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Middle East conflict

Lebanon’s death toll from Israeli strikes exceeds 1,300 — Health Ministry

According to the statement, 3,935 people have been injured

BEIRUT, April 1. /TASS/. At least 50 people were killed in Israeli strikes on Beirut and southern Lebanon in the past day, the Lebanese Health Ministry said in a statement on X.

"The total number of people killed since military tensions escalated has reached 1,318, and another 3,935 have been injured," the statement reads.

According to the ministry, there are 125 children and 89 women among those killed.

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US-Israeli strikes on Iran

Airport in central Iranian city of Kashan comes under attack — authorities

The strikes targeted several cities across the Isfahan Province

Russia discovered new lithium reserves first time in more than two decades — Deputy PM

Booked reserves amount to 3.5 mln metric tons of lithium oxide, which is sufficient to meet needs of the Russian economy, the Ministry of Natural Resources said

Putin expects pro-Russian forces to be able to take part in Armenian elections

Russia has a lot of friends in Armenia, the Russian leader emphasized

Trump says US pulling out of NATO on table amid lack of support — The Daily Telegraph

Donald Trump admitted to never having been a huge fan of the alliance

Europe stiffens opposition to US demands on Iran — Politico

According to political science professor Sven Biscop, Europe’s tougher stance reflects its view that the Iran war is a "strategic folly" and the US strategy becoming "less and less clear"

Zelensky plea for Easter truce yet another PR stunt — Russian MFA

According to Maria Zakharova, this is simply "another step on the advice of his European, Western allies, to obtain a truce for a month or two in order to replenish losses, regroup and prepare the Ukrainian armed forces to go on fighting"

Iraq detains one of suspects in kidnapping of US journalist — Interior Ministry

The suspect carried an ID card of an employee of a private security firm

An-26 crash site discovered, 29 passengers, crew members died

Contact with the plane was lost during a routine flight over Crimea on March 31

West denies Central Asia’s sovereignty, seeks intel on Russia — deputy foreign minister

According to Mikhail Galuzin, the United States and the European Union are pressuring Russia’s Central Asian partners to join illegal anti-Russian sanctions, which Moscow "simply does not recognize"

Russia, China, other BRICS, SCO members facing aggressive opposition — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat emphasized that what is currently happening on the world stage "shows signs of developing into an increasingly large-scale conflict"

IN BRIEF: Putin urges to use modern digital solutions for transport

The Russian leader launched the robotic trucks traffic over the M-12 route linking Moscow and Kazan

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards threaten to attack US tech firms in Mideast

According to the statement, the US companies in the sphere of information technology and artificial intelligence are a key element in working out and tracking targets for the attacks

Press review: US nears Iran ground invasion as Ukraine hits Russia with Flamingo missiles

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, March 30th

EC to transfer €1.4 bln in revenue from Russian assets to Ukraine — statement

The funds will be directed "to sustain the Ukrainian State, preserve essential public services" and support the Ukrainian military

Netanyahu says Iran spent nearly $1 trillion on military programs

The Israeli prime minister reiterated that Tehran planned to destroy Israel, "take over the Middle East, and threaten the entire world"

Tallinn to convey unacceptability of Ukrainian drones entering Estonian airspace to Kiev

Estonian PM Kristen Michal expressed hope that such scenario would not repeat itself

Israel, US carry out strikes on 24 pharmaceutical industry facilities — Iranian minister

The official said that medical equipment production and supply chains have been seriously damaged

Moscow does not share intelligence with Iran — Russian deputy foreign minister

The US and UK provide such information to Ukraine for strikes on Russian civilian infrastructure, Andrey Rudenko noted

Former NATO AF personnel incur losses in Russian strikes on Ukrainian airfields — expert

Boris Rozhin said that strikes on airfields like Starokonstantinov or Knatovo are carried out quite regularly

Missing An-26 aircraft crashes into cliff — source

Technical malfunction is the preliminary cause of the crash

EU calls Ukraine’s move to hold up inspection of Druzhba 'an enigma'

The EU diplomats dismissed Kiev’s attempts to block an inspection as "not smart" enough and "unclear"

Mojtaba Khamenei currently in Iran — Russian ambassador to Tehran

Alexey Dedov reported that he has not yet talked with the new Supreme Leader of Iran

