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Middle East conflict

Saudi Arabia’s port of Yanbu comes under aerial attack — Reuters

The port is currently the kingdom’s only export outlet for oil, the agency said

LONDON, March 19. /TASS/. Yanbu, a Red Sea port city in western Saudi Arabia, was targeted in an aerial attack on Thursday morning, Reuters reported, citing an industry source who said there was minimal impact.

The port is currently the kingdom’s only export outlet for oil, Reuters said, adding that Saudi Aramco did not immediately comment on the report.

Last night, Iran’s public broadcaster claimed that the Islamic Republic had delivered a missile strike on an oil refinery in Yanbu.

Belarus Western Operational Command holding military drills March 19-25 — Defense Ministry

According to Major General Pavel Muraveiko, "the exercise is one of the main events in the ongoing combat readiness inspection and is purely defensive in nature"

Foreign minister says Israel wants peace with Lebanon, but without Hezbollah

Gideon Saar opined that the movement "has taken over Lebanon" and is acting according to Iran’s interests

Russia’s trilateral talks with US, Ukraine now paused — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov added that the Russian President’s special envoy for economic cooperation with foreign countries Kirill Dmitriev continues his work within the framework of the Russia-US bilateral group

NATO supports Ukraine, not the US — Russian envoy

Kirill Dmitriev commented on a post on the NATO’s official account, which stated that it continues to support Ukraine

Russian Pacific Fleet's submarine completes deep-sea dive in Japanese waters

The event was conducted as part of scheduled combat training

Pentagon seeks additional $200 billion for military campaign in Iran — WP

According to the newspaper, this is an enormous new ask that is almost certain to run into resistance from lawmakers opposed to the conflict

Russia to continue helping Iran — Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova noted that Iran was facing terrible trials

Top diplomats of 12 Arab, Islamic countries call Iran’s strikes 'unjustified' — communique

Participants of the Riyadh meeting also confirmed that Arab countries of the Persian Gulf "have the right to defend themselves"

Ukrainian army outraged over Zelensky sharing military intel with King Charles

Former speaker of the Verkhovna Rada and MP Dmitry Razumkov explained that, under the law, sharing photos or videos from the front lines is a treasonous offense

About 90 ships pass Strait of Hormuz since outset of Middle East escalation — AP

The latest passages through the Strait of Hormuz show the strait was "closed selectively against some traffic, while still functioning for Iranian exports and a narrow set of approved non-Iranian movements"

Ukraine is secondary problem just weakening EU, Orban says

He also remarked that European countries should prioritize the development of security, peace, and long-term stability rather than defeating Russia

Attempts to bypass Hungary’s veto to affect future of entire EU — top diplomat

Peter Szijjarto noted that the Germans "do not take no for an answer"

EU ban on Russian oil would seriously harm Europe’s economy — Szijjarto

The minister noted that amid a shortage of oil on the global market, Europe would find itself in the most vulnerable position compared to other regions of the world

Conflict around Iran to push back global trade system — official

Nikolay Patrushev emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz had been a connecting link for international logistical chains for years

Bahrain, Kuwait to keep their airspace closed

Flights over Bahrain and Kuwait will be prohibited until 4:00 p.m. GMT

US, Israel strike Iran’s main Caspian port Bandar Anzali

No casualties were reported

Qatari firefighters still unable to extinguish blaze at Ras Laffan facility

The emirate’s interior ministry said that there were no casualties

Fire in Qatar’s Ras Laffan contained — Interior Ministry

According to the statement, cooling and site-securing operations are still ongoing

Brent oil price reaches $112 per barrel for first time since March 9, 2025 — trade data

By 3:50 a.m. Moscow time, the futures slowed down their growth trading at $111.84 per barrel

Iran says it attacked Saudi refinery in Yanbu — TV

By attacking the facility, Iran dealt a blow to an alternative route of the United States bypassing the Strait of Hormuz, the TV channel said

Pakistan temporarily suspends military operation against Afghanistan

In view of the upcoming Islamic festival of Eid-ul-Fitr the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan has decided to temporarily announce pause amidst the ongoing Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq

Seoul to face negative consequences if it supplies weapons to Kiev — Russian diplomat

Maria Zakharova recalled that "Russia’s principled position on this issue has been clearly and comprehensively conveyed to the South Korean side through diplomatic channels"

