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

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

US-Israeli strikes on Iran

Pentagon chief denies claims Israel dragged US leader into war with Iran

According to Pete Hegseth, ultimate decisions regarding US-Israeli operations rest with the White House

WASHINGTON, May 5. /TASS/. US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has refuted suggestions that Israeli authorities have dragged US President Donald Trump into a war with Iran.

"Your question is based on the false premise that somehow President Trump is being pulled in by Prime Minister [of Israel Benjamin] Netanyahu to any of these actions, and that's where you're going," the Pentagon chief said, commenting on developments in the war with Iran.

According to him, ultimate decisions regarding US-Israeli operations rest with the White House. However, he acknowledged that Israel’s objectives sometimes differ from those of the United States.

"Just to be clear: President Trump has led at every step of this [operation] based on his view of American interest in America first. And we're grateful that Israelis have been very capable partners at many steps of this [operation], and they may have some objectives at times that are slightly different than ours. But there's only one hand on the wheel ultimately directing this, whether it's Project Freedom, or previously Operation Epic Fury, and it's President Trump," Hegseth stated.

Seymour Hersh, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, wrote in a recent column that the US leader has lost confidence in Benjamin Netanyahu, believing that he misled him about Iran. According to Hersh, the US president now believes that Netanyahu misrepresented the chances of success of the US-Israeli military operation against Iran, aimed at bringing about a fundamental change of power in the Islamic Republic.

Trumps says plans to discuss Iran during his visit to China

The US leader also called on China to buy oil from the United States amid the navigation problems in the Strait of Hormuz

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

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

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

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

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

UK expands sanctions list against Russia — Foreign Office

The restrictions were introduced against ten individuals and eight companies

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

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

Slovakia will not resume electricity supplies to Ukraine — Fico

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

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

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

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

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"

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

Conflict with Iran to last for two to three more weeks — Trump

The US leader said he is convinced that Washington will either make a deal with Tehran or defeat it militarily

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

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

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

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

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

US leader may resume military operation against Iran this week — portal

According to the report, on May 3 the United States privately notified Iran of the launch of Operation Project Freedom in the Strait of Hormuz, aimed at ensuring the safe passage of ships through the waterway and reducing the risk of escalation

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"

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

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

No large weapons on board sunk Iranian boats — Pentagon

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the US Armed Forces, General Dan Caine also denied claims about Iran's having so-called "kamikaze dolphins"

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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 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

Rostec develops system for repelling massive FPV drone attacks

The new system is noted to be capable of operating in the most common FPV drone control frequencies

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

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

Romanian parliament passes vote of no-confidence to government

A total of 281 lawmakers voted to oust the prime minister

Over 50 UAV attack Moscow on 2-5 May — TASS calculations

Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin said that emergency relief specialists are working at the scene where the debris from the downed UAVs landed

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

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

Two people killed, 32 others injured in Ukrainian drone attack on Cheboksary

Regional Head Oleg Nikolayev said those who are staying at hospitals are receiving all necessary assistance

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FSB identifies international terrorist organization sleeper cell in Anapa — statement

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fourth explosion in row rocks Odessa, vessel damaged — media

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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 disappointed with Europe

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

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

US believes ceasefire with Iran still in effect despite operation in Hormuz Strait

"This is a separate and distinct project," Pete Hegseth pointed out

Threats to attack Moscow during parade are blasphemous, inhumane — senior officer

Anatoly Bibilov emphasized that these threats only serve to confirm the character of the adversary

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

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"

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’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

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

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

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

Trump says looks forward to important meeting with Xi

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

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

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

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"

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

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

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