{{dayPoint.date | date : 'd MMMM yyyy'}}

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Situation around the Strait of Hormuz

Iran has no plans to discuss defense capabilities, missile program with — agency

According to a senior Iranian official, differences over Iran's nuclear program still remain, and a continued US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz "undermines the peace talks"

LONDON, April 20. /TASS/. Tehran has no plans to discuss its defense capabilities, including the missile program, with the United States, Reuters reported, citing a senior Iranian official.

According to him, differences over Iran's nuclear program still remain, and a continued US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz "undermines the peace talks."

The United States and Israel launched a military operation against Iran on February 28. On April 7, US President Donald Trump announced a "double-sided" two-week ceasefire with Iran. On April 11, the parties held several rounds of talks in the Pakistani capital of Islamabad. According to both Tehran and Washington, they were unable to agree on a long-term solution to the conflict due to multiple disagreements. It is currently unclear if Washington and Tehran will hold another round of consultations. The US imposed a naval blockade on Iran on April 13.

Situation around the Strait of Hormuz

US offers Iran new negotiation plan through mediators — ambassador to Russia

Kazem Jalali added that Iran had developed a 10-point plan

Price of Brent oil up by 5.5% trading at over $97 per barrel on London’s ICE

As of 2:38 a.m. Moscow time the Brent price was at $96.62 per barrel

Russian military to get equivalents of US missile defense systems soon — corporation

Russia is developing an equivalent of the THAAD and GMD missile defense systems

Khabarovsk company launches UAV printed-circuit-board production line

The company’s production capacity has reached tens of thousands of drones per month

Zakharova: West has not abandoned idea of seizing Ukrainian black soil, Russian oil

This refers to revanchism, "which assumes that they now want to carry out that very revenge that will allow them to still win in this very division of the world, the redrawing of the world’s resources for themselves," Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman added

Extension of US sanctions relief on Russian oil supports India's energy security — expert

This plays a key role in ensuring the short-term energy security of the South Asian republic, according to an Indian international trade expert

NATO not being in its best form — Lavrov

Russia is not mimicking the bloc whose emissaries have been calling on other countries to sever relations with Moscow, Russian Foreign Minister said

Russia’s Soyuz 2.1b rocket carrying remote sensing satellite takes off from Baikonur

According to Roscosmos, the satellite will enter its intended orbit nine and a half minutes after the takeoff

Iran refuses from engaging in second round of talks with US — agency

The Tasnim agency said that Tehran will make a decision on whether to send its negotiating team to Pakistan only after Washington lifts its naval blockade or Iran

Estonia not to let Slovak PM’s jet fly over its territory on its way to Moscow — minister

Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna recalled that a similar precedent occurred in 2025

Russian ships detachment leaves Chinese port to continue long-distance voyage

During their stay in the foreign port, the detachment’s crews participated in official events, as well as the cultural and sports program

Moscow to host Parliamentary Assembly meeting of post-Soviet security bloc CSTO

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is expected to deliver a report during the session

Russia hands over last RD-180 rocket engines to US under existing deal

The United States has received 122 RD-180 rocket engines over more than 20 years of cooperation

Russian Battlegroup West destroy 121 Ukrainian drones

The Russian military also destroyed four mortars, 19 ground robotic systems, 47 drone control stations, a Starlink terminal and two field ammunition depots

Serbian politician calls for strengthening ties with BRICS

Since BRICS is not that structured as the European Union, this format allows each BRICS member to "make decisions independently" and take "only what they need" from the cooperation, rather than what is being imposed on them, Aleksandar Vuclin noted

Vance to lead US delegation to talks with Iran — ABC News host

Meanwhile, The New York Post reported earlier that the United States will be represented by special envoy Steve Witkoff and president’s son-in-law Jared Kushner

Moldova can join EU through creation of ‘new Greater Romania’ — Medvedev

Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman noted that "Romanian politicians have been politically dancing in circles around Moldova" for a long time

Russia to end special op after removing threats caused by NATO’s colonization of Ukraine

The special military operation will end when its tasks are fulfilled, the head of the Russian Foreign Ministry's second CIS department Alexey Polishchuk said

US-Israeli strike on humanitarian aid aircraft in western Iran reported

The Civil Aviation Organization of the Islamic Republic called on all international bodies to take appropriate measures in response to this incident

Senior Russian senator says he cannot imagine pro-American forces coming to power in Iran

If this situation continues, it will be a political defeat for Washington, said the Chairman of the Federation Council's Information Policy Commission Alexey Pushkov

