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Iran moves closer to selecting its new supreme leader

Under Article 111 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic, in the event of the death or incapacity of the Supreme Leader, the experts must appoint a new leader as soon as possible

TEHRAN, March 4. /TASS/. Iran’s Assembly of Experts has polled its members and is now closer to holing a vote on the Islamic Republic’s new supreme leader, said Ahmad Khatami, a senior member of the body.

"The experts have been polled, and we are now close to selecting a new leader of the revolution," Fars news agency quoted him as saying.

The 88-member body has the authority to appoint a new ayatollah. Under Article 111 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic, in the event of the death or incapacity of the Supreme Leader, the experts must appoint a new leader as soon as possible.

EC puts pressure on Ukraine to restart supplies over Druzhba pipeline — Fico

"Everyone understood that Slovakia and Hungary were right because the Druzhba pipeline is the sole option of providing Europe with oil," the Slovak prime minister said

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"

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

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’"

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

US State Department instructs its diplomats in Pakistan to evacuate

The directive applies to non-emergency personnel as well as family members of diplomatic staff

Russian gas carrier attacked in Mediterranean Sea by Ukrainian unmanned boats

All 30 crew members were rescued

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

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

US to safeguard maritime trade in Gulf — Trump

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

US spent $779 mln in first 24 hours of military operation against Iran

It is approximately 0.1% of the US military budget for 2026

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

US assasination of Khamenei poses threat to global peace — Iranian envoy to Russia

The Islamic Republic of Iran views this terrorist crime as a blatant violation of international legal provisions and the UN Charter, Kazem Jalali said

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

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

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"

Russia rejects West’s attempt to deny its plans to provide Ukraine with nukes — diplomat

According to Maria Zakharova, London and Paris "have the capability, incentive and means to commit the indicated international law crime"

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

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

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

US used new missile in Iran first time — TWZ

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

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

US suffers nearly $2·bn in equipment losses since Iran war began — Anadolu

The most expensive loss was a US AN/FPS-132 early warning radar system at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, valued at $1.1 billion

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

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 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

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

Russia ready to boost oil supplies to China, India — Novak

Russian oil is in demand, the deputy prime minister noted

Nazified, militarized Ukraine unacceptable for Russia — Lavrov

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

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"

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

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

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

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

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

12 armed Hezbollah members detained by Lebanese military — TV

The Hezbollah gunmen offered no resistance

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

US seeks to stir up religious hatred through actions in Iran — envoy to Russia

Kazem Jalali reminded that heads of state have legal and personal immunity

Conflict around Iran harmful for economies — Merz

The German Chancellor noted that oil and gas prices would grow

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%

US Embassy in Riyadh ablaze following explosion — Reuters

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

Over 3,000 ships stuck in Persian Gulf ports

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

Russia’s Radon-O system effective against frequency hopping UAVs — Rostec

The Radon-O is effective at industrial facilities, Rostec said

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

Drone attacks CIA residency on US embassy grounds in Riyadh — media

According to the sources cited by The Washington Post, no CIA employees were injured

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

Iran can wage war with drones almost indefinitely — expert

Dmitry Kuzyakin believes that today only Russia, Ukraine, and Iran have mastered the art of warfare under the new rules

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

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

At least 78 injured in strike on Iranian frigate off Sri Lanka — Reuters

According to the agency, another 101 people are believed to be missing

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"

Potential successor to Khamenei, situation at US bases: Middle East conflict

Iran damaged communications and radar equipment on at least seven US military facilities in the Middle East during the first three days of hostilities

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."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Press review: Iran missile risks may expand conflict and US eyes regime change in Cuba

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, March 4th

Kremlin agrees with Macron that nuclear deterrence underpins global security

"At the same time, we must not forget about the non-proliferation regime," Dmitry Peskov noted

FACTBOX: What we know about attack on Russian gas carrier in Mediterranean Sea

The Transport Ministry described the attack as an act of international terrorism and maritime piracy

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yolka drone spots targets unseen by human eye — soldier

It automatically recognizes the target’s signature and calculates its trajectory

Khamenei’s son emerges as leading candidate for Iran’s supreme leader — NYT

According to the report, some council members voiced concerns that such a move could make him a target for US and Israeli strikes

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

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

Work at the Bushehr NPP construction site has been completely suspended

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 has attacked nine US military bases in Middle East in 48 hours — CNN

According to the report, the strikes targeted four military facilities in Kuwait, two in the UAE, and one each in Iraq, Bahrain and Qatar

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

Injured people in Volgograd Region: aftermath of Ukrainian UAV attack on Russian regions

Five people were injured in the attack, Governor Andrey Bocharov said

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

Russian Pacific Fleet detachment sets off on long-range voyage to Korea Strait

The detachment of ships will conduct a series of exercises and also make routine port calls at friendly countries

Iran’s foreign policy to continue relying on Khamenei’s legacy — envoy to Russia

Kazem Jalali called Iran's Supreme Leader a great architect

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

Impact on GDP and $779 mln in one day - what we know about cost of Iran attack for US

According to Anadolu, the largest expense during the first day was the launch of Tomahawk missiles

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

Islamic Resistance in Iraq carried out 27 operations against US military bases on March 3

Militants of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq used dozens of drones and missiles against enemy bases in Iraq and the region

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"

Two tankers managed to pass through Strait of Hormuz on Monday — media

Five tankers passed through the strait on March 1

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

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

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

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."

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

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

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

Strong explosion hits eastern Tehran — news agency

No further details have been provided so far

Ukrainian army concerned about munitions shortage amid Iran crisis — military expert

Russian intelligence obtained the information from several intercepted conversations between Ukrainian soldiers

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

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

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

Iran determined to use all its force to defend itself amid continued aggression — diplomat

The United States and Israel launched a military operation against Iran on February 28

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"

FACTBOX: What is known about tankers’ situation after closure of the Strait of Hormuz

Ten oil tankers attempting to pass the strait have already been struck by missiles and drones

Even Trump’s loyal supporters question rationale for war in Iran — Politico

According to the report, the hostilities are unfolding amid calls from Republicans associated with the MAGA movement for leaders to focus on domestic issues due to concerns about a prolonged conflict