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Middle East conflict

Trump pledges to address Gaza Strip’s problems

The US President highlighted that "a lot of people are starving, and there's a lot of bad things going on" in the enclave

ABU DHABI, May 16. /TASS/. The United States is watching the developments in the Gaza Strip and will tackle its problems, US leader Donald Trump stated.

"We are looking at Gaza and we are going to take care of that," he told reporters during his visit to the United Arab Emirates.

The White House host also highlighted that "a lot of people are starving, and there's a lot of bad things going on" in the enclave.

On March 18, the Israeli military resumed military operations in Gaza, carrying out intensive strikes on the enclave, thus breaking the ceasefire deal that had been reached in January. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated that the move was due to Hamas’s rejection of proposals put forward by mediators and US Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff. According to the Israeli authorities, the goal of the operation is to ensure the release of all hostages held in Gaza. Hamas, in turn, blamed Israel and the US for the resumption of military activities.

Middle East conflict

In conflict with Israel, Hezbollah will do ‘what it sees fit’ — leader

Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Qassem did not elaborate on whether the movement plans full-scale participation in the ongoing armed conflict

Moscow will not allow Ukraine to have troops that threaten Russia — Putin

Russian President reiterated that demilitarization was among the objectives of the Russian special military operation

No need to increase Russian troops in Transnistria — MFA

Maria Zakharova explained that this military presence is directly linked to efforts to resolve the Transnistrian conflict

Russia handed over 6,000 bodies of servicemen to Ukraine — Putin

These are sad and tragic figures, but, at the same time, it’s a humanitarian subject and a positive outcome of the negotiations in Istanbul, Russian President said

Trump leaves G7 Summit early because of Macron, Zelensky — media

The US president departed before the meeting concluded, failing to sign the draft joint statement of the G7 leaders regarding the Iran-Israel conflict

Russia-Arab summit to strengthen Moscow's ties with Arab world — Bahraini minister

According to Abdullah Adel Abdullah Fakhro, Bahrain has initiatives that will be put forward during the summit related to the launch of a platform for Arab-Russian industrial cooperation and the creation of a mechanism to facilitate trade exchanges between Russia and the Arab League

Russia enjoys strategic advantage in its special military op in Ukraine — Putin

Troops are advancing along the entire line of contact, Russian President said

Iran takes full control of Israel’s airspace — agency

The IRGC called on the residents of Tel Aviv’s Neve Tzedek neighborhood to evacuate, the Mehr news agency reported

World War III would destroy civilization, must be prevented — senior Russian diplomat

Alexander Pankin also expressed skepticism about UN reform efforts

US officials preparing for possibility of strike on Iran in coming days — agency

The US administration has not yet confirmed this report

News agencies from US, UK, France participate in meeting with Putin

Among the participants are James Jordan, news director for Europe and Africa at US’ The Associated Press; Simon Robinson, executive editor at UK’s Reuters; and Karim Talbi, editor-in-chief at Agence France-Presse

White House believes Iran can create nuclear weapon in ‘couple weeks’

"That is something that the entire world, including countries like Russia, is in agreement that Iran should not and cannot obtain a nuclear weapon," Karoline Leavitt stressed

Return of Western companies to Russia unrealistic for now, Kremlin believes

"No companies are planning to return to Russia yet," Dmitry Peskov said

Bundestag member suggests Russia, US team up to bring Nord Streams back online

According to Matthias Moosdorf, Alternative for Germany would support bringing the pipelines back online

Putin highlights strategic partnership between Russia, South Africa

The Russian president noted that last year, he and Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa had held substantive talks on the sidelines of a BRICS summit in the Russian city of Kazan

Russia receives no military assistance requests from Iran — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov noted that Russia’s support for Iran is evident

103-yearl-old voter takes part in gubernatorial elections in Russia’s Rostov region

On the Voting Day on September 13, Russia has 10,800 elections of various levels. The country’s 21 regions will elect governors, 11 regions will elect local legislatures

Mini missiles increase Pantsir round of munitions four times

High Precision Complexes Holding has created an airspace monitoring system comprising mini radars that detect low-signature drones

Many unidentified bodies of Ukrainian soldiers in Zaporozhye region — Russian official

Yevgeny Balitsky also emphasized that, in general, Kiev’s losses are significantly higher than those of the Russian army

