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Middle East and North Africa

Reformist Pezeshkian leads in Iran’s presidential run-off — Reuters

The country’s Election Office will publish the outcome of the run-off presidential vote in the next few hours

Masud Pezeshkian AP Photo/ Vahid Salemi

Masud Pezeshkian

© AP Photo/ Vahid Salemi

DUBAI, July 6. /TASS/. Masoud Pezeshkian, an Iranian reformist politician who once served as health minister, leads in the Islamic Republic’s presidential run-off, an Iranian official told Reuters.

"Pezeshkian is much ahead of Saeed Jalili based on the votes counted so far," Reuters quoted the official as saying ahead of an official tally.

Iranian news agency Tasnim, too, said Pezeshkian is ahead of Jalili, the hard-line candidate and a representative of the Iranian spiritual leader in the Supreme National Security Council.

The country’s Election Office will publish the outcome of the run-off presidential vote in the next few hours.

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Middle East and North Africa

Middle East conflict

Israeli military issues new evacuation warning for Beirut suburb

Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee said that people must immediately leave building marked on the map of Choueifat, Al Oumara and neighboring buildings and stay at least 500 meters away from them

Kazakhstan asks Russia for clarifications after request to suspend grain deliveries

"We have asked Rosselkhoznadzor in a reply letter to provide us with confirming facts about the violations found," Ermek Kenzhekhanuly said

Russian forces entrap Ukrainian troops near Lisichansk in LPR — expert

Russia’s Battlegroup South liberated the settlement of Verkhnekamenskoye in the Donetsk People’s Republic on October 2

Turkish leader confirms participation in BRICS summit in Kazan — senior Russian diplomat

According to Sergey Ryabkov, Russia keeps Turkey’s position on Ukraine in mind

Tehran to give tougher response if Israel takes more hostile steps — Iranian envoy

"If Israel takes more action, we will give a tougher response," Kazem Jalali pointed out

Iran-Russia treaty on comprehensive cooperation ready for signing — ambassador

According to Kazem Jalali, the document was pre-approved by the presidents of both countries

Russia responds to US nuclear force adjustments, weapons flow to Ukraine — US expert

James W. Carden emphasized that decisions taken by several consecutive US administrations have only aggravated the situation in the field of nuclear deterrence

Gazprom to start construction of high pressure gas pipeline in 2025

Deputy CEO Oleg Aksyutin also noted prospects of implementing the technology of pipelines drying with the use of ultra-high frequencies

Trump says US will go to hell if he loses presidential election

The US will hold a presidential election on November 5

American Abrams tanks vulnerable even to Soviet-era weapons, says expert

US President Joe Biden announced on January 25 that Washington would hand over 31 M1 Abrams tanks to the Kiev regime

Israel orders urgent evacuation for residents of Beirut neighborhood

Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee published a satellite image of the district, pinpointing a building allegedly used by Hezbollah for military purposes

Provocations against Belarus draw Baltic states, Poland into conflict, says FSB chief

The actions by the Kiev regime and its handlers at the Belarusian borders are clearly inflammatory, Alexander Bortnikov stressed

Russia disappointed of non-transparent Nord Stream investigation

The situation evolved "creates absolutely definite and rather dangerous challenges for international peace and security," Russian Permanent Representative to the UN Vasily Nebenzya noted

Japan's new prime minister accuses China, Russia of 'violations of airspace'

Shigeru Ishiba voiced his belief that Japan is currently facing the most challenging security situation since the end of World War II

Ukrainian army loses over 20,000 troops during incursion into Kursk Region

According to the Defense Ministry, since the beginning of hostilities in the Kursk Region, the Russian Armed Forces have also destroyed 580 Ukrainian motor vehicles, 165 artillery pieces and 33 multiple rocket launchers

Japan set to continue course toward peace agreement with Russia, new PM says

At the same time, Shigeru Ishiba stressed, Japan will continue with its sanctions pressure on Russia and support to Ukraine