Putin approves Russia’s bid to chair APEC in 2035 — MFA

Ambassador-at-Large of the Russian Foreign Ministry and Senior Official at APEC Marat Berdyev officially notified APEC Executive Director E. Pedrosa and his colleagues at the forum, senior officials, of the head of state’s decision

US to be 'out of Iran pretty quickly', Trump says

Donald Trump claimed that the US and Israel had been able to stop the development of Iran’s nuclear program

Central Israel comes under four missile attacks during two hours, blasts heard

Air raid sirens were sounded four times this morning, including in Tel Aviv and adjacent areas

Vessels violating Iran’s Strait of Hormuz law to be forcibly detained — Majlis member

The official says that Iran will charge for the passage in its national currency

Trump says US will end operation against Iran regardless of making deal

According to the US president, the operation will end when Washington makes sure that Iran cannot produce nuclear weapons

Russian troops complete liberation of Lugansk People’s Republic — top brass

Russian troops liberated two communities in the Kharkov and Zaporozhye Regions over the past 24 hours, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported

Putin, Pashinyan to discuss development of relations between Russia, Armenia

Current regional issues, in particular the development of economic, transport and logistics ties in the South Caucasus, will also be on the agenda of the meeting

Iranian ambassador to Russia outlines Iran’s demands to US, Israel

Kazem Jalali said the Islamic Republic of Iran "has always welcomed any constructive and sincere efforts to establish stability and security in the region"

US sends third aircraft carrier strike group to Middle East — newspaper

The redeployment is taking place as US President Donald Trump is mulling further military options against Iran

United States never relinquished sanctions policy against Russia — deputy foreign minister

Mikhail Galuzin emphasized that the United States continues trying to pressure Russia’s allies and partners into adhering to these sanctions

Over 20 countries refuse to support UN Human Rights Council’s resolution on Ukraine

Four countries voted against the document and 18 abstained from voting

Iran’s judiciary chief killed in attack on Tehran, says Al Hadath

The government has not commented on the information

IRGC launches several drones at American aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln — TV

According to the available data and satellite images, the aircraft carrier strike group left its former location and retreated deep into the Indian Ocean

Trump gives thumbs down to British Navy — Daily Telegraph

The US president said the UK has aircraft carriers "that didn’t work"

UAE preparing to help US open Strait of Hormuz — WSJ

An official told the newspaper that Abu Dhabi was exploring how it would participate in the conflict

Russia opposes dismantling of NPT but supports its universalization — MFA

Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov highlighted the seriousness of recent developments, describing them as "extremely alarming"

NATO short on air defense systems — Russian law enforcement agencies

The source reported that the US asked Poland to supply Patriot air defense systems, but Polish National Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz stated that Warsaw does not intend to transfer its weapons to the US side

No applications from other countries to join Union State — state secretary

Previously, Sergey Glazyev mentioned that the legal framework of the Union State makes it possible for other states to join the Union

Senior Russian diplomat vows continued support to Cuba amid fuel crisis

Commenting on reports that a Russian tanker carrying oil has arrived in Cuba, Sergey Ryabkov described the developments as "a victory of common sense"

Russia’s Donbass Dome system upgraded to counter new threats

The Donbass Dome system was created in the DPR with the participation of the regional FSB Directorate

Houthis announce ballistic missile attack on targets in southern Israel

The Yemeni rebels said the attack achieved its objectives and was conducted jointly with Iran and the Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah

Kherson governor says it’s Russia, not Ukraine, that controls skies in the region

Vladimir Saldo noted that the situation in Kherson remains dire for residents

Iran carries out strikes at US AWACS aircraft, refueling planes at Ben Gurion Airport

According to the Iranian military, the strikes also targeted a US radar detection and missile and drone tracking facility in the United Arab Emirates

War with Iran ‘coming to an end,’ Trump says

The US president added: "We’re doing great"

Arrival of Russian oil tanker delivers significant blow to Cuba blockade — expert

According to Yosmany Fernandez Pacheco, the tanker’s arrival is an important element in the context of acts of solidarity with Cuba now being demonstrated by various countries

IN BRIEF: Russian intel chief says CIA contact continues, Kiev loses trust

The entire world knows that the Kiev regime fails to meet its obligations regarding ceasefire proposals

