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European Council to discuss Iran, Ukraine on March 19 — Costa

The situation in Lebanon, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank is also on the agenda

BRUSSELS, March 13. /TASS/. European Council President Antonio Costa is convoking a meeting of the heads of the EU states and governments on March 19 to discuss the situation in the Middle East and Ukraine.

"Dear colleagues, I would like to invite you to our March European Council, that will take place on 19 March," an invitation letter reads. "We will <…> discuss the situation in Iran and the [Middle Eastern] region."

Other issues on the agenda include the situation in Ukraine, Lebanon, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

Among those invited are UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, President of the European Central Bank Christine Lagarde, and Eurogroup President Kyriakos Pierrakakis.

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US-Israeli strikes on Iran

At least 33 wounded in strike on residential building in north Israel — Ynet

A projectile damaged several houses in the community of Zarzir

Iran threatens Israel with imminent destruction

The destruction of the Zionist regime and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the territory of Palestine, in which all religions and denominations will be represented, is near, the Iranian army said

Russian tech firm develops new long-range loitering munition

The new drone features high speed and maneuverability that allow it to use different flight paths to bypass enemy air defenses

US prepares provocations to accuse Russia of using tactical nuclear weapons

According to Chief of Russian Radiation, Chemical, and Biological Protection Force Igor Kirillov, the plan is a reaction to Russia’s success in the special operation

Russian troops enter Sumy Region in certain border areas — General Staff chief

Russian units continue to destroy enemy reserves and expand the security zone, Army General Valery Gerasimov said

Kamikaze drones successfully used in Russia’s special operation in Ukraine — defense firm

The KUB and Lancet drones are quite quick, quiet, easy to use, capable of covering a distance of tens of kilometers and feature high accuracy," Rostec said

Zelensky on edge hearing what was discussed in Putin-Trump call — expert

Viktor Medvedchuk emphasized that, amid the conflict in the Middle East, Vladimir Zelensky continues to treat his own people like expendable material

Russia’s Provod fiber-optic drones effectively deployed in special military op zone

The drones are equipped with coils of 25, 30, and 36 kilometers

Tanker freight rates via Strait of Hormuz jump 600% — IEA

Approximately 98% of oil exported via the strait is transported on Very Large Crude Carriers

US 'confession' on HIMARS, calls for settlement: latest on war in Middle East

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi noted that "nobody should complain" if Iran’s missiles destroy the launchers

One DPR civilian wounded in Ukrainian attacks in past day

Two houses were damaged as a result of the attack

Middle East conflict triggers largest oil supply disruption in global history — IEA

The International Energy Agency noted that producers and consumers worldwide are already feeling the impact of the crisis

During talks, Iran proposed formally sealing its refusal from nuclear ambitions — minister

Abbas Araghchi says Washington turned down the proposal

Gas reserves in Poland’s storage facilities fall to 50%

On March 3, Poland’s Energy Minister Milosz Motyka said that the country’s existing gas reserves would be sufficient for several months, and that reductions in supplies from the Middle East would not have a negative impact on the country’s energy situation

Tehran to leave neighbors alone if US banned from using their territory for strikes — MFA

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei stressed that Iran has no hostile intentions towards the peoples and countries of the region

Bank of Russia sets official dollar rate at 79.07 rubles for March 13

The official euro rate was reduced by 54.85 kopecks to 91.3893 rubles

Russia can maintain high operational tempo longer than Ukraine — Pentagon

Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Kruse added that 'both sides would have a significant challenge maintaining their defense industrial base'

Belarus bolsters security at its nuclear power plant against drones

A total of 173 violators were detained in the restricted zone

Press review: Trump floats sanctions relief as oil soars and Israel's nuclear shadow looms

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, March 11th

TotalEnergies halts oil, gas production in Qatar, Iraq and on UAE shelf

Onshore oil production in the UAE "is not affected by the conflict, as it is exported through the Fujairah terminal," TotalEnergies said

IMO Council to discuss Middle East conflict at extraordinary session

The session will be held on March 18-19

Strike on school in Iran demonstrates danger of military AI use — FT

According to the report, combat is never as pristine as the technology is designed to be

No refugee flow from Middle East yet — Russian Foreign Ministry

According to the statement, the environmental damage from the strikes on the oil storages in Tehran and its suburbs has yet to be assessed

