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US-Israeli strikes on Iran

Netanyahu denies Israel pushing Trump to launch operation against Iran

The official says that the US president makes his decisions based "on what he thinks is good for America"

TEL AVIV, March 20. /TASS/. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the claim that US President Donald Trump decided to strike Iran under Israeli influence.

According to him, the White House makes all decisions independently.

"Does anyone really think that someone can tell President Trump what to do? Come on. President Trump always makes his decisions [based] on what he thinks is good for America," the Israeli prime minister told reporters.

Netanyahu recalled that he had been speaking publicly for more than 40 years about the alleged threat from Iran and that Trump had also voiced this view for many years. The prime minister added that Israel and the US are acting against Iran in close coordination.

Von der Leyen rules out purchases of Russian gas even in event of power outages in EU

The EU will continue the transition to green, European-produced energy, the European Commission president says

Thousands displaced from border areas in Russia’s Belgorod Region amid Kiev’s attacks

According to an aide to the regional deputy governor, the four years of Ukrainian attacks have made it clear that Kiev’s forces deliberately seek to target civilians

Forthcoming price tsunami to devastate Europe — Dmitriev

The special presidential envoy and chief executive of the Russian Direct Investment Fund said that "it stems from the stubborn strategic stupidity of Russophobes"

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

Hungary to build gas pipeline with Slovenia to import gas from Italy — Szijjarto

The minister says that the new pipeline is planned to become an energy diversification tool, while Hungary has no plans to leave the existing energy sources or delivery routes

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

Ukrainian army sends Colombians to front lines without actual contracts signed — POW

According to the captive, Colombians are recruited by their compatriots

Meloni stuns EU leaders by saying she understands Orban’s veto on Ukraine — Politico

At the same time, the Italian prime minister supports the allocation of €90 billion to Kiev

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

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

No casualties were reported

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

Belgian PM says only Europe finances Ukrainian conflict

Bart De Wever believes that the EU should increase pressure on Russia

Several countries express readiness to help ensure safe navigation in Strait of Hormuz

They also expressed their deep concern about the escalating conflict

EU summit mum on providing US with military support in conflict with Iran — statement

EU leaders also "condemned Iran’s indiscriminate military strikes" but did not comment on the US and Israeli strikes

Iran preparing for a long war as it wants assurances from US, Israel — FT

Tehran seeks to make sure its foes pay a sufficient price so that they think twice before resuming strikes, sources said

Russia will never view Zelensky as legal negotiating party — Medvedev

Vladimir Zelensky will not be a party to sign an act of surrender, Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev said

Israel doesn't want world to know about IDF war crimes — war correspondent

According to Christelle Neant, Israel has long had a problematic relationship with the truth

President Putin congratulates Russia’s Paralympic team with 'incredible results'

The Russian Paralympic team was allowed to compete at the 2026 Winter Paralympics under the national flag and to the tune of the country’s anthem for the first time in 12 years amid sanctions

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%

FACTBOX: New Kiev attacks on TurkStream and Blue Stream infrastructure

The attacks were repelled through joint efforts of the Russian Defense Ministry and mobile response teams, with no damage to the facilities

Europe unable to finance Ukraine conflict without US — Hungarian PM

According to Viktor Orban, "the number of people who think they need to adjust to the new circumstances is rising"

Events in Middle East will have long-term consequences for energy sector — Gazprom CEO

"Figuratively speaking, the situation on international energy markets and its future dynamics can be described as follows: only the bears are resting, and only the bulls are working hard," Alexey Miller added

Natural gas prices in Europe to continue growing — Dmitriev

The 2026 EU gas price will be more than double the original forecast, Kirill Dmitriev said

Iranian foreign minister says US to burn through trillions in war with Tehran

Abbas Araghchi commented on a Washington Post story saying the Pentagon is looking at requesting $200 billion to continue the operation

ISS orbit raised by 850 meters ahead of Soyuz MS-21 launch

The adjustment maneuver was carried out with the help of the engines of the Progress MS-18 cargo spaceship that were switched on at 22:35 Moscow time to be working for 320.01 seconds

Qatar to lose 17% of LNG exports for the period up to five years — Reuters

Two out of fourteen LNG trains and one of two gas-to-liquids plants were damaged as a result of strikes against Ras Laffan industrial area in North Qatar, Energy Minister of Qatar and CEO of QatarEnergy Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi said

Press review: Canada-EU monitor Russian tankers as Gaza talks resume amid Iran conflict

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, March 19th

Russia doesn't need ceasefire so that West can rearm Kiev, restart war — diplomat

"The Kiev junta is digging in its heels, obviously with the support of the Europeans," Georgy Muradov said

Dmitriev calls strike on Iran’s South Pars gas field tipping point

According to US President Donald Trump, only a small portion of the field’s facilities were damaged

Negotiations with Israel could begin immediately after ceasefire — Lebanese President

The peace initiative Lebanon announced on March 9 remains in effect, Joseph Aoun said

Russian troops in LPR fix anti-aircraft guns with thermal sights to target drones

The officer explained that the thermal imaging sight can detect drones at altitudes of up to 1,000 meters

