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US-Israeli strikes on Iran

Cuba condemns US, Israel actions against Iran as UN Charter violation

Cuban Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment Oscar Perez-Oliva Fraga said the irresponsible action sabotages international diplomatic efforts in the negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program for the second time

SHYMKENT, March 27. /TASS/. Havana considers the actions of the United States and Israel against Iran as a blatant violation of the UN Charter and international law, Cuban Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment Oscar Perez-Oliva Fraga said.

"We want to emphasize our strongest condemnation of the aggression of the United States and Israel against the Islamic Republic of Iran, which constitutes a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, a blatant breach of the Charter of the United Nations and international law," he told the Eurasian inter-governmental council’s expanded-format meeting in Shymkent, southern Kazakhstan.

"This irresponsible action sabotages international diplomatic efforts in the negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program for the second time," the Cuban deputy prime minister noted.

Perez-Oliva added that Havana joins international appeals to stop the aggression against Tehran and urges preserving the principle of good neighborliness and avoiding further escalation in the Middle East.

Middle East conflict

Kuwait’s Mubarak Al-Kabeer port struck by missile attack, damage reported

According to preliminary data, there are no casualties

Ukrainian troops treat Latin American mercenaries as 'subhuman' — former SBU officer

Latin Americans make up the majority of the foreign mercenaries fighting on the Ukrainian side

US servicemen in Middle East relocated from damaged bases to hotels — NYT

Military sources indicated that this situation reflects a miscalculation on the part of the US administration about how Iran would respond

CENTCOM denies IRGC claim of downing F-18 fighter jet over Iran

Earlier, the Iranian armed forces announced that an F-18 fighter jet allegedly belonging to the US Air Force had been shot down over the Islamic Republic using an unnamed new man-portable air defense system

Arab states to support escalation against Iran if it refuses to make concessions — WP

According to the newspaper, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh favor a "decisive end" to the war through military or diplomatic means

US envoy says Iran has no alternative to US peace proposal

According to Steve Witkoff, Iran "is looking for an off ramp following" US President Donald Trump’s "powerful" ultimatum regarding the Strait of Hormuz

Russian stock market closed in the red on Thursday

The yuan fell to 11.682 rubles

Hezbollah says knocked out eight Israeli tanks in past day

They were hit by guided missiles, Hezbollah said

US admits having no defense against Russian Burevestnik, Poseidon systems — analyst

US Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Thomas DiNanno previously stated that Russian weapons systems are becoming increasingly exotic, including the Burevestnik and Poseidon

Deliveries of NATO-ordered US weapons for Ukraine continue — Rutte

Everything that NATO Allies and partners have paid for through PURL has been delivered or to flow to Ukraine, the NATO Secretary General stated

US seeks control over Nord Stream, energy markets — Russian top diplomat

Sergey Lavrov noted that Moscow sees Washington’s desire to dominate global energy markets and its interest in controlling the Strait of Hormuz

Pentagon developing four scenarios for military escalation with Iran — news outlet

Axios noted that US servicemen had prepared a plan for a ground operation deep inside Iran aimed at seizing highly enriched uranium located at nuclear facilities

Trump essentially confirms possibility of diverting weapons intended for Ukraine

Donald Trump noted that former US President Joe "gave $350 billion away," which was "way too much"

Hapag-Lloyd loses up to $50 mln weekly due to Middle East conflict

Six Hapag-Lloyd ships with 150 people on board are still in the Persian Gulf, CEO Rolf Habben Jansen said

IOC bans transgender athletes from Olympics participations in female events

According to the statement, eligibility for the female category is to be determined in the first instance by SRY gene screening to detect the absence or presence of the SRY gene

Russian drone parts made in domestic factories — UAV technician

The serviceman emphasized that he wouldn’t call "advanced" the unmanned aerial vehicles’ assembly by Ukrainian troops

The Strait of Hormuz could open as soon as Iran stops threatening shipping — Rubio

The US Secretary of State sidestepped a question regarding the possibility of a US ground operation

Russian forces advanced by 500 m toward Ray-Aleksandrovka village in DPR — expert

Military expert Andrey Marochko noted that the buffer zone has been expanded

Lavrov slams US-Israeli attacks on Iran amid talks as backstabbing

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stressed that "the attacks, completely unjustified, came without a declaration of war"

Russia has reserves to redirect oil export flows — Novak

According to the deputy prime minister, Russia is developing relations in this area with friendly countries, regardless of Europe’s decisions regarding Russian energy resources

