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US-Israeli strikes on Iran

US-Iran talks to continue over weekend — Trump

The US president says Iran and the United States are maintaining contacts

US President Donald Trump Win McNamee/ Getty Images

US President Donald Trump

© Win McNamee/ Getty Images

WASHINGTON, April 18. /TASS/. Iran and the United States are maintaining contacts, and the negotiations will continue over the weekend, US President Donald Trump said.

"Talks are going on and will go on over the weekend," he told journalists in a brief exchange upon arrival in Phoenix, Arizona, commenting on contacts with Iran.

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US State Department officials visit Cuba on April 10, meet Castro’s grandson — Axios

Sources in the US administration told the news portal that US representatives had come to Havana "to urge democratic and economic freedoms" on the island

Europe’s role in Ukraine conflict, Iran's enriched uranium — Kremlin briefing

Dmitry Peskov said the direct involvement of European countries in the conflict in Ukraine is growing, and all the details were mentioned in a statement by the Russian Defense Ministry

First cruise liner sailed through Hormuz

The liner is now going to Muscat in Oman

US will not pay for transfer of Iranian uranium — Trump

This deal is in no way subject to Lebanon, either, Trump added

Kremlin says 'nothing to add' to statement on drones for Kiev from Russia’s top brass

In its statement, the Russian Defense Ministry said that European countries are increasing the production of drones "amid rising losses and worsening manpower shortages in the Ukrainian armed forces"

Russian troops hammer Ukrainian army’s fuel and energy infrastructure in massive strike

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted roughly 190 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed two enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

IN BRIEF: What we know about Iran’s decision to open Strait of Hormuz

Iran’s ban on the passaged through the Strait of Hormuz is still in force for warships from any country, the Iranian state television said, citing a military source

US, Israeli commercial ships still banned from passing through Strait of Hormuz — agency

Earlier in the day, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that following the enforcement of a ceasefire in Lebanon, Iran has opened the Strait of Hormuz for the passage of commercial vessels

Russia, Mongolia ink protocol on Russian aviation fuel supplies

The document stipulates provision of seamless supplies of Russian aviation fuel to Mongolia on a mutually beneficial basis

US-Iran talks to continue over weekend — Trump

The US president says Iran and the United States are maintaining contacts

Terrorists take 18 students hostage in Nigeria — TV

The criminals attacked a minibus and drove the school graduates in an unknown direction

Somalia threatens to restrict access to Bab el-Mandeb Strait

"Any country interfering in Somalia's internal affairs and compromising its territorial integrity and sovereignty will face repercussions, including potential restrictions on access to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait," Somalian permanent representative to the African Union Abdullahi Warfa stressed

UN chief hails Hormuz Strait’s opening to commercial vessels

The UN chief reiterated his full support for the diplomatic efforts "to find a peaceful path forward out of the current conflict in the Middle East"

Russia cuts pipeline gas supplies to Turkey by 27% in January–February

According to the regulator, in February Turkey imported a total of 1.09 bln cubic meters of gas from Russia via the TurkStream and Blue Stream pipelines

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

EU cannot weaken Russia and has nothing to offer for peace — Slovak Prime Minister

According to Robert Fico, European countries believe that through supporting Ukraine they will weaken Russia

US to continue naval blockade of Iran until agreement is reached — Trump

The US president said this process should go very quickly

Russia’s T-90M tank destroys Ukrainian strongholds in Zaporozhye Region

After completing the combat mission, the tank crew quickly withdrew and left the firing position

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

The Russian troops gained control of the settlement of Volchanskiye Khutora in the Kharkov Region and Zybino in the Kharkov Region

US bans Israel from bombing Lebanon further — Trump

The US President said on April 16 that Israel and Lebanon had introduced a 10-day ceasefire

US irreparably tarnished image with defeat in Iran — Russian MP

Iran can defeat the United States in the sense that it will not allow the US to achieve the goals it has set for itself in the war, Alexey Pushkov noted

Russia, India publish agreement on procedures for deployment of military personnel

The agreement regulates not only the deployment of military personnel and equipment but also logistics

EU ambassadors agree 11th package of anti-Russian sanctions — Swedish presidency

The previous package was adopted on February 25 of this year

Kiev regime keeps getting rid of witnesses of Bucha staging — Russian Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova called all the stories about the alleged killings of civilians in Bucha by the Russian military in April 2022 "nonsense"

Russian trade turnover with Central Asian countries increases to $50 bln — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister drew attention to the demand for the six-side dialogue mechanism that is "developing successfully, dynamically, with the benefit for all the participants"

