Magnitude 4.5 earthquake hits northern Iran

The epicenter was located 35 kilometers east of Tehran

DUBAI, May 12. /TASS/. A magnitude 4.5 earthquake rocked northern Iran, the European Mediterranean Seismological Center (EMSC) said.

According to the EMSC, the epicenter was located 35 kilometers east of Tehran.

The Tasnim news agency said that earth tremors were felt in Tehran. No casualties or damage have been immediately reported.

Tags

Iran

Death toll from May 5 attack on Cheboksary rises to three

Vladimir Stepanov noted that eight people remain in hospital in the republic, and another patient continues to receive necessary care at the Privolzhsky Research Medical University of the Russian Health Ministry in Nizhny Novgorod

New government led by Magyar formed in Hungary — presidential decree

According to a statement from the press office of President Tamas Sulyok, he signed a decree appointing 16 ministers nominated by the prime minister and approved by parliament

Russia’s international reserves up 10.43% in January 2026 — Central Bank

Reserves totaled $620.764 bln as of February 1, 2025.

Iran expands area of control in Strait of Hormuz

According to the senior officer, the strait’s width, which used to be estimated at 32 to 48 km, has increased to between 321 and 482 km

Foreign companies’ exit from Russia contributes to growth of production — Novak

The economy grew at a very high rate in 2023-2024, the Russian deputy prime minister noted

Slovak, Austrian, Czech presidents speak up for dialogue between EU, Russia on Ukraine

According to President Peter Pellegrini of Slovakia, it will not be easy to establish a negotiating process but it is necessary to do this

Magnitude 4.5 earthquake hits northern Iran

The epicenter was located 35 kilometers east of Tehran

Former General Assembly Chairman Espinosa nominated for post of UN Secretary General

The election of a new UN secretary general is scheduled for July 2026

Situation with Yermak results from Zelensky ignoring US signals — Russian diplomat

Rodion Miroshnik noted that the officials "behind the anti-corruption agencies have direct ties to the US"

Next hearing of Timoshenko's case due on July 10

She is now being treated at a Kharkov hospital

Putin advocates for increased coal power use in Russia's Far East

As the Russian president stressed, the work should involve advanced technologies and strictly respect environmental standards

Kiev may face accusations of producing biological weapons — Russian MP

Leonid Slutsky commented on remarks by US National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard, who said that more than 120 biological laboratories in over 30 countries funded by US taxpayers over several decades were under investigation

Gazprom’s contract with China already priced in — experts

The gas holding’s stocks have already rocketed more than 20%

Bank of Russia considering deadline to terminate Visa, Mastercard cards servicing

Urgent replacement of such cards is not required and they continue functioning as usual, the Central Bank said

Russia helps its companies enter global market — Prime Minister

The Russian authorities are also removing trade barriers, Mikhail Mishustin noted

Titanic efforts being made to derail Russia-US dialogue — RDIF CEO

Kirill Dmitriev said the Western media "should act more responsibly and actually check its sources"

Ukrainian leadership to be punished for strikes during ceasefire — State Duma member

Viktor Vodolatsky pointed out that Vladimir Zelensky's regime operates under a false sense of impunity

Improvement of Russia’s deterrent forces has not ceased since 2000s — Putin

The Russian president noted that Russia had other things to think about back then

Economic Development Ministry forecasts imports at $308.7 bln in 2026

The trade balance is forecast at $133.6 bln this year

Russia is leader in air defense, flight control system interaction — Almaz-Antey

Dmitry Savitsky noted that procedures and techniques have recently been developed to improve the effectiveness of interaction between air traffic control centers and air defense agencies

Russia continued to strictly observe truce — defense ministry

In turn, over the past day, Ukrainian forces made 12 attack attempts, the Russian Defense Ministry reported

US Energy Department estimates oil output decline in Middle East in April at 10.5 mln bpd

The report assumes that the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed until late May, with shipping traffic beginning to pick up in June

US seeks to lay claim to rare earth deposits in Central Asia — Russian Foreign Ministry

Director of the Third CIS Department Alexander Sternik said that Washington aims at gaining control over the deposits of these strategic resources and the transport corridors

Kiev itself confesses to being ruled from outside — Kremlin aide

"Our president [Vladimir Putin] has repeatedly said that the current Kiev authorities are neither sovereign nor independent when making crucial political decisions," Vladimir Medinsky noted

Budget constraints, slowing investment hamper Russia’s economic growth — minister

