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US-Israeli strikes on Iran

Iraqi Kurds not attacking Iran fearing lack of support from US — news outlet

According to Axios, Iraqi Kurds consider the US administration's intentions regarding a change of power in Iran to be unclear, fearing an expansion of the conflict

WASHINGTON, March 7. /TASS/. Iraqi Kurds are currently maintaining neutrality in the Middle East conflict due to fears of retaliation from Iran and a lack of support from the US, Axios reported, citing sources.

According to the news outlet, Iraqi Kurds consider the US administration's intentions regarding a change of power in Iran to be unclear, fearing an expansion of the conflict. A Kurdish source told Axios that there "cannot be regime change without [US] boots on the ground." "And our assessment is that the US is not sending boots on the ground," he added. The source also pointed out that a potential Iranian strike against Iraqi Kurdish groups would cause them "a lot of damage" due to their lack of air defense systems and means to suppress drones.

An Axios source in the Kurdish Democratic Party, in turn, noted that Iraqi Kurds remain neutral, "partially because they are concerned that at some point the US might abandon them." According to the news outlet, Iraqi Kurds expect the US to complete its operation in Iran in the coming weeks.

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United States Iraq

US-Israeli strikes on Iran

Bahraini air defenses down over 86 missiles, nearly 148 drones since start of conflict

Tjhe air defense systems continue to counter successive waves of Iranian terrorist attacks, the Defense Ministry reported

UK Navy reports attack on tug in Strait of Hormuz

No details of the incident were provided

Israel on its way to completing its mission — Netanyahu

The Prime Minister noted that Israel had "determination, initiative and ingenuity"

Gas shortage hikes EU prices, impacts chemical and fertilizer output — Novak

According to the official, due to the shortage, prices in Europe have surged by 70%, while in the Asia-Pacific region, gas prices have almost doubled

Paralympic flame lit at opening ceremony of 2026 Games

The 2026 Winter Paralympic Games will end on March 15

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

High time for Kiev to do everything to make talks successful — Kremlin spokesman

Ukraine is well aware of what needs to be done, Dmitry Peskov said

Ukrainian strikes injured 10 emergency service workers, killed 2 in February

Four medics were also victims of Ukrainian attacks, with one fatality

CAR wants to boost economic cooperation with Russia — president

Faustin-Archange Touadera pointed out that the partnership between the two countries should become the foundation for a large-scale transformation of the CAR

Iran depleting missile stocks of US, its allies with cheap drones — newspaper

According to a report cited by The New York Times, it will take years for factories to produce enough interceptor missiles

Russia terminates agreement with UN on creation of sustainable development center

The agreement was signed in Paris on September 5, 2008

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Traders offer discounts up to $30 per ounce

Aluminum, nickel supplies from Russia to China up substantially in 2025 — research

The role of concentrates strengthened in Russian copper supplies

Iran permitted two ships of friendly countries to pass through Strait of Hormuz

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European Commission views Zelensky’s threats against Orban unacceptable

The European Commission Spokesperson Olof Gill urged the sides to calm down and tone down their rhetoric

US State Department approves sale of air bombs to Israel worth $151 million

The deal also includes engineering, logistics, and technical support services provided by US contractors

Israeli air force strikes Hezbollah, IRGC headquarters in Beirut area — IDF

In particular, the army stated that it had struck the IRGC Air Force command center, the Hezbollah naval forces headquarters, the financial management center, and the operational council headquarters of the Shiite organization

Iraqi Kurds not attacking Iran fearing lack of support from US — news outlet

According to Axios, Iraqi Kurds consider the US administration's intentions regarding a change of power in Iran to be unclear, fearing an expansion of the conflict

Fire erupts at US chemical warehouse after drone strike in southern Iraq — TV

The types of chemicals stored at the Halliburton facility were not specified

US, Israel mistakenly hit Iraqi border post near Iran — news outlet

One soldier sustained minor shrapnel injuries

US, Israeli strikes dangerously close to civilian sites in Iran — TV

According to the TV channel, a 900-kilogram bomb struck the building of the Iranian state broadcaster IRIB in Tehran, with debris posing a lethal risk up to 300 meters away

Exhibition of unmanned aerial systems opens in Russia’s Chuvashia republic

The venue features sample of drones used in the special military operation zone and downed and captured UAVs, including the Baba-Yaga drone

Experts: US-Iran conflict opens door for stronger India-Russia energy ties

Fyodor Voitolovsky noted that the US attack on Iran and the subsequent rise in energy prices "will have long-term consequences for many markets"

US scrambles to find resources to continue its Iran war for at least 100 days — Politico

Gerald Feierstein, a former senior US diplomat, called the war "a completely ad hoc operation that nobody actually understood or believed that military action was imminent"

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EC fails to back Hungary, Slovakia in dispute with Ukraine over Druzhba pipe — Szijjarto

