanctions plans against Russia, Baltic ‘fearmongering’

Dmitry Peskov revealed that Moscow had received signals through existing channels that the US was ready to resume work on the Ukraine settlement after the Iran situation was resolved

Trump says US to continue attacks unless Iran returns to talks

The US president promised to carry out strikes "tonight," "tomorrow night," "the night after," and next week

‘Coalition of the Willing’ turns out unable to ensure ceasefire — media

According to a report in Der Spiegel, the coalition remains powerless to achieve its goals

Fidan to emphasize strikes on ships in Black Sea unacceptable during Kiev visit — source

According to the source, the Turkish top diplomat will also "draw attention to the importance of continuing diplomatic efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine" and "state Turkey’s readiness to bring the sides together at the negotiating table"

Trump urges Netanyahu to withdraw Israeli forces from Syria, Lebanon — media

A US official told Axios that the US president warned the Israeli prime minister that the presence of Israeli forces on Syrian territory "creates tensions and could lead to an escalation"

FSB soldiers eliminate Ukrainian saboteurs, UAV control center in DPR

In total, FSB Gorynych unit operators eliminated four enemy sabotage-terrorist groups

Trump avoids direct answer on possible seizure of Kharg Island

The US president noted that sometimes a ground campaign is needed

Russia, US ready to discuss cooperation between their national space stations

During the meeting, the sides elaborated a joint program to complete the station’s flight in late 2030

Turkish experts call Ukraine's Black Sea commercial ship attacks energy security threat

Turkish maritime expert Kozan Erkan said that Ukrainian attacks between July 9 and 11 damaged or disabled around 50 vessels near Zmeiny Island

Rostec unveils Pautina system for protection of industry facilities from drones

The state corporation said that the Pautina is capable of protecting facilities over 25 meters high and of any size

Qatar blocks Israel’s deal with Volkswagen to produce missiles for Iron Dome — media

The deal was blocked despite the memorandum of understanding signed by the parties in April

Russia’s Battlegroup West eliminates 107 Ukrainian heavy quadcopters over past day

The air defense crews and mobile armed units also shot down 188 fixed-wing UAVs

Interference in Ukrainian settlement, Kiev's terrorism: Lavrov's statements

The Russian top diplomat noted that Europe was still trying to get in the way of a Ukraine peace deal, seeking to undermine agreements reached between Moscow and Washington

ISS operations extended through 2030 — Roscosmos chief

Dmitry Bakanov says that this was agreed upon between Roscosmos and NASA

Press review: EU struggles on Russia sanctions while Moscow trade surplus grows

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, July 14th

Iran conflict could devalue Donald Trump’s second presidential term — FT

Defense strategy expert at the Center for a New American Security think-tank in Washington Becca Wasser noted that escalation to de-escalate had not proven to be very successful in the past

Man injured in Voronezh suburb, blackout in Kerch: aftermath of attacks on regions

The drones were reportedly shot down over the Belgorod, Bryansk, Kursk, Rostov, Moscow and Krasnodar regions, as well as Crimea, the Sea of Azov, and the Black Sea

FSB prevents large-scale drone attack on strategic facility in Moscow Region

Following the instructions from his handlers, the detainee assembled and activated drones, established a communication channel with foreign operators, and then left the scene

Russia’s Battlegroup South destroys over 90 Ukrainian robotic vehicles in half-month

Battlegroup's artillery units destroyed over 20 artillery guns of the Ukrainian army

Russia’s Battlegroup North destroys Ukrainian UAV control antenna in Sumy Region

The antenna was located in a forest belt

Russian Tango light aircraft completes maiden flight — S7 Group

Vladimir Barsuk, a first-class test pilot and director of the Chaplygin Siberian Scientific Research Institute of Aviation, was at the controls

Trump, US administration officials discuss expanding Iran strikes — media

The meeting reportedly involved US Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Dan Caine, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff and other senior officials

Trump points to ‘greater alternatives’ to Strait of Hormuz for oil deliveries

The US president also said that the strait is closed only for Iran

Upgraded AK-12 assault rifle successfully completes scheduled tests

The assault rifle will reliably protect the life of a service member, Kalashnikov CEO Alan Lushnikov noted

Kuwait activates air defenses to repel Iranian drone attack

According to earlier reports, Iran carried out strikes on US storage facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait

Trump says Strait of Hormuz open to all ships except Iran’s

The United States will have a full Blockade, but only on Ships coming to and from Iranian ports, or carrying anything have to do with Iranian cargo, the US president said

Millions sign online petition demanding Argentina be booted from World Cup

The petition claims that FIFA and the referees are biased toward Lionel Messi and the Argentininan national team

Germany fueling world war by providing military aid to Ukraine — lawmaker

Retired Major General Leonid Ivlev recalled that Germany was the largest donor to Ukraine

Turkish court issues int’l arrest warrant for Netanyahu in 'Sumud' flotilla case — TV

Benjamin Netanyahu is accused of crimes against humanity, genocide, deprivation of liberty, cruel treatment, intentional bodily harm, robbery, and seizure of vehicles

EU allows Kiev to use loan funds to buy Chinese-made drone components — FT

According to the newspaper, the measure concerns the first tranche of 5.9 bln euro under the EU's 60 bln euro defense loan

Spain defeats France 2-0, moves into 2026 FIFA World Cup Final

Spain has become the first team to reach the final

FACTBOX: Logistics, food supplies, fleet protection measures in Sea of Azov

Port captains are seeking to improve traffic management and reduce vessel handling times

