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US-Israeli strikes on Iran

Hormuz becomes ‘nuclear weapon’ in Iran’s hands — Stubb

The Finnish president noted that Iran held a lot of cards at present

WASHINGTON, April 13. /TASS/. The Strait of Hormuz has become "a nuclear weapon" in the hands of Iran, Finnish President Alexander Stubb believes.

"The Strait of Hormuz has become de facto a nuclear weapon, which has ramifications not only on the energy prices, on oil, but on fertilizers, on food, and trade," he said at a seminar at the Brookings Institution. "However, Iran holds a lot of cards right now. I'm afraid that is the reality."

He also said that the US decision to impose a naval blockade on Iran from April 13 could be met very negatively by China, which buys large amounts of oil from Tehran. "I wonder what will happen if they (the United States - TASS) will be at loggerheads with China on this," Stubb said.

On April 11, Iran and the United States held several rounds of failed talks in Islamabad. The Iranian delegation was led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, while the American delegation was headed by Vice President JD Vance. There is no information yet about new negotiations.

US-Israeli strikes on Iran

Next round of direct Iran-US talks in Islamabad due Thursday — journalist

Arash Azizi, a contributing writer at The Atlantic, says he obtained the information from "a source in Tehran"

Two supertankers U-turn in Strait of Hormuz — Bloomberg

According to the news agency, three large crude carriers began to approach the waterway from the Gulf of Oman late on Saturday

Hungary’s economy will suffer if energy cooperation with Russia disrupted, expert believes

"For Russia, the results of the Hungarian elections are not catastrophic," Dmitry Yelovsky added

Hungary's elections, situation around Strait of Hormuz: key topics of Kremlin's briefing

Dmitry Peskov stressed that Russia expects to maintain a positive dialogue with the Hungarian leadership

Putin to hold talks with Indonesian president in Kremlin

The Russian president and Prabowo Subianto will discuss the current state and future prospects of the Russian-Indonesian strategic partnership, as well as current international and regional issues

Trump's remarks about blockade of Iran are negotiating tactic — German expert

"President Trump does not stand to gain from disrupting trade routes," Jurgen Hardt said

US vessels must leave Persian Gulf, representative of Iran’s supreme leader says

According to Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, amid the US and Israeli aggression against Iran, the situation near the Strait of Hormuz remains tense

Switzerland ready to act as mediator between US, Iran after Islamabad talks

Confederation is always ready to offer its good services foreign ministry spokesman Michael Steiner

Kiev loses over 8,400 soldiers, mercenaries in combat over past week — Russian expert

Andrey Marochko said the greatest losses in manpower were inflicted on the Ukrainian armed forces in the area of responsibility of Battlegroup Center

Magyar says EU should lift anti-Russian sanctions when Ukrainian conflict over

In his words, anti-Russian sanctions caused energy prices to spike, and "Europe is not interested in buying raw materials at bloated prices," because "it only damages Europe’s competitiveness"

UK, France to work on resuming navigation in Strait of Hormuz

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron agreed on the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz for global trade and energy supplies, Starmer's office said

US-Iran talks lay foundation for a diplomatic process — Iranian diplomat

This process could benefit both sides, Iranian Ambassador in Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam said

Bank of Russia disputes freeze of assets by EU

The Bank of Russia demands cancellation of the decision to freeze sovereign assets and payment of legal costs by the EU Council

Hungarian Tisza party leader calls on Hungary’s president to step down

Peter Magyar also asked Prime Minister Viktor Orban not to make any decisions in his final days in office

Russian senator sees ideal storm coming for EU in wake of Sunday’s election in Hungary

The anti-European economy 'diversified' to cater to the needs of the United States will only aggravate problems facing the unified Europe under pressure from the anti-Russian policy course, Konstantin Kosachev noted

Orban acknowledges his party’s defeat at Hungary’s parliamentary elections

After counting more than 50% of ballots, the opposition Tisza party was convincingly winning the polls

Readiness for pragmatic cooperation with Russia: Magyar’s statements

The Tisza party leader expressed hope that relations between Hungary and Russia "will change in the right direction in the near future"

FACTBOX: What to know about Hungarian parliamentary elections outcome

The opposition Tisza party won the elections, securing 138 of the 199 seats in the National Assembly

EU may step up confrontation with Russia after Hungary vote — expert

Alexander Rahr said the option of a peaceful and diplomatic solution to the Ukrainian crisis, which Viktor Orban strongly advocated, is fading into the past

