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Middle East conflict

Lebanese Health Ministry says 52 killed, 154 wounded in Israeli strikes over past day

The casualty count is expected to increase, the ministry added

BEIRUT, March 3. /TASS/. The Israeli military conducted airstrikes on Lebanon that killed at least 52 people and wounded 154 others over the past 24 hours, the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health reported on the X social media platform.

The ministry had stated earlier on Monday that strikes had killed 31 people and wounded 149 others by midday.

Rescue operations are underway in the Jnah district and the Bourj el-Barajneh suburb following the evening bombings, and the casualty count is expected to increase, the ministry added in its statement.

US-Israeli strikes on Iran

Iran not developing nuclear weapons, US must stop strikes—- Chinese diplomat

Mao Ning also recalled that the US and Israel attacked Iran during the negotiations, thus violating international law and causing tensions in the Middle East to escalate

Kaliningrad is one of Russia’s most vulnerable regions — Dzhabarov

Since 2022, NATO and EU countries have been pursuing a consistent policy of complicating the situation in the region and creating conditions for its blockade from the rest of Russia, Vladimir Dzhabarov said

US president tells NYT he sees three candidates for post of Iran's leader

Donald Trump declined to respond to a request to name specific names

Strait of Hormuz closure to cause major upheaval in fertilizer market — Dmitriev

The head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund stressed that possible disruptions to shipping in the strait’s waters could have significant consequences for commodity markets and put pressure on the global agricultural sector

Demand for Russian LNG in Asia to rise if Strait of Hormuz is closed — experts

The Strait of Hormuz is a key oil and gas export route linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and further with the Indian Ocean, through which more than 20% of global oil and LNG supplies pass

West denies Iran right to peaceful use on nuclear energy — Russian diplomat

The US' actions run counter to the nuclear non-proliferation regime and makes it more fragile, Mikhail Ulyanov stressed

Israel refutes reports about missile attack on Netanyahu’s office

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said earlier that Iran had delivered a missile strike on Benjamin Netanyahu’s office

US marines fire at protesters storming consulate in Karachi — Reuters

According to the news agency, the officials’ comments were the first confirmation from the US side that marines were involved in the shooting at protesters

US realized by second meeting with Iranian negotiators that there to be no deal — Witkoff

The US special presidential envoy said that a third meeting did take place

Israeli operation against Iran may continue until April — radio

This statement came after US President Donald Trump suggested that hostilities in the Middle East may continue for several weeks

Silver futures fall by more than 5%

As of 17:26 Moscow time, silver was down 5.02% at $88.61 per troy ounce

Israel says 'struck and dismantled' headquarters of Iranian state broadcaster

The Iranian broadcaster reported earlier in the day that Israel and the United States delivered two strikes on buildings located on the territory of the headquarters of the Iranian Broadcasting Authority in Tehran

FACTBOX: What is known about oil, gas prices amid Middle East tensions

Russia’s leading indices rose as the main trading session started

US Department of State urges American nationals to leave Middle East countries

Among the countries in the Middle East listed by the US state official are Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, the Gaza Strip, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen

Trump carries out most military strikes among latest US presidents — Axios

According to the media outlet, Donald Trump ordered more airstrikes in 2025 than Joe Biden during his entire term

Five police officers killed in Ukrainian attack on Kherson Region

Another six policemen were wounded

Iran's underground depots remain invulnerable to Israeli, US weapons — expert

Alexander Stepanov noted that Iran’s storage facilities were located in rock formations that were not inferior to fortified military infrastructure

Lavrov and Saudi counterpart note risk of third countries' involvement in Iran war

The foreign ministers exchanged views on the situation around Iran, which has developed as a result of aggression of the United States and Israel against the Islamic republic, the statement says

Iran targets German bases in Jordan, Iraq — magazine

While all projectiles and drones were neutralized by air defense systems, one US soldier was affected by falling debris, Der Spiegel reported

US missile defense systems fail to secure airspace from Iranian strikes — expert

Alexander Stepanov noted that the destruction of any system or a strike on a high-tech facility would entail the loss of personnel operating them, in this case, US military personnel

Putin calls Khamenei's assassination ‘cynical violation of all moral and legal norms’

The Russian President has condemned the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader

Global mistrust of Western reserve currencies grows — Putin

The Russian leader also stressed that all Western anti-Russian sanctions must be lifted as part of a peaceful settlement of the Ukrainian conflict in accordance with Russia’s new proposal

