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

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

US-Israeli strikes on Iran

Bahrain's air defenses intercept over 70 Iranian missiles, around 90 UAVs in five days

According to the kingdom's military command, 92 drones were destroyed

CAIRO, March 4. /TASS/. Bahrain's air defense systems have intercepted 74 missiles and 92 drones launched from Iranian territory since February 28, the kingdom's military command said.

"Since the start of Iran's aggression against Bahrain on February 28, our air defense systems have successfully intercepted and destroyed 74 missiles and 92 drones," the military said in a press release published by the BNA news agency.

US-Israeli strikes on Iran

US has struck around 2,000 targets in Iran since operation began — CENTCOM

Admiral Brad Cooper says US destroyed hundreds of Iran's ballistic missiles, launchers, and drones

12 armed Hezbollah members detained by Lebanese military — TV

The Hezbollah gunmen offered no resistance

Fewer skeptics remain about oil surpassing $100 per barrel — Dmitriev

Earlier, the price of the May 2026 futures contract for Brent crude oil on London’s ICE exchange exceeded $85 per barrel for the first time since July 19, 2024

War criminals who killed 165 schoolgirls in Iran to face criminal liability — ambassador

Kazem Jalali says the attack is a clear violation of international humanitarian law

Timeline for Druzhba pipeline restart not yet determined — Ukrainian Energy Minister

Denis Shmygal claims that an accident at one of the tanks allegedly caused significant internal damage to the pipeline, which is not visible from the surface

Zaporozhye NPP unaffected by Ukrainian shelling of Energodar

The situation at the plant is stable

Conflict with Iran could lead to ceasefire in Ukraine on Russia’s conditions — Bloomberg

The deployment of US naval forces in the region makes the transfer of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine less likely

Russian diplomat sees UK, France flirting with Kiev over nukes

Maria Zakharova noted that, over the past week, the media had downplayed the news by diverting global attention

Mossad’s ground operation and US military plans: Middle East conflict

US President Donald Trump has claimed that it is "too late" to negotiate with Iran

Readiness to confront Iran, settlement proposals: global reaction

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called on the international community to condemn the US and Israeli strike on hospitals and schools in Iran

Zaporozhye NPP CEO slams Ukraine’s attack on Energodar as indirect ceasefire violation

By attacking the nuclear plant’s satellite city, the Kiev regime sought to exert "colossal psychological pressure" on the city residents, the nuclear power plant’s employees, and specialists involved in repair works, Yury Chernichuk stressed

Kiev commits genocide against Donbass residents — Russian Investigative Committee

Alexander Bastrykin recalled that the investigation into the criminal case of genocide committed by Ukraine’s top political and military leadership against the population of Donbass had been completed

China says non-use of force in international relations meets Israel's interests

China has consistently supported the resolution of international and regional hot issues through dialogue and negotiations, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said

More than 600 Russians remain at Bushehr nuclear plant — Rosatom CEO

The buses are ready and evacuation routes were considered, Alexey Likhachev said

New Middle East war more dangerous than nuclear war — analyst

According to Dmitry Kuzyakin, the world is witnessing the beginning of the end of the old paradigm of warfare

Over 3,000 ships stuck in Persian Gulf ports

About 4% of the global tonnage of vessels are now idle in the Persian Gulf

Massive demonstrations against strikes on Iran erupt in dozens of US cities — TV

Demonstrators said they are ready to "keep protesting for as long as it takes"

Conflict around Iran harmful for economies — Merz

The German Chancellor noted that oil and gas prices would grow

Global nuclear threat is growing — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister responded to a question about the seriousness of the threat to global nuclear security today in connection with the conflict in the Middle East

Trump to continue operation in Iran until four clear objectives achieved — CBS News

Earlier, the US president said the American-Israeli operation against the Islamic Republic could last four to five weeks

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

Trump says Iran has lost navy, air force, air detection

The US president says that "just about everything's been knocked out" in Iran

Russia to deploy new generation radar in Crimea

The missile early warning system is designed to get and provide data on missile launches and missile trajectories to state and military governance posts to warn about a missile attack

Iran has no details on condition of attacked nuclear facilities — ambassador to Austria

Some of the Iranian nuclear facilities have been targeted, Asadollah Eshrang Jahromi said

Lavrov, Omani foreign minister call for Middle East ceasefire — Russian Foreign Ministry

"The readiness of Russia and Oman, including within the framework of the United Nations, was noted to promote the search for compromise peaceful solutions based on respect for the basic norms of international law," the statement says

Pure hydrogen will be in demand as main alternative energy source — Putin

Speaking about the West’s intention to abandon traditional hydrocarbons already now, the Russian President skeptically called it "wants and wishes"

US trying to suppress Russia to retain supremacy, China next — security chief

Nikolay Patrushev recalled that "specific measures for the destruction of the USSR were approved 75 years ago by the famous directive of the US National Security Council ‘Objectives With Respect to Russia’"