Key issues in Ukrainian settlement not yet agreed upon — Kremlin spokesman

"Issues like territoriality are the main topic of discussion," Dmitry Peskov said

Iran betting on survival as crucial factor in conflict — expert

Ahmed Mustafa noted that Iran had managed to preserve key elements of its military architecture

IN BRIEF: What we know about Europe’s efforts against so-called Russian 'shadow fleet'

The EU uses the term "shadow fleet" to refer to tankers flying the flags of foreign states that, in Brussels’ assessment, transport Russian oil

Lavrov calls strategic stability dialogue without France and UK a 'dead end'

Sergey Lavrov emphasized that the United States has allied obligations to the UK and France, while Russia and China - which Washington is trying to force "to join these eventual negotiations" - have no such commitments.

US loses initiative in conflict with Iran, ex-MI6 chief says

Alex Younger noted the successful decisions made by the Iranian leadership, such as the dispersal of military capabilities

Brent crude oil futures rise more than 4%

WTI crude futures for May 2026 delivery rose by 3.78% to $93.73 per barrel

Central Israel again shelled with missiles from Iran, explosions heard in Tel Aviv area

Shortly before this, the Israeli army warned of missile launches from Iranian territory

Websites' traffic drops up to 90% after Amazon data center attacks, expert says

According to Viktor Nekrasov,the period of instability proved critical for many companies whose traffic relies on Google organic search for 70-90% of their volume

Novatek discussing LNG supplies to Vietnam — CEO

According to Leonid Mikhelson, the first supply may amount to 1 mln tons

IMO chief doubts Hormuz task force can fully secure shipping

Arsenio Dominguez noted that a vessel could still be hit by a drone or missile

Iran protests to UN Security Council over US use of Gulf states' territory

According to the agency, Iran's Permanent Representative to the UN, Amir Saeid Iravani, sent two separate letters to the Security Council and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres

Since Feb 28, Israel received 8,000 tons of military equipment, ammunition — top brass

More than 200 aircraft and ships have arrived in Israel since the start of the operation

Press review: Trump trots elite troops to Mideast as gas guzzles his approval rating

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, March 26th

Russian troops liberate Shevyakovka community in Kharkov Region over past day — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted more than 210 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed an enemy armored combat vehicle in its areas of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Russia’s international reserves fall by $26.4 bln in a week to $776.8 bln

As of March 13, the reserves totaled $803.2 bln

Russian tennis star Medvedev moves back into ATP Top-10

Spain's Carlos Alcaraz holds the top position

Iran bars national teams and clubs from traveling to unfriendly countries

The Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs did not specify which countries are considered unfriendly

Russia ready to delist some members of US Congress from sanctions — legislator

Vyacheslav Nikonov noted that the Russian delegation's visit to the United States was made possible partly because American lawmakers secured the lifting of sanctions restrictions for the members of the Duma

Tehran promised eight oil tankers to Washington — Trump

According to the US leader, they are Pakistani flagged

Court in New York concludes second hearing in Maduro case

The central topic of the hearing was the issue of the US authorities’ obstruction of payment for Maduro’s and his wife Cilia Flores’ legal services by the Venezuelan government

Ukraine’s air defense effectiveness declines amid troops transfer to Middle East — expert

Andrey Marochko clarified that Kiev has recently begun to use the expensive anti-aircraft missile systems and aircraft supplied by NATO countries less frequently

Iran receives second humanitarian aid shipment from Russia

The operation was carried out under the instructions of Russian President Vladimir Putin

Russia develops munition for grenade launcher to strike drones

The developers said the design, with a slide and stopper, increases the reliability and safety of the munition's operation

Putin launches construction on new building for National Center 'Russia'

A capsule-laying ceremony took place at the construction site of the new national center building in Moscow

Russian weapons more reliable than intricate NATO gear — Rosgvardiya general

According to Ruslan Garifullin, NATO military vehicles get stuck, especially when the roads become muddy

Mideast crisis effects draw comparisons to Coronavirus pandemic — Putin

The Russian leader said the consequences of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East are still difficult to predict

Global oil production falling below COVID-19 level — Rystad Energy

The global oil system can no longer absorb shocks the way it could three weeks ago, the company noted

IN BRIEF: Kremlin says Middle East situation developing along worst-case scenario

Dmitry Peskov emphasized that Russia is closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East

Iranian Foreign Minister calls on UN to insist on condemning aggressors — ministry

