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Middle East conflict

Iran hits Israeli weapons company, Israel Aerospace Industries — TV

The Iranian army said Rafael’s weapons manufacturing center develops air defense systems such as the Iron Dome, Spike missiles and cyber technologies

DOHA, March 16. /TASS/. Iran has attacked the manufacturing facilities of Israeli arms company Rafael as well as the Israel Aerospace Industries aviation corporation, SNN television channel reported.

"The army of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in response to the crimes of the American-Zionist enemy, launched drone strikes a few hours ago against important and strategic centers for the production of Rafael weapons and the Israel Aerospace Industries aviation industry of the Zionist regime," SNN quoted the Iranian army as saying.

"Rafael’s weapons manufacturing center develops air defense systems such as the Iron Dome, Spike missiles and cyber technologies for the army of the Zionist regime. Israel Aerospace Industries’ aviation industry center is engaged in the production of military aircraft, drones, missiles, air defense systems and the development of vital systems such as the Arrow missile defense shield."

US-Israeli strikes on Iran

US allows Iranian tankers to cross Strait of Hormuz — Treasury secretary

According to Scott Bessent, some Chinese ships are also leaving the Persian Gulf

Japan starts releasing oil from its national reserves to market

This oil will be sold to wholesale companies at relatively low prices consistent with the level before the start of US and Israeli strikes on Iran

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

Slovak PM plans to attend VE-Day celebrations in Moscow

Robert Fico attended the Victory Parade in Moscow on May 9. 2025

Iran hits Israeli weapons company, Israel Aerospace Industries — TV

The Iranian army said Rafael’s weapons manufacturing center develops air defense systems such as the Iron Dome, Spike missiles and cyber technologies

Yemeni Houthis threaten to block Bab el-Mandeb Strait in support of Iran

The first measure could be the official declaration of a naval blockade against the United States and the Zionist regime, an official of the Houthi military forces, Abed al-Thawr said

US oil companies fear deepening crisis due to conflict with Iran — WSJ

The heads of companies warned that "the disruption to energy flows out of the vital Strait of Hormuz waterway would continue to create volatility in global energy markets"

Putin expresses condolences to Ethiopian authorities over flooding

Torrential rains, which led to floods and landslides, occurred in southern Ethiopia on March 9-11, resulting in over 100 deaths

Almost 5,000 drones shot down over Russian regions, in special op zone in past week

As many as 436 drones were downed over Russian regions on March 15

Nuclear proliferation risks, biological threats: Lavrov’s statements

According to the top Russian diplomat, the fate of the nuclear nonproliferation regime is causing serious concern against the backdrop of the acute military-political crisis in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf zone

Hungarian experts return from Kiev without access to Druzhba pipeline

Ukrainian authorities also refused them meetings at the Energy Ministry on the issue of resuming supplies of Russian oil

Hungary will refuse to support Ukraine’s joining EU, €90 bln loan for Kiev — top diplomat

"Ukraine’s accession to the EU is out of the question, and a 20th sanctions package and a 90 billion euro loan can only be included in the agenda as soon as the Ukrainians resume oil supplies," Peter Szijjarto said

UK actor John Elford dies in prison while serving sentence for sexual assault

The cause of death is currently unknown, The Guardian reported

Press review: Iran won't compromise with US as Russia offers lifeline in Mideast crisis

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, March 10th

US strike more targets in Iran within 10 days than in two years of its war in Iraq

According to Governor of Tehran Mohammad Sadegh Motamedian, more than 9,500 targets were hit in the first 10 days of the war against Iran

US aircraft carriers prove ineffective in Middle East conflict — expert

The use of aircraft carriers proved costly and ineffective because they could be deployed relatively safely only outside the range of precision weapons, expert with the Institute of Law and National Security at the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration Alexander Stepanov told

US looking for ways to end war with Iran, IRGC claims

Spokesman Ali Mohammad Naini says "the enemy is in disarray, and within its leadership, there are accusations of a lack of strategy"

Energy crisis due to aggression against Iran to strengthen role of BRICS — expert

According to Subhashish Banerjee, the unnecessary aggressive diplomacy that has been displayed by USA and Israel using the narrative of force has aggravated the chance for the new era