No radiation threat, Bushehr plant stable — IAEA chief on situation around Iran

The IAEA has been unable to re-establish contact with Iranian nuclear regulatory authorities so far

Rostec develops upgraded version of Obereg 2.0 assault body armor

The vest can be equipped with Br4 and more durable Br5 armor panels

Events over Iran raise doubts if talks with the West are feasible — opposition politician

Viktor Medvedchuk emphasized that the developments in Iran "starkly illustrate the futility of appeals to reason, legality, or respect for sovereignty and mutual interests in today’s international arena"

The dissenters appeared inside the United Russia Party

Iran reiterates its inalienable right to enrich uranium during talks with US — Witkoff

The US special presidential envoy said that Washington has the right to stop Tehran

Situation in Iran will disrupt logistics structure for China, India, Europe — expert

Speaking about possible scenarios around the Strait of Hormuz, Yulia Davydova stressed that it was one of the most vulnerable points of the global energy system

New strikes, casualties on both sides: Middle East conflict

Iran used missiles and drones for new attacks on US military bases in the Middle East, Fars said

Russian troops liberate three communities in Ukraine operation over past day — top brass

According to the latest figures, the Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,260 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

Pentagon says operation against Iran could take several weeks

Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth said the US army would carry out all the tasks set by the US President

Double standards undermine UNSC credibility — Iranian diplomat

Iranian Permanent Representative to the United Nations Amir Saeid Iravani once again reiterated his country’s position that Iran doesn’t seek a war of an escalation of the conflict but "will not surrender its sovereignty"

Settling political scores and plans to destroy Iran: Russian diplomat’s statements

Russia "strongly and categorically condemns" the United States and Israel’s aggression against Iran, Russian Permanent Representative to the Vienna-based international organizations Mikhail Ulyanov said

Iraq says over 70 rockets, drones attack Erbil since start of escalation

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein pointed out the complexity of Baghdad's position in the current conflict, as Iraq is "being attacked by various parties involved in the confrontation in the region"

Lavrov calls Macron's statements about Russia’s threat to EU unwise

"Russia needs to eliminate the root causes of the situation that the West has created in Ukraine to subdue, influence, and wage war against the Russian Federation," the top Russian diplomat said

No signs that US intend to strike Bushehr NPP — Russian diplomat

Russian Permanent Representative to the Vienna-based international organizations Mikhail Ulyanov stressed that a strike on an operating nuclear plant would be a disaster

Press review: Iran derails US‑Israeli plans while Middle East conflict boosts oil and gold

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, March 2nd

Iran launches another round of ballistic missiles against Israel — TV

Most of the projectiles were launched in the direction of the southern parts of Israel and Tel Aviv

US stock market opens in decline amid Middle East escalation

As of 17:30 Moscow time, the Dow Jones Industrial Average — the main indicator of business activity in the US — fell by 1.08% to 48,447.52 points

Kiev troops bombard Donetsk People’s Republic five times over past day

There were no reports on casualties among civilians

Kiev’s losses amount to 119,500 soldiers, mercenaries this winter — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, Kiev lost around 16,300 drones and 1,400 tanks and other armored vehicles in combat operations between December and February

Iran’s missile attack target CIA headquarters in Dubai — Fars

Information was received earlier about four people injured after Iran’s attack against the Dubai International Airport

Iran vows retaliation after Khamenei’s death, dismisses US nuclear accusations as lies

Iranian permanent representative to international organizations in Vienna Reza Najafi condemned the US attack on Iran as a "crime and aggression"

Israel carries out over 1,000 combat sorties over Iran — army

The military accompanied this information with a video clip showing how an Israeli fighter is dodging an Iranian missile in the sky over Tehran

Iran's ambassador to Astana says that conflict with US will be long

Iranian ambassador to Kazakhstan, Ali Akbar Jokar, has sharply criticized US President Donald Trump's advisers

Putin tells Bahrain's king ready to help stabilize Middle East situation — Kremlin

The current development of events "also threatens the security of many Arab states, with which Russia maintains friendly relations," according to the Russian side

UAE, Qatar want to convince US to shorten operation against Iran — Bloomberg

The countries are seeking to build a wide coalition to advance a swift and diplomatic end to the conflict to prevent regional escalation and a prolonged energy price shock, Bloomberg reports