Telegram co-founder says he faces multiple years in prison in France

"Macron’s France is losing legitimacy as it weaponizes criminal investigations to suppress free speech and privacy," Pavel Durov said

Air defenses down 46 Ukrainian drones over Russian regions in eight hours

UAV were destroyed over the territories of Samara, Bryansk, Belgorod, Vologda, Kursk, Nizhny Novgorod, Ryazan Regions, and the waters of the Black Sea

Iran to decide on talks with US only after naval blockade is lifted — agency

According to Tasnim, contacts between Iran and the United States have continues in recent days via Pakistani mediators

At least one killed, another wounded in Ukrainian drone attack on Russia’s Tuapse

A fire broke out at the seaport following the drone attack

Trump threatens to destroy all power plants, bridges in Iran if it rejects deal

The US offers "a very fair and reasonable deal", the American leader said

US sanctions relief on Russian oil extension important but not critical for India — expert

According to TERI (The Energy and Resources Institute) researcher and senior advisor Ajai Malhotra, the US extension of the sanctions relief has a stabilizing effect on the global market

MOEX Index up as morning trading session opens

As of 7:10 a.m. Moscow time the MOEX Index was up by 0.9%

Ukrainian forces started counteroffensive, have a lot of personnel, weapons — Prigozhin

Yevgeny Prigozhin said that in the past 24 hours, Wagner PMC forces advanced 230 meters in Artyomovsk

Soyuz-2.1b launches Gonets-M satellites, first Sfera module from Vostochny spaceport

It is the first rocket launch from Vostochny in 2022

Russian air defense forces shoot down 274 Ukrainian UAVs over past day

Six guided aerial bombs were shot down by air defense systems

Iran asks US to significantly ease sanctions, release $20 billion — TV channel

The US began a naval blockade of Iran on April 13

Putin praises Peter the Great’s role in building Russian state

The exposition, dubbed ‘Peter the Great. The Birth of Empire,’ is designed in the form of an immersive biography performance

Farewell ceremony for military blogger Vladlen Tatarsky over

Over 1,000 people came to bid farewell to him

Two US nuclear submarines ‘closer to Russia,’ Trump says

"We always want to be ready", US president added

Kiev loses nearly 7,300 troops, mercenaries in special op zone over week — expert

Russia’s battlegroup Center inflicted the greatest losses on Ukrainian troops along the western border of the Donetsk People’s Republic and in the Dnepropetrovsk Region

Russian businessman Mordashov makes statement in response to EU sanctions

What is happening in Ukraine is a tragedy for two fraternal nations, he noted

Lavrov slams Zelensky over his claims of not backing Nazis while okaying SS-hailing events

According to the Russian top diplomat, Ukraine’s authorities are conniving at the manifestations of neo-Nazism

Iran will not agree to stop nuclear program, source says

According to the TV channel, Iran "will never accept" such proposals

Two civilians hurt in Ukraine’s drone attack on their car in Bryansk Region

They were taken to a hospital

US open to idea of tougher sanctions against Russia, will consult with G7 — Biden

The comment was made on the issue the EU's intention to apply a sixth package of restrictive measures against Russia

Seven of eight slain children in US Shreveport tragedy were shooter’s own — NYP

The gunman was identified as 31-year-old US military veteran Shamar Elkins

Press review: Foreign firms flock to Army-2023 and China’s defense chief heading to Moscow

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, August 15th

One fatality, fire at seaport in Krasnodar Region: consequences of overnight UAV attack

The drones were shot down over the Astrakhan, Bryansk, Voronezh, Kaluga, Kursk and Krasnodar Regions, Crimea, as well as over the waters of the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea

US has no right to deprive Iran of chance to implement its nuclear program — president

US President Donald Trump previously said that the US and Iranian delegations had agreed on most of the problematic issues in Islamabad, but the nuclear issue remained unresolved

Progressive Bulgaria leads in parliamentary elections after 87% of ballots counted

Representatives of 14 political parties and 10 coalitions competed for 240 seats in the 52nd National Assembly

Iran is investigating incident with Indian ships in Strait of Hormuz — Foreign Ministry

The matter is under review, Esmail Baghaei said

Russian air defenses down one HIMARS rocket, 568 Ukrainian fixed-wing drones in past day

Overall, the Russian Armed Forces have destroyed 671 Ukrainian combat aircraft, 284 helicopters, 135,370 unmanned aerial vehicles since the start of the special military operation, Russia’s Defense Ministry said

US diplomat says attacks on Iranian power plants will not be war crime

The Iranian air defenses have been absolutely decimated, US Permanent Representative to the United Nations Mike Waltz said

