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Middle East conflict

Lebanon seeks peace, not relations reset with Israel — prime minister

Nawaf Salam said that Arab and international support, along with Lebanon's legitimate right to land, are "elements of strength"

BEIRUT, May 6. /TASS/. The upcoming Lebanon-Israel negotiations in Washington will focus on strengthening the ceasefire and paving the way for a bilateral agreement, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said after a meeting with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri.

"We primarily seek peace, not normalization of relations with Israel," the prime minister highlighted, according to the government press office statement on X.

The prime minister said that Arab and international support, along with Lebanon's legitimate right to land, are "elements of strength" in the upcoming talks.

Middle East conflict

Israel eliminates over 2,000 Hezbollah militants in Lebanon — IDF chief of staff

Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir stated that the IDF will continue "the mission to locate the enemy in the area"

Russia’s Battlegroup North eliminates over 120 Ukrainian personnel over past week

"The low training level of Ukrainian troops facilitates the detection of dispersed groups of soldiers during reconnaissance by unmanned aerial vehicle operators," a howitzer battery commander with the call sign "Kulak" 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

Ukraine attacked TASS photojournalist on purpose — Russian military expert

Andrey Marochko said that Russian frontline journalists are a primary target for Ukrainian military formations since they are the ones showcasing the on-the-ground realities

Rubio, Lavrov discuss bilateral ties, Ukraine, Iran in phone call — State Department

According to the US State Department, the conversation took place at the initiative of the Russian side

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

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

Pope Leo XIV expresses hope for 'open dialogue' with US Secretary of State

Marco Rubio is expected at the Vatican on May 7 for an audience with the head of the Roman Catholic Church

Witness injured in Kiev strike on Krasnoarmeysk says attack orchestrated for publicity

According to Sergey Pak, the provocation was timed to coincide with Vladimir Zelensky’s visit there and was used for propaganda purposes

Top Russian diplomat, Qatari PM discuss situation in Strait of Hormuz

The sides expressed a shared opinion that it is necessary to refuse from trying to resolve the crisis by force

Hungary views China as pillar of multipolar world — Orban

Hungarian prime minister recalled that Hungary has always adhered to the ‘one China’ principle

Iran divides countries into three categories based on use of Strait of Hormuz — TV

According to the TV channel, all states are divided into three categories — "hostile," "neutral," and "friendly"

Netanyahu receives head of Board of Peace for Gaza Mladenov

Nickolay Mladenov described his meeting with Benjamin Netanyahu as "positive and substantive"

Kiev 'goes wild' ahead of Victory Day to attack Russian civilians — senator

Natalya Nikonorova condemned the Kiev regime’s actions

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

Serbia confident in further development of ties with Russia despite pressure

Nenad Popovic emphasized that Serbia remains the only European country that has not imposed sanctions against Russia

Russia capable of escorting its ships in Baltic Sea amid EU threats — expert

Andrey Kolesnik warned that Russia reserves the right to target decision-making centers, not just transit blockades

Iranian foreign minister proposes new Middle East security structure

Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran advocates for the creation of a post-conflict regional structure designed to promote balanced development and security

Russian Msta-B howitzer crew destroys nine Ukrainian strongholds in Sumy area over month

The destruction of drone control posts and fortifications of the Ukrainian army disrupted the enemy’s operations and helped prevent the penetration of UAVs into Russian territory, the howitzer crew commander with the call sign Kedr added

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

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

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

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

Russia to respond to security threats by instilling 'primal terror' into Europe — Medvedev

Russia is being dictated to accept the 'peace through force' concept, Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev said

European Commission opens applications for founding members of EU-Ukraine drone alliance

The alliance will support the development of advanced technologies in the field of UAVs and counter-UAV systems

EC believes Ukraine to take 10-15 years to fulfil requirements to join EU — FT

At the same time, there is still no unified position within the bloc regarding the timeline and conditions of Ukraine’s potential EU accession

Ukrainian forces carry out four attacks on DPR over past day

Information has been received about a civilian being injured

Any attempt to remove missile weapons from Kaliningrad to be fatal for EU — expert

Andrey Kolesnik drew attention to the active formation of military units in NATO countries bordering the Kaliningrad Region, in particular, the tank battalion being created in Lithuania

Ukraine mercenaries to cause terrorist attacks in EU, NATO countries — expert

Dmitry Kuzyakin added that the Ukrainian armed forces have "opened a new international business" training anyone interested in using combat drones

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

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

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

IRGC calls on ships to transit Hormuz Strait via corridor provided by Iran

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that diverting ships to other routes is unsafe

FACTBOX: What we know about US pausing operation to move vessels through Strait of Hormuz

The US administration has decided to suspend Project Freedom, an operation facilitating vessel transit through the Strait of Hormuz, pending clarity that Iran deal negotiations may successfully conclude

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 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

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

US State Department approves potential $373.6 million sale of JDAM guided bombs to Ukraine

As follows from the document, Kiev requested the possibility of purchasing 1,200 JDAMs in KMU-572 configuration and 332 in KMU-556 configuration, as well as associated equipment and documentation

Vucic says joining sanctions against Russia would 'betray soul' of his people

Aleksandar Vucic noted that Serbia considers Russia and Ukraine brotherly nations

