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Middle East conflict

Israeli military reports striking 200 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon over past day

Among other targets, the IDF struck 20 missile launchers

TEL AVIV, April 15. /TASS/. The Israeli army continued to strike infrastructure belonging to the Shiite movement Hezbollah in Lebanon where it attacked 200 targets over the past day, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported.

"In the past 24 hours, the IDF struck over 200 Hezbollah <…> infrastructure sites in southern Lebanon," the Israeli military said in a statement.

Among other targets, the IDF struck military structures and 20 missile launchers.

US-Israeli strikes on Iran

US still considering ground operation in Iran — WP

This option is not excluded if the ceasefire regime is disrupted, the newspaper notes

Russia, China joining forces to get planet 'off the hook' — diplomat

Maria Zakharova stressed that Moscow and Beijing are focusing on stabilizing the international situation rather than carving up regions

Russia ready to continue negotiations on Ukraine — Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister also stressed that Moscow remains committed to the agreements reached at the summit with Washington in Anchorage

Europe’s Nordic countries say won't host World Aquatics events — sports official

Earlier, World Aquatics lifted all previously imposed sanctions against Russia and Belarus, allowing their athletes to compete again under the countries’ flags and to the tune of national anthems

IN BRIEF: What we know about incident at gunpowder factory in Russia’s Kazan

The incident left a man dead, while two people had been injured

US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln spotted 200 km away from Iran

According to BBC, it was the closest approach to Iran by a US vessel since the start of the military operation

Lavrov says he cannot understand belief in Iran’s 'destruction'

The conviction of some countries to the contrary raises serious questions, the Russian foreign minister said

Iran calls for dialogue, rejects attempts to impose surrender terms — president

Masoud Pezeshkian stressed that Iran does not seek war or instability

EU to resume discussion of loan to Ukraine after Magyar takes office — newspaper

A European source confirmed that Peter Magyar’s assumption of the post will restart EU talks on a €90 billion loan to Ukraine and the 20th sanctions package against Russia

Zelensky says Ukrainian army awaits return of Ukrainians who fled country

Vladimir Zelensky said that many of them left in violation of the Ukrainian law

Hungary cannot end Russian gas imports before 2031 — expert

Andras Racz noted that there were existing contracts and technological restrictions

Putin’s visit to China being prepared — Kremlin

The dates will be announced in due time, Dmitry Peskov said

Sanctions on Russian gas are hypocritical and should be lifted — Pierre de Gaulle

Pierre de Gaulle, grandson of former French President Charles de Gaulle and head of the Foundation for Peace and Friendship Among Peoples, believes that the time has come to re-establish normal economic relations with Russia

US-Iran talks may resume in couple of days — Trump

The new round of talks could be held in Islamabad

Orban 'allies' may still obstruct EU loan to Kiev — newspaper

Politico mentioned Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni

Russia-China ties remain 'unshakable amid any storms' — Lavrov

"This is not just a slogan, but a statement of fact already proven by a number of developments in which Russia and China play a stabilizing role in the trends currently competing to prevail in international affairs," the Russian foreign minister said

Israeli ambassador describes first talks with Lebanon in US as positive

Yehiel Leiter expressed hope for a long-term perspective where the border becomes "a permanent and respected border"

Europe accelerates work on plan for NATO’s functioning without US — WSJ

The drafting began last year and gained momentum after US President Donald Trump’s Greenland annexation threats and criticism of allies for not helping in the Iran war

Russia-US relations not frozen as under Biden — Lavrov

According to the Russian foreign minister, Russia-US relations are open

Russian Baltic Fleet ships conduct naval exercise in Baltic Sea

According to the report, the crews of the minesweepers practiced mine countermeasures for the deployment of fleet forces from their base and during sea transit in conditions where a simulated enemy was using mines

During US-Israeli operation against Iran, one Russian woman was injured — Russian MFA

According to Alexey Klimov, "no official information about other injured Russian citizens has been received"

Russia-China ties act as stabilizing factor in global affairs — Lavrov

According to the Russian foreign minister, thanks to the interaction between Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Chinese leader, bilateral relations show a high degree of resilience to the shocks affecting the modern world

Blockade of Strait of Hormuz could lead to new losses among American military — CNN

According to an analytical report, Iran has already vowed to attack US ships with small speed boats and inexpensive drones