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President of Cyprus suggests British bases on island might be up for debate

Nikos Christodoulides stated that he was "not ruling anything out"

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US military investigators have found that American forces were likely responsible for the recent strike on an Iranian girls' school, Reuters reported

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A settlement is only possible on the basis of equal and civilized dialogue, Vadim Krasnoselsky said

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Brigadier General Effie Defrin detailed that approximately 50 Israeli Air Force aircraft participated in the operation

Oil companies working to maintain balance on Russian fuel market — Cabinet

The meeting was attended by industry executives, representatives of the Energy Ministry, Economic Development Ministry, the Federal Antimonopoly Service, the Finance Ministry, the Industry and Trade Ministry and the Foreign Ministry

Russia maintains dialogue with Iranian leadership — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov did not specify whether there was military and technical cooperation underway between the countries at the moment

Four sailors killed, three injured in attack on tug in Strait of Hormuz — IMO

The IMO said the incident involved a 26-meter tug Mussafah 2, sailing under the UAE flag

FACTBOX: Hungary suspends transit of key cargoes to Ukraine amid Druzhba pipeline dispute

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated that Ukraine is engaging in "state banditry" against Hungary and that appropriate responses must be found

Russian, Iranian president agree to continue contacts via various channels — Kremlin

This is the first public announcement about contacts of such a level after the US-Israel attack on Iran

Russian companies to redirect LNG supplies in part to Asia-Pacific markets

According to Alexander Novak, Russian companies are considering opportunities, without waiting for the next restrictions from Europe, to make new long-term contracts with a number of Asian countries

FACTBOX: Kiev accuses Budapest of kidnapping people, stealing money

Ukraine's Oschadbank said that the seven cash collectors detained in Hungary were transporting $40 million, €35 million, and 9 kg of gold

Top Russian, Afghan diplomats discuss current escalation between Kabul, Islamabad

Sergey Lavrov stressed the need for settling disputes between Kabul and Islamabad by political and diplomatic means

Current crisis over Iran to accelerate world order shift, end of US dominance — expert

While acknowledging the emerging new world order, Tiberio Graziani clarifies that the United States is unlikely to be entirely sidelined

Iran strongly opposes foreign interference in internal affairs — envoy to UN

Amir-Saeid Iravani added that US statements regarding Washington’s involvement in the selection of Iran’s leadership "constitute a clear violation of the principles of non-interference in the internal affairs of states"

Russian troops liberate nine communities in Ukraine operation over week — top brass

Battlegroup West units liberated the settlements of Drobyshevo, Yarovaya and Sosnovoye in the Donetsk People’s Republic

Miroshnik calls Zelensky’s claims about damage to Druzhba pipeline false

Rodion Miroshnik also added that Kiev feels the support of European countries and therefore is not limiting its methods

Brent futures above $94 a barrel on ICE — market data

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Iranian Kurdistan Freedom Party spokesman Khalil Nadiri pointed out that the main force of the Kurdish opposition was located in Iran

Eight people killed in strikes on Iran’s Isfahan — state broadcaster

The Iranian state broadcaster reported that 80 residential buildings were damaged in the province

Israel, US prepare to reduce intensity of strikes on Iran — Kan

The US and Israeli militaries came to a conclusion "that strikes cannot continue for long at the unprecedentedly high pace"

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Third US Navy aircraft carrier prepares to deploy to Middle East — TV channel

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Iran attacks building housing Gulf Cooperation Council officers in Bahrain — GCC chief

Jasem Al Budaiwi did not provide information on whether any officers were injured in the attack

Qatari servicemen repel missile attack on country — top brass

The Qatari Interior Ministry sent a notification to Doha residents about an increased security threat

Explosions rock Tehran — news agency

No details were provided

Israel hopes Azerbaijan will join strikes on Iran — broadcaster

According to the broadcaster, more countries may probably join the operation against Iran and its interests in the region

Russian air defenses down 124 Ukrainian drones overnight

29 of them were destroyed over the Bryansk Region, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported

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Before the attacks began, the US withdrew 90% of its military personnel from bases within range of Tehran's weapons, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth stated

Russia launches massive strike on energy sites used by Ukrainian military — top brass

Russian servicemen also destroyed a Ukrainian Air Force Mi-8 helicopter and struck Ukrainian transport infrastructure facilities

Azerbaijan accuses Iran of bringing in explosive devices — AzTV

"Three devices packed with C-4 explosives were transported to the territory of the country," it said

China maintains position as Russia’s largest partner — research

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US may ease sanctions on Russian oil — Treasury secretary

Scott Bessent noted that the US gave India permission to accept the Russian oil

Three dead, 12 injured after tornado hits Michigan — TV

The tornado hit an area near Lake Union

Iran warns European countries against supporting US, Israeli operation — diplomat