Iran’s new supreme leader in good health, in charge of state affairs – foreign minister

The situation in Iran is stable, Abbas Araghchi said

Iran carries out 55th wave of missile attacks on Israel — TV

Earlier, an air raid warning was issued in central Israel

CSTO holding strategic command-staff exercise on March 16-19 — Joint Staff

The event is aimed at practicing steps related to preparing proposals for CSTO bodies to provide military and military-technical assistance to the Organization's member states

Referendum in Kazakhstan considered valid as voter turnout exceeds 50%

This referendum included 12,461,796 citizens on the voter lists

Trump surprised by Zelensky’s reluctance to strike deal on Ukraine

The US leader also added that "Vladimir Zelensky is far more difficult to make a deal with"

Russian president signs law banning GMO production

The document obliges importers of GMO products to a compulsory public registration

Large-scale invasion of Iran almost impossible, but forays likely — US expert

Trita Parsi said the United States is not capable of conducting an operation against Iran for more than a few weeks

Russian Government Bond Index up above 120 points first since last September

The RGBI Index was up by 0.44% at 120.29 points

Israel plans to continue operation against Iran for at least three weeks — IDF

The IDF's actions are determined not by the schedule, but by the completion of assigned tasks, said spokesman Brigadier General Efi Defrin

Aggression against Iran divides US administration — Mehr

According to the agency, there us no consensus in the objectives, scale, and consequences of the operation against Iran in the White House

Moscow downs 48 Ukrainian drones since beginning of day

Emergency services specialists are working at the crash site

Restoring traffic in Strait of Hormuz to take 2-3 years — former Iranian envoy to Russia

According to earlier statements by a spokesman for the Iranian Armed Forces’ Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, Iran would not allow any oil cargo related to the United States or its allies to pass through the Strait of Hormuz

No plans to take part in mission to protect ships in Hormuz Strait — top German diplomat

Johann Wadephul stresses that only talks with Iran can ensure security in the region

Russian ties with US are based on realistic assessments of their moves — diplomat

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry’s official spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow has taken note of Washington’s move to admit the previous administration’s Russophobic mistakes

IRGC conducts new strikes on US targets in Middle East

The IRGC said it intends to continue striking US and Israeli "targets, centers, and interests" until "the enemy surrenders."

Russian Consulate General in Iran’s Isfahan suspends operations

Information on the resumption of consular services will be provided later

Washington rules out 2003 Iraqi scenario in Iran — US diplomat

Mike Waltz did not rule out a pinpoint ground operation

Explosions reported in Kiev-controlled part of Zaporozhye Region

Air raid warnings are in effect on the territory

Refusal to join US war against Iran to lead to 'bad' future for NATO — Trump

The US president did not elaborate on the matter

Air defenses down 38 drones heading towards Moscow

Two more drones were destroyed since the previous report

Over 40 residential houses hit in Belgorod by Ukrainian attacks over week

Valentin Demidov said that restoration of 60 residential properties is planned for this week

Trump says he may delay visit to China due to Middle East conflict

The US president urged China to join Washington’s efforts to unblock the Strait of Hormuz

Kremlin doesn’t address media reports on Khamenei’s receiving treatment in Moscow

According to the Iranian foreign ministry, the new leader was wounded in the US-Israeli strikes but is reportedly feeling well

Iran not ready to comply with US demands — Trump

The US president says Iran will be ready "to do what they have to do" at some point

Iranian diplomat refutes reports that Iranian drones can reach California

Esmail Baghaei emphasized that Iranian drone could not cover a distance of 6,500 miles from the Persian Gulf to California

Two previous days’ attack on Moscow becomes largest over year

Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin summarized that "over the past two days, air defenses destroyed approximately 250 enemy drones as they approached Moscow and at the second line of defense"

Israel launches another series of strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanese capital

The Israel Defense Forces are targeting facilities in Beirut

EU has no money to mitigate energy shock caused by conflict in Iran — WSJ

According to the newspaper, the public debt of some European countries, particularly the UK and France, is reaching 60-year highs

Air defenses down nearly 250 drones approaching Moscow over past two days — mayor