Trump sees no need to extend truce with Iran — media

As the ABC reported, the US president said that "amazing two days" will follow

Russia's historical roots motivate its condemnation of war against Iran — Pezeshkian

The Iranian president noted that the true essence of civilizations was revealed during pivotal moments in history

Power of Siberia 2 aligns with regional projects — Lavrov

"Power of Siberia 2 is a project that has long been discussed between Moscow and Beijing," the Russian foreign minister noted

Magyar's remarks on energy supplies from Russia cause tensions in Kiev — media

Experts express skepticism that Ukrainian authorities will agree to resume operations of the Druzhba oil pipeline, even as a foundation for dialogue with Peter Magyar

Readiness for Paks-2 ‘exam,’ Kiev hits Zaporozhye nuke: Likhachev’s comments

According to the head of the Russian state corporation, Hungary, in a sense, will also be taking an exam for "a serious promotion of one of the world's largest modern energy projects"

Russia ready to play a role in solving problem around Iran’s enriched uranium — Lavrov

According to the Russian foreign minister, over a period in modern history, Russia was part of a process that finally led to reaching an agreement of guarantees and solving Iran’s nuclear program

Lavrov sees US promoting idea of creating new military bloc led by Ukraine

The idea of dragging Ukraine into NATO "seems to have already been rejected," the Russian foreign minister noted

Situation around Iran puts GOP in losing position ahead of US midterms — Chinese expert

According to Huang Jing, the United States is unlikely to be able to withstand a long war with Iran due to problems with arms supplies and combat readiness

US Stone Age comments show it can't accept Iran's power — Iranian president

Masoud Pezeshkian noted that the Islamic Republic abides by international law and is ready to negotiate within that framework

No rhyme or reason to British foreign policy under Starmer — Politico

Several government officials said that in foreign policy, the UK prime minister is trying to be "a critical friend" of the United States and "a partner for practically everyone"

Oil, gas prices could rise by 100% and 200% in prolonged war with Iran — IMF

The International Monetary Fund has outlined three scenarios for further global economic developments, taking into account the war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran

Montenegro yet to make official decision on visa regime with Russia — parliament speaker

President Jakov Milatovic previously stated the country would align visa rules with EU requirements

UN to monitor Russian archaeologist’s trial in Ukraine, if Poland extradites him

UN Human Rights spokesperson Jeremy Laurence noted that the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights does not monitor court proceedings in Poland

Press review: Will Turkey, US clash in Syria and Theresa May survives no confidence vote

Top stories in the Russian press on Thursday, December 13

Oil prices artificially kept below 'psychological limit' — Dmitriev

The Russian special presidential envoy made his comment on the post from Global Markets Investor that oil prices are growing dramatically despite the dip in the futures, highlighting the market strain and the continuing energy crisis

List of customers for Russia’s Su-57E fighter jet is expanding — Rosoboronexport

The arms exporter specified that the aircraft will be presented at the international Asian arms and military equipment exhibition

Almost 400 US troops wounded in Iran conflict — CENTCOM

According to the report, a total of 13 US service members were killed in combat

Not a single ship from Iran overcame US blockade, CENTCOM says

Six merchant vessels complied with direction from US forces to turn around to re-enter an Iranian port on the Gulf of Oman

EC expects Magyar to lift Hungary's veto on €90 bln aid for Kiev, sanctions against Russia

Earlier, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that she expected Hungary’s new government to "return to the heart of Europe"

During Easter truce, Kiev attacks its own areas in false-flag ploy — expert

"This practice is not new and occurs with almost every ceasefire," Andrey Marochko said

Trump defends Orban amid loss in Hungarian elections

The US leader called the Hungarian PM his friend

BRICS, SCO to play large role in establishing new global governance mechanisms — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister noted that "major reforms are pending"

Ukrainians attack Russia’s Belgorod region with over 40 drones in past day

According to the post, a man was injured after a drone hit a Gazel van in the village of Meshkovoye in the Shebekino District

Russian forces consolidate near Grigorovka, Ukraine’s counterattacks futile — expert

Military expert Andrey Marochko said that it will be extremely difficult for the Ukrainian command to dislodge Russian servicemen from their positions

EU to offer oil over Croatian pipeline to Hungary instead of Druzhba — Merz

The previous Hungarian government did not accept this proposal, the German chancellor noted