US Navy refuses requests for military escorts through Strait of Hormuz — agency

According to the sources, the US Navy says the risk of attacks is too high

FACTBOX: Liberation of Kursk Region territories during special military operation

Since the beginning of the special military operation in February 2022, border areas of the Kursk Region, as well as the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant and the city of Kurchatov, have repeatedly come under shelling and drone attacks

India receives large LNG batches every day — Petroleum Minister

India has sufficient gas production and supply arrangements to sustain this position even in the event of a prolonged conflict, Hardeep Singh Puri said

Passenger flow of RF’s aviation companies to grow to 63-64 million

In 2010, Russian aviation companies served 56.9 million passengers

European Council to discuss Iran, Ukraine on March 19 — Costa

The situation in Lebanon, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank is also on the agenda

Arms control is collapsing, as evidenced by strike on Iran — expert

Nelson Wong said the global order no longer reflects the complex reality of the modern world

Military camp in southern Baghdad comes under attack — portal

According to the source, the facility was struck from the air, and plumes of smoke rose into the sky

Iraqi tankers can cross Strait of Hormuz — Iran’s ambassador to Baghdad

Two tankers were attacked in the Iraqi waters a day before the statement

Central Iranian city of Arak bombed — TV

No information on damage or casualties is available so far

Russia dissatisfied with UNSC approval of Bahrain's Middle East resolution — MFA

Russian Foreign Ministry’s Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova also criticized the Bahraini authors for refusing to incorporate any of Russia’s or China’s proposed amendments, describing the draft as unbalanced

US makes money on high oil prices but Iran issue is more important — Trump

Donald Trump said the United States is the largest oil producer in the world

US lifts sanctions on Russian oil loaded on vessels before March 12 — Treasury Department

The license allows transactions with Russian fuel before April 11

West should think long and hard why Ukraine is begging it for nukes — Russian diplomat

"In fact, one gets the impression that European elites have no ability at all to think strategically," Maria Zakharova said

Mobilization in Ukraine carried out via methods unthinkable in 21st century — Russian MFA

Maria Zakharova emphasized that "these are the worst global practices"

Israel destroys one of Hezbollah financial network offices in Beirut

According to the source, there is no information about the dead or injured

Islamic Resistance in Iraq claims responsibility for downing US refueling plane

The representatives for the movement say "suitable weapons" were used for the purpose

Iranian cyberattack disables Israel’s railway system — Iranian news agency

According to the report, all of the railway stations are "not safe until further notice"

Russia’s Army 2018 exhibition to showcase 600 weapon systems

The forum will be held on August 21-26

Turkey did not use Russia’s S-400 missile systems to repel Iran attacks — ministry

According to the statement, the most suitable defense element is determined by considering the rules of engagement and the current operational situation

Press review: Could Iran mine Strait of Hormuz and war riles American public

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, March 12th

Ukrainian drones strike Russian regions, spark oil depot fire, 80 downed

No casualties were reported

Russia's permanent OPCW rep suggests West falsified Navalny results

The prolonged presence of the biomaterials of Navalny's on the territory of one of the Western countries could have precipitated the deliberate introduction of synthetic epibatidine into their composition to falsify the results of the analysis

IN BRIEF: Russian court hands sentences to Crocus City Hall attackers, accomplices

The court confiscated the apartment and the car that the accomplices had provided to the attackers

Russia says formulates proposals on Iranian settlement, contacts underway

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova refrained from elaborating on it

Chukotka universal nuclear-powered icebreaker to be floated in St. Petersburg November 6

Project 22220 universal nuclear-powered icebreakers are the largest and most powerful icebreaking vessels in the world

Iran's 37th wave of attacks on Israel, US facilities most powerful since start of war — TV

According to the TV channel, the duration of several attacks carried out using missiles and drones was at least three hours

Russia's Emergencies Ministry delivers humanitarian aid for Iran to Azerbaijan

The medications will be handed over to authorized representatives of the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran

Breakthrough innovations, new threats to humanity: Medvedev's statements

According to the Russian politician, modern technological progress is unprecedented in its speed, and humanity was not prepared for such rapid changes

