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Strait of Hormuz developments

Trump says Strait of Hormuz ‘sealed up tight’ by US until Iran agrees to make deal

No ship can enter or leave without the approval of the United States Navy, the US leader noted

US President Donald Trump AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson

US President Donald Trump

© AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson

WASHINGTON, April 23. /TASS/. US President Donald Trump said the Strait of Hormuz is completely blocked by the United States and will remain so until Tehran agrees to a deal with Washington.

"We have total control over the Strait of Hormuz. No ship can enter or leave without the approval of the United States Navy. It is ‘sealed up tight,’ until such time as Iran is able to make a deal!" Trump wrote on Truth Social, referring to the naval blockade of Iranian ports declared by the United States.

"Iran is having a very hard time figuring out who their leader is! They just don’t know! The infighting between the ‘hardliners,’ who have been losing badly on the battlefield, and the ‘moderates,’ who are not very moderate at all (but gaining respect!), is crazy!" the American leader added.

On February 28, the US and Israel launched a large-scale operation against Iran. On April 7, US President Donald Trump announced a two-week mutual ceasefire with Tehran. According to the Iranian side, a total of 3,375 Iranians died as a result of US and Israeli attacks over the 40 days of war. On April 11, Iran and the US held several rounds of talks in Islamabad. Both Tehran and Washington reported that the parties failed to reach an agreement on a long-term settlement due to a number of contradictions. On April 21, the US leader announced on Truth Social that Washington intends to extend the ceasefire with Iran, which was set to expire in a few hours. According to the Iranian state broadcaster, Tehran does not intend to comply with Washington’s unilaterally announced extension of the ceasefire and will prioritize its own interests.

Finnish government proposes to allow nukes to be imported into country

This proposal is part of a package of legislative reforms that Finland is implementing as part of its integration into NATO

Lula da Silva calls sale of rare earths mining company to US disgrace

Brazilian President accused former governor of the Goias state Ronaldo Caiado, who signed the agreement, of abuse of authority

IDF says it attacked Hezbollah site in southern Lebanon

Two journalists were injured as a result of the strikes

Oil has arrived in Slovakia: what is known about resumption of Druzhba operation

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrey Sibiga acknowledged that the main obstacle to resuming the Druzhba oil pipeline was Budapest’s blocking of 90 bln euros in European funding for Kiev

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

Deputy from Japan's ruling party to visit Russia in May — Kyodo

Muneo Suzuki intends to visit Russia on May 3-6

Foreign journalists visit restored Mariupol Drama Theater

It was the first visit to Mariupol for the majority of foreign journalists, but those who visited the city before say it changed dramatically over the past few years

Pentagon expects it will take six months to clear mines from Hormuz Strait — media

According to the newspaper’s assessment, the negative consequences of the armed conflict will continue to affect the global economy through the end of the year

Russia says always proceeds from worst-case scenario for US sanctions

Thus, Alexander Pankin commented on the possibility of a new extension by Washington of the suspension of US sanctions against Russian oil

North battlegroup destroys over 100 Ukrainian field storage sites since start of April

All routes are monitored by aerial reconnaissance, vehicles and robotic trolleys involved in transportation are destroyed immediately after detection

Entire units of Ukrainian motorized infantry brigade missing near Volchansk

The liberation of Volchansk by troops of Russia’s Battlegroup North was reported on December 1, 2025

Oil supplied to Slovakia via Druzhba pipeline after three-month shutdown

Ukrainian authorities halted oil pumping to Hungary and Slovakia via the Druzhba pipeline on January 27

US leader says deal with Iran impossible if naval blockade lifted

According to Donald Trump, Iran could "make $500 million dollars a day" with the open strait

Traders caution oil shortage underestimated — newspaper

According to the source, inventories of many countries will not be enough as the conflict continues

Russia almost squeezes Ukraine out of Dolgaya Balka near Konstantinovka — expert

"Dolgaya Balka has already been practically turned into a gray zone," Andrey Marochko said

Ukraine covers rear by boosting troops numbers on border with Belarus — expert

Andrey Marochko also suggested that Kiev is building defenses on the Belarusian-Ukrainian border, including to "drain funds from the general defense budget"

Expert says Russian troops reduce distance to Slavyansk from two directions

Andrey Marochko said the Russian military is also moving in on Raigorodok

Finland risks by letting Ukraine launch attacks on Russia from its territory — politician

The Orpo government managed to turn Finland into a target, shifting from a state of peace to a state of war

Long conflict with Hegseth preceded US Navy secretary’s resignation — WSJ

The dissatisfaction of Pete Hegseth and his first deputy Steve Feinberg rooted in Phelan's close relationship with President Donald Trump

