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US-Israeli strikes on Iran

Three more cruise ships begin exit from Persian Gulf

Two of the six vessels that have been stranded since early March have remained in the Persian Gulf

MOSCOW, April 18. /TASS/. Three more cruise ships have begun heading toward the Strait of Hormuz, following Celestyal Discovery, which successfully transited the strait on April 17.

This leaves only two vessels in ports out of six that have been stranded in the Persian Gulf since early March due to the escalation of the conflict in the region, TASS found based on vessel tracking data.

The cruise ships Celestyal Journey, Mein Schiff 5 and MSC Euribia have raised their anchors and are heading toward the Strait of Hormuz. At the same time, MSC Euribia lists Oman’s Muscat as its port of destination in its voyage documentation, while the ships Celestyal Journey and Mein Schiff 5 list the Omani port of Khasab, located at the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz. However, it is possible that like the earlier departing Celestyal Discovery, they may skip that port, and proceed directly through the strait and request entry to the port of Muscat.

Two cruise ships remain in the Persian Gulf. One of them is Mein Schiff 4, which, like the departed Mein Schiff 5, belongs to the German company TUI Cruises. The other is Aroya, owned by a Saudi company and currently located at its home Dammam Port.

Middle East conflict

Trump’s post banning Israel from bombing Lebanon catches Netanyahu off guard — Axios

According to sources cited by the news outlet, Israel asked the White House for clarifications

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

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

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

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

Russian fish imports from Turkey gain 21% in 2M 2026

Russian fish imports from Turkey in January - February amounted to $63 mln

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

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

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

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"

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

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

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"

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

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 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

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

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

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"

EU intends to prolong Ukraine conflict until 2030 — Belgian defense chief

Russia will not attack Europe, Frederik Vansina noted

Fire at warehouse in Leningrad Region, 62 drones: aftermath of Ukrainian attack on Russia

TASS has compiled the main information about the consequences

Gazprom Board to discuss liquidation of representative office in Algeria

Gazprom and Algeria’s Sonatrach are jointly developing the El Assel block in Algeria

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

Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index falls to lowest level since February 27

The Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index measures the strength of the US dollar against a basket of 12 major global currencies

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

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

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

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

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

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

Talks with Israel do not mean Lebanon admitting defeat — president

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

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

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 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"

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

Terrorists take 18 students hostage in Nigeria — TV

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

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

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

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

Russia’s defense spacecraft placed in target orbit

According to the Defense Ministry, stable telemetry communication with the spacecraft has been established and maintained

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

First cruise liner sailed through Hormuz

The liner is now going to Muscat in Oman

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

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

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

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

US will not pay for transfer of Iranian uranium — Trump

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

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

US to extract Iranian enriched uranium using excavators — Trump

The president also said that the nuclear materials would be brought to the US

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

Trump thanks Iran for opening Strait of Hormuz to commercial vessels

The US president called it the "Strait of Iran"

Six vessels cross Strait of Hormuz on April 16

Three vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz towards the Persian Gulf and the same amount towards the Gulf of Oman

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

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

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

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

EC sees 'no evidence' of strikes against Russia from EU airspace — spokeswoman

EC Spokeswoman Anitta Hipper stated that Sergey Shoigu’s remarks amounted to "misinformation" aimed at creating conditions for escalation and regional instability

US allows sales of Russian oil loaded before April 17 to continue until May 16

The general license replaces the previous one, which expired on April 11

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

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

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

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

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

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"

Satellites for Russian defense ministry launched from Plesetsk

The launch proceeded normally

US-Iran talks to continue over weekend — Trump

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

Poland may eventually need to restore conscription — president

Karol Nawrocki noted that the security situation is changing almost every week

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

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

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

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

Baku calls on Russian companies to actively join Karabakh projects

Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Mustafayev emphasized that enterprises with Russian participation were already operating successfully in Azerbaijan’s industrial zones

Lavrov says no specific initiatives so far toward resolving Ukraine conflict

The foreign minister stressed that Russian armed forces had been accomplishing objectives set by the supreme commander-in-chief as part of the special military operation

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

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

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

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"

Russia’s Andreeva advances to 2026 WTA Stuttgart semis defeating Poland’s Swiatek

The Russian is now set to play in the semifinals against the winner between the quarterfinals duel between tournament’s top-seed Yelena Rybakina from Kazakhstan and Canada’s Leylah Fernandez

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

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

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

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

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

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

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"

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

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

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

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

Minsk asks Warsaw to give up provocations against Belarus

At the same time Minsk responded with satisfaction to Poland’s promise “there are no claims to the sovereign territory of Belarus”

Britain and France to lead multinational mission in Strait of Hormuz — Starmer

According to the British PM, the mission will be strictly peaceful and defensive

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

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

Three more cruise ships begin exit from Persian Gulf

Two of the six vessels that have been stranded since early March have remained in the Persian Gulf

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

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

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