Trump speaks contradictorily about chances of passing bill on sanctions against Russia

The US president said that key provisions of the document had not been discussed with him and that he needs to review them

US violates memorandum of understanding over 40 times — Iranian envoy to UN

Amir-Saeid Iravani said that the US failed to fulfil its commitments almost immediately after the signing of the memorandum

IRGC reports another strike on US base in Jordan

According to a report by Fars, the attack targeted the deployment site of F-18 fighter jets and hangars housing US military equipment

Trump promises to review updated bill on sanctions against Russia

The US president also said that the lawmakers may also extend the document to Iran and the Shiite movement Hezbollah

Iranian military says attacks on US bases to continue until ‘ultimate victory’

The IRGC has launched six drone attacks on US bases in the Middle East

Moldova's involvement in Ukraine conflict escalates it further — expert

The actions of the President of Moldova and the government, aimed at supporting Ukraine, can be perceived as part of a broader strategy developed by EU intelligence services and MI6, Dmitry Sorokin said

IRGC reports destruction of US military logistics center in Kuwait — agency

According to the report, the target was located in Mina Abdullah

What we know about detention of man who planned sabotage at oil company in Russia’s Yugra

The detainee has confessed to plotting a terrorist attack on an oil company in Nyagan

Kiev’s attempts to scare Energodar people have reverse effect — Russian senator

Igor Kastyukevich expressed gratitude to the security forces, military personnel, and all involved in enhancing security measures for Zaporozhye NPP employees, residents, and the city as a whole

Iran seeks lawful sovereignty over Strait of Hormuz — vice president

Mohammad Reza Aref said that it is natural for Iran to control the Strait of Hormuz, just as it is natural for other countries to have the right to use it

IN BRIEF: What is known about Russian strikes on Ukrainian ports

Russian forces hit Odessa and Chernomorsk port infrastructure facilities used to unload fuel and lubricants and fuel storage tanks for the Ukrainian military

Venezuela's acting president thanks Russia for humanitarian assistance

Last week, two Russian Emergencies Ministry aircraft delivered over 35 metric tons of humanitarian aid to Venezuela, including food, tents, basic necessities, motor pumps, and medicines

Argentina suspends cooperation with Russia on peaceful nuclear energy — Russian envoy

At the same time, mutual interest is being registered between Russian and Argentinian companies in cooperation in the electric power industry, renewable energy sources and the oil and gas industry, Dmitry Feoktistov said

What we know about FSB-prevented large-scale drone attack on facility in Moscow Region

According to the FSB, the Ukrainian side recruited a former member of an ethnic organized crime group through a terrorist organization banned in Russia to carry out the attack

Consulate general investigates detention of Russians in Istanbul's Hagia Sophia mosque

Sources inside the Istanbul police confirmed the incident but declined further comment

Zelensky confirms two civilians brutally murdered by Ukrainian soldiers

Ten servicemen of the Ukrainian armed forces’ 155th Separate Mechanized Brigade have been detained, including the now former brigade commander Stanislav Luchanov

Russian forces strike Ukrainian UAV assembly, storage sites in past day — top brass

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,380 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

Russia creating wheeled heavy-duty robot named after esteemed WWII general

The platform is designed for logistics missions such as the delivery of provisions, water, combat ammunition loads and medicines

US, Iran continue to maintain contact, Trump says

The US president separately said that he would "save the energy targets for last" but would ultimately attack them. He stated the unwillingness to negotiate himself at the moment

Russia extremely concerned about new round of hostilities involving Iran — MFA

Dmitry Lyubinsky reaffirmed its call for the resumption of dialogue to foster a lasting peace and stability in the region

Air defenses down 340 drones heading for Moscow Region in 24 hours — authorities

Mayor Sergey Sobyanin says most of them were shot down at distant approaches

Three projectiles damage mineral water factory in Iran’s Dehloran

No casualties have been reported so far

Modernized Shturmovik ground robot deployed to Russia’s special op zone in Ukraine

The Shturmovik can carry up to 70 kg on the road and up to 50 kg on rough terrain

Ukrainian military strikes passenger bus with drone in Gorlovka, DPR

The Ukrainian military also shelled a residential area of the Kalininsky district of the city, damaging private houses

NATO intelligence community behind foiled terrorist attack in Moscow Region — expert

Alexander Stepanov highlighted the critical role of specialized software, primarily developed in Canada, which was to be used alongside drone components of the same origin

Russian forces strike Ukrainian military-industrial sites, port infrastructure

Russian forces hit the Kiev-79 industrial enterprise - a key enterprise in Ukraine for the assembly of combat payloads for unmanned aerial vehicles and missiles of various types

German drone factory for Ukraine legitimate target for Russian military — expert

Chairman of the State Council of the Republic of Crimea Vladimir Konstantinov added that with a new wave of military aid to Kiev, Germany is trying to escalate the conflict

Bulgaria's refusal to join 'coalition of the willing' nightmare for Macron — Philippot

According to the leader of the French Patriots party, Bulgaria has slammed the door in Macron's face

Russia’s Battlegroup South downs over 170 Ukrainian drones over past day

The Battlegroup's air defense shot down the enemy’s 86 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles and 92 octocopters

Ukrainian army carries out 18 attacks on DPR in past day, kills civilian

Six civilians were injured