Chinese defense minister to visit Russia and Kyrgyzstan on April 23-28

Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun will meet with the heads of SCO delegations to exchange views on the international and regional situation

Russian troops begin offensive towards Malinovka near Kramatorsk in DPR — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, Russian forces are advancing southwest from the Nikiforovka settlement outside Kramatorsk

Kazakh oil from Druzhba will flow to other destinations since May 1 — Novak

The Russian Ministry of Energy and oil pipeline operator Transneft are dealing with redirection of flows, the Russian deputy prime minister said

Russian artillery destroying Ukrainian army’s first defensive line in Slavyansk — expert

Russian troops are tightening the ring of encirclement around Slavyansk and Kramatorsk, Vitaly Kiselyov said

Ukraine eliminates own mercenaries in friendly fire episode in Kharkov Region — expert

Andrey Marochko said the shots were likely fired by a retreat-blocking detachment

Ceasefire makes no sense if maritime blockade continues — Iranian parliament speaker

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said reopening the Strait of Hormuz for navigation is impossible as long as the ceasefire is violated

Russia calls unpredictability top problem in relations with US

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Pankin noted that relations between Russia and the United States "are at a low point"

Press review: EU backs Ukraine loan, adds Russia sanctions as France denies nukes to EU

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, April 23rd

Pentagon says US Navy Secretary Phelan resigns

John Phelan did not give reasons for his resignation

Up to 1,000 ships may start flying Russian flag — Transport Ministry

Operations under the Russian flag are viewed as safer in the current conditions, the ministry said

Russia views certain Western countries' nuclear ambitions as dangerous — diplomat

Yulia Zhdanova said the situation is aggravated by destabilizing practices of the so-called joint nuclear missions and broader nuclear deterrence

Remaining survival instincts tell EU to show more balanced approach — Dmitriev

The Russian special presidential envoy for investment and economic cooperation with foreign countries said that Europe needs Russian energy to survive

Severstal founder Mordashov tops Russia's billionaires rating - Forbes

Vladimir Potanin, the head of Interros and president of Norilsk Nickel, is second with a $29.7 billion fortune

EU ambassadors approve funding for Kiev, anti-Russian sanctions

The Cyprus presidency in the EU said the ambassadors approved the 90 bln euro loan for Ukraine

US leader gave no clear timeline for end of ceasefire with Iran — White House

Donald Trump has not set a firm deadline, Karoline Leavitt said

FACTBOX: What is known about resumption of oil transit via Druzhba pipeline

Hungarian company MOL received official notification from the Ukrainian operator of the Druzhba oil pipeline regarding its readiness to resume oil transit from Russia to Hungary and Slovakia

Russia to ensure Kazakhstan’s interests even after oil pumping via Druzhba suspended

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said earlier that Kazakh oil supplies to Germany would bypass the Druzhba pipeline starting May 1 due to technical limitations

Iran accuses Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, UAE, Saudi Arabia of complicity with US

Iran's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Amir-Saeid Iravani stressed that the US uses the territory and airspace of these states to plan, prepare and carry out illegal military attacks against the Islamic Republic

Malaysian journalist Edward believes Lancet to change face of 21st-century warfare

The journalist emphasized that the munition has demonstrated exceptional combat effectiveness

Lithuania creating hotbed of tension near Kaliningrad Region — Russian Security Council

According to the Russian Security Council, Despite economic and social problems within the country, Lithuania's military and political leadership continues to use rhetoric about the 'Russian threat' as a pretext to further militarize the country

Kremlin spokesman describes deadly drone attack on Syzran as Kiev’s act of terror

This is the reality that Russia has to face, Dmitry Peskov noted

Attacks on Iran’s Caspian port threaten environment, regional trade — diplomat

Ali Akbar Jowkar added that Iran strongly condemns the military attacks on Caspian Sea ports and "expects other Caspian states to also condemn this unjustified aggression"

EU countries have almost no budget funds left to combat energy crisis — FT

The crisis is also complicating negotiations on the EU’s common budget for 2028-2034 scheduled for Friday, according to the newspaper

US spy plane spotted over Black Sea again

According to the source, the aircraft took off from an airfield in Romania’s Constanta, crossing areas monitored by Romanian and Bulgarian air traffic controllers

With liberation of Kramatorsk Kiev's positions in DPR will collapse — expert

Vitaly Kiselev emphasized that Slavyansk and Kramatorsk were pivotal to the entire Donbass region, serving as the main logistical hubs for Ukrainian forces

Norwegian Foreign Ministry says it regrets behavior of consulate employee in Murmansk