Breakthrough attempts: situation in Kursk Region

Ukraine carried out five unsuccessful attempts to infiltrate Novy Put

Putin open for meeting with Biden, but no talks on this issue as of yet — Kremlin

"There have been no talks on this issue and as of today, at this moment, there are no prerequisites for it," Dmitry Peskov said

US-led coalition's aircraft violate Syrian airspace 13 times in past day

The Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties in Syria registered violations, committed by aircraft of the US-led international coalition over the Al-Tanf zone

West destroying Russian projectiles over Ukraine would involve US in war — Pentagon

Washington believes that Kiev can defend itself, Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said

Russia, Azerbaijan foil provocation against Russian diplomat — intelligence chief

"Cooperation between the Foreign Intelligence Service and our Azerbaijani counterparts largely stems from the strategic partnership between the two states, as well as the historical, fraternal ties between our peoples," Sergey Naryshkin stressed

Russia says its drone destroyed Ukrainian fighters in Kursk Region

The effectiveness of the missile strike is confirmed by live-recording footage, according to the ministry

If Poles 'try to lay hands' on western Ukraine, Minsk will support Ukrainians — Lukashenko

The Belarusian president is certain that Poland pursues its own selfish interests in Ukraine

Russia set to continue helping Lebanon after Israeli attacks — ambassador

Alexander Rudakov noted that Russia recognizes the gravity of the situation Lebanon had encountered, that is why the humanitarian aid was provided to its residents

US, UK stop at nothing to preserve fleeting hegemony — FSB

According to Alexander Bortnikov, "in order to weaken and contain the competition, Washington and London intentionally undermine the system of international law and multilateral diplomacy, engaging all available instruments of economic and technological blockade; they carry out and systematically encourage propaganda directed at dehumanizing the population of unwanted countries"

Russia does not exclude Europe from Eurasia’s security dialogue — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat drew attention to the fact that "the degradation of the military and political situation caused by the course of the collective West towards undermining the sovereign development of the continent's leading powers cannot in itself be acceptable to responsible Eurasian states"

Press review: Russia urges Israel to see reason and NATO at wits end on how to help Kiev

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, October 4th

Russia delivers 29 strikes at Ukrainian military, energy sites over week

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted more than 3,000 casualties on Ukrainian troops in its area of responsibility in the borderline Kursk area and the Kharkov Region over the week, the Defense Ministry reported

Biden’s administration pushes world towards nuclear catastrophe — Russian ambassador

Anatoly Antonov also said he had tried to explain the essence of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposed amendments to the Russian nuclear doctrine to officials in the White House and the Department of State

Invitation of Taliban to Kazan summit depends on all BRICS members — diplomat

"Russia cannot unilaterally invite other states without the consent of its partners," Zamir Kabulov added

Germany not coming to UNSC meetings on Nord Streams, despite invitation

"They prefer not to appear because of the continuing investigation," Russian Permanent Representative to the UN Vasily Nebenzya added

Top UK diplomat signals NATO’s rejection of Ukraine in prank call — spokeswoman

"Both Cameron and this tubby man from the UK Defense Ministry (former UK Defense Secretary Ben Wallace - TASS) likely wanted to get some publicity through Vovan and Lexus, and, perhaps, float the idea that Ukraine will never be a part of NATO," the diplomat wrote on her Telegram channel

Handlers from Washington, London prohibit Kiev to conclude peace — FSB chief

On the other hand, "[Ukrainian President Vladimir] Zelensky who has cancelled the presidential election in the country understands himself that he can remain in power only if hostilities continue," Alexander Bortnikov said

Russian tank crews helped seize last Ukrainian army positions in Ugledar — top brass

Ugledar was part of a network of large Ukrainian army strongholds in the south Donetsk frontline area

Ukrainian forces try to slow Russian advance near liberated Ugledar — analyst

On Thursday, the Russian Defense Ministry announced the liberation of Ugledar from the Ukrainian military

Government involvement in Nord Stream blasts undeniable, says Russian envoy

Permanent Representative to the UN Vasily Nebenzya stressed that "it’s the basic desire of the masterminds and perpetrators of the crime to cover up their tracks and mislead investigators"