Sergey Sobyanin thanked the air defense units for their professional work

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

Russian team is third in medal standings at Paralympic Games

Russian athletes have won eight gold, one silver, and three bronze medals

Australia will not send ships to ensure safe navigation in Hormuz Strait — minister

Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Catherine King said that Australia would provide aircraft to the UAE for defense

Russia prioritizes preserving NPT as element of strategic stability — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister stressed the necessity for all NPT signatory states to fulfill their obligations under the Treaty

Kiev hysterically trying to remind Europe of its presence by attacking Moscow — diplomat

Rodion Miroshnik said the number of downed Ukrainian drones testifies more to the growing capabilities of Russian air defenses than to the Kiev regime’s ability to inflict any significant damage

Ukraine loses 9,100 troops, mercenaries over past week — expert

Andrey Marochko said that Russia’s Battlegroup Center, operating in western areas of the Donetsk People’s Republic and the Dnepropetrovsk Region, inflicted the heaviest damage on Ukrainian troops

One Ukrainian attack on residential areas recorded in past day — DPR authorities

A residential building was damaged, no reports of civilian casualties

Ukraine fires artillery weapons 41 times on Russia’s Kursk Region in past day

Governor Alexander Khinshtein said that three people were injured in the attacks in the Korenevo settlement

Conflict with Iran not to last for months, White House says

The United States and Israel launched a military operation against Iran on February 28

One Battle After Another wins Best Picture Oscar

The film's director Paul Thomas Anderson won Best Director

Iran completes heaviest missile attack on Israel — IRGC Aerospace Force chief

According to the report, the operation successfully disrupted and destroyed key Israeli aerial surveillance systems

Press review: US tries to assemble Hormuz tanker coalition as Russia eyes new fuel markets

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, March 16th

Under Netanyahu, Israel will always be looking for external enemy — top Turkish diplomat

Hakan Fidan also criticized the Jewish state’s politics on Syria, including its strikes on military facilities and the decision to seize control of a swath of land in southern Syria

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

Several countries working to enhance existing pathogens — Lavrov

According to the Russian top diplomat, the excessive politicization of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons' activities poses a significant threat to the integrity of the non-proliferation regime

Bahrain downs 125 projectiles, over 200 drones launched from Iran — army statement

The Defense Force says cites figure "since the start of the aggression"

US, Israel spark upsurge in violence in Middle East — Russia’s envoy to UN

Vasily Nebenzya says the death toll from the US-Israeli aggression is in the hundreds

Over 11,000 new companies in Hainan benefit from ‘zero tariffs’ in past four months

According to the official, 653,000 international visitors passed through checkpoints at the Hainan Free Trade Port during this period

Kiev’s sanctions cannot diminish Russia’s success at Paralympics — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov described the Paralympic athletes' performance as very successful

Russian captain of Sea Owl I tanker placed under arrest in Sweden

He is suspected of using forged documents

Kiev stonewalls peace agreements — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister informed his Kenyan counterpart Musalia Mudavadi on the current state of the Ukrainian settlement

Russian forces strike Colombian mercenaries at a training range in Ukraine

The missile strike caused casualties among both newly recruited soldiers, including foreigners, and instructors, the mercenary specified

US using other countries to attack Iran, that’s why Tehran strikes them — diplomat

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei emphasized that Iranian attacks targeted only "military bases, facilities, and property belonging to the US

US to reinstate sanctions on Russian oil when market stabilizes — Trump

The US President stressed that he wants "to have oil for the world"

Russian stocks up as main trading session opens

The yuan exchange rate against the ruble gained 2.3 kopecks as trading opened compared with previous closing to 11.6735 rubles

US not ready to announce end of operation against Iran yet — Trump

The US president is "not declaring it over," he says

Ukrainian aircraft avoid air combat with Russian pilots — expert

Retired Major General Leonid Ivlev noted that the aircraft supplied to Kiev by the West are significantly inferior to Russian Sukhoi-series aircraft such as the Su-30 and Su-35S

Iran confirms vessels of some states cross Hormuz with Tehran's permission

According to Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei, Iran "has the right to take the necessary measures to ensure national security and prevent abuses by aggressors and their allies on this waterway"