Maxim Reshetnikov pointed to the main task set by the country’s president — achieving a trajectory of long-term economic growth

Airdrome on abandoned Kuril island to ensure Russia’s full-fledged presence in region

The abandoned World War II airdrome on the Kuril island of Matua will guarantee Russia’s full-fledged military presence in the region when restored to operation

Russia gradually develops nuclear forces — Putin

The Russian leader recalled that "since 2025, the Oreshnik intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile system is on combat duty and it can be armed with nuclear warheads"

Russian forces receive weapons that downed 24 Ukrainian warplanes over 5 days — Shoigu

During the meeting with the service members, the Russian defense minister drew attention to the fact that the Ukrainian Air Force had suffered heavy losses among combat aircraft over the past week

Boomerang UAV immune to electronic warfare, can fly over 45 km — soldier

The drone’s frame is made of non-conductive textolite, which increases its operational reliability

Zelensky can currently only be removed from power by coup d’etat — expert

Vladimir Zharikhin, Deputy Director of the CIS Institute, emphasized that such a coup would depend heavily on external influences, particularly the will of the Americans

West seeks to inflict 'strategic defeat' on Russia via Central Asia — MFA

According to Alexander Sternik, the West does this using vague terms such as 'economic diversification' and 'protection against external threats'

Russia notified US, other countries of Sarmat tests — Kremlin

In accordance with international agreements, when ICBMs are launched, a notification is sent to other countries through the National Center for Nuclear Risk Reduction in order to avoid undue tension

Iran could raise uranium enrichment to 90% if US attacks again, lawmaker says

Ebrahim Rezaei said the Iranian parliament will discuss such an option

Sweden sends home detained Caffa cargo ship crew — Russian embassy

Sweden detained the Guinea-flagged cargo ship Caffa, en route from Casablanca to St. Petersburg, on March 6

Normality of economic slowdown and energy crisis: statements by Novak

The Russian deputy prime minister said that consumer activity will slow down this year, though the slowdown in demand will not "limit long-term and sustainable economic growth"

Situation with Yermak to lead to serious upheaval beyond Ukraine's borders — diplomat

Rodion Miroshnik noted that the signal will reach international leaders who are "accomplices in this money laundering operation known as ‘Ukraine’"

Russia urges continuation of US-Iran talks begun in Pakistan — Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister noted that Moscow and China support realistic and fair goals in line with international law and are ready to assist these talks in various external formats

Russia’s economy ministry lowers 2026 dollar exchange rate forecast to 81.5 rubles

As a ministry representative explained to reporters, there is still a trajectory toward a weaker ruble, but it is now expected to be milder

Russian forces strike Ukrainian army’s headquarters in Kherson — regional governor

According to objective control data, Ukrainian service members tried to evacuate but their vehicles were destroyed, Vladimir Saldo said

BRICS now "in full swing" — Russian deputy foreign minister

"We are moving towards new, I am sure, impressive results," Sergey Ryabkov said

Kiev’s attempts to distribute drugs in Donbass and illegal trafficking: Security Council

More than 6.5 tons of narcotics, psychotropic substances and their analogues were seized in the first quarter of this year

US Department of Energy estimates OPEC's spare capacity in 2027 at 2.5 mln bpd

The US Department of Energy estimates OPEC's available capacity for 2026 at 0.5 million bpd

Tbilisi admits West demanded opening second front against Russia — MFA

According to Director of the Fourth Department for the CIS Countries Mikhail Kalugin, Russia continues "painstaking work on the post-conflict restoration of Georgia’s relations with Abkhazia and South Ossetia"

Russian troops continue strictly observing Victory Day ceasefire — top brass

Ukrainian troops continued delivering strikes on Russian army positions and civilian facilities in 18 Russian regions despite the Victory Day ceasefire, the Defense Ministry of Russia reported

Sarmat tests confirm Russia capable of deterring any enemy — analyst

Igor Korotchenko emphasized that the test had confirmed all the specified characteristics of the Sarmat ICBM and the correctness of the applied circuit design solutions

West needs Central Asia’s rare earths to militarize economy — Russian Foreign Ministry

Director of the Third CIS Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry Alexander Sternik noted that rare earth metals are used in advanced weapons and military equipment, laser systems and navigation systems

West resorts to ‘reckless statements’ on nuclear weapons’ use — DPR head Pushilin

Denis Pushilin said he has no doubts that a number of European countries, particularly Germany, have the technical capabilities but this issue can be settled by means of political tools