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also called on the international community to take into account the root cause of insecurity imposed on the region and the Strait of Hormuz, namely the US-Israeli military aggression

US exhausts long-range precision weapons stockpiles — former US Marine officer

Scott Ritter stressed that Iran had shown no inclination to back off

Economic consequences of Middle East conflict difficult for estimation — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov added that these consequences will hardly be good

Kallas calls on US to withdraw from war with Iran, renew support for war in Ukraine

The EU top diplomat emphasized that the rise in oil prices resulting from the war allegedly strengthened Russia while negatively impacting Ukraine’s situation

Another 163 Russians evacuated from Bushehr nuclear power plant

According to Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev, two more evacuation waves are planned for early April

US further intensifies its blockade on Cuba, senior official says

Cuba's Deputy Prime Minister Oscar Perez-Oliva Fraga called Washington’s actions a fragrant violation of international law

Press review: US pressures Kiev on peace talks and EU keeps ban on Russian nuclear fuel

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, March 27th

Only US, Israel, Argentina vote against UN resolution on slave trade

123 states, including Russia and China, voted in favor of the resolution

Press review: Trump searches for Iran offramp as one Gulf state weighs joining war

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, March 25th

Russian delegation member describes start of dialogue with US lawmakers as promising

According to Boris Chernyshov, a number of congressmen are optimistic and willing to consider Russia's arguments and proposals

US loses military equipment worth up to $2.9 bln in its war with Iran — WSJ

According to the WSJ, the bulk of the damage on the ground has been caused by Iranian ballistic missiles and drones

Ukraine’s military attacks Russia’s Belgorod Region with about 160 UAVs in past day

The regional crisis response center reported that a seven-year-old girl and her mother were injured in a Ukrainian drone attack on a private home in the village of Voznesenovka

Russia aware of US-Ukraine talks while trilateral consultations on hold — Lavrov

Sergey Lavrov recalled that several rounds of talks were held after negotiations in Anchorage, with the latest taking place "right the day before the US-Israeli attack on Iran"

Russian House in Prague pelted with Molotov cocktails on March 26 — head

Igor Girenko said that three of the six Molotov cocktails did not explode

Finnish leader sees rift between Global North and pro-US Global West within NATO

Alexander Stubb argued that European politicians are not obliged to join together in supporting US President Donald Trump in the Middle East

Talks between US, Russian MPs covered Ukraine, Iran — delegation member

The conversation was honest, Mikhail Delyagin, a member of the delegation and deputy chairman of the State Duma's economic policy committee, said

US Congressman underscores importance of contacts with Russian legislators

Van Orden opined that the parties have to "pursue dialogue, even in times of tension"

New York court refuses to halt case against Maduro, his wife

Maduro’s attorney, Barry Pollack, argued that Nicolas Maduro and Cilia Flores could not afford legal representation on their own and insisted on the right of the Bolivarian Republic’s government to fund their defense

Zelensky says dissatisfied with US proposal on security guarantees

Vladimir Zelensky specified that Washington suggests Ukraine leave Donbass

Slovenian party leader urges buying Russian energy amid crisis

Chairman of the Resnica parliamentary party Zoran Stevanovic opined that the situation in the Persian Gulf could create serious problems in the near future

Russian lawmakers conclude first meeting with members of US Congress

Vyacheslav Nikonov stressed that the meeting had gone better than he expected and restoring interparliamentary contact was possible

Creation of buffer zone south of Litani River poses threat to Lebanon’s sovereignty — PM

According to Nawaf Salam, he ordered Foreign Minister Youssef Raji to immediately file a complaint with the UN Security Council and demand that the international community intervene in the situation

Trump extends certain US sanctions against Russia for one year

The document refers in particular to restrictions imposed under the guise of the alleged Russian meddling in electing processes in the US

Russian lawmakers begin talks with US Congress members — Duma deputy speaker

Efforts to work out a meeting between members of the Russian State Duma and the US Congress kicked off in October 2025

Sovereignty, resilience, fulfilling commitments to citizens: Putin’s statements

The president said that despite difficulties and constraints, Russia is managing to maintain macroeconomic stability

Precious metals futures prices move into growth

As of 08:35 Moscow time, the price of the June 2026 palladium futures contract on NYMEX stood at $1,416 per troy ounce, while the April 2026 platinum futures contract rose by 2.34% to $1,882 per troy ounce