Ukraine loses around 1,135 troops in special op zone in one day

Russian air defenses shot down 10 guided bombs and 285 fixed-wing drones of the Ukrainian army over the past day

While Europe is preparing for war, Hungary will remain island of security — Orban

Hard times are coming, the Hungarian Prime Minister noted

Putin discusses bilateral cooperation with Ethiopian PM over phone

Abiy Ahmed visited Moscow last fall to discuss cooperation between the two countries

US president says several countries ready to help secure Strait of Hormuz

When asked whether the US Navy would start escorting ships through the strait, Donald Trump said that "it’s possible"

Ukraine refused to meet Hungary, Slovakia on Druzhba pipeline — Szijjarto

Ukraine continues blocking Russian oil supplies over the Druzhba pipeline, the minister noted

Progress MS-31 cargo spaceship to depart ISS to splash down into Pacific Ocean

The freighter will free up the dock for the next cargo spaceship

White House doesn’t expect serious harm to US economy from Middle East conflict

Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council at the White House acknowledged however that the US administration will have to find solutions to a range of economic problems stemming from the Middle East conflict

Slovak PM doubts that Zelensky will ever resume oil supplies via Druzhba pipeline

Zelensky is not interested in oil reaching Slovakia and Hungary, Robert Fico says

Afghanistan’s losses in confrontation with Pakistan exceed 1,500 — Pakistani minister

More than 912 others were injured, Attaullah Tarar noted

Iran uses solid-fuel ballistic missiles to attack Israel — IRGC

Among the targets were "places of the deployment of American soldiers in the region"

Explosion reported in Ukraine’s eastern city of Kharkov

Air raid warnings are in effect for the Kharkov, Dnepropetrovsk, Sumy, and Chernigov regions

Iran vows continued fight until Trump realizes US war on it is 'wrong' — top diplomat

Abbas Araghchi also stressed that victims must be compensated

Gazprom warns Europe about problems ahead of upcoming gas storing season

Currently, underground storage facilities in Germany, France, and the Netherlands are filled to 18.1%, Gazprom CEO Alexey Miller told

Kazakhstan to vote on new constitution

The amendments were proposed by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in September 2025

British PM refuses to send warships to Strait of Hormuz — newspaper

According to the sources cited by The Daily Telegraph, the refusal may worsen his relations with the US president

Moscow boosting mass production of Yolka interceptor drones

According to a representative of the official manufacturer, work is underway to improve the Yolka’s target accuracy, lethality, and maneuverability

FACTBOX: History of Crimea’s reunification with Russia

A treaty on Crimea’s and Sevastopol’s accession to Russia was signed on March 18, 2014

Daniil Medvedev advances to Indian Wells Masters finals

In the final, he will face Jannik Sinner, who is ranked number two in ATP standings

Ukraine attacks Russia’s Belgorod Region with more than 50 drones in past 24 hours

The regional government reported that a man was injured as a result of a drone detonation in the village of Moshchenoye

Organizers of Paralympic Games in Italy hand over Paralympic flag to France

The next Paralympic Games are to take place in March 2030

Fire at oil depot in Krasnodar Region, 145 UAVs downed: aftermath of attack on regions

Governor Alexander Gusev said that buildings of an industrial enterprise were damaged in a drone attack in the Voronezh Region

US once demanded Iran capitulate, now asks for assistance in Hormuz — Iran’s top diplomat

Abbas Araghchi said the strait had only been closed to Iran's adversaries and those who committed the act of aggression against the country

Iran used hypersonic missile to attack Haifa — news agency

Medium-range ballistic missiles Emad, Ghadr and Kheibar Shekan were used to strike the territory of Israel

Over 87% of voters in Kazakhstan approve new constitution in referendum

The voter turnout was 73.12%

Lavrov, top Kenyan diplomat to hold talks in Moscow

The officials plan to discuss cooperation in economic, trade, humanitarian and other fields

Russia's military to find solution to problem of drone dominance on battlefield — expert

Retired Major General Leonid Ivlev noted that the Ukrainian conflict has led to a leap forward in military art and constantly poses new challenges for the military-industrial complex