Iran seeks complete end to Middle East war rather than ceasefire — top diplomat

Abbas Araghchi added that Iran’s conditions include guarantees that aggression will not recur

Errol Musk says he believes Lavrov’s explanation of special military op reasons

Errol Musk mentioned that he had spoken with Sergey Lavrov about Donbass

FACTBOX: What we know about Russia's liberation of Lugansk People’s Republic

The liberation was completed by units from Battlegroup West

Russia ready to mend fences with Georgia — senior diplomat

According to Mikhail Galuzin, "today bilateral relations between Russia and Georgia are actively developing in the fields of the economy, transport and tourism"

Russia demands investigation into Israeli strike that injured RT crew in Lebanon

Russian Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya said the deliberate strike hit right next to where they were filming, with no military facilities anywhere in the vicinity, which can be seen clearly from the footage of ammunition explosions shot by the crew’s cameraman

EC provides 80 mln euros to Kiev in profits from frozen Russian assets — Kallas

The EU foreign policy chief admitted that she had no good news on 90 mln euros in military funding to Ukraine

Russian troops firmly hold initiative in conflict with Ukraine — deputy foreign minister

As for issues, the Kiev regime has had and continues to have many, with more to come in the future, Mikhail Galuzin noted

US urging Kiev to compromise with Moscow — Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Galuzin

The official says that Vladimir Zelensky, according to his statement, has no plans to withdraw troops from Donbass

Fire in Nizhnekamsk became one of the largest in many years

According to the latest data, 72 people were injured

Russia, Mali football teams play to scoreless draw in St. Petersburg

A failed penalty by Russia’s Ivan Oblyakov was the highlight of the match

Press review: US may end Iran war as Ukraine drones strike Russia’s Ust-Luga

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, April 1st

Iran hits Qatar Energy oil tanker with cruise missile — Qatari defense ministry

An operation was carried out in coordination with the competent authorities to evacuate the crew, with the incident resulting in zero casualties

US, Iran discuss ceasefire on condition of opening Hormuz Strait — media

The sources noted that the prospects for a deal remain unclear

Placing Strait of Hormuz under third party control won't work — Russian MFA

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stressed that the move would violate international maritime law

Official statements coming out of Tehran reflect real situation in Hormuz Strait — envoy

Iran’s authorities repeatedly state that they have decided to close the Strait of Hormuz to any ships associated with the US, Israel and the countries that supported aggression against Tehran

IRGC says about 200 US troops killed, wounded in attack on airbase in Saudi Arabia

According to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the majority of those killed and wounded are fighter pilots

Brent prices soar by more than 40% in March 2026

WTI futures with the settlement in May 2026 rose to $101.38 per barrel in the period

Iranian conflict forces Europe to choose between 'guns and butter' — NYT

This concept forces states to balance defense expenditures against social obligations to citizens in their fiscal planning during budget allocation to manage competing priorities

Ukraine plans to build nuclear fuel production facility

The plant will use technologies developed by US Westinghouse

US intends to create global energy crisis with attacks on Iran — expert

Dmitry Kuzyakin noted that earlier media reports indicated that the Pentagon had begun preparations for the operation dubbed "Final Blow"

Russia says not to supply oil to countries that support price cap

Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko stressed that official appeals from foreign countries will be subjected to careful consideration

Brent prices in the red on ICE — market data

WTI futures for May 2026 delivery lost 0.55%

King of Jordan refuses to meet with Netanyahu — media

The purpose of the meeting was to make it clear to the United States that Israel and Jordan are on good terms, especially after the ceasefire in Gaza

US Navy aircraft carriers withdraw 1,000 km from Iranian shores — IRGC Deputy Commander

The most vulnerable point for the US is its ships, Major General Ali Fadavi stressed

Kiev unable to honor ceasefire obligations, whole world knows it — Russian intel chief

According to Sergey Naryshkin, Zelensky and his so-called team need to gather what remains of their critical thinking and accept the Russian side's reasonable peace proposals that will ensure peace for many decades to come

Press review: Espionage scandals strain Russia-UK ties as G7 moves to curb oil prices

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, March 31st

US Secretary of State asks G7 to participate in international mission in Strait of Hormuz

According to the source, Marco Rubio still indicated that the US does not need G7 assistance in opening the strait