Ceasefire, opening of Strait of Hormuz temporary steps — Russian expert

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif invited Iranian and US delegations to talks in Islamabad on April 10 to "reach a final agreement to resolve all disputes"

Bank of Russia lowers dollar rate to 76.05 rubles for April 18-20

The official yuan rate was reduced by 2.43 kopecks to 11.15 rubles

Trump says deal with Iran may be reached in day or two

The US leader emphasized that the Irainian side wanted to make a deal

At least 50 ice class vessels required by 2030 — Deputy PM

The current portfolio of orders of Zvezda shipyard provides for construction of 26 transport ships for cargo carriage along the Northern Sea Route, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yury Trutnev noted

UN secretary-general announces beginning of era of multipolar world

Antonio Guterres said that it is the international law that gives countries a common language and the predictability of a common framework to resolve differences peacefully

Alcaraz withdraws from 2026 ATP Madrid Open tournament

The 2026 Madrid Open is an ATP-1,000 Masters tournament played on clay courts at the Park Manzanares in the Spanish capital between April 22 and May 3

Trade turnover between Russia, Uzbekistan up 8% in 9M 2025

Russia is at the top position in the export structure of Uzbekistan

Shoigu reminds Baltic states of Russia’s right to self-defense over Ukrainian UAV attacks

The Russian Security Council secretary emphasized that significant damage is caused to civilian infrastructure

Orban joins opposition, but remains at helm of party

Viktor Orban stressed that Fidesz would have to learn from the April 12 vote and move forward

European companies manufacturing drones for Ukrainian army: Defense Ministry report

The Russian Defense Ministry views the decisions by several European countries to supply drones to Ukraine as a deliberate move leading to an escalation of the military-political situation and a "creeping transformation" of those countries into Ukraine’s strategic support base

Iran will receive no frozen assets for suspending nuclear program, Trump says

According to the US leader, an agreement to end the war that was unleashed by the United States and Israel in late February, is largely complete

Putin: Russia’s would-be rating agency should be really independent

The president said such an agency would be highly expedient, since the United States-controlled international rating agency were too biased

Yolka UAV is highly effective interceptor — Russian serviceman

The Defense Ministry recalled the operating principle of the latest Russian interceptor drone, emphasizing that it carries no warhead and that it destroys targets with kinetic energy in a direct collision

Russia, Libya discuss process of selecting UN’s new chief, prospects for its reforming

The sides also discussed international steps toward restoring Libya’s unity with the United Nation’s pivotal role

Kazakhstan to build several nuclear power plants — agency

According to the Kazakh nuclear energy agency, Kazakhstan may additionally require about 2,660 MW in 2026–2032

Iran proposes to restrict vessels posing military threat in Strait of Hormuz

The ambassador also noted that along with the security aspects, the economic side of the issue also occupies an important place in navigation through the strait

Uzbekistan expects trade with Russia to reach $12 billion by end of 2025 — Uzbek Deputy PM

According to Jamshid Khodjaev, in 2024, trade between Russia and Uzbekistan exceeded $11 billion, almost double the volume that was six years ago

Hormuz opening enables Iraq to export over 20 mln barrels of oil

Tehran’s decision to fully open the strait "guarantees that about twenty tankers will be able to sail from Iraq already in the near future, which are capable to transport about 23 mln barrels of oil produced in Basrah to the global market," the news portal said

Ukraine imposes sanctions against 130 Russian military personnel, priests

Vladimir Zelensky regularly signs decrees on sanctions against Russian individuals and legal entities, as well as citizens of Ukraine and other countries whom Kiev accuses of cooperating with Russia

Belgian defense chief says Europe cares not about Kiev's future — Russian security forces

General Frederik Vansina said earlier that the EU intended to continue the conflict in Ukraine until 2030

Kalashnikov to unveil Skat-350M drone at exhibition in Central Asia

Director of the Kalashnikov Group Division for the Export of Drones and Loitering Munitions Leonid Rokeakh said that Central Asian countries had been displaying a steadily growing interest in the Skat-350M UAV

Russian ruble’s exclusion from international financial settlements impossible — experts

The ruble holds quite a small share in global trade and international foreign exchange conversion transactions

Lavrov, Central Asian foreign ministers discuss cooperation, situation in Middle East

The officials also discussed the implementation of the agreements reached at the second Central Asia-Russia summit in Dushanbe in 2025, including the large-scale initiatives put forward at the summit

Russia ranks 4th in EU gas import value share in February

The United States ranked first with its LNG supplies, accounting for 30.5% and 1.8 bln euro