Return of 3,700 POWs and families reunited: Putin meets with Moskalkova

The head of state stressed that Russia and Ukraine should continue working at the level of ombudspersons to ensure the reunification of families with children

Russia’s MFA views North Korean missile launches as legitimate response to US provocations

On October 31, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea tested its newest intercontinental ballistic missile Hwasong-19

BRICS member states currently work on criteria for admission of new members — senator

This indicates the seriousness of the organization: not to admit everyone at once under unclear principles, Russian Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko said

Small cruise missile carrier ship Burya commissioned into Russian Navy

The ceremonial first raising of the St. Andrew’s flag was conducted by the commander of the small missile ship, Captain 3rd Rank Artyom Kuzichkin

Russian brewing company Baltika increases sales in China by 20% in 2024

In the company’s export structure, China holds the largest share among the countries of the Asia-Pacific region, the press service said

Kiev loses 8,400 troops, mercenaries in special military op zone in past week — expert

Andrey Marochko said the Ukrainian armed forces suffered the greatest manpower losses in the area of operation of Russia’s Battlegroup East in the Dnepropetrovsk and Zaporozhye regions

Six foreign mercenaries eliminated near Kupyansk — Russian military

The Russian Defense Ministry previously reported that the Ukrainian Armed Forces contain mercenaries from various countries

Rosneft’s Russkoye field to be launched in 2018

Earlier the plan was to launch the field in 2017

US uses UAV lessons of Ukraine real time — Pentagon

According to Pete Hegseth, the Pentagon is doing everything to "learn the lessons of Ukraine and other battlefields"

Russia’s 2026 gas production estimate cut by 0.3%, pipeline exports raised by 1%

Gas production in 2026 is expected to rise to 688.4 bcm

Russia able to successfully complete special op without nuclear arms — Putin

"We have enough capabilities and means to finish what we started in 2022 with the result that Russia needs," the president concluded

Russian inquiry has evidence US biolabs in Ukraine worked with hantaviruses

Earlier, it was stated that the special military operation in Ukraine produced evidence the Kiev regime was urgently eliminating traces of a US Department of Defense-funded military biological program in Ukraine

US’ new accusations against Russia geared to spoil atmosphere ahead of Helsinki summit

On Friday, the US authorities brought charges in absentia against 13 supposed Russian military intelligence officers

Washington to probe into over 40 US biolabs in Ukraine — newspaper

One of the probe’s goals is "to identify where these labs are, what pathogens they contain and what 'research' is being conducted"

Russian defense minister inspects troops in Leningrad military district

Andrey Belousov was familiarized with practical courses on training tank crews, guiding drones, artillery control, sniper training and others

BrahMos Aerospace revenues hit $620 mln over year — Indian Defense Ministry

Export orders reached more than $480 mln, which "highlights strong global demand," the department stressed

Ursa Major freighter was not overloaded, owner says

The vessel carried 2 portal cranes, 2 crane kibbles, 2 ship bilge covers, one 20-foot container with spare parts for the covers and 129 empty containers

Putin briefed on successful Sarmat ICBM test: what is known

The head of state congratulated the Russian military on the successful test of the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile

Russian tennis player Medvedev advances to quarterfinal of tennis tournament in Washington

The Russian player will face off with the winner of the match between UK’s Daniel Evans and French Corentin Moutet

IN BRIEF: Key statements by Russian Economic Development Minister at meeting with Putin

Russia is the fourth-largest economy in the world in terms of purchasing power parity and expects to maintain this position

US Energy Department lowers forecast for Brent oil price of in 2026 to $94.85 per barrel

According to the report, the average Brent crude oil price in 2027 will average $79.39 per barrel

Kudrin refusal to work in future govt no affront -- Peskov

On September 26, Kudrin, after taking counsel with Prime Minister Putin, petitioned Medvedev in a request to relieve him of the duties of Vice-Premier and Finance Minister

Trump says may come to Russia this year

The US president said that he would do whatever is necessary for a settlement in Ukraine

Russian stock market closes with major indices up

The MOEX Index approached 2,700 points

Special military op nearing completion, POW exchange stalled: Putin’s statements

The Russian leader also said he is ready to meet with Vladimir Zelensky in any country, but only for the purpose of signing a final settlement agreement

Trump says no understanding with Russia on Donbass so far

The withdrawal of troops from Donbas is one of Moscow's most important conditions for an active peaceful settlement with Kiev

