{{dayPoint.date | date : 'd MMMM yyyy'}}

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Middle East conflict

US deploys additional military aircraft to Middle East — media outlet

On March 28, The Daily Telegraph reported, citing a military source, that the Pentagon was transferring four more B-2 strategic bombers to the Diego Garcia in addition to three heavy stealth aircraft that had arrived on the island earlier

WASHINGTON, April 1. /TASS/. The Pentagon has redeployed a number of A-10 attack aircraft of the Idaho Air National Guard to the Middle East, the Air and Space Forces Magazine said.

According to the media outlet, more than 300 US military personnel were sent along with the aircraft to the region, which is part of US Central Command’s area of responsibility. It is noted that the transfer of attack aircraft was carried out shortly after the US Air Force confirmed the arrival of several B-2 strategic bombers at a military base on the island of Diego Garcia in the Chagos Archipelago located in the Indian Ocean. The deployment of additional forces to the Middle East is connected with the beginning of the operation of the US army against the Yemeni Houthis, the magazine wrote. It did not specify what tasks the A-10 attack aircraft will have to perform.

On March 28, The Daily Telegraph reported, citing a military source, that the Pentagon was transferring four more B-2 strategic bombers to the Diego Garcia in addition to three heavy stealth aircraft that had arrived on the island earlier.

On March 15, US President Donald Trump announced the launch of a military operation against the Houthis, who control about one-third of Yemen’s territory. He attributed the decision to Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The operation involves the US aircraft carrier USS Harry Truman, which is based in the Red Sea. It regularly strikes Ansar Allah-controlled territory in Yemen. US Air Force B-2 strategic bombers have also conducted precision strikes against fortified underground weapons storage locations.

Following the escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the Gaza Strip, the Ansar Allah movement said that it would strike Israeli territory and prevent ships associated with Israel from passing through the waters of the Red Sea and the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait until the operation in the Palestinian enclave was halted. Since November 2023, the Houthis have attracted dozens of civilian ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, explaining their actions as support for the Gaza Strip.

Middle East conflict

Israeli, US aggression against Iran fraught with consequences for entire world — diplomat

According to Abbas Araghchi, Israeli and US attacks on Iran can be regarded solely as aggression

US can establish good relations with Iran if it gives up nuclear ambitions — JD Vance

The Vice President added that Washington "can have a good relationship with the Iranians," but Tehran should not attack American troops in the Middle East or seek nuclear weapons

West to cut arms flow to Kiev amid Iran-Israel conflict — Russian official

Zaporozhye Region Governor Yevgeny Balitsky urged to take advantage of the situation

Israeli, US aggression against Iran fraught with consequences for entire world — diplomat

According to Abbas Araghchi, Israeli and US attacks on Iran can be regarded solely as aggression

US takes action to alleviate Iran’s nuclear threat — British PM

US President Donald Trump reported overnight into June 22 that the US had conducted a successful attack on three nuclear sites in Iran, including Isfahan, Natanz, and Fordow

Attempts to close Strait of Hormuz would be suicidal for Iran's economy

When asked whether a possible closure of the Strait of Hormuz would be a red line for the United States, he replied that well, I think that would be suicidal or the Iranians themselves. I mean, their entire economy runs through the Strait of Hormuz"

Iran got bombed instead of receiving support in nuclear sphere, Russian envoy says

Vasily Nebenzya called the situation "outrageous and cynical"

Russia warns US against interfering in military actions against Iran — MFA

Maria Zakharova said that it would be an extremely dangerous step with unpredictable negative consequences

Russian forces can easily liberate Sumy due to crisis in Ukrainian army ranks — expert

"This is not a major issue for our armed forces, this is quite a realistic task given the current personnel crisis in the Ukrainian army," Yan Gagin said

Russian Air Defense downs 4 JDAM bombs, 97 Ukrainian UAVs in past 24 Hours

The report also noted that since the beginning of the special military operation, Russian forces have destroyed a total of 663 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 64,682 UAVs, 611 surface-to-air missile systems, 23,997 tanks and other armored combat vehicles, 1,572 multiple-launch rocket system vehicles, 26,451 artillery pieces and mortars, and 37,102 units of special military automotive equipment