Hungary has satellite data showing Druzhba oil pipeline is operational — Szijjarto

The minister noted that in conditions where oil supplies from the Persian Gulf region have "become uncertain" due to developments surrounding Iran and the possibility of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz being closed, "the blocking of a well-functioning land oil pipeline is an act of aggression against Hungary"

US strikes call in question its ability to negotiate on Iranian nuclear dossier — diplomat

According to Mikhail Ulyanov, there was no reason for a military action

‘Black swan’ events that could change situation may emerge in the Middle East — expert

According to Anna Fedyunina, these include the direct involvement of new states in the conflict, as well as attacks on oil and gas infrastructure in Persian Gulf countries

Russia expects unbiased assessment of attack on Iran from IAEA chief — diplomat

Mikhail Ulyanov recalled that in 2009 the Agency’s General Assembly had passed a resolution designating attacks on civilian nuclear facilities as a violation of the norms of international law, the United Nations and IAEA Charters

Japanese PM Takaichi abstains from legal assessment of military strikes against Iran

Sanae Takaichi noted that she would "openly talk about the Iranian problem" with US President Donald Trump during her visit to the United States later this month

Pentagon says operation against Iran not another US ‘endless war’

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine noted at the same press conference that the campaign is not a short one either

Fire outbreak eliminated at oil terminal after Ukrainian drone attack

Thirty-eight people and ten vehicle were engaged in fire containment

US president says Washington to soon achieve its goals in Iran — reporter

"It's getting very close too," Donald Trump said

Insurers to suspend war risks coverage in Persian Gulf

According to market players, insurance rates for the Persian Gulf have recently doubled

European gas price may jump to $600 even with short Hormuz closure — expert

A closure would affect more than 20% of global LNG exports

Israel, US deliver new round of strikes against Tehran — Iranian state television

Powerful explosions have occurred in the city

Iranian missiles hit targets in Gush Dan metropolitan area in central Israel — news agency

No additional details were provided

Iran attacks with drones, ballistic missiles US airbase in Bahrain — TV

According to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the command and staff building of the airbase was destroyed, fuel tanks were burned

UAE leader’s walk at Dubai Mall is 'powerful message' — Russian presidential envoy

Kirill Dmitriev noted that the resilient UAE is one of the few truly neutral places in the world

Hegseth confirms no American boots on ground in Iran currently

The Pentagon chief declined to discuss further plans of his agency

US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln moved away from Iran after strike — IRGC

The US Central Command reported that the carrier came under fire but was not hit

Iran hits US bases in Kuwait, UAE, Bahrain — IRGC

The US base Arifjan in Kuwait was struck with 12 drones

Lebanese Health Ministry says 52 killed, 154 wounded in Israeli strikes over past day

The casualty count is expected to increase, the ministry added

Russia’s small missile ship Burya test-fires Pantsir-M missile system in Baltic Sea

The Pantsir-M surface-to-air missile/gun system was fired as part of state trials for the Burya small missile ship

US Embassy in Riyadh ablaze following explosion — Reuters

The news agency did not report on the consequences of the incident

Damage to nuclear power plants in Iran, UAE to cause disaster — nuclear scientist

Damage to the Bushehr nuclear power plant in Iran and the Barakah nuclear power plant in the UAE during hostilities could have catastrophic consequences, including radiation contamination of the Persian Gulf, Alexander Uvarov, a nuclear industry expert and director of the AtomInfo-Center, said

Russia to continue coordination with Iran, China within IAEA, if need be — diplomat

Mikhail Ulyanov pointed out that a special meeting had been held on Monday

Slots for flights discussed with Middle East airports

The Russian air carrier Aeroflot will start outbound flights from the UAE since March 3

Russian embassy in Ankara reports attempted sabotage on TurkStream, Blue Stream

Earlier, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russian intelligence services have information about the Kiev regime’s preparations for sabotage on the Black Sea gas pipelines

Britain, France and Germany to develop long-range missiles — Macron

The French president stressed that as partnerships strengthen, other projects aimed at supporting European sovereignty could appear

Durov’s fortune loses $2.24 bln in February 2026 — Bloomberg

It decreased to $12.1 bln

Russia calls for urgent ceasefire by all parties in conflict around Iran — MFA

The ministry emphasized that "attacks on civilian targets, whether in Iran or in Arab states, are unacceptable and must be completely ruled out"