Iranian embassy in Vienna has no information about strikes on 'Taleghan' center

According to the Israeli army's press service, the "Taleghan" compound was "utilized by the regime to advance critical capabilities for developing nuclear weapons"

Iranian football team still welcome in US for 2026 FIFA World Cup, says Trump

The US president still added that he does not believe "it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety"

Russian stock market indices in the green on Thursday — market data

The MOEX Russia Index gained 0.63% to 2,872.08 points, while the RTS Index added 0.6% to 1,144.3 points

Romania requests US waiver to restart Lukoil refinery

According to the country’s Energy Minister Bogdan Ivan, the refinery accounts for "approximately 21% of Romania's total refining capacity"

Central African Republic seeks to host Russian base — official

Fidel Ngouandika said that the existing infrastructure in Berengo permits the deployment of up to 10,000 servicemen

Gazprom says attack repelled on its TurkStream, Blue Stream pipelines infrastructure

On March 12, 2026, early in the morning, air strikes again targeted the Russkaya and Beregovaya compressor stations

West’s 'pro-Ukrainian madness' can’t last forever, Medvedev says

The senior Russian official noted that "the hackneyed, artificially inflated concerns about the fate of the non-existent 'Country 404' will soon be replaced by an awareness of the need to respond to far more serious global challenges and threats"

Russian alpine skier Voronchikhina wins silver at 2026 Paralympics in Giant Slalom

The Russian athlete clocked an aggregate time of 2 minutes 25.26 seconds following her two runs to secure the silver medal

Israel attacks Hezbollah command centers in Beirut, southern Lebanon

According to the Israeli military, the facilities were used "to advance terror attacks against the State of Israel and its civilians"

Iran warns against attacks on its energy infrastructure

A representative of Khatam al-Anbiya, the central headquarters of the Iranian army, says that otherwise Iran would destroy all oil and gas infrastructure of interest to the US in the region

Tretiak re-elected as president of Russian Ice Hockey Federation

Vladislav Tretiak has been at the helm of the national ice hockey federation since 2006

Russia, China oppose holding UNSC meeting to discuss Sanctions Committee report on Iran

During the procedural vote, 11 Security Council members voted in favor

Kiev set to escalate and takes out its anger for defeats on civilians — Zakharova

The Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman added that the Ukrainian army’s attacks on civilians "demonstrate an obvious intention to escalate the conflict on the part of" Ukraine

Conflict in Iran to become 'beginning of end' for United Nations — Iranian MFA

Esmaeil Baghaei said this organization failed to take the correct position regarding the aggression against Iran

US distorts facts claiming that Tehran enriched uranium to 60% — envoy to UN

Amir-Saeid Iravani says Washington "ignores the real root of the situation"

IN BRIEF: What is known about newest Ukrainian attack on TurkStream infrastructure

The Russian Defense Ministry specified that no damage was caused to the facility

Six French citizens wounded in drone attack in northern Iraq — TV

The incident occurred during a strike on a base of a Kurdish militia group

US not going to give carveouts for Russian oil — energy secretary

According to Chris Wright, the US administration is "focused on results"

Russian Navy ships, Japanese destroyer carry out joint maneuvering in drills

As part of the joint naval maneuvers in the Arabian Sea, the Russian Navy guard ship and the Japanese destroyer freed a vessel notionally seized by pirates, the Baltic Fleet informed

Russia’s small anti-submarine ship conducts live fire exercises in Baltic Sea

The crew of the Kabardino-Balkaria ship laid defensive minefields in designated areas using dummy bottom and moored mines

Hormuz and US-Israel compensation: statement by new supreme leader of Iran

Mojtaba Khamenei confirmed the deaths of his sister and wife

Hungary loses 19 bln euro due to EU sanctions against Russia — Orban

The Hungarian prime minister reminded that the EU has to decide by January 31 whether to prolong the sanctions against Russia imposed over the conflict in Ukraine for another six months

Ukrainian aircraft used for Bryansk strikes may have taken off from Odessa region

The Ukrainian military launched a missile strike on Bryansk on March 10

Iranian General Staff says US refueling aircraft was downed over western Iraq

The Central Command of the US armed forces said that the plane had been lost not due to hostile fire or friendly fire

