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US decision to ease sanctions on Russian oil to deepen rift with EU — NYT

Brussels doesn’t want the economic pressure on Russia to ease

NEW YORK, March 13. /TASS/. The US administration’s decision to ease sanctions on Russian oil could deepen the rift between Europe and the US, The New York Times (NYT) wrote.

Europe has expressed skepticism about Washington’s decision to launch an operation against Iran, which has hit the energy market. Brussels also doesn’t want the economic pressure on Russia to ease.

Earlier, the US Department of the Treasury removed sanctions against operations on the sale of oil and petroleum products from Russia loaded onto vessels before March 12. The general license published by the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) authorizes such transactions until April 11.

The easing of US oil sanctions will affect roughly 100 mln barrels of Russian oil, Special Representative of Russian President for investment and economic cooperation with foreign countries, Chief Executive Officer of Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) Kirill Dmitriev said. The US has effectively acknowledged that the global market cannot remain stable without Russian oil, he added.

Macron states the need for restoring Druzhba pipeline functioning as soon as possible

"It is important, in the first instance, to ensure full transparency," the French president said

EU diplomacy chief sees US president using hostile tactics to divide Europe

Kaja Kallas acknowledged that Brussels and Washington have a "very complicated relationship"

ZALA recon drone crew in LPR conducts up to seven sorties per day — soldier

According to UAV crew chief of the 7th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade of Battlegroup South, call sign "Casper," the flight duration depends on the type of mission and weather conditions

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

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

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

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

Moldova's Dniester River contaminated with oil coming from Ukraine

The latest samples taken near the village of Naslavcha showed level 5 contamination, a significant deviation from the norm that poses a risk to human health

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

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

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

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

Colombians help recruit compatriots into Ukraine's army — POW

According to the POW, the recruiter prepared the full set of documents required for travel to Ukraine, including a request from the head of the military-civilian administration of Zaporozhye, allegedly to take part in construction work

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"

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

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

Czech President rules out purchase of Russian energy resources

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

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

Some WMD nonproliferation bodies want to 'play politics' — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister expressed Moscow's support for the values of the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization

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

Abbas Araghchi says Washington turned down the proposal

Brent prices soaring on ICE — market data

Brent prices gained 10.19% to $101.35 a barrel

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 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

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

Russia, IAEA holding intergovernmental consultations in Moscow

The delegations are led by Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev and IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi

Japan’s deployment of offensive weapons threatens regional peace — newspaper

As the article points out, Japan’s rush to push forward 'remilitarization' represents a continuation of policies driven by conservative political forces in recent years to pursue the status of a major military power

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

Air raid sirens sounded in the Tel Aviv area

Iran counts on BRICS to help stabilize regional, global situation — foreign minister

Abbas Araghchi stressed the need for international and regional organizations to condemn the military aggression unleashed against Iran

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

Israel, US strike eastern Tehran — agency

No reports about damage or casualties are available at this point

Pakistan launches new airstrikes on Afghanistan, killing four

Facilities in Kabul as well as in Kandahar, Paktia and Paktika provinces came under attack

Serbia has no plans to join NATO, will remain neutral — president

Aleksandar Vucic says Serbia, NATO maintain "consistent relations"

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

Central Iranian city of Arak bombed — TV

No information on damage or casualties is available so far

US de-facto admitted that Russian oil crucial for market stability — presidential envoy

Kirill Dmitriev says that the abolishment of restrictions concerns about 100 million barrels of Russian oil

Russian Lancet drone destroys Ukrainian army’s substation in Slavyansk at 60 km distance

The Lancet UAV crew has thus demonstrated its ability to deliver strikes on enemy critical infrastructure and disrupt the operation of its military installations, the UAV crew commander with the call sign Kasper stressed

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

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

Almost 60 wounded in missile attack on northern Israel — newspaper

A building was damaged. Bomb squads are working in the area

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: 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

Moscow, Tehran maintain daily contact — Russian envoy to UK

Andrey Kelin noted the strategic partnership between Moscow and Tehran

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"

