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Strait of Hormuz developments

Pentagon reports boarding stateless tanker in Indian-Pacific

According to INDOPACOM, the US military will "pursue global maritime enforcement efforts to disrupt illicit networks and interdict sanctioned vessels providing material support to Iran"

WASHINGTON, April 21. /TASS/. The US Department of Defense reported interdicting a sanctioned tanker, Tifani, in the area of responsibility of the country’s Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM).

"Overnight, US forces conducted a right-of-visit, maritime interdiction and boarding of the stateless sanctioned M/T Tifani without incident in the INDOPACOM area of responsibility," the Pentagon wrote in a post on X. According to it, the US military will "pursue global maritime enforcement efforts to disrupt illicit networks and interdict sanctioned vessels providing material support to Iran.".

Strait of Hormuz developments

Asian countries face 'desperate' demand for Russian oil — expert

The Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia are all actively negotiating with Russia to secure crude supplies following Middle East disruptions, Jaziri Alkaf, the former Senator of the Parliament of Malaysia, said

Russia knows IAEA chief from good side as he seeks to be next UN leader — Kremlin

According to Dmitry Peskov, all parties are going to hold "very complicated consultations" on the next UN secretary general election

LPR fully liberated, Kiev tries to conceal failure — statements by Russia’s military chief

In March-April, Russian troops liberated 34 settlements and about 700 square kilometers of territory in the special military operation area

Planned space station to have military tilt if anti-Russian sentiment persists - Roscosmos

That means, Rogozin explained, that only Russian cosmonauts will be stationed at the space outpost to serve the equipment

Hungary to review contracts for Paks II NPP construction project by Rosatom — Magyar

The Tisza Party leader considers the project important, but would like to understand "the terms and conditions for its financing, whether the loan can be restructured, and whether it can be refinanced on more favorable terms"

Number of injured in shooting at Mexican ancient pyramids rises to 13

According to official information, the injured include tourists from Colombia, Canada, Russia, Brazil, and the United States

IAEA chief says nuclear arms race is his ‘worst fear’

"A world with 20 nuclear weapon states or more would be extremely dangerous," Rafael Grossi said

Trump confident Iran to continue participating in talks

The US leader also says "problems like they've never seen before" will arise if Iran does not participate in the dialogue

Plane from St. Petersburg arrives in Istanbul after landing in Bucharest — dispatchers

The aircraft stayed in the Romanian capital for about three hours

Trump says time is not his adversary in situation with Iran

The US president dismissed the statements that he is under "pressure" as fake news

Russian foreign minister to meet with Libyan counterpart in Moscow

The officials will likely focus on discussing the future development of bilateral cooperation

No denial from Germany its facilities make weapons for Ukraine — Russian ambassador

German colleagues are concerned that the publication of this list constitutes a hidden threat to these facilities, Sergey Nechayev said

UN says attacks on civilian ships are inadmissible under international law

The Volgo-Balt-138 dry cargo vessel loaded with wheat sank in the Azov Sea on April 3 after a Ukrainian drone attack

Radev's victory in Bulgarian polls speaks to society's fatigue from Russophobia — MP

Head of the State Duma’s committee on international affairs Leonid Slutsky also said that the fragmentation of "sovereigntists" was a response to the "aggressively militaristic appetites of the EU leadership, which is deliberately pushing the Europeans into a military confrontation with Russia"

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

Blame for possible Artic escalation will lie with those rejecting talks — Russian envoy

Russia views the Arctic as a region of peace, stability, and sustainable development, Russian Ambassador to Canada Oleg Stepanov emphasized

IN BRIEF: Train malfunction disrupts traffic on Moscow Metro line

According to official reports, there were no threats to passenger safety

Russia’s newest Su-57E fighter jet unveiled in Malaysia exhibition

The fighter jet is on display as part of the joint Russian exhibit of the arms exporting company Rosoboronexport

Russia unveils newest Rus-PE munition in Asia-Pacific region

The munition have been successfully tested in the Russian special military operation zone in Ukraine

Peace to be restored in Middle East when US interference ends — China expert

The US has consistently attempted to sow discord among relevant countries in the region, Zhu Yongbiao, Dean of the School of Politics and International Relations at Lanzhou University, said