Ministry is working on the incident via corresponding channels

Kiev already thinking about how to 'formalize' Russia's victory — Putin

According to the president, "no one doubts Russia's victory anymore, including the enemy"

Turkey not approaching Russia for LNG supplies — Novak

Russia is supplying gas to Turkey over two subsea gas pipelines laid across the Black Sea

Russia ready to consider new oil supplies to Cuba -— deputy foreign minister

Alexander Pankin emphasized that Russia may also consider other support steps for Cub

Germany not to cap army numbers by 460,000 troops — defense minister

According to Boris Pistorius, this mark "is not a limit"

Lavrov says Germany can't hide guilt in reaction to UAV manufacturer's list

The German authorities are aware they're doing something that won't bring good news for themselves, the Russian foreign minister noted

Prince Harry arrived in Ukraine — news agency

He is expected to address the Kiev Security Forum

About 8,000 people die on illegal migration routes in 2025 — UN

The deadliest route runs from Libya and Tunisia across the Mediterranean Sea to Italy

Russian troops take up positions on outskirts of Rai-Aleksandrovka in DPR — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, the Russian military are building on their success southwest of Kaleniki in the DPR

Unity of Eurasian peoples, EU conditions for Serbia: remarks by Kremlin spokesman

According to Dmitry Peskov, Moscow is confident that Belgrade will continue to act based on its national interests despite EU pressure

Russia keeps solid stance on global sports arena despite attempts to undermine it — Putin

The Russian leader highlighted a significant contribution of the national boxers to Russia's strong positions

Russia invited to partake at highest level in G20 summit in US — deputy foreign minister

It will be held in Miami, Florida, on December 14-15

Putin highlights IOC's double standards when it comes to military conflicts

Putin added that he hopes the new leadership of the International Olympic Committee and other global sports organizations will overcome this difficult and shameful legacy of their predecessors as soon as possible

Russian forces move in on Kramatorsk from east — expert

Andrey Marochko noted that Ukrainian troops are actively trying to counterattack near the neighboring Minkovka settlement in an attempt to retake their positions

IN BRIEF: Russian diplomat urges West to wake up in regular briefing

Maria Zakharova pointed out that Vladimir Zelensky sought to create collective responsibility with regard to European drone production

Russian forces thwart Ukrainian counteroffensive in Zaporozhye Region — expert

Vitaly Kiselev noted that Ukrainian military analysts are panicking

Lithuanian Seimas approves expanding military training ground near Kaliningrad Region

"The training ground will be used for exercises involving the maneuvering of Lithuanian military equipment and tactical maneuvers," the Seimas said

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

Russian-German relations razed to the ground by German government — diplomat

Dmitry Lyubinsky said the German government "has been literally robbing its people blind to arm the Kiev regime"

Pentagon chief in fact fired Navy secretary over disagreements — Axios

Pete Hegseth assumed that the former Secretary of the Navy, reporting directly to the President, was insubordinate

US tells Israel Iran ceasefire extended to April 26 — media

Earlier on Wednesday, The New York Post reported that Trump had suggested peace talks with Iran could take place within the next one and a half to three days

One fatality, several casualties: aftermath of overnight Ukrainian drone attack on Russia

There are also casualties resulting from falling drone debris onto the roof of a residential building in Samara, with one person hospitalized

Loan to Kiev is step toward European capitals' loss of sovereignty, Shoigu believes

The Russian Security Council secretary argued that the new expenditures to support the Kiev regime will impose an extra burden on ordinary Europeans, who are already experiencing significant cuts to pensions and social programs

Russian Aerospace Forces destroy key Kiev observation post in DPR — expert

Andrey Marochko clarified that the observation post was equipped with a video surveillance system, modern satellite communications equipment, a drone relay station, and a counter-battery station

Russia says relations with new Venezuelan government non-discriminatory

Moscow fully recognizes and respects the authorities of the Bolivarian Republic, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Pankin said

Putin to discuss Arctic development with government on Thursday

Deputy chairman of the government and presidential envoy to Russia’s Far East Yury Trutnev, Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Saveliyev and Rosatom head Alexey Likhachev will report

Ukrainian saboteurs, UAV control centers destroyed in Konstantinovka — FSB

According to the report, the terrorists were preparing ambushes along the route of Russian troops

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

According to the latest figures, the Ukrainian army lost more than 1,325 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

US forces 31 vessels to turn around since start of naval blockade of Iran — command

According to the Iranian state broadcaster, Tehran does not intend to comply with Washington’s unilaterally announced extension of the ceasefire and will prioritize its own interests