US not serious about conflict settlement by posing threats to Iranian vessels — Araghchi

The Iranian top diplomat added he believed that "the contradictory stance and violations of the ceasefire regime on behalf of the United States speaks for America's ill intentions"

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

At least eight children die in shooting incident in US’ Louisiana — TV

According to a police office, those killed are aged from one to 14

General HQ of Iranian army warns of potentially larger strikes on Tel Aviv

The Iranian military also advised "host countries of US military bases to force the Americans to leave their territory, if they want to avoid damage"

Turkey’s merchant ship Azburg on fire near Mariupol — Donetsk militia

The Ukrainian nationalists still holding the port of Mariupol have been purposefully eliminating infrastructures and the foreign ships there, Eduard Basurin stressed

Seized Iranian cargo vessel was en route to Iranian Bandar Abbas port — US Central Command

Guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance intercepted M/V Touska as it transited the north Arabian Sea, the US Central Command said

Top Lithuanian diplomat says wants to establish good relations with Belarus

Kestutis Budrys hopes that one day Lithuania and Belarus will have perfect relations, after all the issues will be settled

Relations with Putin, Europe’s reluctance to go to war: Lukashenko speaks to RT

The Belarusian leader opined that US President Donald Trump could come to Russia as a peacemaker via Belarus

Progressive Bulgaria collation winning parliamentary elections — exit polls

The polls indicate that the coalition is garnering from 37.5% of votes (Alpha Research) to 38.9% (Market Links)

Russia unveils Internet traffic backup plan if exchange points in Europe get cutoff

According to Minister of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media Maksut Shadayev, Russia’s main telecom provider has the necessary capabilities

Russia will not negotiate until it wins in Ukraine conflict, says EU top diplomat Borrell

"I see the clear will of Russia to win in the war," the European Union foreign policy chief said

Iran’s military deliver drone strikes on US warships in response to its vessel’s seizure

According to the news agency, Iran's military intended to continue responding to "piracy" policy and attacks on behalf of the US side

Anglo-Saxons only understand force, forcing Iran to develop nukes — Pierre de Gaulle

The President of the Foundation for Peace and Friendship Among Peoples noted that the world is witnessing the collapse of core international laws

Trump considers Israel great ally of US, unlike other countries

Unlike other countries that showed their true colors during the conflict, the Jewish state is fighting to the last, the American leader said

Two Ukrainian police officers flee shooting scene, leaving victims unprotected — newspaper

They were suspended from duty during the investigation

Hungary not to approve EU’s loan to Kiev until it resumes oil supplies via Druzhba — PM

Through Brussels, Budepest has "received an indication from Ukraine that they are ready to restore oil deliveries" via the Druzhba pipeline "as early as Monday, provided that Hungary lifts its blockade of the €90 billion EU loan", Viktor Orban said

Houthis threaten to block Bab el-Mandeb Strait if US hinders peace

US President Donald Trump and those who appease him should immediately put an end to all actions and policies that hinder peace and show the necessary respect for the rights of our people and our country

Moskva cruiser sank while being towed in a storm — Russian Defense Ministry

"During the towing of the Moskva cruiser to the designation port, the ship lost stability due to hull damage, sustained during the detonation of ammunition because of a fire. Amid the heavy storm, the ship sank," the Ministry said.

EU would have unblocked money for Kiev regardless of Orban — Kremlin spokesman

One should not harbor any illusions in this regard, Dmitry Peskov noted

G7, EU plan to ban restart of some Russian pipeline gas supplies — FT

The decision is scheduled to be finalized by G7 leaders at a summit in Hiroshima next week

Kiev recruiting EU citizens for terrorist attacks — FSB

Russia’s Federal Security Service made this statement following the arrest of a 57-year-old German citizen in Pyatigorsk

Belarus ready for big deal with US, but it needs to be prepared — president

Alexander Lukashenko emphasized that Western sanctions had not played their part

Slovak PM says supports Ukraine’s accession to EU, but Kiev is not ready for that

According to Robert Fico, that country must comply with the requirements for candidates for the EU membership

Photos and videos from Bucha staged by Kiev regime for Western media — defense ministry

"The photos and videos from Bucha are fakes staged by the Kiev regime for the Western media," it stressed

S&P removes Russian and Belarusian bonds from its 11 indices

S&P Dow Jones Indices conducted a consultation with market participants

US Energy Secretary says sanctions against Russian oil will be resumed

Chris Wright said that the issuance of a license for operations with Russian oil and its extension were temporary measures

