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US Department of State describes Istanbul talks as ‘critical opportunity’

"This is a critical opportunity to again have those direct talks to try to achieve that ceasefire and then that long and enduring peace," the US diplomat added

WASHINGTON, May 13. /TASS/. The US administration believes that the upcoming May 15 talks in Istanbul provide a "critical opportunity" to resolve the Ukrainian conflict, Department of State Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott said.

When asked to comment on the planned negotiations, he said: "The President has spoken to this as well. He has been clear that the meeting in Istanbul is a critical opportunity for direct talks between Russia and Ukraine. That has been clear. The President has also been clear that he wants to see those talks happen, and he's been dedicated to trying to first get that ceasefire and then an enduring peace."

"This is a critical opportunity to again have those direct talks to try to achieve that ceasefire and then that long and enduring peace," the US diplomat added.

Middle East conflict

Israel will deliver intensive strikes against Iran in coming days — ABC News

The United States were informed in advance about plans to start the operation against Iran, the TV channel said

TASS correspondent denied accreditation to cover NATO summit

The North Atlantic Alliance will hold a summit on June 24-25

US wants to stop Ukrainian conflict along the frontline — Kellogg

He went on to say that the recognition will only be de facto, not by the law

Mother commits ritual murder of 3-year-old daughter in western Ukraine — local police

The suspect currently remains in custody as pretrial investigations continue

Israel carried out series of sabotage acts in Iran — Axios journalist

The goal was to damage Iran’s strategic missile sites and its air defense capabilities, the journalist wrote

Israel, US to pay for strikes on Iran — military spokesman

In his words, the attacks were organized with the US support

IN BRIEF: What is known about exchange of bodies of soldiers between Russia, Ukraine

Russian Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinsky noted that on Thursday, Moscow and Kiev will begin urgent "sanitary exchanges" of heavily wounded prisoners of war

Rostec CEO brands Challenger tank 'a cooking pot'

Russian designers also studied German-made Leopard tank and found no breakthrough solutions to borrow

Russia to form drone troops as separate branch of the military — Putin

Fighting against various unmanned aerial vehicles has required "new approaches and non-standard solutions," Russian President explained

US did not assist Israeli strikes on Iran — official

"We are aware of the reports of strikes, there was no US involvement or US assistance," the source said

Russian air defenses down Neptune missile, 1,582 Ukrainian drones in past week

Russian troops also liberated five settlements in the Donetsk People's Republic and one in the Sumy Region over the past seven days, the Defense Ministry added

IRGC confirms Israeli strikes killed its air force chief

The brutal terrorist aggression and crimes committed by the Zionist regime today resulted in the martyrdom of the valiant and illustrious commander of the Aerospace Force, IRGC Major General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, along with a group of brave and loyal servicemen," the statement says

Russia reaches new heights step by step, Putin says

"We increase Russia’s industrial, technological and scientific capabilities," the head of state pointed out

‘Friends of Ukraine’ destroying country by promoting war — prominent economist

Jeffrey Sachs also underscored that the West continues encouraging the war despite its devastating consequences for Ukraine

Death toll in Iran’s Tabriz climbs to five — media

According to Mehr, another 12 people received injuries

Airport in Lugansk to be able to receive widebody aircraft — transport minister

Albert Apshev said that the construction of the airport was planned to be finalized in 2028

Rubio states US’ desire for engagement with Moscow on Ukraine in Russia Day greeting

"On behalf of the American people, I want to congratulate the Russian people on Russia Day," the US Secretary of State said

EU transfers €1 billion in aid to Ukraine — von der Leyen

The EU brought its total spending on supporting Kiev since the beginning of the special military operation to €150 billion, the European Commission head said

Iranian president pledges country's enemies to regret their mistakes

"The Iranian people and the country's government will not keep silent in the face of this crime," Masoud Pezeshkian said

West forces Iran to implement JCPOA without lifting sanctions — Russian envoy

Mikhail Ulyanov stated that the Eurotroika and the United States submitted to the IAEA Board of Governors a draft resolution on the Iranian nuclear program, which he described as "extremely negative and unfair"

Russia seeks to end conflict with Ukraine as soon as possible — top negotiator

Vladimir Medinsky noted that the Ukraine conflict is instead a fratricidal fight between two states with a common language and culture that are essentially one people and are destined to be close allies