Iran launches combined strike on Israel using strategic missiles, drones — IRGC

According to the report, during the attack, a precision strike was launched at a command and reconnaissance center of the Israeli regime’s army, located near a hospital

Leaders of Russia, China agree to give orders to exchange data on Iran — Kremlin aide

Yury Ushakov said that Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping concurred on the importance of close coordination in the coming days

Russia and Nicaragua sign plan to combat customs violations

Joint activities include exchanging information and conducting joint law enforcement operations

Seven Russian citizens were among evacuated crew of tanker Adalynn — consulate-general

According to an official from the Russian consulate general in Dubai, the entire evacuated crew has been accommodated in a hotel in the emirate of Fujairah

Russia will achieve goals on Ukraine militarily if peace effort fails — Putin

The Russian President stated this at a meeting organized by TASS with the heads of leading world news agencies

Russian troops liberate Novonikolayevka community in Donetsk region over past day

Kiev loses 1,365 troops in all frontline areas over past day

Ukraine operation confirms advantages of Russian weapons over western ones

Russian Security Council Deputy Secretary Alexey Shevtsov still noted that the latest weapons are useless without properly trained personnel

Ukraine's neutrality, recognition of Donbass, Novorossiya: key ideas of Russian memorandum

The first section of the document contains the "basic parameters of the final settlement", the second section of the document, devoted to the terms of the ceasefire, contains two scenarios the events might follow

Russian army to liberate last 20 sq. km of Lugansk region — LPR head

According to military reports, the Russian army can free this territory within the shortest time possible

Russia aims to develop relations with Indonesia across all areas — Putin

The Russian president also stressed that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and Indonesia

US, Iran remain in contact — White House

According to Karoline Leavitt, contacts are going on "in both indirect and direct ways"

Israel vows security of Russian specialists at Bushehr NPP in Iran — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov said this in an interview on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum

Iran urges UN Security Council to demand Israel halt attacks on nuclear facilities

"Iran also urges the Security Council to demand an immediate cessation of all such attacks and to reaffirm the inviolability of safeguarded nuclear sites and facilities, in line with international law and the Charter of the United Nations, the Statute of the Agency, and IAEA General Conference Resolutions," the letter said

Kiev stops large-scale counterattacks amid Russian advance — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, the Russian Defense Ministry’s latest bulletins illustrate Russian military successes in the regions of Sumy, Kharkov, and south of Donetsk

Lugansk People's Republic ready to launch rail service with Moscow — head of republic

As soon as the Russian army moves the line of combat contact a little, the first train could be launched, Leonid Pasechnik said

Israel’s operation in Iran not aimed at regime change but could lead to it, PM says

"The primary goal is to eliminate the Iranian nuclear threat," Benjamin Netanyahu said

Iran strikes Rafael weapons factory, sources say

No further details have been disclosed regarding the extent of the damage or the factory’s specific location

Russia asked Kiev government to implement Minsk Accords, they refused — Putin

And then the special military operation began, the Russian leader said

Area of Iran’s Arak heavy water plant comes under Israeli attack — Mehr

According to the news agency, there are no risks of radioactive contamination

Date for third round of Ukraine talks to be determined next week — Kremlin

"We, of course, will have to compare the reaction of the sides to the memorandums" that the countries exchanged at the latest talks in Turkey, according to Dmitry Peskov

Iran launches Sejil medium-range missile in combat conditions for first time — news agency

According to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Tehran launched three such missiles into Israeli territory

Ruble will return to forecast values as inflation declines — Deputy PM Novak

The current strong exchange rate of the ruble reflects the market situation, he added

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

Colombia officially joins BRICS bank — Foreign Minister

According to Laura Sarabia, joining the NDB shows that the republic's leadership continues "forging new paths toward opportunities for the country"

Iran strikes Israel’s cyber command headquarters — IRNA

According to the news agency, thousands of servicemen responsible for intelligence data processing and cyber operations were stationed there

FACTBOX: Russian pizza magnate Samvel Karapetyan detained in Armenia

The raid was triggered by Samvel Karapetyan’s response to remarks made by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan with regard to representatives of the Armenian Church