Both Iranian, US delegations to arrive in Pakistan for talks on Tuesday — TV

According to the broadcaster, the meeting will take place within a predetermined timeframe

Trump denies Israel pushed him into war with Iran

The US president said that "Iran can have a great and prosperous future"

Conductor Stadler dies on board plane that urgently landed in Romania

Governor of St. Petersburg Alexander Beglov expressed his condolences over the death of the artist

Netanyahu says Israel eliminated Iranian threat of nuclear Holocaust

The Israeli prime minister made the remarks at a state memorial ceremony in Jerusalem marking Memorial Day for the Fallen in War and Victims of Terrorism

Magyar calls on Zelensky to stop blackmail, resume Druzhba oil flows to Hungary

The Tisza Party leader also expressed hope that Russia would continue supplying crude oil through this pipeline

Russia expects resumption of diplomatic efforts on Iran — foreign minister

The top Russian diplomat confirmed that Moscow is ready to facilitate the normalization of relations between the Arab monarchies of the Gulf and Iran

Europe pursues militarization, Kremlin says, commenting on potential drills

According to Dmitry Peskov, this is not something that contributes to stability and predictability on the European continent

Russian Defense Ministry starts mass production of Tsirkon missiles - Shoigu

Russian Defense Ministry to continue production of Kinzhal missiles

Trump’s inconsistent rhetoric damages negotiations with Iran — TV

The Washington administration officials pointed to "the Iranians’ deep mistrust of the US"

Russian troops strike Ukrainian military-industrial sites over past day — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted more than 315 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed six enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Russia to deliver 27 tons of humanitarian aid to Lebanon

The Emergencies Ministry will send mobile power plants, food, tents, blankets, mattresses, and pillows

Trump declines to open Strait of Hormuz until deal with Iran signed

According to Bloomberg, oil prices have risen because the US has upheld its blockade of the strait while the Navy has seized an Iranian-flagged vessel

IN BRIEF: What is known about thwarted terrorist attack in Pyatigorsk

The attack was timed for the morning hours, aiming to inflict significant casualties among law enforcement personnel

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 ready to facilitate agreements between Iran, Gulf countries — MFA

The Russian Foreign Ministry also added that the Iranian side "confirmed its readiness to do everything in its power to ensure the unimpeded passage of Russian ships and cargo" through the Strait of Hormuz

French politician outraged as France faces losses yet plans €17 bln for Ukraine

French citizens are facing significant losses, Florian Philippot, leader of the French political party Les Patriotes, 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

Russia's artillery production twice that of all EU countries combined — EC

European Commissioner for Defense Andrius Kubilius described the numbers as "a big challenge"

Trump says extracting enriched uranium in Iran to be lengthy process

The US leader says the strikes carried out in June 2025 ensured "a complete and total obliteration" of Iranian nuclear sites

Thailand reduces visa-free travel to 30 days to combat crime

As data collected by the government's visa policy committee shows, approximately 90% of visitors to Thailand stay in the kingdom for up to 30 days

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.

Brazil, Germany call for diplomacy solution to Ukraine problem

The parties welcomed efforts to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting negotiated peace settlement

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

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted more than 190 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed an enemy armored personnel carrier in its areas of responsibility, the Defense Ministry reported

Over 80 energy sites damaged during Middle East conflict — IEA chief

Fatih Birol added that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz poses a significant threat to global energy security

Roscosmos to extend flight duration of Soyuz manned spacecraft to 7-9 months next year

Next year, Roscosmos and NASA are set to sign the third supplement to the agreement on seat swap flights to the International Space Station

Split in Islamic world and revival of Nazism in Europe: Lavrov’s statements

The Russian foreign minister said that the Nazi ideology and practices are being revived in Germany and other countries that joined "Hitler’s hordes"

Eleven-year-old Russia's Shogdzhiev wins under-18 world blitz chess tourney

In total, Russian chess players won seven gold, three silver, and five bronze medals at the World Youth Blitz Championship

IN BRIEF: What we know about oil spill in Russia’s Tuapse after drone attack

The area of contamination of the Black Sea with oil products amounts to 10,000 square meters

US won’t 'stand up' for Europe in case of hypothetical conflict with Russia — Medvedev

The Russian Security Council deputy chairman questioned the effectiveness of NATO Article 5

