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Strait of Hormuz developments

Cargo vessels from 87 countries gather in Persian Gulf — US military command

Brad Cooper added that over the past 24 hours, the command has reached out to dozens of shipowners and shipping companies to assure them of safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz

WASHINGTON, May 5. /TASS/. Cargo ships from 87 countries are currently in the Persian Gulf awaiting passage through the Strait of Hormuz, US Central Command (CENTCOM) head Admiral Brad Cooper stated.

"Vessels currently in the Arabian Gulf represent 87 countries from around the world," the defense official noted in a statement on the command’s website.

He added that over the past 24 hours, the command has reached out to dozens of shipowners and shipping companies to assure them of safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

Strait of Hormuz developments

Navigation in Strait of Hormuz under threat due to US actions — top Iranian lawmaker

According to Bagher Ghalibaf, the US can’t maintain the status quo, especially since Iran has yet to take action

US fighter jet downed over Iran likely conducted strikes on ground targets — media

According to CBS News national security analyst Aaron MacLean, the pilots of the downed fighter had sidearms

Iran calls on Saudi Arabia to ‘eject’ US troops from region

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stressed that Iran respects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and considers it a brotherly nation

White House begins to prepare for possible defeat in midterms — Washington Post

The midterm elections in the United States will be held on November 3

Trump says looks forward to important meeting with Xi

The American leader's visit to Beijing is scheduled for May 14-15

UK prime minister sidelined from election campaign due to 'toxic image' — newspaper

According to the report, there’s a visceral loathing of Keir Starmer

IN BRIEF: What we know about incident in Crimea where explosive detonated in child's hands

The boy was taken to a hospital with an arm injury and was provided with necessary medical assistance

Ten elite Ukrainian drone crews from Azov Battalion deployed to Sumy Region

According to the source, a critical situation has developed near Sumy

Iran's enriched uranium reserves probably can no longer be used, Trump believes

However, Donald Trump said that the United States still wants to get these stocks of enriched nuclear fuel

Russian MP warns of nuclear proliferation risk if Israel uses nukes against Iran

Alexey Pushkov noted that the question of whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will use nuclear weapons in Iran has been actively discussed on American television in recent days

Israeli army storms Palestinian town of Tubas in West Bank

Earlier, the IDF press service reported the completion of a 60-hour raid in the city of Jenin

Zelensky declares own ceasefire from midnight on May 6

We will be acting symmetrically starting from the above-mentioned time, Vladimir Zelensky wrote on his Telegram channel

US redirects 50 commercial vessels since beginning of Iran blockade — command

The US forces established the naval blockade of Iran on April 13

Europe must respond to pressure from US president in united fashion — British PM

In recent weeks, Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed doubts about the appropriateness of US membership in NATO

West plans to set up aggressive intercontinental military blocs — DPR head

Denis Pushilin also said that it is difficult to predict the situation in this direction so far

Russian troops circumventing Ukraine’s Orekhov group to destroy their logistics — expert

Igor Kimakovsky said the main objective is to establish radio control and secure the radio horizons

Ukraine loses armored vehicles, Grad, armored personnel carrier from actions of West group

43 UAV control points and three enemy electronic warfare stations were also discovered and destroyed

Russian stock market closed in the red — Moscow Exchange

The yuan added four kopecks and reached 11.02 rubles

Trump says disappointed with Europe

Donald Trump noted that "NATO wasn’t there," when the United States launched the war against Iran

Russia to view F-16 fighter jets in Ukraine as threat in nuclear sphere — Lavrov

"During combat operations, our military will not be clearing out whether or not each particular jet of this class is equipped to carry nuclear weapons," the minister added

Trump calls on South Korea to join operations in Strait of Hormuz

The US leader also issued another warning to Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz

Ukrainians attempt to disrupt Victory Day memorial event in Amsterdam — Russian embassy

The embassy noted that the display of neo-Nazi flags by the attackers clearly shows who the Dutch authorities have "given shelter to"

Six foreign mercenaries eliminated near Kupyansk — Russian military

The Russian Defense Ministry previously reported that the Ukrainian Armed Forces contain mercenaries from various countries

Schools, technical schools to work remotely after UAV attack in Chuvashia

Cheboksary head Stanislav Trofimov urged residents to stay at home if possible and limit movement around the city.

