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Strait of Hormuz developments

US to respond with 'overwhelming' firepower to Iran striking ships in Hormuz — Pentagon

On May 3, Donald Trump said that the United States would launch an operation, Project Freedom, to help ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz to leave its waters

WASHINGTON, May 5. /TASS/. Any potential Iranian strikes on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz will result in the Islamic Republic facing "overwhelming and devastating American firepower," Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has asserted.

"If you attack American troops or innocent commercial shipping, you will face overwhelming and devastating American firepower," he said, commenting on Tehran’s warnings regarding shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

On May 3, Trump said that the United States would launch an operation, Project Freedom, to help ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz to leave its waters. According to Trump, the operation will focus on the safe evacuation of ships from the Strait of Hormuz. However, he warned that "if, in any way, this humanitarian process is interfered with, that interference will, unfortunately, have to be dealt with forcefully."

Following this statement, Ebrahim Azizi, the head of the Iranian parliament's national security committee, warned that Tehran will view any US attempt to interfere into maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz as a ceasefire violation.

Ukrainian GDP lost 0.7% in Q1 2026 — statistics

The decline in annual terms totaled 0.5%

IN BRIEF: Russia’s Security Council details foreign labor situation

A total of 3,300 foreign nationals who share Russia’s traditional values have requested temporary residence in the country over the past 18 months

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

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

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

FSB identifies international terrorist organization sleeper cell in Anapa — statement

Employees of the Krasnodar Region’s FSB branch detained three members of the cell

Slovakia will not resume electricity supplies to Ukraine — Fico

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

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

Russian stock market closed in the red — Moscow Exchange

The yuan added four kopecks and reached 11.02 rubles

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

Fourth explosion in row rocks Odessa, vessel damaged — media

On April 29, a ship in Odessa exploded and later caught fire

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

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"

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

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 disappointed with Europe

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

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

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

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

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

Claims about US sabotage at Russian spaceports justify US military spending — expert

Alexander Stepanov questioned the plausibility of US plans to infiltrate Russian space facilities, noting that such operations would be highly risky and likely fatal for any special forces involved

Romanian parliament passes vote of no-confidence to government

A total of 281 lawmakers voted to oust the prime minister

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

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"

Burevestnik volunteer fighters destroy Ukraine’s Martian-2 attack UAVs

The Russian Defense Ministry reported that all the devices were promptly detected, intercepted, and destroyed before reaching their intended deployment area

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

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

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

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"

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

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

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

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.

Russian troops deliver precision strike on Ukrainian army’s energy sites in past day

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,210 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

Iraq encouraging oil exports through Strait of Hormuz with big discounts — Bloomberg

Iraq previously slashed oil production due to overflowing storage facilities and problems with exports through the Strait of Hormuz caused by the conflict surrounding Iran

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

US president believes NATO won’t help Washington in case of global conflict

Donald Trump added that he personally and the US in general took note of NATO allies’ reaction to the operation in Iran and their unwillingness to aid Washington

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

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

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

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

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"

Press review: Russia warns Ukraine over V-Day ceasefire as US Hormuz actions affect peace

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, May 5th

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

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

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

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

Buk-M3 SAM intercepts HIMARS rocket at range of over 30 km — Russian Defense Ministry

Previously, the ministry repeatedly emphasized the effectiveness of the Buk-M3 air defense system

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

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

Incidents involving Ukrainian UAVs over Finland unacceptable, defense minister says

"The Ukrainian side must plan its operations so as to minimize the risk of drones accidentally entering Finnish territory," Antti Hakkanen said

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

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

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

Zelensky imitates Hitler by threatening to strike Red Square on May 9 — Russian lawmaker

Leonid Ivlev, Russian State Duma member representing Crimea, pointed out that if Ukraine attempted to carry out the plans, it would face immediate retaliation

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"

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

US soldiers missing during Morocco drills may have drowned — TV channel

According to the TV channel, the soldiers were likely on an outing during non-training hours when one of them fell from a cliff into the Atlantic Ocean

Russia completes deliveries of Su-35 fighter jets to China

The contract worth about $2.5 billion on the deliveries of 24 fighter jets to China was signed in 2015

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

Fall of Ukraine’s 'impregnable' fortresses to help Russian troops advance in Novopavlovka

The Ukrainian army’s defense in that frontline area is under threat, the assault force commander with the call sign Kemer from the 80th Tank Regiment of Russia’s Battlegroup Center stressed

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

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

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

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

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

Russia won't let Norway's threats go unanswered — ambassador to Oslo

Nikolay Korchunov emphasized that Russia threatens no one and is not interested in an armed or hybrid confrontation with Norway or any other NATO country

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

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

Another strike hits area near Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant in Iran

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

Russia’s Battlegroup North destroys Ukrainian Damba electronic warfare station

The electronic warfare station was located during a reconnaissance sortie by a Supercam UAV crew, an unmanned aerial vehicle battalion commander with the call sign "Veles" said

UK expands sanctions list against Russia — Foreign Office

The restrictions were introduced against ten individuals and eight companies

Russian embassy dismisses social media reports of nuclear submarine’s arrival in Cuba

The Russian embassy said that the photos that have emerged on social media were made in July 2024

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

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

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

Israel, US attack amusement park in central Iran

No information on casualties or damage has been reported yet

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

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

FACTBOX: Fatalities in Strait of Hormuz vessel attack, US authority to strike IRGC boats

At least five people died as a result of a United States attack on two cargo vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, the Iranian news agency Tasnim reported

Russian troops use Krasnopol munitions against Ukrainian reinforced concrete strongholds

According to the report, the enemy's strongpoints consisted of several capsules connected by corridors

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

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"

US expects other countries to take responsibility for situation in Strait of Hormuz

This is a temporary mission for the United States, Pete Hegseth said

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

Trump says looks forward to important meeting with Xi

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

US president slams Zelensky’s behavior during Oval Office moment as 'aggressive'

Donald Trump still noted that that he had always got along with Vladimir Zelensky

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

Kazakhstan may refuse electricity supplies from Russia starting 2027 — ministry

Kazakhstan has been purchasing electricity from Russia annually in recent years due to a shortage of its own capacity

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"

Six foreign mercenaries eliminated near Kupyansk — Russian military

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

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

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

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

Armenian PM expresses willingness to join EU at inaugural Armenia-EU summit

Nikol Pashinyan acknowledged that the decision to admit a country to the EU is a political one, and that Brussels could at any moment say that the EU no longer wants to expand

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

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

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

FACTBOX: Aftermath of Ukrainian drone attack on Russian regions, injured in Cheboksary

Three individuals sustained injuries as a result of a Ukrainian drone attack on the city of Cheboksary, in the European part of Russia