More than 200,000 Russians migrated from Gmail to Xmail in September

During the last week, Xmail service users created accounts and transferred data by 25% more than a week earlier, the company noted

Bold Russian jet maneuver near Alaska shows who ‘rules the roost’ — analyst

Accordnig to the expert, "It's not so much about professionalism as the extreme courage"

Russian drone wipes out Ukrainian UAV operator crew, artillery piece in Sumy Region

The Russian Defense Ministry also posted footage showing the destruction of the targets

Russia's Pantsir to have no problems with shooting down F-16 fighter jet — Rostec

Earlier this year, the manufacturers said that the Pantsir system successfully coped with the destruction of both ATACMS ballistic missiles and Storm Shadow cruise missiles in the special operation

Russia to deliver remaining S-400 air defense systems to India in 2024 — official

According to The New Indian Express, the delivered systems have already been deployed along India’s borders with China and Pakistan

Russian Defense Ministry announces liberation of Ugledar in Donetsk People’s Republic

According to the statement, the result was achieved due to "decisive actions by units of the battlegroup East"

Afghanistan hopes to raise level of diplomatic ties with Russia — acting Foreign Minister

Earlier on Friday, Director of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) Alexander Bortnikov announced that the work to remove the Taliban movement from the list of terrorist organizations is in the final stages in Russia

Biden doubts US presidential election will be peaceful

US leader added that Trump’s running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, had dodged the question of whether he will accept any outcome of the vote

Missile engine blast at testing site in northern Russia kills two

A rise of the radiation level was registered

Russian ambassador says he received threats in US

"I have a feeling that as the important day in America - namely, the November 5 presidential election - is approaching, it is getting harder and harder to work here," Anatoly Antonov said

Uganda gives US ambassador three days to leave country

According to Ugandan Armed Forces Commander Muhoozi Kainerugaba, William Popp engaged in activities that are inconsistent with his diplomatic status

Russian forces strike Ukrainian army’s energy sites over past day — top brass

It is specified that Ukrainian army’s losses in that frontline area over the past 24 hours amounted to 145 personnel, an armored combat vehicle, two motor vehicles, a 152mm D-20 howitzer and a 122mm D-30 howitzer

EU’s economic course is 'cold war' — Orban

"The economic cold war is very dangerous for Hungary because it hits us in the first instance, our export-oriented economy," the Hungarian prime minister said

Russia’s liberating Ugledar allows for encirclement of Kurakhovo — expert

The Russian forces liberated Ugledar on October 3

DPR head expects entire region to be liberated in foreseeable future

"For our part, we expect that the DPR will be liberated in the foreseeable future as part of efforts to achieve the goals set by the Russian president," Denis Pushilin noted

Ukrainian incursion into Kursk Region aimed to provoke Russia’s tough response — FSB chief

"Without improving the Ukrainian army’s situation in Donbass, this act was meant from the start to provoke Russia to react in a disproportionately tough way and to eliminate any grounds for settling the conflict in the near future," Alexander Bortnikov explained

Russian troops seize control of fortifications in DPR's Ugledar

The DPR head pointed out that Ugledar was important for the Ukrainian military because its high-rise buildings made it possible to set up observation posts and a system of repeaters

Dutch citizen remanded in custody in Moscow on charges of assaulting police officer

Harry Johannes van Wurden should be taken into custody for two months, until December 3

Capture of Ugledar to let Russian army successfully operate in Zaporozhye Region — expert

Ugledar is an important logistical hub in the DPR

Stoltenberg could face life imprisonment for his crimes — lawyer

"We are talking about very serious charges," Philippe Vanlangendonck pointed out

US fans flames in Middle East by not condemning Israeli actions — Lavrov

"When Israel launched its ground invasion of Lebanon in the early hours of October 1, the United States administration did not condemn in any way this act of aggression against a sovereign state," the top Russian diplomat noted

