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Middle East conflict

Israel engages five divisions in Gaza Strip operation — army

According to the spokesman, as part of the ground maneuvers launched, the Israeli army will "increase operational control in the Gaza Strip, including dividing the territory and distancing the population for its safety"

TEL AVIV, May 19. /TASS/. Five divisions of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are operating in the Gaza Strip within the framework of Operation 'Gideon’s Chariots,’ IDF spokesman Effie Defrin said at a briefing.

"The IDF, led by Southern Command, has begun Operation 'Gideon’s Chariots' in accordance with the directives of the political echelon. This operation is aimed at achieving all the objectives of the war in Gaza — the return of the hostages and the dismantling of Hamas’ rule. It’s important to emphasize - we are prepared to adapt ourselves to any development. <…> Over the past few nights, we initiated preliminary strikes, and currently, five divisions are operating in the Gaza Strip," Defrin said.

According to the spokesman, as part of the ground maneuvers launched, the Israeli army will "increase operational control in the Gaza Strip, including dividing the territory and distancing the population for its safety."

Specifically, "operational control" will involve "clearing <…> areas of enemy presence and striking terror infrastructure both above and below ground," Defrin added.

"We (Israel - TASS) are in a prolonged war— ‘Gideon’s Chariots’ is another phase of it," Defrin noted. According to him, Israel "carried out a large-scale reserve call-up in light of the operation’s needs."

On the morning of May 18, the Israel Defense Forces announced the start of combat operations in the northern and southern Gaza Strip as part of the large-scale ground operation 'Gideon’s Chariots.

Mail, Russia should boost economic element of cooperation — expert

Salif Sidibe said that moving bilateral cooperation to a strategic level, making it multisided and comprehensive would be the biggest success of the official visit of President of the Transition of Mali Assimi Goita to Russia

US base in northeastern Syria attacked — news agency

The report did not specify who shelled the US base

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

Iran starts operation against US base in Qatar — Iranian state television

The operation is called "News of Victory"

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

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

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"

Zimbabwe’s Coventry officially assumes office as head of International Olympic Committee

Kirsty Coventry is now the first ever female IOC president

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

Iran uses G7 platform to threaten Trump, US with terror attacks — NBC News

According to the sources, while attending the G7 summit in Kananaskis, Canada, the US leader was given the warning from Tehran through an intermediary

Qatar says its air defenses successfully repelled missile strike on US air base

According to the statement, the incident did not result in any deaths or injuries

US no longer world leader, merely executor of Israel’s will, Swiss expert says

Hicheme Lehmici described the strike on Iran as an "illegal, unilateral decision with potentially irreversible consequences"

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

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 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"

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

Russia touches base with Serbia about indirect arms supplies to Ukraine — Kremlin

"We hope that if such a practice did occur by accident, measures will be taken to prevent it in the future," Dmitry Peskov noted

FACTBOX: US strikes Iran: what we know so far

TASS has compiled key information about the US strikes on Iran

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

The handover ceremony took place at the Hmeymim air base

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

Ukraine’s army attacks Russia’s Belgorod Region with nearly 100 munitions in past day

Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said that seven civilians were injured

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"

Iranian army confirms attack on US military base in Qatar

According to the statement, the operation was carried out by a decision of the Supreme National Security Council and with the participation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps

Military operations in Iran must be stopped so IAEA inspectors can come in — director

Rafael Grossi noted that Iran has the right to take emergency measures to ensure the safety of its nuclear facilities, but they must be implemented in accordance with the country's obligations to the IAEA

Serbia sends military suppiles to Kiev via intermediaries — Russian intelligence

According to report, the Ukrainian military "is very grateful to Serbian manufacturers of weapons and ammunition for their contribution to maintaining the combat readiness of the Ukrainian armed forces"

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

Moscow-Washington dialogue unaffected by US strikes on Iran — Kremlin

"These processes are independent from each other," Dmitry Peskov said

Oreshnik proved itself very well in combat conditions, Putin says

"Volume production of the newest intermediate-range missile system Oreshnik is being started," the Russian leader said

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

US deals devastating blow on nuclear non-proliferation regime — Kremlin

In the early morning hours of June 22, President Donald Trump announced that the US had successfully attacked three Iranian nuclear facilities: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan

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

Russia currently fighting for its future, like it did in Great Patriotic War — Putin

Participants in the special military operation are the direct heirs of the heroes of the Great Patriotic War and all generations of defenders of thousand-year-old Russia, the Russian president emphasized

No plans for Putin-Trump phone call today, Kremlin aide says

Earlier, Dmitry Peskov said that even as no Russia-US summit talks have so far been scheduled, those can be arranged fast, if need be

Iran used same number of missiles against US base as US used against its nuclear sites

According to Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, the operation posed no threat to Qatar and Tehran wants to preserve warm and friendly relations with Doha

Authorities monitor situation after emergency in Kerch Strait

The oil products spill largely affected beaches where people rest, head of the Russian Veterinary and Phytosanitary Service, Rosselkhoznadzor, Sergey Dankvert added

Russia continues work on Ukrainian settlement at expert level — Kremlin

Russia expects clarity on the third round of talks this week, Dmitry Peskov pointed out

IDF attacks government targets in Tehran with 'unprecedented force' — Defense Ministry

Defense Minister Israel Katz said that "the Iranian regime will be held accountable for every shot fired at Israeli territory"

Kremlin explains how Russia can help Iran

Dmitry Peskov stressed that Russia offered its mediation efforts

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

US strikes 'untied hands' of Iran, Tehran has right to retaliate — Iranian top brass