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

US has struck around 2,000 targets in Iran since operation began — CENTCOM

Admiral Brad Cooper says US destroyed hundreds of Iran's ballistic missiles, launchers, and drones

Press review: Israel opens second front as Trump shows no clear Iran strategy outlook

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, March 3rd

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

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

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

Price of gold to exceed $6,000 per ounce due to conflict in Middle East — expert

Amid rising inflation expectations gold remains a proven inflation hedging instrument, Boris Krasnozhenov said

Gas in Europe at $700, growth of Russian stocks: impact of blocking Strait of Hormuz

The gas price growth since the beginning of the day has exceeded 30%

Nazified, militarized Ukraine unacceptable for Russia — Lavrov

This contradicts the goals of the special military operation, the Russian foreign minister pointed out

US, Israel open Pandora's box by assassinating Khamenei, says Iran's ambassador to Austria

Asadollah Eshrang Jahromi said that Khamenei was respected by "tens of millions of Muslims in the region and around the world," this is why his assassination "has profound and far-reaching consequences," for which Israel and the United States will bear "full responsibility."

United States to cut off trade with Spain — Trump

The US president recalled that Spain had been the only NATO country to refuse to increase defense expenditures to 5% of the GDP

Merz says Europe cannot accept Ukraine deal concluded behind its back

The German chancellor also said he had made this clear to US President Donald Trump

US and Israel's interceptor stocks may run out as early as next week — CNN

Earlier, the United States said it has sufficient ammunition stocks to continue strikes against Iran with Israel

Iran entitled to strike back at US, Israel under UN Charter — envoy to Russia

Kazem Jalali says that the armed attack gives Iran an inherent right to self-defense

Russia’s latest Yolka drones repel attack by over 50 Lyuty UAVs in Bryansk Region

"As it carries no explosives, the drone can be safely used to protect populated areas and critical infrastructure facilities," the company noted

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

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

Iraq is losing $128 mln daily due to suspended oil production — news portal

Production suspension is estimated by a loss of about 1.6 mln barrels daily

Iran Revolutionary Guard Corps retains capabilities after Khamenei assassination — expert

Nikolay Gaponenko believes that Iran's retaliatory actions demonstrate its readiness and ability to resist even after its decision-making center was destroyed

EU ministers to hold video conference with counterparts of GCC countries — Reuters

According to the source, the conference will be held on March 5

US may soon attack Cuba, but with little chances of success — expert

Washington views Cuba as a zone of exclusively American interests, and this 'island of freedom' clearly doesn’t align with Washington’s vision of an autonomous actor, Farhad Ibragimov noted

Iran’s intelligence aware of where Netanyahu holds his meetings — IRGC

Iran’s intelligence knows all the targets around the Islamic Republic, as well as Israeli and American targets, senior adviser to the commander-in-chief of the Iranian army Rahim Safavi said

Putin making every effort to contribute to detente in Middle East — Kremlin

The day before, the Russian president spoke over the phone with his colleagues from Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE and Saudi Arabia

Trump says Israel did not force US to launch operation against Iran

The US president says it was his opinion that "they were going to attack first"

Aggression against Iran may force Tehran to create nuclear weapons — Lavrov

The minister emphasized that "the seemingly paradoxical noble goal of starting a war to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons may stimulate the exact opposite"

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

Russia sees higher interest in its oil in India — Novak

According to the official, much will depend on how the situation in the Middle East develops

Merz doubts strikes on Iran may bring about political change in Tehran

The German chancellor urged to create a strategy for the future of Iran and the region, where "all neighbors, without exception, recognize Israel’s right to exist and live safely"

US Embassy in Riyadh ablaze following explosion — Reuters

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

EU will not be able to fill UGS in summer without Russian LNG, if Qatar suspends supplies

Europe finished the winter having drastically consumed its gas stockpiles

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

US to safeguard maritime trade in Gulf — Trump

The US International Development Finance Corporation was assigned to provide insurance, guarantees

Russian stock indices in the red on Tuesday - market data

The ruble-denominated MOEX Russia Index lost 0.37%, while the dollar-denominated RTS Index fell by 0.93%

FACTBOX: What we know about earthquake near Russia’s Black Sea resort of Sochi

The epicenter of the tremors was located 21 km offshore from the city of Sochi

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

Bank of Russia raises dollar rate to 77.61 rubles for March 4

The regulator raised the official yuan exchange rate by 2.5 kopecks to 11.22 rubles

Chukavin rifle accepted into service by Russian Interior Ministry — Kalashnikov Group

"The SVCh is designed to engage enemy personnel, equipment, and unarmored vehicles at ranges of up to 1,000 meters," the company stated

EU already 'divided' Russian assets between Kiev, its defense sector — Russian diplomat

Vladislav Maslennikov opined that the EU's unwillingness to unblock the Russia’s assets is an additional factor why "the European Union doesn’t even doubt the expediency of continuing the policy of anti-Russian sanctions"

US stock market opens with key indices decline

As of 17:30 Moscow time, the Dow Jones Industrial Average, a key indicator of US business activity, fell by 0.84% to 48,493.11 points