"Any country join the US and Israeli aggression against Iran, it will inevitably become a legitimate target for retaliation," Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi said

UAE air defenses repel Iranian missile attack — top brass

According to the Defense Ministry, the explosions heard "are the result of the interception of missiles and drones

Iran apparently destroys radar of US THAAD missile battery in Jordan — CNN

Furthermore, buildings housing similar radar systems were also hit in two other locations in the United Arab Emirates

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The Russian athlete finished with a time of one minute 24.47 seconds

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A recent drafting of additional military specialists points to the fact that the US administration was "not fully prepared for the consequences" of the conflict

US soon to launch largest bombing of Iran — Treasury chief

Scott Bessent stressed that it will do the most damage to the Iranian missile launchers and the factories that build the missiles

China to carry out resolute strikes against separatists in Taiwan — report

According to the report, the People's Republic of China will promote peaceful development across the Taiwan Strait

US unwilling to admit it does not rule world any more — Carlson

The journalist cited China as an example of a power that Washington needs to reckon with

Planes carrying Russian soldiers returning from Ukraine land in Moscow Region

200 Russian soldiers were returned from the territory controlled by the Kiev regime

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

French aircraft carrier arrives in Mediterranean amid conflict in Middle East — AFP

According to the agency, the ship will participate in "ensuring the safety of French citizens and its allies who have been attacked by Iran"

Iran strikes Israel’s Ben Gurion airport, airbase — IRGC

The Khorramshahr 4 heavy missiles of the IRGC Aerospace Force, with a 1-ton warhead, were launched at dawn today

Russia, US discussing possible easing of sanctions on Russian oil — presidential envoy

Kirill Dmitriev emphasized that Western sanctions have proven detrimental to the world economy

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

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

Russian UAV units begin combat operations in Kramatorsk in Donetsk region

An FPV drone operator lets civilian vehicles pass freely, the Volunteer Corps operating within Russia’s Battlegroup South said

Russia wins on front gaining new partners; West loses everything — MEP

According to Lubos Blaga, NATO's expansion towards the Russian borders has failed

Iran downs fourth US MQ-9 Reaper drone since start of escalation

The army's air defense systems destroyed one modern US MQ-9 drone in the skies over the province of Lorestan, the Islamic Republic’s army press service said

US authorities refuse to compensate $150 bln to companies for tariffs paid — FT

The business is left in the state of uncertainty as a result and more and more cases go to court, the newspaper noted

European stock markets in the red on Friday

FTSE 100, the key stock exchange index in the United Kingdom, landed at 10,284.75 points, down 1.24%

Ukraine losing race for Patriot missiles to Middle East — Russian diplomat

Russian Foreign Ministry Ambassador-at-Large Rodion Miroshnik noted that since the beginning of the crisis in the Middle East, Vladimir Zelensky has been calling Arab leaders, "trying to stay on the agenda"

Energy shock for EU will not be unnoticed — Dmitriev

This energy shock will expose the EU’s strategic energy failures in banning Russian oil and gas, the special envoy of the Russian President stated

US military says 43 Iranian vessels sunk or damaged since start of conflict

3000 targets were struck in total, the US Central Command reported

Washington examines several candidates for future governance of Iran — Trump

Donald Trump emphasized that the US "wants to go in and clean out everything" in Iran

Eight Israeli army soldiers wounded near border with Lebanon

The servicemen were evacuated

Chinese embassy warns US against disrupting energy cooperation between Beijing, Moscow

The normal economic, trade and energy cooperation between China and Russia does not target any third party, Liu Pengyu said

Biden boasts forgetting more about Putin, Xi Jinping than most people know

The former US president said that he knows more heads of state in person than any other president in US history

US to reinsure vessels carrying oil, LNG, fertilizer in Persian Gulf

The program aims to normalize shipments of oil, LNG, fertilizer, and other goods through the Strait of Hormuz amid escalation in the Middle East

Kiev accused Budapest of kidnapping people — what is known about the situation

Hungarian law enforcement agencies detained armored vehicles used to transport valuables from the Ukrainian Oschadbank on March 5

Iran not stopping Indian ships in Strait of Hormuz — Deputy Foreign Minister

Saeed Khatibzadeh urged New Delhi to ask Washington, why they attack Iranian ships in the Indian Ocean

Rubio tells Arab counterparts that conflict with Iran will last several more weeks — media

According to the US State Secretary, the United States' goal was not regime change

IN BRIEF: What is known about continuation of POW swaps between Russia, Ukraine

On March 6, 300 Russian servicemen were returned from territory controlled by the Kiev regime

EU refuses to accept Kiev early fearing sabotage of necessary reforms — Strana

The Ukrainian media has recently published a document, which allegedly sets out more expanded EU requirements for Ukraine's accession to the union

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

Azerbaijan prevents IRGC terrorist attacks — AzTV

According to the TV channel, one of the targets was the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline