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

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Iran’s ambassador to Minsk denies that Supreme Leader has already been elected

Alireza Sanei emphasized that whoever became the next leader would continue the same path and policies of Supreme Leader Imam Ali Khamenei

MINSK, March 4. /TASS/. Reports that Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been elected as Iran's new Supreme Leader are unconfirmed rumors, Iran’s ambassador to Minsk, Alireza Sanei, told the media.

"The Council of Experts must select the next leader from among the candidates. Since there has been no official statement from the Council of Experts so far, all such news remains speculation and rumor. We cannot officially confirm this," he said.

"Whoever becomes the next leader will continue the same path and policies of Supreme Leader Imam Ali Khamenei," Sanei added.

Earlier, Western media reported that Iran's new Supreme Leader had allegedly already been elected. The New York Times (NYT) reported that the Council of Experts was prepared to declare 56-year-old Mojtaba Khamenei the new supreme leader as early as Wednesday morning, but some council members expressed concerns that this would make him a target for US and Israeli attacks.

The current escalation in the Middle East began on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched a military operation against Iran, striking major Iranian cities, including Tehran. The White House justified the attack by citing alleged missile and nuclear threats from Iran. In response, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced a large-scale retaliatory operation. Reports also indicated the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. Following his passing, the Iranian Embassy in Kazakhstan lowered its flag in mourning.

Satellite images show Druzhba pipeline undamaged — Fico

The Slovak PM intends to discuss the situation around the Druzhba pipeline with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen next week

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

Conflict around Iran harmful for economies — Merz

The German Chancellor noted that oil and gas prices would grow

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

Refusal to negotiate, readiness for endless war — statements from Iranian representatives

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

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

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

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

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 Radon-O system effective against frequency hopping UAVs — Rostec

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

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

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

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

Work at the Bushehr NPP construction site has been completely suspended

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

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

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

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

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

Pentagon confident Iran can no longer carry out mass missile launches

Iran's theater ballistic missile shots fired down 86% from the first day of fighting, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated

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

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 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

US submarine sinks Iranian warship off Sri Lanka’s coast — Reuters

According to the agency, 79 people were rescued, while more than 100 sailors remain missing

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

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

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"

Russia to take EU militarization into account in upgrading all types of weapons — diplomat

According to Maria Zakharova, the EU is currently undergoing a transformation into "an aggressive, intractable, conflict-minded, impoverished, and self-defeating international player"

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

Russian gas carrier attacked in Mediterranean Sea by Ukrainian unmanned boats

All 30 crew members were rescued

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’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

Yolka drone spots targets unseen by human eye — soldier

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 may respond to US asymmetrically in months — political scientist

Farhad Ibragimov noted that any casualties resulting from a future escalation would likely be seen in the United States as a direct consequence of America's decision to initiate military action

US used new missile in Iran first time — TWZ

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

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

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

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"

Chaos in Middle East, nuclear arms race provocation: Russian MFA’s statements

Maria Zakharova emphasized that the crisis in the Middle East "has no military solution"

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

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

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"

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

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

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

Casualties from Iranian attacks on UAE up to 78 — Defense Ministry

No Russians were hurt

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

Cargo ship hit by missiles near Strait of Hormuz — news agency

The cargo crew comprising 24 people was evacuated

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

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

US has no problems with Russia and China stemming from Iran war, says Pentagon chief

According to Pete Hegseth, he has no message for Russia and China on this issue

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

Russian oil is in demand, the deputy prime minister noted

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"

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

Five tankers passed through the strait on March 1

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

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

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

IN BRIEF: On situation around Druzhba oil pipeline

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that the EC is pressuring Ukraine to resume supplies

Over 3,000 ships stuck in Persian Gulf ports

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

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

US conducts scheduled test of Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile

The missile is equipped with two test re-entry vehicles

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"

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

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

Kazem Jalali called Iran's Supreme Leader a great architect

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

Nazified, militarized Ukraine unacceptable for Russia — Lavrov

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

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"

Central part of Israel shelled twice in half hour

The Israeli army said the missiles from Lebanon had been intercepted

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

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%

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

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

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

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

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"

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

Oil price possibly reaching $200, declining stocks: situation in economy

The price of futures contracts of Brent crude oil has exceeded $85 per barrel for the first time since mid-2024

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

Russian troops strike Ukrainian long-range UAV launch sites over past day

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,150 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

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

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

Yemeni Houthis ready for military action against Israel in defense of Iran — Russian MFA

Maria Zakharova underscored the clear risk of the conflict spreading further, warning that "the ongoing US and Israeli aggression against Iran could trigger a broader armed confrontation across the Middle East"

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

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

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

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

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."

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

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 denies information about alleged readiness to discuss ceasefire

The official stressed that Iran would "continue without hesitation" to respond to strikes by the Israeli and US armed forces

US to safeguard maritime trade in Gulf — Trump

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

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

Strong explosion hits eastern Tehran — news agency

No further details have been provided so far

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