Estonia to receive proportionate response to all unfriendly actions against Russia — MFA

During a briefing, Maria Zakharova spoke about "another wave of Russophobia" in the Baltic country

Washington, Tehran discuss exporting some of Iran's uranium to third country — media

Citing two US officials and two other sources, the report says the United States is demanding that Iran hand over "all its nuclear material"

Iran, Oman may overhaul navigation rules in Hormuz — Iran’s ambassador to Turkmenistan

According to the ambassador, the regime will be based on three key provisions: ensuring sustainable maritime security, preventing military abuse of this strategic waterway, and establishing a balance between the freedom of navigation and the right for sovereignty of the coastal states

Over 60 countries confirm participation in KazanForum

20 heads of Russian regions have confirmed their participation

Iran opens Strait of Hormuz to merchant ships as truce in Lebanon announced

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that the passage of ships through the strait will be carried out according to the route agreed with Iran

Russian troops align front ahead of Ozernoye offensive in DPR — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, the Russian troops are completing the consolidation of units in the Ozernoye-Krivaya Luka-Kaleniki sector

Tehran says US seeking to strip Iran of its defense capabilities ahead of new war

Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee Spokesman Ebrahim Rezaei said Washington aims at advancing the project of destruction and fragmentation of the Islamic republic

Russia’s Su-35S fighter jet boasts world’s largest experience of air combats — expert

Ruslan Pukhov said the target detection and engagement range is crucial for the success of combat operations in the air and the Su-35S is unrivaled in its class in this regard

Opening of Strait of Hormuz linked with Iran's desire to keep nuclear program — expert

Adnan at-Tamimi says that another reason is related to Washington's actions towards Israel and a possibility of suspending the war in Lebanon

Trump says Iran agrees to indefinite moratorium on nuclear program — media

Iran has not yet commented on the statement by the US leader

Moldova declares Russian command in Transnistria persona non grata

If the Russian officers try to leave Transnistria for Moldova, he added, they will be deported back to Russia without the right of return

UAC delivers batch of Su-35S fighter jets to Russian Aerospace Forces

The state tech corporation Rostec said that the Su-35S fighter is designed to achieve air superiority and engage ground infrastructure targets at significant distances from the base airfield

Russian stock market closes with slight decline in key indices

The ruble-denominated MOEX index fell by 0.63% to 2,723.94 points, while the dollar-denominated RTS index decreased by 0.58% to 1,128.29 points

Putin says launching Kalashnikov rifle plant will help enhance India’s defense potential

The plant will become another symbol of friendship and cooperation between the two countries, Russian President stressed

Experts: Ukraine has to seek compromise in gas dispute with Russia ahead of winter season

Ukraine’s Naftogaz will have to seek a gas price compromise with Russia’s Gazprom in order not to freeze Ukrainian citizens together with European consumers in the upcoming winter, experts says

NATO rearmament, talks on Ukraine: senior diplomat’s statements

Alexander Grushko said that Russia takes the negotiations on the Ukrainian settlement "very seriously"

Trump says Iran ready to hand over uranium from facilities attacked last year

According to the president, the US and Iran "have a lot of agreement"

Tornado-S MLRS crews of Moscow Military District carry out combat training launches

Particular attention was paid to preparation for the strike using a remote control panel

Russia’s pharmaceutical exports up by more than 30% yoy in 2025 to $1.3 bln — minister

Earlier, First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov said that the Russian pharmaceutical market grew by 13.6% in 2025 to $38.6 bln

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

Talks with Israel do not mean Lebanon admitting defeat — president

According to Joseph Aoun, the talks do not mean a waiver of rights

Iran does not accept temporary ceasefires with US — deputy foreign minister

Saeed Khatibzadeh added that ongoing contacts through intermediaries "are being implemented precisely for this purpose"

US plans to engage in talks with Iran in Pakistan on Monday — media

According to a senior US administration official cited by The Wall Street Journal, President Donald Trump’s team engaged in the talks are in a standby regime ahead of the negotiations

Top brass discloses addresses of firms in Europe producing UAVs for strikes on Russia

The branches of Ukrainian companies producing drones for strikes on Russia are located in cities of eight European countries, including London, Munich, Prague and Riga

Russia says welcomes ceasefire in Lebanon

Maria Zakharova recalled that from the very beginning of the large-scale escalation in the Middle East, Moscow had called for an end to the armed confrontation and a transfer of the conflict to a political and diplomatic settlement

Putin’s aide highlights loss ratio as he confirms 1,000 bodies transferred to Ukraine