Civilian fuel supplies to European airports via NATO pipeline reduced — Bloomberg

The increased use of the pipeline comes at a time when European airlines and airports are already facing serious fuel supply challenges due to the conflict with Iran

Foreign Ministry summons Mexican envoy over incident involving Russian citizen

Eduardo Villegas Mejias provided information regarding the investigative questioning of the minor Russian citizen

US intelligence warns Trump of threat from Pakistani military chief — TV

The intelligence agencies said that Field Marshal Asim Munir is "playing a double game" in efforts to resolve the situation in the Middle East

Druzhba pipeline supplies, UN chief candidates: new briefing from Kremlin

The resumption of oil supplies via Druzhba depends on whether Ukraine is ready to reopen the pipeline and stop the blackmail, Dmitry Peskov said

More than 40 ships cross Strait of Hormuz over past weekend — TASS calculations

The previous record was 16 crossings on April 14

US, Cuba discuss island’s economic reforms — NewsNation journalist

US representatives also proposed allowing the Starlink satellite communications system to operate on the island

Dmitriev comments sarcastically about Zelensky's 'rejection' of US

According to historian Phillips O'Brien, who contributed to The Atlantic, Zelensky lost faith in the United States

Greenland crisis becomes watershed moment for relations deterioration in NATO — ambassador

Denis Gonchar noted that the situation had worsened following the beginning of the US and Israel’s war against Iran

FACTBOX: Candidates for UN Secretary-General for 2027-2031

The election of a new Secretary-General is scheduled for July 2026

Iran refuses to hold talks amid ongoing threats — parliament speaker

Bagher Ghalibaf says that Tehran "is ready to demonstrate a new balance of power on the battlefield"

Japan approves easing of arms export rules — government

Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara says the amendments include lethal weapons

Kiev steps up number of troops along border with Belarus, builds defenses — expert

Ukrainian servicemen are present in the Chernigov and Zhitomir Regions

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

Russian wounded in shooting at Teotihuacan pyramids in Mexico — authorities

Mexico's Security Secretary Cristobal Castaneda said that forensic experts were working at the scene. He reported four wounded

Malaysian pilots praise Russia’s Su-30MKM fighter jets — Russian ambassador

Nail Latypov noted that military-technical cooperation was one of the important areas of interaction between Russian and Malaysia

US faces crisis over need to deter Russia, China simultaneously — Pentagon

Robert Kadlec also said that "a new and more dangerous era" had begun

Oil flows via Druzhba to resume on April 21 — Hungarian minister

Janos Boka says that after the announcement of supply restart, the Druzhba operator will contact MOL Group, which receives Russian oil for its refineries

Powerful earthquake in Japan leaves six injured — authorities

Two people were seriously hurt

US forces commander lodges protest with Seoul over North Korea-related leak

South Korean Minister of Unification Chung Dong-young insists his statement was based on open sources from US think tanks

Europe has long been on 'war path' with Russia — envoy

Rodion Miroshnik noted that today Europe is "the most zealous, the most bloodthirsty opponent" of Russia

Kalashnikov Group dispatches batch of RDG-U smoke grenades to state customer

The grenade provides short-term concealment from high-precision weapons’ infrared detection through the formation of higher-temperature zones from high-windage flat pyroelements that settle down slowly

Trump says US to ensure Iran has no nuclear weapons soon

The US leader says this is going to happen "very quickly"

FACTBOX: Nearly 100 drones target Russia at night

A massive drone attack was repelled in Taganrog and 11 districts of the Rostov Region, with more than 40 drones shot down

Iran to respond to any ceasefire violations by US — commander

The Iranian Armed Forces will give an appropriate response, Ali Abdollahi said

Uzbek President Mirziyoyev receives Russian First Deputy PM Manturov

Denis Manturov noted the broad agenda of the talks

Russia, China ties key driver of Eurasian development — ambassador

Igor Morgulov noted the countries’ aspiration to strengthen cooperation in the interests of common security, development and prosperity

Russian ambassador rejects Czech protest against Russian Defense Ministry’s publication

The Russian Defense Ministry's statement, the embassy noted, is a serious warning signal, as "the public in Western countries must be aware of the risks associated with supporting the aggressive Kiev regime"

