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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

BRATISLAVA, March 4. /TASS/. The European Commission (EC) recognized that Slovakia and Hungary were right in seeking after the restart of oil supplies over the Druzhba pipeline and puts pressure on Ukraine, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico told reporters.

"Everyone understood that Slovakia and Hungary were right because the Druzhba pipeline is the sole option of providing Europe with oil. It was enough that Qatar halted liquefied natural gas supplies and anxiety occurred in the Strait of Hormuz, and now everyone immediately looks at Druzhba with hope," the prime minister said.

"I am glad that not only we struggle for the restart of oil supplies! We evidence pressure [on Ukraine] from the EC side," he added.

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Ukraine Slovakia

US-Israeli strikes on Iran

Nuclear dossier is false pretext for US, Israeli aggression against Iran — ambassador

According to Mohammad Ali Eskandari, the IAEA has confirmed in its reports that Iran does not possess nuclear weapons

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

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

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

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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

Putin, Szijjarto to discuss situation around Druzhba oil pipeline — Kremlin

Russian oil has not been flowing via the Druzhba pipeline since January 27

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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

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

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

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"

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

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

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

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

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"

US conducts scheduled test of Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile

The missile is equipped with two test re-entry vehicles

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"

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

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

Five tankers passed through the strait on March 1

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"

US used new missile in Iran first time — TWZ

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

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

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

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

Russian gas carrier attacked in Mediterranean Sea by Ukrainian unmanned boats

All 30 crew members were rescued

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"

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

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

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

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

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

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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

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

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

Nazified, militarized Ukraine unacceptable for Russia — Lavrov

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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

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Iran’s ambassador to Uzbekistan Mohammad Ali Eskandari opined that Turkey and Qatar would be the next victims of Israel and the US after Iran

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No Russians were hurt

Strong explosion hits eastern Tehran — news agency

No further details have been provided so far

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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"

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

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

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

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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

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

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

Any new Iranian leader to become elimination target — Israeli defense chief

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Mossad conducts overnight ground operation in Iran — Al Arabiya

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UK medical contingents in Ukraine to be considered targets by Russian forces — diplomat

On February 24, Daily Express reported information about the presence of military medical specialists, including surgeons, physiotherapists, and nurses from the United Kingdom in Ukraine

Yolka drone spots targets unseen by human eye — soldier

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

Conflict around Iran harmful for economies — Merz

The German Chancellor noted that oil and gas prices would grow

12 armed Hezbollah members detained by Lebanese military — TV

The Hezbollah gunmen offered no resistance

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

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

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

Slovakia approves termination of electricity supplies agreement with Ukraine

The Slovak Finance Minister is recommended to take steps in respect of SEPS company for immediate termination of the agreement between SEPS and Ukrenergo

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

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

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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

US to safeguard maritime trade in Gulf — Trump

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

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

Kazem Jalali called Iran's Supreme Leader a great architect

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

Work at the Bushehr NPP construction site has been completely suspended

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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%

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"

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

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

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

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

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

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 Embassy in Riyadh ablaze following explosion — Reuters

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

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