Russia extends restrictions on transfers abroad for non-residents from unfriendly states

Restrictions apply to transfers from accounts of both individuals and legal entities opened with Russian brokers and trust managers

Russian FM urges international community to support Lebanese govt institutions

India to buy liquefied petroleum gas from Russia if possible — MFA

India wants "to have a wide range of options," Randhir Jaiswal noted

Mongolian authorities to reduce import duties for Russian oil products

Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Gongor Damdinnyam initiated amendments to the parliamentary resolution of 1999 'On approval of rates and sizes of customs duties on imported goods'

UAE announces neutralization of group linked to Hezbollah, Iran

The participants of the group are accused of "money laundering, undermining the economy, and posing a threat to national security"

Project 677 subs deadly to enemy surface ships — Russian Navy commander

Project 677 submarines belong to the fourth generation of diesel-electric submarines and are currently recognized as the most modern and advanced domestic non-nuclear submarines

US could start escorting ships in Hormuz if necessary, Trump says

The US president said that hopefully things are going to proceed very well

Netanyahu says Iran now deprived of ability to enrich uranium, produce missiles

The prime minister of Israel emphasizes that "hundreds of launchers" have been destroyed

Trump refers to Pearl Harbor attack when asked about surprise launch of Iran operation

The US president says he did not inform the allies about the attack "because we wanted surprise"

Chukotka's Port of Providence may become another Arctic backbone settlement

The Chukotka Autonomous Region's government is facing this task

US wishes Belarus, Lithuania to mend ties, says American diplomat

US Special Envoy for Belarus John Coale held a meeting in Minsk with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko earlier in the day

Moscow expects Russian-Armenian nuclear cooperation to continue — diplomat

Dmitry Litskay, Minister-Counselor of the Russian Embassy in Armenia, noted that the possibility of constructing a new power unit in Armenia is being actively discussed

Trump says visit to China postponed by six weeks

The US president said he would praise Japan when he was in China with President Xi Jinping

Russia concerned about US plans for rapid militarization of space — MFA

Maria Zakharova noted that US policy on space exploration and security is becoming increasingly aggressive

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

US should use ammunition for own purposes, not send it to Kiev — Hegseth

According to the minister, the US will refill its arsenals "faster than anyone imagined"

India’s pragmatism in energy provides opportunity to expand cooperation with Russia

In the future, Moscow and New Delhi "need to focus not only on commodity or finished goods trading, but also on the joint development of new products, new equipment, and technologies," Russia’s First Deputy Energy Minister Pavel Sorokin said

Russia's Rosneft stops operations in Venezuela

Russia’s government acquires assets of company in this country

Putin proposes Medvedev for position of United Russia leader

In his opinion it would be appropriate to nominate Dmitry Medvedev

Russian troops liberate two communities in Ukraine operation over past day — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted more than 185 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed seven enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Larger NATO footprint in Arctic to trigger military tensions — Russian foreign ministry

On March 31, Russian President Vladimir Putin approved Russia’s new foreign policy concept, which replaced the previous version from 2016

Russian MFA details civilian suffering caused by Ukrainian strikes

Ambassador-at-Large Rodion Miroshnik noted that a number of European politicians consider their "main achievement" to be providing Vladimir Zelensky’s regime with massive amounts of military aid "supposedly for waging a defensive war"

Israeli PM proposes replacing Strait of Hormuz with pipelines through Israel

This transformation of logistics could happen because of the hostilities in the region, Benjamin Netanyahu notes

Pentagon becomes increasingly reliant on land-based missiles — WSJ

The newspaper believes that Washington could deploy several additional land-based missile systems on allied territory in the Persian Gulf

Kiev continues attacks on Russian energy infrastructure facilities — Russian top brass

According to the ministry, the Kiev regime has just increased the number of attacks on energy infrastructure in Russia’s Kursk and Belgorod regions, despite Zelensky’s claims

EU set to impose much higher tariffs on Ukrainian agricultural products — newspaper

The decision would affect maize, sugar, honey, and poultry

Most countries must take decisive steps due to growth of debt burden — IMF Chief

Kristalina Georgieva allowed for the situation when certain countries "may experience shocks necessitating renewed fiscal support," and such measures "should be targeted and temporary"

Russian strategic missile subs fully combat-ready — Navy Commander

This was confirmed during inspections and naval exercises under the direction of the Russian President

Israel catalyst of Middle East war — Turkey’s foreign minister

Hakan Fidan also pointed to the undermined global stability

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

Brent oil prices on ICE turn lower after nearly 11% intraday surge

As of 9:05 p.m. Moscow time, Brent was down 0.23% at $107.13 per barrel

Russia begins mass production of Vorobey-15 bomber drone

The Spektr Design Bureau noted the drone’s excellent maintainability

Objectives of US-Israel in operation against Iran diverge — US intelligence

The US' objectives have been laid out by President Donald Trump

Both sides to lose from EU sanctions against Russian metals companies — expert

European consumers will have to pay more for deliveries from alternative suppliers, Kirill Chuiko from BCS Global Markets notes