Ukraine has transferred 41 bodies of Russian servicemen

Gazprom points to difficulties with replenishing European gas storages

The company said that Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic and Poland had net withdrawals on April 14, while gas was lifted from the single UGS in Baltic countries on April 15

EU does its best to destroy Visegrad Group — Fico

The Slovak PM noted that the main topic dividing the member countries of the regional association is Ukraine

Standard demining methods in Donbass are obsolete — Emercom-Demining CEO

The humanitarian demining team’s field engineers use the comprehensive approach, Bogdan Pilipchuk said

Trump says he trusts Iran to comply with terms of potential deal

The US president also said that Tehran wants to make a deal

US president assumes that Iranian conflict may not be settled

Donald Trump separately said oil prices stood at $89 or $90, while previously forecasts were $250-$300 per barrel

Trump says may travel to Pakistan for signing agreement with Iran — agency

The US delegation to the last weekend’s round of negotiations with Iran was led by Vice President JD Vance

Russian gas crucial for preserving Europe’s industry — envoy

Kirill Dmitriev made the comment in response to a post by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who said that Slovakia is filing a lawsuit with the Court of Justice of the European Union over the ban on imports of Russian gas

Restoration of energy resources production in Middle East to take two years — IEA chief

"The situation will differ from country to country," Fatih Birol noted

Kiev did not demonstrate a will for peace during the Easter truce — Russian MFA

Maria Zakharova recalled that Zelensky never gave the order to cease fire, and the Ukrainian Armed Forces violated the silence regime more than 6,000 times

Abolishing veto power to spell beginning of end for EU — Slovak PM

Robert Fico condemned the European Commission’s attempts to secure an EU-wide decision to abolish member states’ veto rights on foreign policy issues

Lukashenko calls US actions in Iran ‘mindless adventure’

The Belarusian leader stressed that the United States should pause and recognize that, beyond their own interests, there were nations that had their own priorities

Nord Stream sabotage hearings begin in London

The operator Nord Stream company argues that it is entitled to an indemnity of 580 million euros from the insurer Lloyd’s of London

Russian MP calls on EU to heed Russia’s warnings about arms supplies to Kiev

Leonid Slutsky pointed out that Europe was not only arming the Kiev regime but also actively building up its own military potential in preparation for a conflict with Russia

EU should be ashamed of organizing unrest in other countries — Georgian authorities

According to Shalva Papuashvili, he will carefully examine the information about the impending unrest in Georgia with the involvement of a Czech organization

Trump’s support hurt rather than helped Orban in elections — Politico

According to the newspaper, head of the parliamentary faction of the National Rally Marine Le Pen called on the deputies to keep their distance from the United States in the wake of the Hungarian elections

Gazprom requests that Naftogaz repay its gas debt — Energy Minister Novak

Ukranian partners do not acknowledge the debt, although being billed according to active contract, Minister of Energy of Russia Alexander Novak says

Foreign ministers of Russia, Uzbekistan discuss measures to stimulate mutual investments

Particular attention was paid to practical implementation of agreements reached at the top level

Russian Security Council lists instances of Ukrainian drones using EU airspace

More than 240 drones have already been shot down over the Leningrad Region since the beginning of the year

Trump thanks Iran for opening Strait of Hormuz to commercial vessels

The US president called it the "Strait of Iran"

Satellites for Russian defense ministry launched from Plesetsk

The launch proceeded normally

Kiev ban on all Russian, cyberattack allegations: Foreign Ministry’s statements

Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova points out that the Kiev regime is purposefully turning Ukraine "into a military tool against Russia"

Stranded whale in Germany shows movement for first time since March 31 — media

Volunteers continued efforts on Friday to prepare the whale for a possible lifting onto a floating platform and towing to open waters

Transnistria calls Moldova’s attempts to squeeze out Russian troops destructive

Transnistrian Foreign Minister Vitaly Ignatiyev says these actions have a negative impact on the course of the peacekeeping operation

Lebanon intends to settle border disputes with Israel — president

Joseph Aoun said the government position is to ensure the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the occupied territories and the release of prisoners

Mexican ambassador summoned to Russian MFA over detention of Russian woman — diplomat

Maria Zakharova noted that the Russian Foreign Ministry is keeping a close eye on this matter in close coordination with State Duma Deputy Chairwoman Anna Kuznetsova and presidential children’s rights commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova

New rules of navigation in Hormuz inevitable — Iranian ambassador to Turkmenistan

Ali Mojtaba Rouzbahani noted that the Strait of Hormuz was no longer just a geographical route for ships to pass through