Brent trades above $106 per barrel for first time since April 7 on ICE

By 7:00 a.m. Moscow time, the growth slowed down to $103.42 per barrel

Press review: Trump extends Iran ceasefire as Russia eyes Northern Sea Route cooperation

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, April 22nd

White House draws up blacklist of NATO countries — media

According to the report, the US administration is keeping the details under wraps while considering various courses of action

EU seeks to put Serbia up against Russia — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov said this kind of policy is extremely wrong

Increasing troop shortages push Kiev to toughen recruitment, Russian lawmaker says

Leonid Ivlev noted that even though the Russian army was quickly advancing deeper into Ukrainian defenses, the enemy was still capable of fighting, sometimes putting up fierce resistance

Russian troops strike Ukrainian army’s energy, port infrastructure over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted more than 200 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed an enemy armored personnel carrier in its areas of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Searches in Dagestan, 'Eksmo' scandal: latest Kremlin briefing

The Russian president gave instructions to help residents of Dagestan with housing restoration, including housing that is not properly registered

Russian troops eliminating Ukrainian underground infrastructure in DPR — expert

Vitaly Kiselev specified that the high-explosive detonation of the Iskander warhead, penetrating the ground, collapses underground structures and earthen vaults of the enemy’s bunkers

Russia’s Su-57E fighter AI capabilities are continuously enhanced — Rosoboronexport

The arms exporter’s spokesperson said that the highly intelligent onboard system allows the pilot to quickly receive information via two channels

Iran collects revenue from Strait of Hormuz transit fees for first time — parliament

It has been transferred to the Central Bank's account, Parliament Deputy Speaker Hamid Reza Hajibabai said

Injured big cats at Vasilievsky animal center recovering after Ukrainian strikes

The center’s director, Alexander Pylyshenko, added that, as electricity remains available in the area, staff have begun repairing animal enclosures and winter shelters damaged in the attack

Poor shipping in Hormuz, Iran blockade affect Russia — deputy foreign minister

Alexander Pankin stressed that the current situation is extremely difficult

Putin-Zelensky meeting possible only when agreements are being finalized — spokesman

At this point, Moscow sees no political will on the part of Kiev, Peskov added

Russia to be justified in targeting EU UAV factories supplying Ukrainian military — expert

Alexander Stepanov said that counteraction is only possible through preemptive, asymmetric measures and firm responses to the Kiev regime's publicly articulated intentions to build up its offensive capabilities

Sandu, her party aim to destroy Moldova — ex-president

Vladimir Voronin criticized the administrative-territorial reform planned by the authorities, which involves consolidating districts and merging villages

Lebanese journalist killed in Israeli attack in south of republic

She died while on duty

Radev may replace Orban in EU in countering aid to Kiev — Die Welt

According to the newspaper, leader of the Progressive Bulgaria party Rumen Radev opposes the supply of weapons to the Kiev regime

Kiev ready to 'repaint, sell' Donbass only not to hand it over to Moscow — Russian senator

According to Alexander Voloshin, the Kiev regime does not see Donbass "as its own land, crucial for millions of people, but as a bargaining chip"

Talks between Putin, president of Republic of Seychelles kick off in Kremlin

The parties are expected to discuss pressing issues related to the development of political, trade, economic, and humanitarian cooperation, as well as international and regional affairs

Russia says to resume contributions to Arctic Council once its full-fledged work restored

Director of the Foreign Ministry’s Department of European Issues and senior official of the Arctic Council Vladislav Maslennikov emphasized that Russia is not reneging on its financial obligations

EC to adopt 20th sanctions package without ban on Russian oil transportation — source

The European Commission has proposed that EU countries urgently adopt a reduced version of the document

Trump says Strait of Hormuz ‘sealed up tight’ by US until Iran agrees to make deal

No ship can enter or leave without the approval of the United States Navy, the US leader noted

Iran retains significant military power despite US, Israeli strikes — TV

According to the TV channel, by the time the ceasefire took effect on April 8, Iran had retained about half of its stockpile of ballistic missiles and launchers

Russia-Hungarian relations to be normal, Budapest pragmatic — deputy foreign minister

Alexander Pankin pointed out that Budapest "doesn't close the doors"

Iran will not recognize US-announced ceasefire extension — TV

Tehran will act in accordance with its own interests, the statement says

Russian tourist flow to Seychelles growing, Putin says

The head of state thanked President Patrick Herminie for comfortable conditions created for Russian citizens in Seychelles

West testing AI-powered attack drones in Sumy, Kharkov regions — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, the Ukrainian military are launching new attack unmanned aerial vehicles that have not previously been encountered along the line of contact

EU to expand broadcasting restrictions in 20th sanctions package against Russia

The final wording of the restrictive measures will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union