Rubio’s greetings on Russia Day on June 12 `polite gesture’ — Russian MP

Leonid Slutsky also recalled that Russia and the United States have agreed to hold a new round of bilateral talks, "and in Moscow, this time around"

UN secretary-general concerned by Israeli strikes on Iran — office

Antonio Guterres urges the parties to show maximum restraint, his Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said in a statement

FACTBOX: Israel begins operation Rising Lion against Iran, braces for response

The Jewish state’s Defense Minister Israel Katz described it as a "preemptive strike" and warned his compatriots about Iran’s looming retaliatory attack

Top Swedish diplomat calls for EU sanctions against Israeli ministers

"We now take the next step to also push for sanctioning individual extremist ministers," Maria Malmer Stenergard said

Iran's Atomic Energy Organization labels IAEA complicit in Israel strike

"The AEOI regards the [IAEA's] silence as a complicity in the Zionist regime's actions and believes that by doing so, the agency has become a toy in the hands of the Zionist regime, losing its credibility as a respected international body," Tasnim quoted the AEOI as saying

Iran's permanent representative labels Israeli strike as state terrorism

"Several targeted assassinations of high-ranking Iranian officials and scholars have been carried out in residential areas of Tehran, resulting in the deaths of civilians as well," Reza Najafi said

Iranian military develops plan to response to potential Israeli strike — newspaper

CBS News reported earlier that US officials had been told Israel was fully ready to launch an operation into Iran

Israel delivers strike on at least six military bases near Tehran — NYT

According to the report, the strikes also targeted buildings in two heavily guarded residential neighborhoods for the Islamic Republic’s top brass

Trump says he seeks diplomatic solution to Iran’s nuclear program issue

In his words, Iran "could be a Great Country, but they first must completely give up hopes of obtaining a Nuclear Weapon"

Israel attacks Tabriz three times today — media

Earlier, Iranian media reported that Israel struck the territory of an oil refinery in Tabriz at night and attacked the airport area

Nuclear physicists, Natanz facility were among Israeli targets — premier

According to Benjamin Netanyahu, Iran has accumulated enough highly enriched uranium to produce nine nuclear bombs

Israeli strike on Iran kills civilians, children — Interior Ministry

"There is no doubt that the guilty will be severely punished," Eskandar Momeni said

Russia strongly condemns Israel’s attack against Iran — Foreign Ministry

Moscow also expects that the West, which provoked anti-Iran hysteria in the International Atomic Energy Agency, will now realize the results of its harmful policy

IN BRIEF: Israel attacks Iran: global reaction

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the operation aimed at disrupting Iran’s nuclear program and warned that the strikes would continue

IAEA cooperated with Israel against Iran — intelligence source

According to the report, the IAEA also allegedly disclosed to Israel the names of Iranian nuclear scientists, who were later assassinated in sabotage attacks

UN General Assembly adopts resolution on ceasefire in Gaza, Israel’s responsibility

The document was supported by 149 countries, including Russia, China, Oman, Saudi Arabia, France, Switzerland and Japan

Press review: Moscow sees no peace intent in Kiev as US aids Ukraine strikes

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, June 11th

Medvedev allows use of nuclear weapons by Russia when ‘patience runs out’

The politician underscored that no one really needs a nuclear conflict - it is "a very bad story with a very difficult outcome."

Israeli military announces nationwide special guidelines

Simultaneously, civil defense sirens sounded in the country’s central regions

Names of participating countries at Intervision song contest revealed — organizers

Russia will be represented by Merited Artist of the Russian Federation Yaroslav Dronov

Greetings on Russia Day from Rubio are very good news — Kremlin

"The [US] administration favors dialogue and solving the most complicated issues through dialogue which coincides with our approach," Dmitry Peskov said

Israel to pay heavy price for its strikes on Iran — military spokesman

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the start of Operation Rising Lion, aimed against Iran’s nuclear program

Russia’s Ufa submarine heads from Baltic Sea to Pacific — Russian Defense Ministry

The main attack system is the Kalibr-PL armed with high-precision missiles

US officials have been told Israel ready to launch operation into Iran — CBS

US Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff is still planning to meet with Iran for a sixth round of talks on the country's nuclear program in the coming days, according to the publication

Israel eliminates three Iranian top military commanders — IDF

"We can now confirm that the Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, Commander of the IRGC and the Commander of Iran’s Emergency Command were all eliminated," the statement reads