Middle East conflict poses risks to Russia’s food security — Security Council

According to Alexander Maslennikov, in order to ensure food security, "it would be beneficial to strengthen cooperation with friendly countries, including through the creation of joint food reserves"

Magyar to demand Ukraine unblock Druzhba oil pipeline, expert says

Vladimir Zharikhin noted that Peter Magyar "will indeed pursue a significantly more pro-European policy," but will still "defend Hungary’s interests"

Free speech in Europe serves elites only — Kherson Region governor

Vladimir Saldo added that in today’s world, information has become a more dangerous tool than weapons of mass destruction

Washington in deadlock after failure of Pakistan-hosted talks with Iran — CNN

Now that the United States has failed to get Iran to accept all its demands, "unattractive options" are what remain for Washington, the TV channel noted

Bank of Russia catches PFL Advisors in pump and dump scheme using Telegram channels

The investigation materials have been sent to law enforcement agencies

Russian, Indonesian leaders begin talks in Kremlin

Topics include "the state and prospects of deepening Russian-Indonesian strategic partnership" and current international issues

Russian launch service provider reveals cost of Soyuz-2.1 rocket launch

The delivery of 1 kg of cargo by a Soyuz-2 rocket will cost $20,000-30,000, which is below the average market price

Food crisis looms: Russian Security Council on Middle East conflict threats

The conflict in the region creates risks to Russia’s food security too, Alexander Maslennikov noted

Le Pen says Hungarians should be wary of EU reaction to power shift

Marine Le Pen noted that the transition was carried out with dignity by Viktor Orban, who for sixteen years courageously and resolutely defended Hungary’s freedom and sovereignty

Russia employs over 16,000 former servicemen and personnel of Ukrainian armed forces

Drills have been organized for newly employed officers who are trained on programs of upgraded professional education at educational establishments of the Russian Defense Ministry

Russia could sell gas to EU if anything is left from supplies to other markets — Kremlin

According to Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov, European countries’ decision to abandon Russian oil and gas indicates the short-sightedness of their current authorities

Abnormal situation occurs during transfer of Luna-25 probe to pre-landing orbit

At present specialists of the command and control team are analyzing the situation

Intervention into Strait of Hormuz security to cause escalation — Iran’s defense ministry

According to Iranian Defense Ministry spokesman Brigadier general Reza Talaei-Nik, Iran has full control over the Strait

Russian troops continue special military operation after Easter truce ends — top brass

Russia registered 6,558 violations of the ceasefire by the Ukrainian army, the Defense Ministry reported

Rostec delivers Planshet-A automated artillery fire control system to troops

Rostec noted that the computing system is successfully used in counter-battery warfare

Russian forces destroying remaining Ukrainian troops at Miropolye in Sumy — expert

Andrey Marochko said the Ukrainian armed forces are still holding their positions in the Miropolye area

Russia to open embassy in Burkina Faso on December 28

Russian Ambassador to Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso Alexey Saltykov will serve as Russia's ambassador to Burkina Faso until the appointment of a new envoy

Russian, Uzbek prime ministers to discuss bilateral projects

The officials will pay special attention to major joint projects in industry, energy, transport infrastructure, agriculture, and education

Iran’s sea blockade to last until first American destroyer is neutralized — analyst

The US Navy command will face new challenges and threats, Alexander Stepanov said

Keiko Fujimori likely to advance to presidential runoff in Peru — exit poll

According to an Ipsos exit poll, her competitors received a nearly equal percentage of the vote

US to continue attacking Iran if it rejects Washington’s terms — Trump

According to the US leader, Washington is capable of destroying all the bridges and power plants in Iran in half a day

Expert predicts three-stage 'war of nerves, budgets, and patience' between US and Iran

Nikolay Gaponenko suggests that the initial phase will likely see increased hostilities in northern Israel within the next ten days

Trump says US to undertake serious review of its policy within NATO

The US president emphasized that the country was spending "trillions of dollars" on an alliance that did not support Washington's actions toward Iran

Roscosmos to bring US astronaut back to Earth March 30 as scheduled

Earlier, some US media expressed doubts if Russia would agree to take US astronaut Mark Vande Hei back to Earth amid the sanctions imposed on Russia over the situation in Ukraine

Luna-25 probe to be launched late September — Roscosmos CEO

Luna-25 is to become the first probe in Russia’s recent history to land on the Moon

Russian presidential envoy says EU collapse will accelerate after elections in Hungary

Kirill Dmitriev also said that it would become clear in four months whether his forecast was correct