Russian army creates bridgehead for further offensive as it liberated Perebudova in DPR

The liberation of Peredubova took less than three days, the ministry added

Immediate negotiations with Russia are Ukraine’s only chance — envoy to UN

Vasily Nebenzya thanked the United States for supporting the direct dialogue between Moscow and Kiev

Russians most of all wait for return of IKEA, McDonald's

Head of the Russian Quality System nonprofit organization Maxim Protasov still noted that there is a group of consumers that do not want the return of foreign brands at all

US will not support lower price cap on Russian oil due to impact on its own exports

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia would not supply oil and oil products under the conditions of the price cap

US will bog down in regional conflict if Iran retaliates, Swiss expert warns

According to Lehmici, there are no doubts that the Iranians "are still capable of retaliating thanks to their missile potential"

Iran calls on IAEA to take measures following US strikes on its nuclear facilities

The AEOI chief also stressed that his country reserves the right to defend its own national interests, including potential measures against the IAEA chief’s "personal inaction and complicity"

Saudi Arabia will be guest country for SPIEF-2026

Presidential Adviser and Executive Secretary of the SPIEF Organizing Committee Anton Kobakov also announced that the second Russia-Africa Foreign Ministers’ Forum is expected to take place in Cairo

Putin points to Israel's huge Russian-speaking demographic

The Russian leader also noted that Russia has traditionally friendly allied relations with the Arab and Islamic world

US preparing for possible retaliatory strike on American facilities by Iran — NBC

It is not yet clear which US facilities could be attacked, they said

PREVIEW: Top EU diplomats to discuss Middle East conflict, anti-Russian sanctions

Additionally, they will make another attempt to introduce sanctions against several Israeli ministers for the humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip

Lavrov calls US strike on Iran another step toward unpredictable escalation

During that call that was initiated by the Hungarian side, the two top diplomats "discussed the situation following the United States’ strike on Iranian nuclear facilities," the ministry said

Iran got bombed instead of receiving support in nuclear sphere, Russian envoy says

"This is an outrageous and cynical situation", Russian Permanent Representative to the UN Vasily Nebenzya said

Russia, China, Pakistan’s draft resolution reflects stance of UNSC majority — envoy

The text reflects the stance of the vast majority of Security Council members voiced during our sessions on June 13 and 20

Medvedev says both Israel, Iran should abandon their nuclear programs

"We know that Israel has a secret nuclear program," the Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman said

Russia strongly condemns US attacks on nuclear facilities in Iran — MFA

The UN Security Council must respond to Washington’s attacks on Iranian territory, the ministry noted

Iran has right to "resist US military aggression," defend national interests — MFA

The ministry called the attack on Iranian nuclear facilities in Isfahan, Natanz, and Fordow "a terrible blow to the nuclear non-proliferation regime"

Trump claims colossal damage to Iranian nuclear facilities

According to him, the B-2 pilots that participated in the operation have safely returned to Missouri

Iran calls on UN Security Council to convene emergency meeting

"In light of the grave and far-reaching consequences of the United States’ savage and criminal actions for international peace and security, the Islamic Republic of Iran urgently requests the Security Council to convene an emergency meeting," Permanent Representative of Iran to the UN Amir Saeid Iravani said

West’s hybrid war against Russia seeks to destroy EU — diplomat

Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova added that "many EU countries are on the verge of recession"

PREVIEW: Top Iranian diplomat to meet with Putin, hold several talks

As Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova confirmed to TASS, the top Iranian diplomat arrived in Moscow on Sunday night "to hold several talks"

Western media reluctant to acknowledge imminent nuclear threat to whole world — diplomat

US calls on China to convince Iran not to close Strait of Hormuz — Rubio

In turn, US Vice President J.D. Vance said in an interview with NBC News that a potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz would be suicidal for the Iranian economy