Russia's warning has been heard in most Western capitals — intelligence chief

Sergey Naryshkin pointed out that speculations about the possibility of crossing Russia's red lines on the issue of strikes with long-range Western weapons was a great delusion

Ukraine trains terrorists in Syria in coordination with US — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat noted that the Western coalition continues to carry out strikes in Syria, "effectively encouraging the Kiev regime to engage in similar terrorist activities in Russian regions, where civilians and civilian infrastructure are targeted with direct support from the West"

CERN to lose valuable experience by severing ties with Russia — rector

The decision to keep ties with Russia’s Joint Institute for Nuclear Research is a reasonable one, Gunter Dissertori added

Ukraine’s 'International Legion' includes 18,000 militants from 85 countries — FSB chief

According to Alexander Bortnikov, the continued deployment of foreign mercenaries and militants from international terrorist organizations confirms the West’s determination to crank up the intensity of military actions

Removal of Taliban from list of terrorists already decided by Moscow — Russian envoy

Russian authorities just need to bring the process in line with federal laws, Zamir Kabulov explained

Ukraine's losses: situation in Kursk Region

Russian troops started demining the territories of the Kursk Region

US played key role in ousting Ukrainian president in 2014, researcher says

Jeffrey Sachs noted that the course of NATO expansion to Ukraine and Georgia was adopted by US President George Bush Jr. back in 2008

Kiev 'playing with fire' by its continued attempts to attack Kursk NPP — Kremlin

Earlier, Shot Telegram channel reported that, according to preliminary data, the Ukrainian Armed Forces tried to attack the Kursk NPP in Kurchatov with a French aerial bomb

Liberation of Ugledar shows that Western arms supplies to Kiev have no effect — diplomat

US administration officials refrain from commenting on the liberation of Ugledar "because it is impossible for them to admit the failure of their plan to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia," Anatoly Antonov said

Israeli air force intercepts aircraft that violated country’s airspace — IDF

Other details of the incident are unknown at this point

Press review: Israeli reprisal against Iran looms and Iraq bets on Russia amid US exit

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, October 3rd

If Israel, US go to war with Iran, serious global crisis to follow — Turkish expert

Abdullah Agar said that Israel has received clear reasons for a strike on Iran together with the US, which until now "supported Israel only in the context of the principles and concepts of defense"

West overestimates effectiveness of pressure on Russian, Chinese economies — Rosneft CEO

According to Igor Sechin, despite the predicted "inevitable" slowdown of the Chinese economy, the IMF estimates that China's contribution to global economic growth over the next five years will be 21% - more than the combined contribution of all G7 countries (20%)

BRICS ambassadors express support to Russian presidency in Peru

"The growing clout of BRICS countries in global politics, their successes in the economy, culture and science clearly demonstrate the potential of our nations," Russian Ambassador in Peru Igor Romanchenko said

Deployment of foreign military bases in Afghanistan unacceptable — Lavrov

"History proves that the projection of power by external players in this region only serves to aggravate its problems," the top Russian diplomat noted

Russia ready for long-term confrontation with US — Deputy Foreign Minister

"We are sending warning signals to our opponent so that they don’t underestimate our determination," Sergey Ryabkov said

Russian army in Donbass moves at 'unseen pace,' Finnish analyst tells The Washington Post

The Russian army’s greatest advances "occurred from mid-August to mid-September, coinciding with the Ukrainian incursion into Russia’s Kursk Region," Pasi Paroinen said

Iran attacked Mossad headquarters, two Israeli airbases, says chief of General Staff

Iran also attacked radars of anti-missile systems and clusters of Israeli tanks

Israeli warplanes strike southern outskirts of Beirut

At least two strikes targeted the Bourj el-Barajneh refugee camp

Rossiya airline to restart flights to Havana in October

The airline is also flying from Moscow to Cuba’s Varadero resort

Friendly countries showing interest in Russian analog of Starlink — minister

Maksut Shadaev expressed hope that the constellation would have the huge export potential

Iskander crew wipes out up to 80 Ukrainian troops, 12 armored vehicles in Sumy Region