Trump says Pope Leo XIV elected only thanks to him

The US president believes that Leo XIV was put on the candidates list "because he was an American"

Ex-Ukrainian PM notes signs of weakening support for Zelensky in Europe

"This conflict is no longer doing anyone any good," Nikolay Azarov said

Kiev wants to extend ceasefire to buy time to rearm — Russian MP

According to Leonid Slutsky, Vladimir Zelensky’s initiatives on extending the ceasefire are a provocation to draw attention of his European sponsors

US, Iran remain committed to truce — Fidan

Turkey’s foreign minister did not rule out that the United States and Iran could agree on a longer truce

Lavrov to visit China on April 14-15 for talks with Wang Yi — Russian Foreign Ministry

The ministry stated that the heads of the foreign policy departments of the two countries "will discuss a wide range of issues of bilateral cooperation, prospects for contacts at various levels"

Kiev's allies overestimate Hungary's potential policy shift following Tisza's win — media

The newspaper noted that Peter Magyar, the party’s leader, has opposed sending weapons to Kiev

Russia begins mass production of Dvoinik robotic sniper system

The Lobaev Arms company said the system can be used in remote control mode, as well as in a highly autonomous mode, where AI performs most of the calculations and functions

Roscosmos resumes talks on ExoMars mission with European Space Agency — head

In his words, the equipment and Kazachok landing platform for the mission have the potential for launch in 2024

Trump realizes US 'quagmire' in Iran possible — WP

The column says that Middle Eastern wars are easy to unleash, but hard to curtail

Trump warns China against sending weapons to Iran

"If China does that, China could have big problems," the US leader said

Hungarian Tisza party leader vows to make country strong EU, NATO ally again

Peter Magyar also pledged to take steps to strengthen democracy in Hungary

Russia open to building relations with Hungary’s new government — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister pointed out that everything will depend on how this government understands its national interests

Russia to roll out digital IDs in 2024

There are plans to establish a Digital Profile platform by 2023

Netanyahu visits southern Lebanon, says campaign against Hezbollah will be continued

According to the Israeli prime minister, the earlier strikes on Hezbollah have "thwarted the threat of an invasion from Lebanon"

Washington considering resuming limited strikes on Iran — newspaper

According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, this measure is believed to push Tehran to make concessions

Newest anti-drone quasi-hypersonic cartridge successfully tested in Russia

The Lobaev Arms company specified that assembly and disassembly of the firing module is simpler than that of an assault rifle

De Gaulle’s grandson says US harms itself by abducting, insulting foreign leaders

The short-sighted US policy could cost the Republicans their majority in the House of Representatives, the president of the Foundation for Peace and Prosperity Among Peoples said

US Department of Justice to prosecute anyone who buys Iranian oil

"The Department of Justice will vigorously prosecute anyone who buys or sells sanctioned Iranian oil," US Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said

Magyar’s Tisza party wins majority in Hungarian parliament

The party won 138 of the 199 seats in the National Assembly

Hungarian new government’s policy, relations with EU, Middle East — Kremlin’s statements

Russia’s relations with the European Union cannot get worse than they are now that the opposition has come to power in Hungary, Dmitry Peskov noted

Hungarian Tisza party leader plans to set up anti-corruption agency

Peter Magyar says he relies on the help of the judiciary

Russian aircraft eliminate five Ukrainian ammo depots, over 200 nationalists — top brass

Over 2,500 special motor vehicles, 2,678 tanks destroyed in Ukraine operation

European commission chief says Hungary has opted for European path

After reports on the defeat of Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s party, Ursula von der Leyen said: "The Union grows stronger"

ESA mulls joining Russian-Chinese lunar station project

Russia and China are planning to use their joint experience and scientific technologies to create a roadmap for building a station on the Moon

Trade turnover between Russia, Indonesia gains 12.5% last year — Putin

According to the Russian leader, the two countries' intergovernmental commission is actively working

Trump says US imposing ‘complete’ naval blockade of Iran

"Numerous countries are going to be helping" Washington with this, the US president said

UKMTO issues advisory regarding blockade of Strait of Hormuz

According to the notice, the access restrictions apply without distinction to vessels of any flag engaging with Iranian ports, oil terminals, or coastal facilities

Kiev deploys strategic reserves to Sumy area due to heavy losses — defense source

According to the report, the enemy planned to use the personnel both to halt the advance of Russia’s Battlegroup North forces and retake the positions lost last year