Russian troops liberate Aleksandrovka community in Donetsk region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted roughly 180 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed two US-made armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Iran’s nuclear weapons issue depends on new leader’s position — top diplomat

Iran’s nuclear doctrine has been a peaceful one, and Tehran has always sought to exercise its rights to benefit from peaceful nuclear energy, Abbas Araghchi stressed

Trump says Israel to refrain from attacking Iran’s South Pars Gas Field

"No more attacks will be made by Israel pertaining to this extremely important and valuable South Pars Field," the US leader said

Disruptions in oil, gas supplies leading to production halt — Kremlin aide

"Constraints of energy resource supplies will inevitably lead to a halt of energy-intensive production facilities in Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia and the European Union member-countries," Nikolay Patrushev said

Escalation of the Iran-US conflict could trigger a global gas shortage — expert

If LNG plants are damaged, Qatar will be sidelined from the export expansion race for a long time, triggering a new spike in gas prices

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

Iranian authorities confirm death of Larijani, appoint successors

The politician died due to the US and Israeli strikes on Iran

Russia needs to build import-independent maritime economy — Patrushev

The official noted that the risk of terrorist attacks and sabotage against vessels heading to Russian ports remained high

Oil prices to surge if conflict in Middle East lasts longer — Russian Foreign Ministry

"A further and higher spike is not ruled out if the contract lasts longer - $150; $200 per barrel were said," Maria Zakharova said

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

Countering 56 countries waging terror: remarks by Russia's top security official

Sergey Shoigu said that amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, the threat of terrorist attacks against critical infrastructure is becoming "even more imminent and widespread"

Europe lacks strong leaders, Orban says

According to him, "in Europe the general conviction is that strong leader is a bad thing, because strong leader represents danger

India increases naval presence to escort vessels near Strait of Hormuz

According to the report, the Indian Navy has dispatched at least six ships, including logistics support vessels

Losses due to situation with Iran may be up to 2% of global GDP — Russian Foreign Ministry

"An increase in costs of baseline foods can be observed as early as in the near time due to the increase of energy prices, more expensive logistics and contraction of sowing areas," Maria Zakharova noted

Budget constraints, slowing investment hamper Russia’s economic growth — minister

Maxim Reshetnikov pointed to the main task set by the country’s president — achieving a trajectory of long-term economic growth

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

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

Hungary is in the EU for access to markets — PM Orban

"Unfortunately, direction to where the European Union is moving in terms of values, has nothing to do with the values what we confess and believe in," Viktor Orban said

Israeli army says Iranian minister of intelligence was killed in targeted strike on Tehran

The Israeli Air Force, acting on IDF intelligence, eliminated Esmaeil Khatib on Wednesday night

Ukraine to lose conflict due to shortage of soldiers — prisoner

He also added that the Ukrainian military command "feeds its soldiers with promises," assuring them of an imminent rotation in the Sumy region

West targeting Iran at OPCW — Russian permanent envoy

Vladimir Tarabrin warned that any other countries that, for political, economic, or other reasons, "do not suit the Euro-Atlanticists" could be "next in line"

Putin offers condolences to Khamenei over Larijani’s death — Iranian state TV

The Russian leader described Ali Larijani as a wise and forward-thinking politician whom he had met on many occasions

Orban sees Europe's disregard for Russia's interests behind special military operation

As the Hungarian prime minister stressed, Moscow "made it clear from the very first point that if NATO is moving to the Russian border, accepting Ukraine is a member, that would be a reason for war"

Iran carries out strikes on four Israeli cities, US bases in Middle East

According to the IRGC, all US military bases in the Middle East, including the Al Dhafra, Ali Al Salem and Al-Azraq facilities, once again came under attack

Iran miscalculated thinking that Gulf countries will not respond — top Saudi diplomat

Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud emphasized that "the remaining trust in Iran has been totally undermined"

Annual inflation in Russia down to 5.79% from March 11 to 16 — Economy Ministry

The price growth rates declined for foods to 0.55%

Six Indian ships carrying 300,000 tons of LNG stuck in Strait of Hormuz — ministry

A total of 22 Indian vessels carrying oil, LNG, chemicals, and petroleum products are stuck in the Strait of Hormuz