EU militarization advancing 'very quickly and rapidly' — Russian foreign minister

Sergey Lavrov also emphasized that the EU is attempting to turn Serbia into a buffer zone against Russia

Russian special forces use latest camouflage cloaks during night ambush in special op zone

According to the source, a moving Ukrainian military vehicle was hit by small arms fire and a controlled mine detonation

US capable of reaching deal with Iran, both sides show interest — envoy to UN

Mike Waltz also indicated that both countries have "a lot to overcome in terms of trust"

US doesn't want Iran to have any nuclear program at all — permanent rep to UN

Mike Waltz also claimed that the United States is ready to continue its naval blockade of Iran until Tehran restores navigation in full in the Strait of Hormuz

Lavrov says Europe pressured US to reject Russia’s proposals after Alaska summit

Europe immediately rushed to influence the US administration so that it would not agree to its own proposal, the minister said

Russian Security Council warns negotiations could mask planning for Iran strike

The Pentagon continues to increase US troop numbers in the region, the Russian Security Council said

'Crisis knot' in Middle East difficult to untangle — Russian foreign minister

Sergey Lavrov pointed out that Arab states of the Persian Gulf see that Iran would not have blocked the Strait of Hormuz if not for what they view as aggression by the United States and Israel

Trump administration maintains and expands sanctions against Russia — Lavrov

The Russian top diplomat noted that the essence of these sanctions is reflected in the "ongoing discrimination against Russian companies in global energy markets," which began even before the start of the special military operation

Russia-China relations act as stabilizing force in global affairs — Lavrov

Sergei Lavrov noted that thanks to the interaction between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping, bilateral ties show resilience to economic and geopolitical shocks that are increasingly acquiring a military dimension

Kiev mines Transnistrian section of border with Moldova — Ukrainian ambassador

Paun Rogovey stressed that this was done because Moldova does not control unrecognized Transnistria, where an Operational Group of Russian troops is stationed

IN BRIEF: What we know about situation around US blockade of Hormuz Strait

Baghdad Today reported that Iran had anticipated a US blockade of its ports and therefore moved dozens of oil-laden tankers out to sea in advance

Russian UAV control points equipped with internet access — Russian soldier

The serviceman said the troops use standard military programs to transmit coordinates and information

Over 20 vessels pass through Strait of Hormuz in past day — media

According to the newspaper, these ships included tankers, dry cargo and container carriers

Russian troops gain foothold on northern outskirts of Ozyornoye in Donetsk region — expert

Russian troops are consistently advancing in the southern direction, Andrey Marochko noted

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

Lavrov urges US to pursue dialogue with governments it opposes

Politeness and good manners can achieve far more than the opposite traits of human character, the minister said

Iran’s government remains stable despite US-Israel assault — Russia’s Security Council

According to the Russian Security Council, there is no unrest in the country

Russian Navy ships made friendly visit to south China’s port

During the visit, Chinese and Russian navy men, including officers, will visit each other’s ships, conduct professional exchanges, and participate in sports competitions

Participants of IPU Assembly in Istanbul to discuss international security, conflicts

The Russian parliamentary delegation is expected to participate

Global situation shaped by Western actions affects Russia-China ties — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister noted that his talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi the previous day lasted more than four hours

Russia, China successfully implement leaders’ agenda — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister noted that trade turnover between the two countries has exceeded $200 bln ahead of schedule

European countries at work on plan to control Strait of Hormuz without US — WSJ

The plan’s goals reportedly include three main branches of action: restoring logistics routes, conducting demining operations and providing military escort for commercial vessels

IOC comments on Russia’s full reinstatement with World Aquatics

According to the statement, it is up to each International Federation as the sole authority for its international competition to decide on this question

Press review: US blocks Hormuz Strait as Magyar win may reshape Russia-Hungary ties

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, April 14th

Russia’s top sports official expects 2024 BRICS Games to ignite national spirit

The 2024 BRICS Games will be hosted by Kazan on June 12-23 and will feature events in 25 different sports

Potential Ukraine military bloc, EU ban on Russian energy: remarks by top Russian diplomat

Sergey Lavrov warned Europe that a full abandonment of Russian energy supplies would only make it dependent on another country