Russia’s oil giant to finance research studies of polar bears in Arctic shelf

Under current leaders, Germany and Europe degrade into ‘Fourth Reich’ — Lavrov

As an example, the top Russian diplomat recalled European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s plans to raise 800 billion euro allegedly for defensive needs

Ceasefire in honor of Victory Day started

It will last until May 10

FACTBOX: Key points from forecast for Russia's socioeconomic development in 2027-2029

Russia's GDP growth rate by 2029 could reach 2.4% annualized, according to the forecast

Russia, Iran agree on meat export requirements

Iran allowed Russia to supply beef to the country in January 2016, however, since then the sides have been in talks on delivery conditions

Putin plans to hold meeting on economic issues soon

The President reviewed the country's macroeconomic indicators in detail

Iranian president orders to start implementing free trade zone agreement with EAEU

The law contains provisions on preferential tax regulation for import and export operations

Russia develops neural network algorithms for low-level air defense anti-drone system

The Arkodim company specified that the neural network analysis and tracking algorithms calculate ballistics and ensure reliable target tracking even during brief loss of visual contact

Russia to place Sarmat ICBM on combat alert by year end — Putin

The President congratulated the Ministry of Defense, all employees, researchers, engineers, defense industry production organizers, prime contractors, and the thousands of workers engaged in the teamwork on "this major event and unconditional success"

Russia having economic boom, debts growing in the West — news portal

The news outlet also predicts "even greater" growth for defense spending than expected, following the escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in October

Poland at risk of direct confrontation with Russia, Belarus — Medvedev

According to the politician, "Poland's reckless actions, if rashly supported by its NATO allies, may have far-reaching dangerous consequences for the entire world"

Kallas discredits EU in the eyes of decent people — Milorad Dodik

The Bosnian Serb leader says that under her leadership, the association can only shrink, not expand

Russia's Eastern Military District air defense drills involve more than 3,000 troops

At the final stage of the field exercise, the air defense units of the district will have a series of tactical live firing drills

Iran sets forth five conditions to resuming negotiations with US — agency

According to Fars, the five conditions are to stop hostilities on all fronts, particularly in Lebanon, to lift the anti-Iranian sanctions, to unblock Iran’s immobilized assets, to compensate for the war-related damage, and to recognize Iran’s right to sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz

Ukrainian troops lose around 875 personnel in special op over past 24 hours — top brass

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the enemy lost up to 145 troops in the responsibility zone of the Battlegroup North

Russia, EC, Ukraine meeting ahead for gas talks — EU envoy

Press review: Putin V-Day speech gives life to Ukraine peace and Iran's new superweapon

Trump administration maintains and expands sanctions against Russia — Lavrov

The Russian top diplomat noted that the essence of these sanctions is reflected in the "ongoing discrimination against Russian companies in global energy markets," which began even before the start of the special military operation

Russia calls on West to stop interfering in Bosnia-Herzegovina’s affairs — UN envoy

"Any attempts to misinterpret the Dayton provisions will have catastrophic consequences for Bosnia and Herzegovina and the entire Western Balkans region," Vasily Nebenzya emphasized

Lavrov, Rubio 'touch base' on current state of international affairs, US-Russia relations

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the conversation was constructive and businesslike

US official says will update Congress on Trump’s stance regarding Russia sanctions bill

The measure envisages secondary sanctions against Russia’s trading partners

Wine consumption in world slumps to lowest level since 1957 — OIV

International consumption in 2025 amounted to 208 million hectoliters with the highest demand in the US, France and Italy

Russian ground robotic systems immune to EW due to special frequencies — operator

A robotic system operator of Russia’s Battlegroup South’s 1194th Motorized Rifle Regiment, call sign "Korney," also noted that operating the device is extremely simple and requires no special training

India firmly resists Western pressure, its demands to stop buying Russian oil — Lavrov

India has repeatedly stated it will independently decide from whom to buy energy resources, the Russian foreign minister said

Russia to upgrade Ka-52 ‘Alligator’ attack helicopter considering Syrian experience

The ‘Alligator’ is furnished with modern avionics

Russia’s State Duma Chairman to meet with Vucic in Serbia

Also Viacheslav Volodin will open inter-parliamentary commission

EU actions make its participation in peace efforts for Ukraine impossible — Russian MFA

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said the stance the European Union is taking in relation to a peaceful settlement essentially prevents it from being achieved

Trump rejects idea of changing Pakistan as mediator in talks with Iran

The US leader noted that "the Pakistanis have been great"