Saudi Arabia, other Gulf countries to respond to escalation with escalation — top diplomat

Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud accused Iran of resorting to "blackmail aimed at achieving its political goals"

South Korean authorities discuss Russian oil imports with companies — newspaper

According to the report, South Korea purchased Russian oil last time in April 2022

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

US operation against Iran accelerates energy market redivision — Marine Board Chairman

Colossal environmental damage to the Persian Gulf area was inflicted

Hungary’s PM supports Russian participation in European security system

Viktor Orban stressed that Russia should not be pushed out from the European trade and energy system as well

Russia urges all parties to conflict around Iran to de-escalate — diplomat

Russia continues to view de-escalation as imperative, along with the swift cessation of destructive hostilities - which most severely affect the civilian populations of both Iran and the Persian Gulf states, Maria Zakharova said

At least 14 drones downed over Sevastopol — governor

According to preliminary reports, there were no casualties

EU openly interfering in Hungary’s domestic affairs — Orban

The Hungarian government has repeatedly accused EU leaders and officials of attempting to interfere in the country’s internal affairs in order to support the opposition party Tisza

Attack on Iran's gas infrastructure marks new conflict stage — parliament speaker

The enemy is enraged "and wants to cover up its failures on the battlefield," Majlis Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said

Putin’s order on possible withdrawal from EU energy markets being worked out — Kremlin

The energy market is currently experiencing serious turmoil due to the war around Iran, Dmitry Peskov noted

Price of Brent oil surpasses $113 per barrel on London’s ICE first since March 9

The price of futures contracts of WTI crude oil for May 2026 delivery was up by 1.08% at $96.49 per barrel

Press review: US, Russia may agree on Crimea as US, Israel differ on Iran war

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, March 18th

Pentagon seeks billions of dollars to replenish its stockpiles of munitions

Some US administration officials believe that receiving $200 billion for these needs would be unrealistic

IOC needs to stop its 'tricks' and keep sports free from politics — Putin

According to the Russian president, sports should stand out as a beacon for people and the IOC should return to the principles outlined by the founder of the Olympic movement, Pierre de Coubertin

Fire breaks out at ship near UAE coast, hit by projectile

The incident occurred incident 11 nautical miles east of Khawr Fakkan

Ukrainian strike damages high-voltage power line supplying Energodar — mayor

Power supply services are working intensively to get the situation under control

US ready for military dialogue with Russia to ensure strategic stability — Pentagon

Daniel Zimmermann said that the US remains interested in strategic stability and maintaining channels for military deconfliction and de-escalation with Russia, which have for decades reduced the chances of miscalculation between the militaries

Attack on Bushehr nuke, European illusion of Russian defeat: Foreign Ministry statements

A solution to the navigation problems in the Strait of Hormuz "must be sought at the negotiating table," Maria Zakharova noted

EU agrees on 90 billion euro loan to Kiev breaking Hungary's veto — Bulgarian radio

On Tuesday European Council President Antonio Costa demanded that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban adhere to the decision adopted at the December summit, in which Budapest also participated

Brent oil price reaches $110 per barrel for first time since March 9, 2025 — trade data

By 11:15 p.m. Moscow time, Brent futures accelerated their growth by 6.97%, trading at $110.71 per barrel

Putin proposes Medvedev for position of United Russia leader

In his opinion it would be appropriate to nominate Dmitry Medvedev

Mercedes-Benz registers 'Mercedes-Benz' trademark in Russia

The application for registration was filed with the Federal Service for Intellectual Property on September 10, 2025

US, Israel forced Iran to attack oil and gas infrastructure — IRGC

The Islamic Republic of Iran was not planning to spread the conflict to oil facilities, the IRGC said

IN BRIEF: What we know about death of Iranian security chief Ali Larijani

Larijani’s son Mortaza and head of his security service Sardar Nejad was killed during the same Israeli air force attack

Talks on Ukraine could take place in Geneva, but it is not top choice — Russian envoy

Sergey Garmonin also noted that Geneva is not a preferred platform for Russia

Hungary will not participate in war, to which Europe is now preparing — premier

Viktor Orban emphasized that the Ukrainian conflict has not yet been resolved, and the EU leadership is poised to continue it