Impossible to protect fundamental national interests without sovereignty — Putin

The Russian president noted that in the modern world, success in global markets belongs to those who invest in technological innovation and continuously work to improve their efficiency

Putin urges business not to rely on current high price situation globally

According to Alexander Shokhin, the president sent a message that surplus profits related to the Middle Eastern crisis would not last long

Russian LazerBuzz anti-FPV drone laser system linked with radar

The system includes early detection, targeting, and engagement capabilities

EU trying to justify militarization with ‘Russian threat’ narrative — envoy to OSCE

According to Dmitry Polyansky, Ukraine is used as a testing ground for new types of weapons and methods of warfare

Russia and US continue discussing economic projects, angering EU — Russia’s envoy

Kirill Dmitriev added that Russia is informing the United States about Ukraine’s attacks on energy facilities in Russia, which may lead to an even greater increase in energy prices

Israeli army carries out new series of strikes against Iran overnight — press service

According to the military, the Israeli Air Force targeted various sites in Tehran, including facilities involved in weapons and ballistic missile production

Putin bans ruble cash carrying to the EAEU in amount equivalent to more than $100,000

The head of state signed a relevant decree posted on the official web portal of legal information

Hezbollah says it attacked Israeli defense ministry’s compound in Tel Aviv

Apart from that, barracks of military intelligence forces near the city were also attacked with the use of "missiles of various types"

Nord Stream blown up by Ukraine saboteurs with overt West support — Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister stressed that no one condemned this act

Finland’s Stubb warns of global recession risks amid Middle East conflict

According to the Finnish president, the transactional approach of the administration of US President Donald Trump does not work in foreign policy

Industrial area in Cherepovets targeted as 85 drones strike Russian regions overnight

No casualties were confirmed

FIFA cancels 80% of hotel reservations in Canada ahead of 2026 World Cup

Greater Toronto Hotel Association president Sara Anghel confirmed that blocks of rooms had indeed been cancelled

Trump says Ukraine conflict not war of US

"We helped, but Ukraine is not our war," the US president emphasized

FACTBOX: What we know about attack on Turkish tanker Altura in Black Sea

Coast Guard speedboats and an emergency response vessel are working at the scene

Russian envoy dismisses Canada’s additional sanctions as 'paper declaration'

The document is timed to coincide with the G7 foreign ministers’ meeting, Oleg Stepanov noted

China, Russia should cooperate to de-escalate Middle East tensions — envoy

According to Igor Morgulov, as permanent members of the UN Security Council, China and Russia support a ceasefire and the start of peace talks

All Russian FPV drones run on domestic firmware — UAV technician

According to the Russian serviceman, the Ukrainian armed forces use weaker firmware

Orban’s demand to Zelensky, Ukrainian spies: what is known

The Hungarian prime minister has demanded that Vladimir Zelensky immediately withdraw Ukrainian operatives from Hungary

UAE ready to deploy Navy to restore maritime traffic in Strait of Hormuz — newspaper

Two sources told the the Financial Times that countries of the region could also accelerate the implementation of projects to build pipelines and railway infrastructure to ensure energy supply deliveries to Oman or the Mediterranean by land

Gas reserves in Netherlands storage facilities fall below 6%

Other countries with the largest gas storage capacities are showing mixed dynamics in reserves

Russian oil sales move from discount to premium — Rystad Energy

The company said Russia is the only country with ample spare capacity

Protection of Russian tankers, support from the Navy: Patrushev's statements

According to the official, shipowners engaged with Russia have been instructed on how to coordinate with the Navy

Largest fuel price crisis in history is approaching — Russia’s envoy

Kirill Dmitriev stressed that rising oil prices were positive for Russia, and Europe would beg for supplies

NATO increases military spending as Russia seen as main threat to peace — Rutte report

The document states that the United States accounted for 60% of NATO’s total defense spending in 2025

Ukrainian army sustaining catastrophic losses in Konstantinovka — expert

Vitaly Kiselev recalled that Russian forces have cut the Ukrainian unit in Konstantinovka in half, driving a wedge into the enemy's defenses

Members of US Congress welcome to make return visit to Russia — Russian lawmaker

According to Svetlana Zhurova, Russian legislators would be interested in seeing US lawmakers in Moscow

Putin says consequences of Middle East conflict remain difficult to predict

The Russian leader noted that entire industrial sectors, specifically those tied to the extraction and processing of hydrocarbons, metals, the production of fertilizers, and many other goods and product categories, have received a shock