Trump administration not fond of Zelensky office head Yermak — newspaper

One of the people familiar with Andrey Yermak’s interactions with the administration of US President Donald Trump described him as a "bipartisan irritator"

US keeps the door open for diplomacy with Iran — Trump

US leader said the Iranians "want to come to the White House"

Impossible to guarantee ZNPP security even if Kiev's forces pushed 20-30 km from Dnieper

According to Yevgeny Balitsky, the Governor of Zaporozhye Region, a victory over the Kiev regime is essential

Russian budget gets over $800 mln from foreign work patents since start of 2025

According to Head of the Main Directorate for Migration Affairs of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs Valentina Kazakova, last year revenue from the sale of work patents amounted to nearly 124 bln rubles

Another group of Russian soldiers returned in prisoner swap with Ukraine

In exchange, a group of Ukrainian POWs was handed over to Kiev

Zelensky's hard-luck trip, Middle East: Putin talks global developments with Xi

The conversation between the two leaders was devoted "primarily to discussing the aggravated situation in the Middle East"

Il-96-400M to complement passenger jets line — minister

Anton Alikhanov added that the aircraft is capable of providing for transport connectivity of the country on passenger routes and freight logistics

Trump to make decision on strikes on Iran within two weeks — White House

The US President believes that there still are chances for diplomacy with Tehran

Military conflict in Ukraine could spread to Europe — Kherson governor

Vladimir Saldo added that continued military supplies to Ukraine are more probable than direct involvement of European troops in the conflict

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

Israel’s Iron Dome intercepted 65% of Iranian missiles over past day, news report says

According to the official, Iranian missiles are equipped with a navigation system for the final phase of their flight that helps them accurately hit designated targets

Iran denies former president Ahmadinejad was killed

Some news media earlier reported that the former president was killed in Tehran

Indonesia open to increasing number of direct flights from Russia not only to Bali

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto said that Indonesia is ready for increasing the number of direct flights not only to Bali but also to other cities

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

EU loses over 1 trillion euros from reduction of gas supplies from Russia — RDIF chief

The US’ losses from sanctions exceed $300 bln, Kirill Dmitriev added

Talks with Ukraine, Western provocation, and the Middle East: Russian MFA’s statements

The timing of the third round of Russia-Ukraine negotiations "will be set in the near future"

Europe loses some $1.14 trillion by cutting Russian natural gas supplies — RDIF chief

Special Representative of Russian President for investment and economic cooperation Kirill Dmitriev added that at the same time the US losses from imposed sanctions against Russia exceeded $300 billion

Russian economy on brink of recession — economic development minister

Maxim Reshetnikov noted that figures point to slowdown

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"

Top Iranian, US officials hold several phone calls amid Israeli strikes — Reuters

According to the report, Iran and the United States discussed the possibility of ending the conflict diplomatically

Russia expects South Africa’s delegation at Intervision song contest in September — Putin

The Intervision-2025 international song contest will take place in Moscow on September 20

Russia, Indonesia to develop defense cooperation — declaration

The sides alsi plan to improve the legal framework for military cooperation

Indonesian president says cooperation with Russia expands in almost all areas

Prabowo Subianto said he was pleased with the continued development and expansion of bilateral cooperation

Iranian missile strikes on Israel completely cripple Tel Aviv — news agency

It is noted that the missile strikes resulted in power outages and disrupted fuel supplies

Decision to strike Iran may lead Trump to political tragedy — expert

"Trump's decision will hinge on a careful assessment of the maximum effectiveness of available weapons and the strategic capability to achieve the desired objectives," Roostum Vansu said

Finance minister says Russian economy cooling down

Anton Siluanov added that summer always comes after the cold

Russia intends to withdraw from agreement on military-technical cooperation with Germany

The Russian Foreign Ministry emphasized that the German leadership is deliberately ideologically manipulating the German population in the anti-Russian direction, openly provoking the exacerbation of the military-political situation

Attacks on nuclear facilities could lead to new Chernobyl tragedy — Medvedev

"Everyone, even the Israeli defense minister, with his loud declaration about Khamenei's fate, must understand that attacks on nuclear facilities are extremely dangerous and can lead to a repeat of the Chernobyl tragedy," he said

Russia hopes blocking of Strait of Hormuz can be avoided — Russian Deputy Prime Minister