US faces political crisis over Iran war — magazine

According to a columnist for The American Conservative, the rise in oil prices on the back of the Middle East war "threatens to kick off a global recession"

Zaporozhye NPP to be safe only after Russia’s victory — governor

Yevgeny Balitsky also added that Western institutions have been unable to guarantee the ZNPP’s security

Russia begins mass production of Vorobey-15 bomber drone

The Spektr Design Bureau noted the drone’s excellent maintainability

US congresswoman reveals 'orchestrated campaign' to sabotage ties with Russia

Anna Paulina Luna still added that Washington is "actively involved in peace talks with Russia and those efforts will not be sabotaged by anyone"

IN BRIEF: What to know of Polish ruling on Russian archaeologist's extradition to Ukraine

Alexander Butyagin's defense team intends to appeal the decision

Russian government approves list of unfriendly countries

There are two countries on the list

Habshan gas facility in Abu Dhabi stops operations after missile attack — authorities

No casualties were reported

Gas prices situation in Europe makes UGS injection unprofitable — Gazprom

According to Gas Infrastructure Europe as of March 16, the gas reserves level in European UGS continues declining and reached 28.9%

Saudi Arabia’s port of Yanbu comes under aerial attack — Reuters

The port is currently the kingdom’s only export outlet for oil, the agency said

Russia's sea drones far ahead of foreign developments in many respects — aide

Russia is already using autonomous, unmanned, and remotely operated underwater vehicles, and scientific institutes and design bureaus are developing a new generation of such technology, Nikolay Patrushev noted

US lifts anti-Russian sanctions from three individuals, three companies

Sanctions were lifted from UAE-based BSB Group and Futuris FZE, and Turkey-based Turken Dijital Matbaa Teknolojileri

US does not rule out attempts to seize nuclear fuel from Iran — White House

A senior US administration official stated earlier that Washington had no intention of conducting any military operations targeting nuclear facilities in Iran at present

IN BRIEF: Iran’s Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant comes under attack

Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev specified that the strike had hit the area near the office of the facility’s meteorological service, in close proximity to an operating power unit

Fire breaks out in Qatari industrial zone following Iranian attack — Interior Ministry

No information has yet been provided regarding which specific facilities were engulfed in flames or whether there were any casualties

More than 500 ATACMS, Storm Shadow, SCALP missiles used by Kiev since start of SMO

French SCALP missiles are used significantly less often, in conjunction with the British ones

Putin aide announces security measures due to terrorist risk against vessels

According to him, in particular, inspections are being conducted on vessels arriving from abroad, procedures for operational coordination between shipowners and seaport administrations have been established, and monitoring of ships carrying cargo on behalf of Russia has been intensified

Inflation in Russia at 0.08% from March 11 to March 16, statistics service says

From March 3 to March 10, inflation was 0.11%

Skat-350M UAV hit thousands of Ukrainian targets in two years of special op — Kalashnikov

The drone detected and subsequently destroyed thousands of enemy targets, including Leopard and Abrams tanks, Bradley infantry fighting vehicles and HIMARS multiple launch rocket systems

Russian envoy pushes for non-aggression in finding diplomatic solution to Ukraine conflict

Georgy Muradov added that Ukraine should become a neutral and demilitarized country

Projectile hits vessel near Qatar’s Ras Laffan industrial zone

All crew members are reported safe

Putin says to personally congratulate Russian Paralympians on March 19

A team of six Russian Para athletes won the third-most golds of any country at the Games

Israel attacks Iranian Navy ships in Caspian Sea — TV

The strike targeted an Iranian Navy base in the city of Bandar Anzali

Middle East conflict spills beyond Persian Gulf borders — Russian Maritime Board chief

"One of the striking examples is a US submarine torpedo attack on an Iranian frigate in the Indian Ocean," Nikolay Patrushev said

Pezeshkian warns US, Israel against strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure

This will complicate the situation and could have uncontrollable consequences, the scope of which could engulf the entire world, Iranian President said

Several countries negotiate with Iran on passage through Strait of Hormuz — report

According to the report, at least nine ships have now exited the strait via the 'safe' corridor that routes ships through Iranian territorial waters via Iran’s Larak Island

EU may be forced to practically accept potential transfer of Ukrainian territories — Stubb

According to the Finnish president, there is a need for "more flexibility in Europe"