High time for Zelensky to admit loss of everything — Republika Srpska president

According to Milorad Dodik, Zelensky believed the words of Western politicians "who clapped him on the shoulder and promised him a lot of things, but they failed in all of this"

No talk yet on Putin-Trump meeting — Kremlin aide

Since the beginning of the year and following Trump’s inauguration, the Russian and US presidents have held five phone conversations

US use of nuclear weapons in Iran would lead to catastrophic developments — Kremlin

As Dmitry Peskov noted, there are so many speculations that "it’s impossible to comment on them"

Russian Knyaz Vandal FPV drones destroy NATO equipment worth over $2bln since August 2024

The FPV jam-resistant drone was tested in August 2024 when Ukraine intruded into the Kursk region

Russia, China, Pakistan’s draft resolution reflects stance of UNSC majority — envoy

The text reflects the stance of the vast majority of Security Council members voiced during sessions on June 13 and 20, Vasily Nebenzya said

Blocking of Strait of Hormuz to trigger 'oil shock' — RDIF CEO

The US will also suffer, noted the special representative of the Russian president for investment and economic cooperation

Hungarian NGO condemns attacks on Iran by Israel, US

Simo said that on June 21 he submitted a message of support of the country’s people to Iran’s ambassador to Hungary, Morteza Moradian

Trump announces successful US Air Force attack on three Iranian nuclear sites

According to Reuters, the attack involved B-2 strategic bombers previously redeployed to Guam, a US overseas territory in the Pacific

FACTBOX: Putin names five steps to change national economic structure

The Russian economy should be more technologically advanced

Press review: Washington mulls Iran strike as Russia and US plan 15 joint ventures by 2025

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, June 19th

Iran will be ready to attack US military in Middle East — top diplomat

"That's quite understandable, and self defense is a legitimate rights of every country," Abbas Araghchi said

Russian Armed Forces liberate Zaporozhye settlement in Donetsk People’s Republic

At the same time, Ukrainian armed forces sustained losses exceeding 1,350 servicemen over the past 24 hours in the zone of the special military operation

US congresswoman says strikes on Iran reason to impeach Trump

"He has impulsively risked launching a war that may ensnare us for generations," Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said

PREVIEW: Putin to meet with leader of Mali

The most recent meeting between the two leaders took place on the sidelines of the Russia-Africa Summit in July 2023

Israel attacks military targets concurrently in four areas in Iran — IDF

During the strikes, an IAF aircraft identified Iranian Armed Forces soldiers loading missile launchers and eliminated them," it said, adding that the Israeli military will continue delivering strikes throughout Iran to eliminate threats to Israel

Belarus frees 14 prisoners at Trump’s request — Kellogg’s deputy

According to John Coale, US President Donald Trump "encouraged this trip"

Iran ready for dialogue on atom, won’t give up its nuclear program — president

Masoud Pezeshkian noted that Tehran welcomes dialogue and negotiations, but only if the country's legitimate rights are respected

Agreements worth $80.3 bln signed at SPIEF-2025 — organizing committee

Presidential Adviser and Executive Secretary of the SPIEF Organizing Committee Anton Kobakov noted that the overall atmosphere of the forum was marked by a strong sense of optimism about the recovery of business relations

Iran may attack Israel’s Dimona nuclear facility — TV

The Al Jazeera's source also said that the IRGC has "precise information about Israel's stockpile of air defense missiles"

Iran says it used undetectable missiles to strike Mossad headquarters

According to the Iranian official, the attack came as a surprise for the Israel

Iran has right to peaceful use of nuclear technology — Putin

On the night of June 13, Israel launched a military operation against Iran

At least 15 die after suicide bomber’s attack on Christina church in Damascus — TV

The incident occurred in Damascus’ al-Duwaila neighborhood populated mostly by Christians

US strikes push back Iran's nuclear program for years — JD Vance

J.D. Vance said that I'm not going to get into sensitive intelligence here, but I think that we have really pushed their program back by a very long time