European Commission to bar funding for solar inverter projects by Chinese, Russian firms

The measure will primarily affect Chinese manufacturers, such as Huawei, which hold leading positions in the solar inverter market

Trump reiterates US could bring Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier to Cuba

According to the American leader, "it would be an honor to free up" Cuba

Kiev loses nearly 41,000 soldiers, mercenaries in combat over month — expert

Andrey Marochko said that Russia increased last year’s spring indicators

Trump says Ukraine continues to lose territory

The US leader also stressed that Kiev continues to wage hostilities due to the supply of American weapons through NATO countries

Russia begins fighting for Vasilevka in Dobropolye area, expert says

Andrey Marochko noted that the Russian army has recently achieved good results in this area

Upper house speaker slams US-Israeli operation against Iran as geopolitical mistake

Valentina Matviyenko emphasized that this intervention has destabilized the Middle East, triggering an energy crisis, yet it ultimately changes nothing

Further phases of BRICS expansion will follow, says South African president

It is noted that the membership will take effect from January 1, 2024

FACTBOX: Putin’s directives to government given after Future Technologies Forum

The Russian government and the Foreign Ministry should raise issues of joint scientific research at events organized by BRICS and other associations

Press review: Trump threatens Iran strikes and Russia says NWFZ plans face hurdles

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, May 4th

Russia testing new Shturmovik ground drone in special military operation in Ukraine

Drone Force Aero also noted that the drone is equipped with a fiber-optic communication line

Finnish military says it is impossible to down drones near Russian border — Yle

There have been multiple reports of UAVs being spotted within Finland and its airspace

Trump says Iran has 48 hours to make deal or open strait

Time is running out: 48 hours remain before all hell rains down on them, US President said

Crisis around Hormuz may protract — Turkey’s energy minister

Alparslan Bayraktar noted that Turkey does not experience energy problems in view of the conflict around Iran

Lula da Silva to visit Washington on May 7 and meet with Trump — paper

The agenda of the talks includes trade, possible joint mining projects in Brazil, as well as the fight against transnational criminal gangs

Russian Defense Ministry issues grave warning to anyone living in Kiev

The ministry pointed out that if Ukraine attempted to carry out its criminal plans in order to disrupt Russia's Victory Day celebrations, the Russian Army would deliver a strike targeting downtown Kiev

More explosions reported in Ukraine’s Khmelnitsky Region

In the early hours of Wednesday, Ukrainian media said multiple blasts had rocked the Ukrainian regions of Khmelnitsky and Poltava, including Mirgorod, a town located next to a major military airfield, and Kremenchug, housing the country’s largest oil refinery

TASS' story on Ukraine’s attacks in northern seas stirs Norway — Russian envoy

According to Nikolay Korchunov, the Norwegian army "expectedly denied it," and local experts "saw an element of information warfare and 'an alarming' tightening of Moscow's rhetoric against Oslo in this publication"

Russia’s ZALA UAVs destroy Ukraine’s Leopard tank with lancet loitering munition

The Russian Defense Ministry reported that ZALA UAV operators quickly detected enemy equipment being transported to the line of contact behind enemy lines

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

EU preparing for possible energy supply crisis due to conflict in Iran — Spanish newspaper

The EC assures that there is currently no risk to supplies, though markets are feeling the impact of rising Brent crude oil prices, which has led to higher gas and oil prices in Europe

US attacks cargo ships in Strait of Hormuz killing five people — Tasnim

According to the news agency, the vessels carrying civilian cargo were traveling from the Omani port of Khasab to the coast of Iran

Finland sets up permanent positions, fortifications near Russian border — Security Council

According to the statement, the Finnish Defense Ministry announced plans to conduct exercises in the waters of the Gulf of Finland and the coastal zone between the Virolahti, Hamina and Kotka settlements in the Kymenlaakso region

Nuclear weapons appearance in Finland to create risks for Russia — envoy

According to Gennady Gatilov, the risk of an atomic bomb in non-nuclear European countries has increased dramatically

Explosion, fire reported on South Korean vessel in Strait of Hormuz — Foreign Ministry

There were 24 crew members on board, including six citizens of the Republic of Korea

Russia set record volume of LNG supplies to Europe in January 2026

EU imports of Russian LNG amounted to 2.276 billion cubic meters, according to TASS calculations based on data from the European analytical center Bruegel