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

Russian auto market descends to sixth position in Europe in February 2026

In February 2026, 80,027 new cars were sold in Russia

Russian stocks down as main trading session opens

As of 10:15 a.m. Moscow time, the indices were down by half a percent at 2,563.52 points and 998.79 points, respectively

Number of foreigners involved in terrorist activities in Russia triples — prosecutor

According to Russian Prosecutor General Alexander Gutsan, the answer to these challenges should be the reorganization of public migration administration

Death toll from Israeli attacks on Lebanon exceeds 1,000 — health ministry

According to medics, reports of the highest numbers of killed and injured citizens came from the southern regions and the Bekaa Valley

Iran strikes several strategic targets in Israel, including oil refineries — IRGC

The strikes were carried out using drones and Ghadr, Emad, Kheibarshekan, and Khorremshahr missiles

Russia calls for early cessation of hostilities in Middle East — MFA

The ministry says "Moscow is seriously concerned" about the Gulf area confrontation, further escalation risks

Arab governments 'furious' about Israel’s attack on Iranian gas field — newspaper

According to the sources, Gulf officials had "aggressively" lobbied the Washington administration to stop US and Israeli strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure

Oil above $115, strikes on energy facilities mark Middle East conflict

Gas prices on the European exchange at the opening of trading exceeded $850 per 1,000 cubic meters for the first time since December 2022

US sells Asia three-year record volume of oil amid Iran conflict — Bloomberg

Asian countries have increased purchases of US oil for April delivery to around 60 mln barrels

Russian government approves list of unfriendly countries

There are two countries on the list

Belarus remains Trump’s ally despite US mistakes — President Lukashenko

The Belarusian leader urged the US envoy to convey his perspective to US President Donald Trump

Moscow, Beijing, Ankara ready to help resolve Iran conflict — Russian MFA

The ministry says that the states are ready to find ways to achieve long-term stability "based on respect for the interests of all regional countries"

IMO Council calls for establishing humanitarian corridor for ships in Persian Gulf

IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez noted that implementation of this initiative requires understanding, commitment and concrete action from all relevant countries, as well as industry representatives and relevant UN agencies

Iran war may hurt Vance’s election prospects — WP

The vice president supported the American leader's decision to launch the military operation, the newspaper noted

Casualty toll from Ukrainian attacks on Russia’s Belgorod Region almost triples in 2026

"The number of shelling attacks involving multiple rocket launchers has increased three-fold in 2026 compared to the same period last year, and the number of drone strikes has doubled," Olga Medvedeva, deputy regional governor for internal affairs, said

5-kW nuclear power plant to be landed on Moon by mid-2030s — Rosatom CEO

The plant will have an operating life of up to 10 years

Postgraduate students relieved from compulsory military service

Nonetheless, citizens belonging to this category continue to receive summons to attend meetings of call-up commissions

Netanyahu denies Israel pushing Trump to launch operation against Iran

The official says that the US president makes his decisions based "on what he thinks is good for America"

Belarusian president pardons 250 convicts for humanitarian reasons — agency

They were convicted of extremism-related crimes

Air defenses working near headquarters of Atomic Energy Organization of Iran — TV

No information on damage to the building or casualties is available so far

Pentagon needs additional funding from Congress for operations against Iran — Hegseth

The US military expects to receive more than $200 billion

United States no longer in control of its foreign policy — Omani foreign minister

Badr bin Hamad bin Hamoud Al Busaidi expressed hope that America’s commitment to regime change is just rhetorical

Tehran says F-35 fighter jet hit by Iran’s new air defense systems

After the June 2025 12-Day War, young specialists at IRGC "were able to create new air defense systems and introduce them into the country’s integrated air defenses," the Iranian armed forces said

Hungary, Slovakia block EU summit's decision to allocate €90 billion to Ukraine

The European Council will revert to this issue at its next meeting, the three-point final communique stated

UK exempts Rosneft’s transport of Kazakh crude from sanctions — document

The sanctions exemption is valid until March 18, 2028

Netanyahu promised to stop attacks on oil and gas facilities in Iran — Trump

According to the US president, the United States and Israel act independently, but at the same time coordinate their efforts

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

US F-35 jet makes emergency landing after being damaged over Iran — TV

This incident represents the first confirmed instance of an American aircraft being struck by Iranian fire since the escalation to full-scale hostilities

EU leaders cancel press conference with Zelensky in Brussels

The decision was made after the EU summit failed to convince Hungary and Slovakia to lift their veto on allocating €90 billion in military financing to Ukraine

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"

Russian Tornado-S MLRS maintains 'surgical precision' under electronic warfare — Rostec

The state corporation representatives noted that the system is capable of setting both the flight range and trajectory of each rocket

Bank of Russia sets dollar rate at 84.84 rubles for March 20

The official euro rate was increased by 2.25 rubles to 96.9155 rubles

Putin says Russia's Paralympians truly inspired at this year's Games

The Russian president recalled that Russia won 12 medals at the Paralympics, including the third-most golds

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

Military cooperation between Iran, Russia not directed against third countries — diplomat

Moscow and Tehran have repeatedly rejected allegations of Russia’s use of Iranian drones in Ukraine