Situation with return of Russians from Middle Eastern crisis zone stabilizes

"Almost all of those who wanted to leave have been flown in," Nikita Kondratyev, director of the Department of Multilateral Economic Cooperation and Special Projects of the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation said

China's new mosquito-sized drone could revolutionize military warfare, medicine — SCMP

According the newspaper, which cited military sources and TV channels, similar miniature bionic robots are best suited to reconnaissance and special missions on the battlefield

Russia offered Iran air defense projects, Tehran showed little interest — Putin

The countries' strategic partnership agreement does not contain any articles related to defense, Russian President said

Iran uses Kheibar Shekan ballistic missile for first time in attack on Israel — IRGC

Forty solid and liquid fuel missiles were used in the strike, IRGC added

Iranian foreign minister expects meeting with Putin in Moscow on June 23

Russia is a permanent member of the UN Security Council, the Iranian minister noted

Iran rejects US proposals on nuclear program — speaker

According to Mike Johnson, the US strikes were aimed at preventing Iran from obtaining "the most lethal weapon on the planet"

Russia strongly condemns flight of Ukrainian drones through Kazakh airspace — diplomat

Maria Zakharova also pointed out that Russia calls on all responsible governments and specialized international agencies "to pay attention to such provocations"

Putin has no plans to talk with Trump, conversation may be organized — Kremlin

US President Donald Trump reported overnight into June 22 that the US had conducted a successful attack on three nuclear sites in Iran, including Isfahan, Natanz, and Fordow

Trump does not rule out change of power in Iran

It’s not politically correct to use the term, ‘Regime Change, emphasized the US President

Kiev creates own problems after deciding to attack Russia’s Kursk Region — Putin

Kiev authorities personally formed a line of combat contact stretching along for almost two thousand kilometers, the Russian president said

Senior Iranian diplomat excludes any possibility of talks with US, Israel

Iran, in his words, doesn’t want to engage in talks for the sake of talks

Iranian president warns US of response after strikes on its nuclear facilities

Iran and the United States have been holding indirect Oman-brokered talks on the settlement of the situation around the Iranian nuclear program since April

Postponement of Russia-US contacts on irritants related to selection of location for talks

Russian Ambassador to the US Alexander Darchiev maintains contacts with the US Department of the State and other American structures at a level close to normal, Presidential Aide said

US could strike Iran as soon as next weekend — Hersh

According to the American journalist Seymour Hersh, the operation will "entail heavy American bombing"

Houthi rebels to launch attacks on US forces in Red Sea — politburo member

US President Donald Trump reported overnight into June 22 that the US had conducted a successful attack on three nuclear sites in Iran, including Isfahan, Natanz, and Fordow

Ukraine loses over 4,000 troops in LPR during past week — expert

Andrey Marochko said that the most damage on manpower was delivered to the adversary in the responsibility zone of Battlegroup West

Russian embassy confirms delivery of MiG-29 fighter jets to Syria

The handover ceremony took place at the Hmeymim air base

Israeli Air Force attacks military sites in western Iran - army

According to the report, the Israeli Air Force is striking military infrastructure sites in Kermanshah

Tornado-S rockets effectively break through Ukrainian air defense

The rockets have an advanced inertial guidance system that successfully operates in conditions of satellite channel jamming, which is important in modern war that uses a lot of electronic warfare systems

Rosatom chief says Israel should be interested in safety of Iran’s Bushehr NPP

Alexey Likhachev noted that any nuclear explosion there could send radiation across borders

Ukraine must not acquire nuclear weapons — Putin

According to Putin, these conditions form the foundation for long-term regional stability

Bitcoin price falls below $100,000 first since May 8

Bitcoin is a cryptocurrency invented in 2008 by an unknown person or a group of people using the name Satoshi Nakamoto

Iran, Russia consult to face shared threats — top diplomat

Abbas Araghchi said that Iran and Russia have always shared common beliefs and consulted closely with each other to confront shared challenges and threats

Right to self-defense with no consideration of UN Charter leads to chaos — Lavrov