US tells Israel it will not participate in strike on Iranian nuclear sites — Axios

According to the report, the US "would almost certainly help Israel defend itself from Iranian retaliation"

Vladimir Putin offers condolences to Indian authorities over plane crash — Kremlin

An Air India plane crashed near the airport in the western Indian city of Ahmedabad on Thursday

Iranian authorities inform IAEA Bushehr NPP safe — Grossi

No increase in radiation has been observed at the Natanz site, IAEA Director General stated

IRGC confirms death of its commander, to deliver response

Ali Fadavi went on to warn that the IRGC is prepared to deliver a forceful response to Israel’s actions

Israeli PM Netanyahu plans to hold talks with Putin soon — PM’s Office

Earlier, the Prime Minister's office said that Netanyahu also intends to hold a telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump during the day

Zelensky requests meeting with Brazilian leader at G7 summit in Canada — TV

Sources did not specify whether the president agreed to have a meeting with Zelensky

IDF says concluded wave of strikes on air defense sites in western Iran

The attacks destroyed dozens of radar stations and missile launchers, the press service said

US Ambassador to Moscow Lynn Tracy to complete her mission in Russia soon

She was appointed as US ambassador to Russia under then-President Joe Biden in December 2022

Iran closes its airspace — Al Mayadeen

The airspace was closed until further notice

Israeli defense minister says ‘preventive strike’ delivered on Iran

In this regard, Israel Katz declared the nationwide state of emergency in the country

Israel does not exclude military action to resolve Iran issue `at any time’ — PM’s adviser

"it will act for the sake of its security", the Israeli prime minister’s adviser Dmitri Gendelman said

US, West betrayed Moscow’s trust after Soviet Union’s breakup — diplomat

The first ten years of modern Russia’s history were "very difficult, very challenging," and the country was "really on the brink of collapse," he said

IAEA Board of Governors passes anti-Iranian revolution — Russian envoy

"Three countries (Burkina Faso, China and Russia) voted against," Mikhail Ulyanov said

Iranian president congratulates Putin on Russia Day

Masoud Pezeshkian pointed out that Iran-Russia cooperation continued to develop, "reaching a strategic level"

Orban replies to Zelensky’s threats to Hungary

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said, that country doesn't want to give the Hungarian money to Ukraine

FACTBOX: Russia Day

On June 12, 1995, the holiday was celebrated for the first time

Americans to participate in Intervision song contest

The names of the participants will be announced later

Trump stands ready to defend Israel if Iran retaliates — media

Unnamed US officials told Fox News that the US has in recent weeks increased its arsenal of missiles for Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system

Jordan downs several missiles, UAVs that crossed its air border

The state-run Petra news agency did not specify which country the downed missiles and UAVs originated from

Bars-27 detachment fighters hit Ukrainian army’s UAV control point, mortar in DPR

The detachment fighters also attacked the Ukrainian army’s camouflaged mortar position with drones as it was detected by the air when the crew was camouflaging the position

Israel attacked Iran over its progress toward getting nuclear weapons — envoy

"Israel will not permit an existential threat to emerge from a regime that openly declares its intent to carry it out," the ambassador stated

IAEA chief tells Iranian authorities ready to assist in ensuring nuclear safety

Rafael Grossi also called on both sides to display maximum restraint to avoid further escalation

Pentagon disagrees US should employ 'every tool' to pressure Russia

Pete Hegseth stressed that the United States had "a lot of tools in a lot of places"

Trump says is disappointed in Russia, Ukraine

"That’s a terrible bloodbath that’s going on," the US leader commented on the conflict

Estimated damage from Iran’s retaliatory attack to be different, IDF warns

The goal of the Israeli operation is "to secure a safer future for the State of Israel and its civilians", Israeli Chief of the General Staff Eyal Zamir said

Police say 265 bodies recovered from site of India plane crash

The London-bound plane crashed into a medical college hostel soon after takeoff from the airport in Ahmedabad on Thursday

Plane bringing Russian POWs from Ukraine lands in Moscow Region

All these Russian soldiers will undergo treatment and rehabilitation at the Defense Ministry’s medical organizations

Israeli strikes impossible without US knowledge, coordination — Iranian foreign ministry

The Iranian Foreign Ministry said Iran had "a legitimate right to respond" over the attack, in accordance with the UN Charter

Iran must agree to nuclear deal before too late — Trump

The US President stated that he had already warned Iran of consequences in case it refuses to conclude an agreement on its nuclear dossier