Kalashnikov Group begins testing new Krona air defense missile system

The Krona SAM system is designed to protect important government facilities and urban infrastructure from attacks

Hungary’s new prime minister to be elected within 30 days — president

President Tamas Sulyok lso said that he will hold consultations with the leaders of the parties that will win seats in parliament as soon as the results of the todays voting are announced

Vladimir Putin recalls how WWII affected life of his parents

In his article for the Russian Pioneer magazine Putin recalls how the war affected his family, how his father fought, who was injured and after the war met a comrade-in-arms who saved his life

Russia seeks sustainable peace in Ukraine conflict — Kremlin spokesman

According to Dmitry Peskov, The Ukraine process is currently on hold

Trump says he does not care if Iran returns to negotiations

"Iran is in very bad shape" and in a desperate position, the US leader says

IN BRIEF: Market reaction to US-announced blockade of Iran

Futures for Brent crude oil with June delivery on the London ICE exchange rose by more than 9%

Elon Musk says Soros organization seizes power in Hungary after elections

This was the businessman's response to a remark by Alex Soros that the Hungarian people had "taken back" their country

Protection of trade fleet, Kiev’s terror: statements by Maritime Board chief

According to Nikolay Patrushev, Russia will respond to Western attempts to block its shipping through political, diplomatic and other means

FACTBOX: US decides to impose naval blockade on Iran

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it would treat the approach of military vessels to the strait as a violation of the ceasefire

Ukraine violates Easter ceasefire by attacking two buildings in Kherson Region

The enemy treacherously shelled the village administration building in Staraya Zbruyevka and a single-family house in Zhelezny Port the region’s governor Vladimir Saldo said

Putin told Scholz and Macron Russia is ready to resume dialogue with Kiev

Russian President told them about dangers of Western weapons supplies to Ukraine

Final talks on Ukraine to be thorough, not quick — Kremlin spokesman

According to Dmitry Peskov, the current territorial disputes between Russia and Ukraine already amount to "a few kilometers"

Easter ceasefire declared by Russia expires

All Russian battlegroups in the zone of the special military operation strictly observed the ceasefire from 1:00 p.m. GMT on April 11 and remained at their previously held positions

Lasting peace with Ukraine to be established when Russia secures its interests — Kremlin

It is necessary to attain the goals of the special military operation, Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov said

Fuel protests in EU, UK only beginning — RDIF CEO

"Farmers will be the first wave, followed by industrial workers as deindustrialization accelerates, Kirill Dmitriev said

Preliminary data shows Luna-25 lunar probe collided with Moon’s surface – Roscosmos

Automatic station "Luna-25" ceased to exist, noted in the state corporation

US to allow Strait of Hormuz transit to and from non-Iranian ports — Pentagon

Earlier, CENTCOM said its forces would begin a naval blockade of Iran at 2:00 p.m. GMT, on April 13

Closure of Strait of Hormuz threatens region’s food security — Russian Security Council

Deputy Secretary Alexander Maslennikov said that Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Egypt are the countries which could face risk the most

Australian PM says US sent no request for help amid criticism from opposition

The only request received by Canberra concerned support for Gulf countries, Anthony Albanese said

Russia interested in building good relations with all European countries — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov added that there is no need to talk about reciprocity with regard to European states

Press review: US-Iran talks fail as Ukraine violates truce and Orban loses elections

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, April 13th

Iran ready to defend itself for several years in war with US — leader’s emissary

Abdul Majid Hakim Elahi reiterated that Tehran "did not start this war"

Russia’s Battlegroup West takes control of large area at Kupyansk over week — expert

Russian troops also liberated two settlements in the Sumy Region and Donetsk People’s Republic over the past week

Druzhba oil supplies depend on outcome of Hungarian vote — ex-Ukrainian PM

According to Nikolay Azarov, it’s hard to say at this point when oil deliveries will resume, if ever

IDF preparing to resume hostilities after inconclusive Iran-US talks — newspaper

According to The Times of Israel, the information was obtained as a result of a coordinated leak by Israeli defense officials to three major TV channels

Russia to halt rocket engine deliveries to US, says Roscosmos chief

The ban applies to RD-180 engines that are used on US Atlas V launch vehicles as the main propulsion systems and RD-181 thrusters operated as the first stage of Antares rockets

Russia proposes signing deal with Luxembourg on space research cooperation

World Aquatics lifts all sanctions on Russia, Belarus

The decision applies to all disciplines: swimming, including open water, artistic swimming, diving, and water polo