US President Donald Trump reported overnight into June 22 that the US had conducted a successful attack on three nuclear sites in Iran, including Isfahan, Natanz, and Fordow

Russia’s share of trade with countries that introduced sanctions drops to 10%

Kobakov noted that the sanctions imposed on the Russian economy have had the opposite of their intended effect

Iran’s top diplomat makes it clear option of closing Strait of Hormuz not ruled out

US President Donald Trump reported overnight into June 22 that the US had conducted a successful attack on three nuclear sites in Iran, including Isfahan, Natanz, and Fordow

Iranian parliamentary committee calls for Tehran withdrawal from NPT

According to the lawmakers, the committee’s meeting was attended by a representative from the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran and a deputy foreign minister

Russia is fulfilling all agreements reached with Ukraine in Istanbul — Medinsky

Earlier, media outlets reported claims that in the process of transferring more than 6,000 bodies of fallen Ukrainian soldiers, Russia was allegedly substituting them with the bodies of Russian servicemen

Taurus missiles won’t stop Russia’s advance in special op zone — Putin

Russian President noted that taking into account the fact that the Ukrainian armed forces are only 47% staffed, the presence of Taurus missiles "makes absolutely no sense"

Some countries fear major war, stand ready to back Tehran — Iranian source

The agency source added that some nations "have conveyed their readiness to assist Tehran in various capacities"

Ukraine tries to ‘prick’ Russia with story about returned Russian soldier’s body — source

Under the Istanbul agreements, Russia handed over 6,060 bodies of deceased Ukrainian servicemen to Ukraine, while Kiev returned only 78 bodies to Moscow

Putin to spend four days in China though such long visits rarity — Kremlin aide

Ushakov said earlier that Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping had agreed to meet at the SCO summit, which will run from August 31 through September 1

Russian army liberates Perebudova in DPR, Petrovskoye in Kharkov Region

The units of the Ukrainian Armed Forces lost more than 1,355 troops in the area of the special military operation in 24 hours, ministry said

US’ attacks on Iran constitute flagrant violation of UN Charter — permanent mission

Iran has called on the UN Security Council to convene an emergency meeting in connection with the US’ attack, Amir Saeid Iravani said

Iran’s underground nuclear sites sustained most damage — Trump

The biggest damage took place far below ground level, US President said

US prepared to destroy more Iranian targets ‘within minutes’ — Trump

According to US President, "there are many targets left" in Iran, but the US managed to hit "the most difficult of them" tonight

Putin admits worried about threat of World War III

"There is a lot of conflict potential, it is growing," the Russian president said

Ukraine, Middle East, new world order: main points from Putin's keynote address at SPIEF

According to the Russian president, Russians and Ukrainians are one people

FACTBOX: US strikes Iran: what we know so far

TASS has compiled key information about the US strikes on Iran

Press review: US may abandon Ukraine talks as Mideast braces for escalation

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, June 20th

Downed F-35, US fleet withdrawal, secret Chinese flights: news on Israel-Iran conflict

On Wednesday morning, 50 Israeli Air Force fighter jets struck Iranian facilities used in the production of uranium enrichment centrifuges

Iran warns Qatar about potential strikes on US bases — newspaper

The targets of Iranian strikes, in case the US decides to join the Israeli operation against Tehran, may become other US bases throughout the Middle East, as well as Washington's diplomatic missions in the region, The Washington Post pointed out

Russia ready to supply LNG to Mexico, share energy technologies — minister

Russia is also ready to share technologies for oil production in difficult geological conditions and technologies for increasing the efficiency of oil refining with Mexico

Price of Brent crude oil surpasses $81 per barrel first time since January 20

As of 1:01 a.m. Moscow time (10:01 p.m. GMT) the Brent price was up by 5.28% at $81.4 per barrel

Trump emissary asks Musk to give Iran temporary free access to Starlink

"I’ll chip in a donation and I think others would, too," said Grenell

US learns of attacks plotted on its military bases in Iraq, Syria — NYT

According to the newspaper, "so far the groups have held off, and Iraqi officials are working hard to dissuade militia action"