According to the report, "Battlegroup North service members conducting reconnaissance operations discovered the gathering point of a company tactical group from one of the mechanized battalions of the 47th Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian armed forces"

Ukrainian General Staff says situation remains tense in two DPR areas

Retired Ukrainian General Sergey Krivonos said earlier that only a miracle can save Ukraine after its recent failures on the frontline

Pink Floyd founder Waters confesses now he has more respect for Putin — Daily Telegraph

US carries out strikes on 15 targets in Yemen — CENTCOM

"These targets included Houthi offensive military capabilities," the US Central Command said

Kim Jong Un says North Korea to use nuclear weapons if attacked

In DPRK leader’s words, the threatening rhetoric by hostile countries will not stop North Korea’s military buildup

Conflict US escalating with Russia may 'destroy the entire world' — Tucker Carlson

"In a year, no one could be alive if we continue sleep-walking into a wider war with Russia," the reporter emphasized

Putin discusses international settlements system with Russian Security Council

"The work is underway on the whole, it is going normally but it is better to timely talk about difficulties and outline required actions to overcome these difficulties attempted to be created for us from the outside," the Russian president noted

Foreign mercenaries in Ukraine will not have POW status — Russian military

Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov warned that all foreign mercenaries, detained in Ukraine, would be brought to justice on criminal charges

Europe's military potential inferior to Russia's — Stoltenberg

Jens Stoltenberg complained that the European countries now had too few weapons, equipment and soldiers in a state of high readiness for a potential conflict

Hezbollah says it won’t let Israel get entrenched in southern Lebanon — report

"Our forces are ready for any ground offensive," Mahmoud Kamati, a member of Hezbollah’s political council, said

Russia joins World Bank’s B-Ready project despite West’s opposition — executive director

Roman Marshavin commented on the WB’s publication of the first report within the B-Ready project that replaced the annual study Doing Business, which was canceled in September 2021 due to allegations of impropriety

Arab League to view invasion into Lebanon as infringement on Arab national security

Participants of the emergency meeting underscored their "full solidarity with Lebanon in the face of this aggression" and called upon international organizations to speed up their aid deliveries to the country

Ukrainian snipers in Ugledar worked under NATO techniques — sniper

It is reported that in practice, the specifics of the Western principle of snipers’ operation do not stand out any particularly and do not make this category of fighters any special

Israeli forces eliminate Hezbollah communications chief — IDF

According to the IDF, Mohammad Rashid Sakafi "was responsible for the communications unit since 2000"

Russian defense ministry says US started production of banned missiles two years ago

The ministry noted that over the past two years the space of the rocket plant in the city of Tucson has increased by 44%

UN aware of Russia’s invitation for Guterres to attend BRICS summit — spokesperson

This year, Russia holds the rotating BRICS chairmanship which includes over 200 events and will culminate in the group’s summit in Kazan on October 22-24

Possible permission to strike deep inside Russia paves way to nuclear conflict — diplomat

In Antonov’s opinion, Russia needs to do its best to avert a nuclear war, as there can be no winners in this kind of a standoff

Kiev sends team of foreign medics to near Seversk in DPR — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, the team is well-equipped has its own equipment and seems to have extensive experience in working in a combat zone

Bank of Russia lowers dollar rate to 94.87 rubles for October 5-7

The official euro rate was lowered by twelve kopecks to 104.7424 rubles

Russia invites UN secretary-general to attend BRICS summit in Kazan

According to the statement, the UN expects that important agreements will be reached at the summit and that it will "give the necessary forward momentum to ensure that the goals set out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development" are implemented

US prevents UN Security Council from adopting statement on Nord Stream — Russian envoy

Vasily Nebenzya noted that interference from the West does not reduce Russia's determination to establish the truth

Russian army takes operational control of all roads to DPR's Kurakhovo — official

Denis Pushilin added that Ugledar was the only major town in the South Donetsk direction, as its location on elevated terrain allowed the enemy to observe the surrounding area for dozens of kilometers