Russia captures Vasilevka in Dobropolye section of DPR from southwest — expert

Earlier, Andrey Marochko told that advancing in the Dobropolye area the Russian military began fighting for Vasilevka in the DPR

Pezeshkian asks global community to judge which side, Iran or US, actually favors dialogue

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian invited the world to judge which side engages in terrorism

Another strike hits area near Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant in Iran

One of the facility’s security guards was killed, Iran’s AEOI said

UAE air defense forces intercept 12 ballistic missiles, three cruise missiles from Iran

Earlier, the press service of the government of the emirate of Fujairah reported that three Indian citizens were injured as a result of an Iranian drone strike on an oil industrial complex

Putin sends New Year, Christmas greetings to several world leaders — Kremlin

Among European leaders, he sent greetings only to Viktor Orban and Aleksandar Vucic

Critics label Elon Musk US 'shadow president' — media

The report says that "Musk’s rapid-fire messages - which included numerous false claims about the contents of the spending bill - ricocheted" across Washington

Russian army maintains superiority in drone war — Russian commander

Ilya Ivanov specified that it is not just a matter of quantitative but also qualitative superiority

Roscosmos invites NASA chief to Russia

The US Senate unanimously voted to appoint Nelson to the post of NASA chief in late April

IRGC calls for US Air Force chief to resign after aircraft downed in Iran

The IRGC Navy also congratulated the air defense forces of the Islamic republic’s army on intercepting an US F-15E fighter jet and an A-10 attack aircraft in the skies over Iran

Fires at UAE oil sites stem from US’ reckless actions — Iranian agency

According to the news agency, Iran did not plan any attacks on UAE oil facilities

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

Debris of An-26 plane gone missing in Kamchatka found, airline CEO says

According to the preliminary information, there are no survivors in the crash

Russia declares ceasefire on May 8, 9 in honor of Victory Day — top brass

The decision was made by Russian supreme commander-in-chief Vladimir Putin

UAE wants Europe to provide 'genuine support, not empty words' — ambassador

Ahmed Alattar added that while many countries and international organizations have backed the UAE, their "positions have varied, ranging from genuine and highly valued support to statements without corresponding action"

At least six US tanker aircraft fly over Persian and Oman Gulfs

Earlier, the Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton reconnaissance drone also completed its flight over the waterway

Port Alliance company boosts cargo throughput by 17.8% yoy in April

The Osterra terminal boosted throughput by 57.8% in April and reached the level of 2.16 mln metric tons

NATO exercises aim to practice seizure of Kaliningrad Region — Russian envoy

Nikolay Korchunov emphasized that NATO countries have repeatedly demonstrated their willingness to restrict the freedom of commercial navigation by their illegal actions in violation of fundamental norms of international law

Slovakia will not resume electricity supplies to Ukraine — Fico

The Slovak prime minister does not see the reasons for resuming deliveries

US seizes most of oil from captured Iranian tankers — Trump

Earlier, Donald Trump admitted that the US military behaved like pirates when seizing tankers with Iranian oil

US president threatens strikes on Iran’s energy, civilian infrastructure

Donald Trump called on Iranian leaders to open the Strait of Hormuz, claiming that otherwise the country "will be living in hell

Top Turkmen, Iranian diplomats discuss issues of regional security

Abbas Araghchi and Rashid Meredov stressed the need for developing diplomatic dialogue between their countries and agreed to maintain regular contacts between the foreign ministries

US troop buildup near Iran not sign of any new decisions — White House

The United States and Israel launched a military operation against Iran on February 28

Ukraine’s non-combat casualties at training grounds near Sumy grow — military

The source highlighted concerns among Ukrainian unit commanders regarding the mobilization of personnel unfit for service

Russian envoy in Vienna discuss situation in Middle East with OPEC Secretary General

Mikhail Ulyanov expressed his gratitude to Haitham Al Ghais for the "fruitful exchange of views"

IDF remains on high alert amid developments around Iran — source

The Home Front Command’s instructions remain in force, the source said, adding that the Command will inform about any changes in the instructions

Persian Gulf countries running out of interceptor missiles - Bloomberg

Iran has fired almost 1,200 ballistic missiles and 4,000 Shahed drones at the Gulf states since the start of the war

IAEA records damage after drone strike on Zaporozhye nuclear power plant laboratory

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi called for maximum restraint to avoid safety risks

If UAE decides on 'irrational actions,' their interests to become Iran’s goals — agency