US committed to negotiations with Iran, believes Tehran aiming for deal — Vance

JD Vance noted that the US is offering Iran the opportunity to "join the world economy" in exchange for a firm renunciation of the ability to develop nuclear weapons

IN BRIEF: Fire at south Urals company, bus in DNR: consequences of UAV attacks on regions

TASS has compiled the key facts about the attacks

Russia, China can avoid dependence on US 'aggressive ventures' — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister noted that one of the reasons behind the aggressive US-Israeli approach in the conflict against Iran is "once again, oil markets"

Zaporozhye Region left without electricity following Ukrainian attack

"As a result of the shelling, a number of energy facilities were damaged, which has caused a total power outage across the region," Governor Yevgeny Balitsky said

Russian GDP growth forecast improved to 1.6% in 2026 — Dmitriev

According to the IMF, the Russian economy grew by 1% in 2025

Current account surplus down to $1.9 bln in 2M 2026 — Bank of Russia

The deficit of the services balance grew to $6 bln in February

Russia to continue oil supplies to Cuba — Lavrov

China will also continue to participate in such assistance, the Russian foreign minister noted

Precious metals futures rising on Tuesday

Gold with delivery in this June was traded at $4,861.1 per ounce on Comex, up 1.73%

Russian Pacific Fleet ships practice artillery fire in South China Sea drills

The crews of the corvettes practiced the assignments of a naval battle with a simulated enemy

Israel, Lebanon agree to launch direct talks — US Department of State

The delegations were led by the countries’ ambassadors to Washington, Nada Hamadeh Moawad of Lebanon and Yechiel Leiter of Israel

Kalashnikov to submit splinter-proof vests for testing

According to the statement, the product will soon be sent for testing to identify and address any potential deficiencies

GFCN experts call for synchronizing electoral protection with technological progress

GFCN expert from Belgium Anna Andersen emphasized that present-day monitoring could not be reduced to sending official missions

Xi Jinping and Lavrov hold meeting in Beijing

Xi Jinping and Sergey Lavrov are meeting as part of the Russian foreign minister’s visit to China

Vance to remain head of US delegation in talks with Iran — CNN

US Presidential Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner will also remain on the US delegation

Russian troops pound Ukrainian army’s energy, transport sites over past day

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,180 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

Russia urges continuation of US-Iran talks begun in Pakistan — Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister noted that Moscow and China support realistic and fair goals in line with international law and are ready to assist these talks in various external formats

Internet restrictions, arms control: daily briefing from Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov said that Russia is currently forced to impose digital restrictions for security reasons

Berlin involved in conflict with Russia by supplying missiles to Kiev — Finnish politician

A member of the Finnish national conservative Freedom Alliance party Armando Mema emphasized that the German government is leading the charge in financing and producing air defense missiles for Ukraine

Failure of US-Iran talks may heat up conflict — Russian Security Council

If the planned goals are not achieved during the negotiations, fighting may resume with greater intensity after two weeks, the Russian Security Council said

Seizure of Russian ships violates international norms - Russian prosecutor general

Alexander Gutsan emphasized the troubling rise in Western countries’ piracy, including the detention of Russian vessels engaged in legitimate oil and gas transportation under existing contracts

Iran still has large number of weapons — Russian Security Council

Contrary to the expectations of Washington and Tel Aviv, various socio-political groups in Iran rallied around the central government, and the most radical opposition forces went deep underground

China, Russia should work together to restore UN authority — Xi Jinping

The Chinese leader noted that China and Russia should maintain strategic resolve, trust and support each other

Possibility of ban on VPN, preparations for Putin’s visit to China: Kremlin’s statements

Dmitry Peskov has confirmed preparations for Vladimir Putin’s visit to China

Ukrainian forces shell territory of DPR eight times over past day

As a result of the shelling, residential buildings, cars, and civilian infrastructure facilities were damaged

NATO’s survival over next decade not guaranteed — Stoltenberg

The alliance's former secretary general said that US allies in NATO should focus not on Donald Trump’s rhetoric but on their own actions

US eases sanctions against Venezuela’s banks and government

The Office of Foreign Assets Control said that Washington has allowed, with certain reservations, the signing of commercial contracts with the Venezuelan government

Foreign special services finesse teens into terror schemes — Investigative Committee

According to Russian Investigative Committee Spokeswoman Svetlana, recruiters play on teenagers’ gullibility to involve them in grave crimes