Epic Fury timing, US goals in Iran: statements by Pentagon

When conducting a military operation against Iran, the United States is ready to go "as far as we need to advance American interests," Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth said

Israel instructs to suspend gas production at Leviathan field

Qatar Energy also announced the suspension of liquefied natural gas production in connection with Iran’s air strikes

Russian forces liberate over 80 settlements in special operation zone this winter — expert

In February, the Russian Armed Forces liberated 24 settlements, taking control of more than 360 square kilometers of territory

British Akrotiri base in Cyprus damaged by drone strike — Cyprus Mail

According to the newspaper, a small drone had impacted the airfield of the base

US used new missile in Iran first time — TWZ

The Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) is capable of striking targets at distances exceeding 500 kilometers

Prospect for dialogue and assessment of situation: IAEA chief on situation around Iran

The agency continues attempts to resume contacts with Iran’s nuclear regulators, but so far without success

US has unlimited reserves of weapons, can wage war forever — president

Donald Trump also again accused former US leader Joe Biden of giving away weapons to Ukraine for free

Pentagon Chief says US didn't start the conflict with Iran

Washington will finish it, Pete Hegseth said

Qatar Energy set to declare force majeure on LNG supplies — Reuters

Earlier, the company announced suspension of production of LNG and related products due to Iran’s air strikes

Europe faces gas crisis if 20% of LNG exits market due to Hormuz closure — expert

According to Maria Belova, Europe could face a gas deficit of up to 40 billion cubic meters and a surge in TTF prices comparable to the spring of 2022

Israel drops 2,500 munitions, hits 600 sites in Iran — IDF

By now, Israel has mobilized some 110,000 reservists

Ukrainian strikes damage over 130 residential houses in Belgorod over past week — mayor

According to Belgorod Mayor Valentin Demidov, construction workers are currently restoring 748 properties

Bank of Russia challenges regulation that blocks transfer of assets before EU court

The EU regulation violates the basic and inalienable rights to access justice, inviolability of property, and the principle of sovereign immunity of states and their central banks, guaranteed by international treaties and European Union law

Russian oil and gas are not supplied through Strait of Hormuz — experts

A number of Russian companies are involved in upstream projects in Middle Eastern countries, but that oil is formally not Russian, Maxim Malkov said

Six US troops killed during operation in Middle East — US Central Command

US forces recently recovered the remains of two previously unaccounted for service members from a facility that was struck during Iran's initial attacks in the region

US seeks to draw Middle Eastern countries into direct conflict with Iran — source

The source said that the strike on the Hyatt Regency hotel in Riyadh was a US provocation

West turns even obvious situation with attack on Iran upside down — Russian MFA

Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova says that a public misunderstanding makes European representatives reiterate their position

Israel hits dozens of Iranian security headquarters in Tehran

In addition, the Israeli Air Force continued striking surface-to-surface missile launchers, sites used for the production of weapons for Iranian forces, and other IRGC Air Force sites

Russian stock market closes in the green on Monday

The MOEX Index added 1.3%, while the RTS Index increased by 1.44%

Middle East commodities’ crisis to temporarily up Russia’s revenues — US analyst

"Oil and natural gas producers are winners," John Kavulich said

Finland, Norway, Poland step up military activity near Russia's borders — Medvedev

The politician noted that he had just visited the border with Finland, where walls, barriers, and other structures are being built at full speed

Kuwaiti air defenses destroy over 380 UAVs, 180 missiles launched from Iran — ministry

The Kuwaiti Defense Ministry stressed that the country's Armed Forces are on high alert

US offered Iran free nuclear fuel for 10-year uranium enrichment halt — Witkoff

The US special presidential envoy said that Tehran rejected Washington's offer

Russia appreciates US mediation on Ukraine but relies on itself only — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov commented on Washington’s mediation toward resolving the Ukraine conflict amid the US attack on Iran

Vessel hit by two shells in port of Bahrain — UKMTO

All members of the ship’s crew are safe and have evacuated the vessel

Drone strikes bridge linking Bahrain and Saudi Arabia

The United States could have used this transportation link to evacuate its military personnel, the news agency said

Israel attacked Saudi Aramco’s refinery in false flag operation — news agency

According to the agency's source, the port of Fujairah in the UAE is one of the next targets of Israelis