No signs of radiation leak after Israeli attack on Natanz facility — TV

Previously, the IRNA news agency said that the facility in Natanz was rocked by an explosion following the Israeli attack

Israeli strike on Iran targeted neighborhood where military officials live — TV

According to Al Jazeera, the attack targeted the Mahallati district in the northeastern part of the city

South Ossetian president congratulates Putin on Russia Day

In response, Russian president thanked Alan Gagloyev, adding that Russia Day is a holiday in both Russia and South Ossetia

Patriarch Kirill of Russia offers condolences to Indian PM Modi over Ahmedabad air crash

"My heart goes out to all those who have lost their loved ones in this tragedy", the document reads

Iran’s leader appoints new IRGC commander, interim army chief — media

Habibollah Sayyari has been chosen as the temporary head of the Iranian Army General Staff following the death of Mohammad Bagheri, Nournews reported

US studied and combined Russian, Ukrainian proposals on settlement — envoy

Keith Kellogg added that he participated in numerous peace meetings, held in Jeddah, Riyadh, Paris, London and Istanbul

Russia condemns sharp escalation of tensions between Israel, Iran — Kremlin

According to Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov, the Russian Foreign Ministry will soon issue a detailed statement on the situation on the instructions of President Vladimir Putin

Air India Boeing 787 crashes right after takeoff from India’s Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport suspended operations following the plane crash, a spokesperson told reporters

Iran requests emergency UNSC meeting over Israeli strikes

"Committing a reckless, illegal and deliberate act of aggression, the Zionist regime has carried out a series of coordinated military attacks on the nuclear facilities and civilian infrastructure of Iran," the document, quoted by Tasnim, states

Ukraine loses up to 1,380 troops in special military operation zone in past day

In particular, the Ukrainian armed forces lost up to 155 troops in the area of operation of Russia’s Battlegroup North, over 240 troops in the area of operation of Battlegroup West, over 190 soldiers in the area of operation of Battlegroup South

Iran to respond to Israel’s actions — Khamenei

Iran's Supreme Leader further warned that "through this attack, the Zionist entity has brought upon itself a painful and bitter fate"

Russia, Ukraine carry out another prisoner exchange

The Russian service members are currently in Belarus, receiving the necessary medical and psychological assistance, the Russian Defense Ministry added

Russian MFA to issue statement on Iran-Israel crisis soon

The IDF launched a large-scale operation on the night of June 13, with its air force striking military targets and nuclear facilities

Israel prepared for possible full-fledged war with Iran — Netanyahu’s office

Dmitry Gendelman, an adviser in the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office, stressed that Israel "first and foremost relies on its own military forces and capabilities, both in defense and offense"

Russia to take part in upcoming BRICS summit — Kremlin spokesman

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov did not specify whether the Russian president was expected to participate in the summit in person

US sifting additional forces to Middle East after Israeli strikes — AP

AP also reported that US President Donald Trump is holding a meeting with members of the US National Security Council

IN BRIEF: What is known about plane crash in India

There were 242 people on board the plane, including two pilots and ten cabin crew

Russian troops developing an offensive in Dnepropetrovsk Region — top brass

Kiev loses 1,275 troops in all frontline areas over past day

Israel informed German government of attack on Iran in advance — media

According to the outlet, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called German Chancellor Friedrich Merz by phone at approximately 2:30 a.m. CET

Israel delivers air strike on Iran — Axios

The targets of the strike were not immediately known

G7 summit to begin one day later, on June 16 — Kyodo

G7 leaders plan to publish more brief thematic statements instead of a universal declarations on the outcomes of their meeting

Israel may strike Iran on Sunday — WSJ

According to the sources, Israel wants Iran to stop producing fissure material, which may be used for making an atomic bomb

US hopes to continue talks on Iran’s nuclear program — Trump

"There are several people in leadership that will not be coming back," the US leader said

Israeli strike on Iran targeted military, nuclear facilities — IDF

The IDF has conducted a process of preparations for a campaign on the frontline and on the home front, the Israel Defense Forces Effie Defrin said

After striking Iran, Israel announces closure of its airspace

The goal of the closure is to reduce the risk for passengers and planes

Iran launches over 100 drones toward Israel — army spokesman

Effie Defrin urged Israelis to "exercise resilience and patience" as "hard times lie ahead"