According to Alexander Novak, of all the world's oil exports, about one-third comes from the Persian Gulf countries through the Strait of Hormuz

Top Chinese diplomat says world cannot stand by as Middle East 'plunges into the abyss'

"The most important thing at this point is to stop the firing, stop the hostilities," Wang Yi stated

Russia ready to supply oil for Hungary-Serbia pipeline — Novak

According to the Russian deputy prime minister, this is a significant project that will broaden Serbia’s access to oil supply routes

Iran threatens to attack Israel's Channel 14 television

According to the Fars news agency, Tehran views the television channel as a center of "propaganda and support for terrorism"

Bahrain interested in making tax agreement with Russia

Azerbaijan takes interest in updating the existing one

Putin and Xi Jinping highlight growth in Russia-China economic cooperation

Russian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov said that last year, trade turnover once again reached a record high, approaching $245 bln

Israel running low on Arrow missile interceptors amid conflict with Iran — WSJ

According to the report, the United States has been augmenting the Jewish state’s anti-missile and air defenses for months

Gazprom and Turkey discuss Russian gas exports — company

In particular, gas exports from Russia to Turkey were discussed

Iran won’t halt strikes until after Israel pays reparations — National Security Council

The council warned that Iran will retaliate immediately to any country that will step in the conflict on the side of Israel

Russia ready to participate in oil and gas projects off Indonesian coast — Putin

The Russian president drew attention to the fact that large Russian energy companies are currently intensively working on the Indonesian market

Grossi made IAEA tool for unleashing war against Iran — MFA

Esmaeil Baghaei contended that the IAEA has failed to produce concrete evidence that Iran is actively seeking to develop nuclear weapons

Kiev regime knows peace would lead to its ouster from power — Russian Foreign Ministry

The Russian Foreign Ministry said that the use of a wide range of repressive measures against much of the population is necessary for Kiev as the only and surest way to maintain power

Human lives are Kherson Region’s major losses in conflict with Ukraine — governor

Property damage runs into billions of rubles, Vladimir Saldo said

Many Donbass mineral reserves classified under Stalin — Donbass head

Denis Pushilin said that many deposits are still classified

Largest protest since declaration of martial law takes place in Kiev

The protesters gathered downtown near the entrance to the House of Trade Unions, which was cordoned off by the police

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."

Khamenei’s adviser says West wants to subdue Iran, doesn’t care about nuclear program

"They want domination over Iran and are trying to undermine the foundations of our national dignity," Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said

Uralchem hopes to boost fertilizer deliveries to Africa — CEO

The company delivered 1 mln metric tons to the continent as of the end of 2024 but the potential of the market is great, Dmitry Konyaev added

Russia, Bahrain considering move to visa-free travel in the near future

Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs Leonid Slutsky emphasized that Russia is now "among the top five most popular international destinations" for Bahraini tourists

Putin says not even discussing possibility of Ayatollah Khamenei’s assassination

Russian President said at a meeting with the heads of the world's leading news agencies organized by TASS, when asked what Russia's reaction would be if Israel were to assassinate the ayatollah

Russia demands official apology from Rome over 'monstrous' Kremlin post — diplomat

According to Maria Zakharova, "the situation with free speech in Italy has reached a really frightening stage"

Russia’s Angara-A5 carrier rocket with satellites blasts off from Plesetsk spaceport

Angara is a family of Russian launch vehicles ranging from light-to heavy-lift classes

Europeans stopped contacts with Russia, they should resume them — Putin

A year and a half or two years ago, conversations with former German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and other European leaders were regular, Russian President said

Unstable Middle East makes whole world 'unsafe', Xi tells Putin

The Chinese leader called on the international community, in particular large powers that command a special influence on the parties in the conflict, to make efforts toward de-escalation

US intervention to entail terrible turn in conflict around Iran — Kremlin

Earlier, Bloomberg reported that the United States was preparing for a potential strike on Iran in the coming days, though there was uncertainty about whether plans might change

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

Russia to continue with Bushehr NPP project in Iran, says Putin

The construction of a nuclear power plant near the city of Bushehr in southern Iran was launched in 1975

Iran shoots down fifth Israeli F-35 — municipal authorities

According to the report, the fighter plane was taken down in the Javadabad area of the Varamin municipal district