Russian MFA highlights Iran's right to self-defense

Maria Zakharova stressed that it was crucial for all parties involved in the current conflict in the Middle East to exercise common sense and restraint

Russian troops pound Ukrainian army’s energy, transport infrastructure over past day

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,325 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

Western plans for nuclear weapons for Kiev 'aggressive, stupid' — Russian MFA

Adversaries in Western Europe are effectively losing the last remnants of their self-preservation instinct, Maria Zakharova said

Czech President rules out purchase of Russian energy resources

Petr Pavel said that Prague reduced its dependence on Russian energy sources

Urals oil prices gain $17.35 per barrel amid conflict in the Middle East — IEA

According to the International Energy Agency, the discount to the North Sea Dated oil blend remained almost the same

Brent prices soaring on ICE — market data

Brent prices gained 10.19% to $101.35 a barrel

Israel comes under new missile fire from Iran during Netanyahu’s press conference

Air raid sirens sounded in the Tel Aviv area

What we know about Russian presidential envoy’s meeting with US officials in Florida

According to Kirill Dmitriev, the meeting addressed both promising projects that can help restore Russia-US relations and the current crisis on global energy markets

Vessels transiting Strait of Hormuz must adhere to wartime laws — Iranian armed forces

The Iranian Armed Forces headquarters noted that this will allow the ships to avoid accidental shelling

Some 50,000 Russian servicemen to get Ratnik-2 ‘soldier of future’ gear

The second-generation Ratnik gear kits will be procured for servicemen of the Land Force, Airborne Troops and the marines of the Russian Navy

Kiev's use of chemicals, West's anti-Russian campaign: statements by envoy to OPCW

The actions of the US and Israel constitute a serious violation of Iran's sovereignty, the UN Charter, and international law, Vladimir Tarabrin pointed out

Trucks with Russian medicines for Iran cross Azerbaijani-Iranian border — agency

According to it, after appropriate procedures the passage of vehicles with medicines sent through the Astara border checkpoint was ensured

Russia’s nuclear-powered submarine Kazan conducts missile-firing exercise in Barents Sea

The Northern Fleet reported that, according to live recording data, the Oniks missile’s warhead hit the sea target

FACTBOX: Iran's new supreme leader injured, over 1,800 dead in Mideast conflict escalation

At least 12,500 people have been injured in Iran, Lebanon, and Israel since the escalation of the Middle East conflict began

Ukraine’s refusal to discuss Druzhba condition with Hungarian experts absurd — Orban

The Hungarian prime minister asked the head of the delegation, Deputy Energy Minister of Hungary Gabor Czepek, to continue seeking after a meeting with representatives of the Ukrainian QEnergy Ministry and inspect some infrastructural facilities of the pipeline

US may form international coalition for vessels in Strait of Hormuz — Bessent

The US treasury secretary refuted information that Iran had allegedly mined the Strait of Hormuz

Russia to hold TV linkup with over 40 countries on Ukraine’s crimes on March 19

Foreign Ministry’s Ambassador-at-Large Rodion Miroshnik says Russia will offer a detailed picture of the Belgorod Region crimes

US is reshaping energy landscape to suit its own needs — Russian MFA

The United States of America is essentially bankrupt, Maria Zakharova said

Vessels may pass through Strait of Hormuz with permission from Iranian Navy — MFA

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said that Iran does not want the strait to become unsafe

Kiev brings Colombian mercenaries to Ukraine under construction job cover — document

Evidence was found on the phone of Colombian mercenary Jose Luis Pocheco Navarra

Islamic Resistance in Iraq said it attacked another US plane

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq movement says the crew escaped

Attacker of Michigan synagogue shot dead — media

One of the guards was wounded, his life is not in danger

Legendary Chelyuskin: triumph or tragedy

The Chelyuskin expedition was to pass the Northern Sea Route within one navigation season

Iranian diplomat blames US for navigation problems in Strait of Hormuz

Iranian Permanent Representative to the United Nations Amir-Saeid Iravani says that Iran is fully committed to the law of the sea

Trump says US can destroy Iran's electric power network in one hour

"It'll be almost impossible for them to rebuild their country," the US president said

Northern Sea Route is good alternative to Suez Canal — Russian transport minister

Andrey Nikitin said the Northern Sea Route turns out to be even quicker