Mariupol Theater blown up from inside — DPR Militia

According to the Russian defense ministry, the theater was blown up by the Azov battalion nationalists on March 16

Rada lawmaker calls Zelensky 'cannibal' over plan to send Ukrainians abroad to frontlines

Vladimir Zelensky and his entourage liked "this unlimited power," Alexey Goncharenko noted

Putin could speak on Ukraine at news conference after Belarus talks on Thursday — Kremlin

The Russian president is scheduled to take questions jointly with his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko

Iran closes Strait of Hormuz until US naval blockade fully lifted — IRGC

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps called on shipowners to adhere exclusively to the recommendations of the Iranian side

Press review: Syrian envoy slams US raid as aid for IS and Russia doubts OPEC cut

Top stories in the Russian press on Monday, April 10

Iranian president calls for resolving conflict with US through diplomacy

According to Masoud Pezeshkian, war benefits no one

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un supervises test launch of upgraded ballistic missiles

Kim Jong Un expressed great satisfaction over the test results, the news agency said

US delegation to arrive in Pakistan tomorrow for negotiations with Iran — US leader

According to the New York Post, US Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner will represent the US in the new round of negotiations

Drone fragments fall near Eisk seaport in Krasnodar Region

Emergency and special services are working on the site

Sverdlovsk court sentences woman with dual Russian, US citizenship to 12 years in prison

During the trial, Ksenia Karelina pleaded guilty in full to fundraising for the Ukrainian armed forces

Russia ‘defaults’ on Eurobonds — Moody’s

On 27 June, holders of Russia's sovereign debt had not received coupon payments on two eurobonds worth $100 million by the time the 30-calendar-day grace period expired, the statement said

Ukraine-trained snipers arrive in Georgia to stage provocations — regional source

"Ukraine-trained snipers are arriving in the republic to organize provocations during mass protests," the person said

Vance to travel to Islamabad for talks with Iran, despite Trump’s statement — media

American leader said earlier that US Vice President will not take part in the Islamabad talks due to security considerations as the Secret Service cannot do it on 24 hours notice

International flights to resume at Iran’s Mashhad airport from April 20 — TV

According to earlier reports, air service has partially been resumed at six Iranian airports, including in Tehran

Iranian foreign ministry slams US naval blockade as war crime

It violates Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, Esmail Baghaei said

Over 20 ships cross Strait of Hormuz on April 18 — Reuters

Many of the ships are loaded with energy products from Persian Gulf countries

Iranian president, Pakistani PM discuss situation in Middle East

Masoud Pezeshkian stressed that Pakistan, with the support from its partners, remains committed to "its role as an honest and sincere facilitator of lasting peace and regional stability"

EU’s militarization becomes ‘magnet for criminals’ — newspaper

According to the European Anti-Fraud Office's chief Petr Klement, the agency is receiving an increasing number of reports of irregularities in the defense sector, particularly in research projects and procurement

Launch of Luna-26, Luna-27 may be postponed, space chief Rogozin says

After its trials are concluded, the control launch date will be determined

Iran plans future of its nuclear program within NPT framework — ambassador to Russia

The Islamic Republic of Iran has the right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy in accordance with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, Kazem Jalali said

EU bureaucrats too blind to see scale of energy crisis impact — RDIF CEO

Kirill Dmitriev commented on Bloomberg reports that the cumulative effect of the Middle East conflict will begin to be felt already next week

Kremlin announces creation of blockchain-based payment system in BRICS

Work will continue to develop the Contingent Reserve Arrangement, primarily regarding the use of currencies different from the US dollar," the Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov pointed out

Russian embassy blasts US for ignoring global commitments to continue work on bioweapons

The US expert community "has been increasingly rigorous in its efforts to analyze" the evidence uncovered by the Russian armed forces about "the Pentagon’s illegal military and biological activity in Ukraine"

Iran’s arsenals of missile launchers, drones replenished during ceasefire — IRGC commander

Sayyid Majid Mousavi said that "the enemy is unable to create such conditions for themselves, and they have to deliver ammunition from the other side of the world"

Russia suggests UN Security Council commission look into US biolabs in Ukraine

The draft document is to be considered during the Security Council’s session on October 27

Ukraine faces increase of terrorist attacks similar to Kiev tragedy shootout — diplomat

Russian Foreign Ministry Ambassador-at-Large Rodion Miroshnik pointed out that the Kiev regime led by Vladimir Zelensky "does not comply with its social obligations pledged to the population"

US should lift blockade of Cuba — Lula da Silva

The leader of Brazil also urged the global community to pay attention to the continuing humanitarian catastrophe in Haiti