Russia’s the world’s leader in gas reserves — Gazprom CEO

Gazprom CEO Alexey Miller also noted significant progress in developing domestic pipe production for the gas industry

US used new missile in Iran first time — TWZ

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

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

Support for Crimean Tatars’ extremist organizations to boomerang on Turkey

The coordinator of what the so-called "civil action for Crimea’s blockade," Lenur Islyamov, last Saturday declared he was creating a new volunteer battalion

Bahrain's air defenses intercept over 70 Iranian missiles, around 90 UAVs in five days

According to the kingdom's military command, 92 drones were destroyed

IN BRIEF: On current issues Putin and Orban discussed by phone

In a conversation with the Hungarian PM, the Russian leader emphasized Hungary's sovereign course and principled position in support of a diplomatic resolution to the conflict in Ukraine

US bases in Persian Gulf involved in strikes on Iran, says ambassador to Austria

"That is why, for the purposes of self-defense, we were forced to strike these military facilities," Asadollah Eshragh Jahromi 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

Israel intercepted 99% of Iranian drones, missiles — Ynet citing Israeli officials

The officials also said the Iranian attack requires a "decisive response" that will follow very soon

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

According to the latest figures, the Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,290 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

Iraqi oil export via Turkey’s Ceyhan suspended — Shafaq News

The decision was made after a number of oil companies temporarily halted their operations at several fields in the region of Iraqi Kurdistan

India signs $238-million contract with Russia to purchase Shtil air defense systems

The contract further highlights the enduring and robust defense partnership between India and Russia

Russian MFA comments on possible 'nuclear collaboration' between European countries'

Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova emphasized that the attitudes of the countries bordering the region and beyond are important

Khamenei murder to have legal consequences for aggressor states — Iran’s ambassador

"The foregoing is without prejudice to accountability for the ongoing war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression being committed by the agents of the United States and the Israeli regime.", Asadollah Eshrang Jahromi said

US ground operation in Iran impossible due to its vast territory size — expert

Retired Colonel Viktor Litovkin pointed out that the US has not concentrated significant ground forces in the Middle East

Russia ready to export satellite monitoring solutions — Economy Ministry

According to earlier estimates, the global market of Earth remote sensing data and related services totaled $4.1 bln in 2022

Iran not to abandon cooperation with IAEA, says ambassador to Austria

Asadollah Eshragh Jahromi did not specify the prospects for the resumption of the agency's inspections in the country

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

UNSC unable to support peace due to US’ position on Russian, Brazilian drafts — diplomat

"The result [of such US position] is obvious - continuing escalation accompanied by the growth of casualties among civilians and the destruction of civilian infrastructure," Vasily Nebenzya said

Russian Defense Ministry delegation arrives in Iran

A delegation from the Russian Defense Ministry has arrived in Iran for a session of the bilateral group for military cooperation

European gas price hits $785 amid Iran’s closure of Hormuz Strait

The increase since the start of the day reached 45%

US Navy to escort tankers in Strait of Hormuz if necessary — Trump

The US president says that the measure can be introduced "as soon as possible"

US not to limit itself to desire to rule Venezuela, Cuba and Iran — Lavrov

The minister believes that what is happening in the world now is "a reflection of profound changes and underlying problems in world politics and the global economy

A strike on Bushehr NPP would cause a regional-scale disaster — Rosatom CEO

According to Alexey Likhachev, the company lost contact with the leadership of Iran's entire nuclear industry

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

Iranian ambassador calls US strikes on civilian targets crime against humanity

Asadollah Eshragh Jahromi added that the Israeli and US strikes "constitute a grave breach of well-established principles of international humanitarian law and defy the most basic human considerations of respect for the right to life of civilians."

Iran now focused on defense, not talks — ambassador to Austria

According to Asadollah Eshragh Jahromi, United States and Israel have launched a full-fledged aggression against Iran

Iraq suspends oil production at Rumaila field — Shafaq News

The decision to suspend was made because of "failures in export operations" in view of hostilities in the region

Russian PM says economic slowdown ends

The Russian premier notes conditions for economic growth have been created

Mossad conducts overnight ground operation in Iran — Al Arabiya

According to the TV channel, the operation was carried out by Mossad operatives with the support of special forces

US eyeing option of providing protection to ships in Strait of Hormuz

The US government is also discussing an option where it will act as an insurer to provide for free passage of tankers through the strait

Aggression against Iran and US plans for other countries: Lavrov’ statements

According to the top Russian diplomat, Moscow will use all of its capabilities, including in its relations with Tehran, to ensure that the problem in the Middle East "does not escalate further and is resolved"

India considers increasing oil purchases from Russia amid Middle East conflict

According to the latest data, Russia maintained its status of India’s largest oil supplier in February

Managed escalation is most likely scenario for conflict over Iran — expert

According to Nikolay Gaponenko, the second crisis scenario is an uncontrolled escalation

IN BRIEF: Rosatom Chief’s statements on situation around Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant

Work at the Bushehr NPP construction site has been completely suspended