The US had "directly entered the war by violating the sovereignty of Islamic Iran and encroaching on the sacred soil of our country," Abdolrahim Mousavi said

Iran attacks targets throughout Israel — top brass

According to the statement, initial reports indicate that "the north of Haifa, Haifa, Tel Aviv, Ashkelon, Acre and Ashdod were hit by Iranian missiles"

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

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

Iran’s underground nuclear sites sustained most damage — Trump

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

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

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"

Attack on Iranian nuclear facilities ruined trust in 'global nuclear family' — Rosatom CEO

Alexey Likhachev believes that the situation has changed dramatically

Tehran most likely respond militarily to Washington’s attacks — Ambrey

The Strait of Hormuz is unlikely to be fully closed by Iran in response to the US’ actions, and the closure would be to certain affiliations, the company noted

Aftermath of US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites has yet to be assessed — Kremlin

"Even as we have heard statements from the IAEA that there are no signs of radioactive contamination," Dmitry Peskov added

Closing the Strait of Hormuz by Iran will be a huge threat — Kallas

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy also allowed for new EU sanctions against Iran to ensure that Iran does not resume its nuclear program

Iran's army chief guarantees 'decisive response' against US for strikes on nuclear sites

"Every time Americans have committed crimes against Iran, they have received a decisive response," Amir Hatami said

Iran seeks to coordinate with Russia as crisis escalates — top diplomat

Abbas Araghchi stressed that Tehran and Moscow are close allies that need to be on the same page

Russia alarmed by US strike on Iran, deputy foreign minister says

On June 22, US President Donald Trump announced that the US military had successfully attacked three nuclear sites in Iran

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

Vasily Nebenzya called the situation "outrageous and cynical"

Iran to continue to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes despite pressure — diplomat

Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi also noted that he does not intend to comment on the state of Iran's nuclear program following the US airstrikes carried out in the early morning hours of June 22

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

Russia focused on achieving goals stated at beginning of special op — Kremlin

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin listed several goals of the special military operation

Tehran not at war with US, Iranian envoy to France says

According to Mohammad Aminnejad, the US attack was based on "unverified assumptions" regarding Iran’s nuclear program

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

Russia resolutely denounces 'heinous' terrorist attack on Damascus church — diplomat

Russia expresses its solidarity with the Syrian people in the face of this unthinkable crime, Maria Zakharova stressed

Aggression against Iran has no basis or justification — Putin

The head of state emphasized that Russia's stance was clearly articulated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

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

Any retaliatory actions increase destabilization — UN on Iran's missile launch at US bases

Stephane Dujarric said that the world organization observes "repeated challenges to international law" and the charter of the world organization

Kremlin calls information about Serbia’s transfer of weapons to Ukraine worrying

Dmitry Peskov said that "Serbia is indeed a country very close" to Russia

Russia is working closely with Iran, UN Security Council resolution initiated — MFA

Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov recalled that a special meeting of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency was held on Monday

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

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"

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"

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

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

Press review: Trump shocks world by striking Iran while Tehran's response yet to be seen

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, June 23rd

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

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

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

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"

Russia making efforts to support Iran — Putin

The Russian leader underlined that Moscow has long-standing and reliable relations with Tehran

Extraregional forces being drawn into conflict in Middle East — Putin

"All this is bringing the world to a very dangerous line," the Russian president noted

Iran’s top diplomat describes relations with Russia as close, strategic in nature

Abbas Araghchi added that Russia has always been Iran’s partner in the civilian nuclear sphere and played a positive role in talks on Tehran’s nuclear program

Iran has right to peaceful use of nuclear technology — Putin

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

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

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

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

Washington unaware of whereabouts of Iran’s uranium stockpiles after US strikes — media

According to the report, the strikes on Iran's nuclear infrastructure could set its nuclear program back 2-5 years

Russia mainatins contacts with the US, including on Iran — Kremlin aide

The topics on the agenda include the escalation in the Middle East, Israeli and American strikes on Iranian territory, Yury Ushakov added

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

US monitors situation at Al Udeid base closely — White House

The White House and the Pentagon did not respond to TASS' request for comment on the Iranian State Television and Radio Company's report that Tehran had launched a military operation against the Al Udeid base

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

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

Russian troops deliver overnight strike on Ukrainian military sites in Kiev Region

The ministry said that all the designated targets were struck

Putin to meet with top Iranian diplomat today — Kremlin aide

Earlier, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova confirmed that the top Iranian diplomat had arrived in Moscow on Sunday evening "to hold a number of talks"

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

IRGC says June 23 attack on Israel longest since start of escalation

According to the media, Iran used Kheibar Shekan, Emad, Qadr, and Fattah-1 ballistic missiles during the attack on Israel

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

It is possible to exit West-centric system only through efforts by world majority — Putin

The Russian president asserted that Western efforts to prevent the emergence of a fair multipolar world order have been a key factor behind the "current tragic escalation of the conflict in the Middle East"

Kremlin expects date of new round of negotiations with Kiev this week

The second round of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine took place on June 2, when the parties exchanged draft memoranda on a peaceful settlement, and agreed on the exchange of seriously wounded prisoners of war and the bodies of the dead

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

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

Putin receives Iranian foreign minister in the Kremlin

The meeting is taking place against the backdrop of an escalation in the Middle East

US did not warn Russia about strikes on Iran, foreign intelligence chief says

Sergey Naryshkin also declined to comment on whether the SVR was aware of US preparations for the strikes

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

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