Kiev lost over 35,000 soldiers, mercenaries in March fighting — expert

Andrey Marochko attributed the heavy losses in the Battlegroup Center’s area of responsbility to Kiev's ongoing "massive assaults" in that sector

US not even considering operation to seize Iran’s nuclear materials — Trump

Previously, the US government had not ruled out attempting to seize these materials

Moscow Military District to receive TOS-1A, TOS-2 heavy flamethrower systems in 2026

According to the military district’s press office, formations and military units of the Moscow Military District are currently equipped with up-to-date weaponry

Central Israel comes under new fire from Iran, explosions heard in Tel Aviv

Earlier, the Israeli army warned the population that it had detected a new missile launch from Iranian territory

Cuba is Russia’s strategic partner, support will continue — Transport Ministry

Russian Transport Minister Andrey Nikitin noted that Russia acts in full compliance with international maritime law

Trump says he would not restore shipping in Strait of Hormuz

Other countries will "take care of themselves," the US president says

Baltic states, afraid to attack Russia themselves, using Ukraine instead — expert

According to Alexander Mikhailov, Kiev's ultimate goal is to draw NATO countries directly into the conflict

Old world order coming apart, ceasefire in Iran: Lavrov’s statements

Russia’s top diplomat stressed that Moscow calls for an immediate end to US and Israeli aggression against Iran, described the use of military force against civilians and civilian infrastructure as unacceptable

Russia responds to Western hostility in challenging circumstances — Patrushev

According to the Russian presidential aide, the aggressive actions of the United States seeking to maintain its dominance in strategically important areas of the World Ocean had a serious destabilizing effect on the global agenda

US aggression shows need for reassessing balance of power in region — Iranian ambassador

Ali Mojtaba Roozbahani condemned the aggression as crossing moral and humanitarian boundaries

Contact with An-26 aircraft lost over Crimea

Search and rescue teams have been dispatched to the scene of a potential incident

Russia not going to tolerate interception of its tankers by France — OSCE envoy

Commenting on the incident, Dmitry Polyansky noted that "all this falls in line with blatant broader lawlessness currently unfolding"

Pentagon threatens Iran with especially powerful strikes

"If Iran is wise, they will make a deal," assistant to the US Secretary of War Sean Parnell said

Ukraine sends Israel extradition request for Mindich, Tsukerman

The text of the request was prepared by the Prosecutor General’s Office, together with Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau

Magnitude 5 earthquake strikes north of Tokyo — seismologists

No tsunami threat has been reported

Russian expert warns of 'underwater front' as Ukraine deploys submersible drones

According to Alexander Stepanov, the Black Sea could serve as a primary testing ground for such systems, "with the subsequent implementation of this sabotage tactic against both the fleet and underwater infrastructure"

US will end its campaign against Iran within 2-3 weeks — American leader

Donald Trump says he sees no reasons to continue the military operation

Iranian filmmaker Majidi suggests that MFA demand US extradite Pahlavi

Majid Majidi is considered one of the most authoritative and well-known filmmakers in Iran

Pentagon says US military begins flying B-52 bomber missions over Iran

According to Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine, the use of this type of aircraft allows to switch towards more dynamic targets

Kiev possibly getting nuclear weapons threatens not only Russia but whole world — senator

"The transfer of nuclear weapons to a country engaged in military conflict would violate the entire architecture of international security and effectively dismantle the non-proliferation regime," Alexander Voloshin said

US to re-examine NATO’s value after war with Iran — Rubio

The secretary of state says that the decision will be made by the president

Negotiations on Ukraine "on pause" — Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Galuzin

The official says that Russia has always been and remains open to political and diplomatic resolution of the Ukrainian conflict

Statistics show NATO is preparing for clash with Russia in coming years — MFA

Maria Zakharova pointed out that NATO's projected military spending for 2025 is approximately $1.64 trillion

RDIF CEO derides EU for infighting, says focus should be on solving energy problems

Kirill Dmitriev said that Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk "will soon be busy explaining to his people why his Russophobic policies ensured that they have no fuel, no gas"

US, Israel launch second strike on Iranian steel plant — news agency

According to Tasnim, the plant is owned by Mobarakeh Steel

Thirty casualties of plane crash over Crimea: what is known about missing An-26 aircraft

The An-26 military transport aircraft crashed into a cliff