Uragan MLRS eliminates Ukrainian personnel, UAV control center in Kharkov Region

According to the report, Russian troops spotted the enemy’s temporary deployment site and launch pad for hexacopters on the outskirts of a village in the Kupyansk district

Iranian delegation yet to depart for Pakistan for talks with US — TV

According to Iran’s state broadcaster, media reports of the Iranian delegation's departure and arrival in Pakistan are untrue

Iran calls on US to release seized Iranian vessel, its crew — Foreign Ministry

Iran warns of the serious consequences of this illegal and criminal act by the US

Apple says Tim Cook to step down as CEO in September 2026

The executive will be succeeded by John Ternus, Apple’s head of hardware engineering

Western-Ukrainian military bloc already exists de facto — Kherson Region lawmaker

According to Yury Barbashov, the support of Kiev with money, weapons, and equipment from Europe, as well as the full transformation "into the military rear of the Ukrainian front," testify to the bloc's long-standing existence

World’s biggest iceberg completely disintegrates

According to the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute, the frozen giant has split into small fragments, losing 99% of its original area over the entire period of its existence

Press review: US risks Iran ceasefire and Kiev uses Druzhba issue to blackmail Hungary

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, April 21st

NATO no longer hides its doubts about US security guarantees — Russian envoy

Denis Gonchar highlighted that the situation in the Middle East had clearly not added to European optimism

Iran crisis to dominate world politics for months, if not years to come — Politico

Governments across Europe, Asia, and Africa are preparing for a sustained energy shock, likely jet fuel shortages, food scarcity, and spiralling inflation, the newspaper reported

Seven EU nations call for European sanctions against Israel

The EU Council has been returning to the topic of EU economic sanctions against Israel regularly over the past two years

Russian special envoy calls Starmer’s resignation best scenario for UK

Kirill Dmitriev was referring to leaked drafts of the British prime minister's speeches, which included different apology options over a scandal involving former UK Ambassador to the US Peter Mandelson

Brazil, Germany move to boost military cooperation

The countries have already adopted "a declaration of intent on defense technology cooperation"

Iran’s engagement in talks with US to depend on whether its conditions are met — agency

According to Tasnim, Tehran sees no point in negotiations until fundamental obstacles toward an acceptable agreement are removed

Transfer of uranium within AUKUS partnership violates NPT — Chinese Foreign Ministry

The ministry strongly protested against the AUKUS actions, as well as against similar cooperation between Washington and Seoul, calling them a direct threat to regional stability

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

US leader may personally attend signing of agreement with Iran — news agency

According to the report, Donald Trump may be present at the conclusion of the agreement, either in person or virtually

Russia records over 6,500 violations of Easter ceasefire by Ukraine — diplomat

Vasily Nebenzya says the Ukrainian army shelled civilian facilities as well, causing casualties

EU aid to Ukraine frozen — Borrell

The ex-chief of EU diplomacy said the situation is similar with the approval of new sanctions against Russia

Russia's warning about assisting Kiev with drones also applies to Lisbon — Russian embassy

According to the statement, private initiatives to assemble UAVs for the Ukrainian armed forces are also being implemented on Portuguese territory

War with Iran accelerates US rift with other countries around world — newspaper

According to the report, world leaders are forced to address issues such as fuel shortages and restrictions on the use of transport, thus dealing with the aftermath of a war they did not want

Cuban foreign ministry confirms recent meeting between Cuban, US delegations

The top priority of the Cuban delegation was lifting the energy embargo against the country, Alejandro Garcia del Toro, deputy director general in charge of U.S. affairs at the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said

NATO intends to always remain nuclear bloc committed to NPT Treaty — statement

NATO "underlines its strong commitment to the full implementation of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons," which it calls "an essential cornerstone of the global non-proliferation and disarmament architecture"

Ukrainian forces launch over 130 drones at Russia’s Belgorod Region over past 24 hours

In Zamostye, a woman received a barotrauma from an FPV drone strike

No one consulted Kremlin on nominating Tokayev UN secretary-general

Public hearings of candidates for the position of the UN secretary-general, where they will present their programs, will begin on April 21

Trump says ready to resume military action against Iran

The US president admitted that he cannot say for sure whether Iran will send a delegation to the Pakistani capital