The UAE "is in a very fragile glass house, and instability poses a mortal threat to them," the news agency said

Iran to hit more targets if US attacks Kharg Island — ambassador

Tehran’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe Amir Hossein Hosseini also expressed hope that the conflict would be resolved diplomatically

Putin: Russia stands for demilitarization of Ukraine

Russian President said he wished the Donbass problem could be settled through talks and the implementation of the Minsk agreements, but "regrettably, this is no longer relevant"

Trump says threatened Thailand and Cambodia with new duties

US President said he was sure that the duties is an important tool in the foreign policy for his administration

US military aircraft struck by Iran makes it to Kuwait — TV

Iran also fired at two US UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters conducting a search and rescue operation

Trump pulls number of US troops to be withdrawn from Germany out of thin air — TV

The source said that Washington did not notify its allies about the troop withdrawal, and its announcement took the NATO command by surprise

Moscow rejects US citizenship imposed on Russian diplomats’ children — spokeswoman

Maria Zakharova says Russia will demand from Washington "confirmation in each specific case that the newborn is not subject to US jurisdiction"

Finnish politician says EPC summit in Yerevan failed, calls it 'Euro-suicide'

Armando Mema noted that EU leaders "seek to prolong the conflict against Russia rather than seek a real diplomatic solution"

Tanker with Iranian oil change course, heading to China — PTI

The change in the destination of Pin Shun appears to be payment-related, Sumit Ritolia, Lead Research Analyst at Kpler, noted

From trendy toys to tools of political manipulation: Rapid advancement of AI avatars

As you read this text, thousands of non-existent people are selling clothes, raising funds, and campaigning for politicians

Israel, US attack amusement park in central Iran

No information on casualties or damage has been reported yet

West tries to draw Svalbard into 'battle for Arctic' — Russian envoy in Oslo

Nikolay Korchunov recalled that not so long ago, Croatian President Zoran Milanovic "for no reason at all suggested that US President Donald Trump pay attention to the Norwegian archipelago instead of Greenland"

Russia disregards EU as possible mediator in negotiations on Ukraine — envoy

Russian Ambassador-at-Large Rodion Miroshnik noted that Brussels has never proposed any specific ways of settlement

Two Russian women handed over to diplomats after release from Myanmar fraudulent center

The staff of the Russian embassy in Myanmar, in coordination with the Russian Interior Ministry and the Myanmar police, continue to work to counter the involvement of citizens in illegal activities

Reduction of US forces in Germany new step towards NATO weakening — political scientist

According to Anatol Lieven, more significant is the news that the US is reducing arms supplies to Europe and Ukraine

Russia’s Lis interceptors help preserve expensive air defense missiles — fighter

According to the commander of a Varyag unmanned aerial vehicle detachment, the most important thing for soldiers during a Ukrainian drone strike is to remain calm

Pashinyan, Zelensky discuss issues of Armenian-Ukrainian cooperation

Apart from that, according to the Armenian foreign ministry, Yerevan hosted a meeting between the Armenian and Ukrainian foreign ministers, Ararat Mirzoyan and Andrey Sibiga

Truce and retaliatory strike on Kiev: defense ministry’s statements ahead of Victory Day

Russia’s armed forces will take all necessary measures to ensure security during the celebrations

UAE reserves the right to respond to Iran's attacks — Foreign Ministry

The diplomats emphasized that Iran’s attack constitutes a "dangerous escalation, an unacceptable violation, and a direct threat to the security, stability, and territorial integrity" of the UAE

Two people injured in shooting near White House — Secret Service

Secret Service Deputy Director Matthew Quinn said that a minor who was nearby was wounded

North group’s UAVs destroy Ukrainian armored car, 2 armored personnel carriers

Сommander of the crew with the nom-de-guerre Strelok said that due to the actions of the unmanned systems units the Ukrainian logistics in the Sumy Region was disrupted

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"

Ukraine’s Zelensky threatens to attack Moscow with drones on May 9

"Ukrainian drones may also fly during this parade," Vladimir Zelensky said

Tanker comes under attack off UAE coast — UKMTO

According to the authority, all crew was reported safe, no environmental impact has been reported

Car plows into group of people in Germany’s Leipzig, killing at least two — newspaper

According to preliminary reports, the incident occurred in Leipzig's historic center, on the city’s main shopping street