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

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

Iran attacks IDF headquarters in Beersheba area in Israel on March 13

According to the statement, the strikes on other Israeli army facilities will further continue

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

Russia, US have similar interests in stabilizing energy markets now — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov noted that the Kremlin sees the actions of the American side as an attempt to stabilize energy markets

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

US sees no evidence of Russia helping Iran — envoy to NATO

Matthew Whitaker mentioned an earlier conversation where "the Russians" told Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff they were not "participating with the Iranians"

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

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

Islamic Resistance in Iraq said it attacked another US plane

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq movement says the crew escaped

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

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

The license allows transactions with Russian fuel before April 11

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

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

Russia controls 90% of Donbass, ambassador to UK says

"The situation in Ukraine itself is that it is steadily moving towards defeat," Andrey Kelin said

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

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

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

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

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

FACTBOX: Over 170 drones downed over Russian regions, Sevastopol drone attack aftermath

Several homes sustained damage from drone debris, with no casualties reported

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

Attack on USS Abraham Lincoln, fears of migration crisis: Middle East conflict

Some European countries fear that the US and Israeli military operation against Iran could trigger a massive influx of migrants, testing the European Union's reformed asylum system

NATO not participating in military operations in Middle East — Military Committee head

Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone chose not to speculate on how long the conflict could last

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

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

Press review: US eyes unblocking Strait of Hormuz as Israel moves to expand ops in Lebanon

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, March 13th

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

One DPR civilian wounded in Ukrainian attacks in past day

Two houses were damaged as a result of the attack

US burns through 'years' of munitions since start of Iran War — FT

According to the newspaper, the rapid arms consumption is increasing pressure on the administration of US President Donald Trump

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

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

Iran claims to have struck US aircraft carrier in Persian Gulf

Iran’s IRGC said the US vessel had left the Persian Gulf and was fleeing back to the United States

US vice president opposed Trump’s decision to launch Iran war — Politico

JD Vance is "skeptical," is "worried about success" and "just opposes" the Iran war, the officials revealed

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

Ten medical workers killed in Ukrainian attack on healthcare facility in DPR

The Russian Investigative Committee added that 10 people, including nine medical workers, sustained injuries

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

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

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

Russia says formulates proposals on Iranian settlement, contacts underway

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova refrained from elaborating on it

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"

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

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

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

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

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

A projectile damaged several houses in the community of Zarzir

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

Iran made it clear to Arab countries it is unwilling to end conflict with US — Axios

The report indicates that Iran remains unwilling to de-escalate the conflict until it receives concrete international assurances that aggression against the country will not resume

Question of lifting anti-Russian sanctions raised during Japan’s ruling party meeting

Lawmaker Muneo Suzuki noted that Japan could use its geographical advantage to replace oil and gas supplies from the Middle East

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"

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

Mojtaba Khamenei confirmed the deaths of his sister and wife

Attacker of Michigan synagogue shot dead — media

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

FACTBOX: What is known about US softening of sanctions against Russian oil

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent claimed that Russia would not benefit significantly from the temporary easing of sanctions

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

China urges US not to supply Taiwan with weapons — MFA

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun said that the US should take specific actions to ensure the stable development of China-US relations and maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait

American sailors set fire to USS Gerald R. Ford to avoid fighting — Iranian army

On March 12, the US Naval Forces Central Command reported that a fire broke out on board the USS Gerald R. Ford

Russia necessary for mitigating global energy crisis — presidential envoy

Kirill Dmitriev says European politicians will have to admit their energy policy mistakes

Islamic Resistance in Iraq claims responsibility for downing US refueling plane

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

Israel destroys one of Hezbollah financial network offices in Beirut

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

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

Iraqi radical groups say they carried out over 30 attacks on US sites in past day

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq says the armed groups used drones and missiles for the strikes

US-Israeli operation against Iran to last for at least another 2-3 weeks — media

The officials are "accounting for the possibility US President Donald Trump makes an abrupt decision if he concludes his objectives have been met"