US working on diplomatic solution to Iran conflict — Rubio

US Secretary of State added that "the alternative is growing isolation, economic collapse and ultimately, total defeat"

EU helps Kiev, which sees conflict with Russia as its last chance to survive — portal

The portal wrote that the Ukrainian authorities also view the conflict with Russia as a means of enrichment

FACTBOX: Aftermath of Ukrainian drone attack on Russian regions, five dead in Dzhankoy

On-duty air defense systems intercepted and destroyed 53 Ukrainian fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles over Russian regions

Lavrov, Rubio 'touch base' on current state of international affairs, US-Russia relations

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the conversation was constructive and businesslike

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

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

US aims to agree on memorandum of understanding with Iran — Rubio

Marco Rubio also noted that the US "would prefer the path of peace"

Venezuela itself decided to halt oil supplies to Cuba — Rubio

Under new agreements between the United States and Venezuela, revenues from the sale of Venezuelan oil are accumulated in accounts controlled by Washington

Iran refutes Axios report that Tehran, Washington near agreement

According to a member of the Iranian parliament’s Committee on National Security and Foreign Policy, Iran will deliver a harsh response if the US and its allies refuse to make concessions

Number of hantavirus cases onboard MV Hondius cruise ship up to eight — WHO

The World Health Organization highlighted that three cases were confirmed as laboratory-detected hantavirus infections

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, Bangladesh discussing supplies of Russian oil products — embassy

The Russian Embassy in Dhaka also noted potential in the gas sector

Russian embassy slams UK’s new sanctions package as another hostile step

According to the embassy spokesman, it is London that is fanning the flames of the Ukrainian conflict by flooding the Kiev regime with money and weapons

US trying to contact Iran via multiple intermediaries, not just Pakistan — agency

However, Iran doesn’t trust the United States and is prepared for any scenario, the source added

Global aviation crisis signals more serious disruptions ahead — Russia’s envoy

Thus, Kirill Dmitriev commented on a publication, which noted that airlines around the world are canceling flights at an unprecedented pace

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

Yerevan, Paris to strengthen defense cooperation through industrial sector

The parties will expand partnership in the fields of security, defense, military education, as well as military-technical and military-technological cooperation

Ukraine conflict highlights growing rift within NATO — Chinese publication

According to the Global Times, while Washington profited from the conflict, Europe footed much of the bill - paying for weapons sent to Ukraine and imposing sweeping sanctions on Russia"

Press review: Russia preps for Ukrainian V-Day attacks as US nears striking Iran again

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, May 6th

Serbia sees Russian gas supply terms as favorable — minister

Nenad Popovic stressed that energy cooperation with Russia remains a key factor in the stability of the Serbian economy

Ukrainian forces lose 82 heavy quadcopters due to actions of Russia’s battlegroup West

47 UAV control points and 17 ground-based robotic systems of the opposing side were also identified and destroyed

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

Readying new swaps, missing soldiers found in captivity: commissioner’s statements

Tatyana Moskalkova noted that negotiations with Ukraine on the next exchange are going on daily

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

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

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"

Iran announces introduction of new mechanism for vessel passage via Strait of Hormuz — TV

According to the report, vessels intending to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, "after notifying the Iranian authorities, must receive an electronic message from them, containing information about the rules of movement through the strait"

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

Nuclear powers continue to modernize their arsenals — report

In January 2024, there were some 12,121 nuclear warheads in the world, of which 9,585 were on alert

US is using mercenaries to destabilize situation in countries outside its control — expert

Alexander Stepanov said the goal is to use this tool to bring Washington-controlled political forces to power

Donbass Dome anti-UAV system destroys three Ukrainian drones in Donetsk region

Residents of the region are advised to report encountered debris or explosive objects to emergency services

Banksy’s Walking Man in London becomes tourist hotspot

The installation is located on Waterloo Place in Westminster, a few hundred meters from Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square

Trump says personally engaged in talks with Tehran

According to the US leader, Tehran wants to agree on the cessation of hostilities with Washington

Araghchi’s visit to China aims to de-escalate US-Iran conflict — Chinese expert

Liu Zhongmin also noted that, during Araghchi’s current visit, the parties may pay attention to issues related to cooperation in energy and other areas

Iran ready to strike fair deal with US to settle conflict — top diplomat

Abbas Araghchi emphasized that the war unleashed by the US is a clear violation of international law

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

EU firms waiting for Ukraine conflict to end to return to Russia — Estonian president

Alar Karis also noted that many European companies did not leave Russia

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"

TASS photojournalist hit by Ukraine’s drone strike in Zaporozhye Region

Alexander Polegenko’s vehicle was attacked while he was recording footage in the frontline town

Russian forces strike Ukrainian UAV assembly workshops in past day — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted roughly 290 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed an enemy tank and an armored combat vehicle in its area of responsibility, the Defense Ministry reported

US sees Israel-Lebanon peace agreement as achievable — Rubio

Marco Rubio pointed out that the US "is very committed to this process"

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

Five people killed in drone strike on Dzhankoi in Crimea

Emergency services are working at the scene

Nissan to lay off 10% of European workforce — Financial Times

The goal of such restructuring is to cope with financial difficulties the carmaker faces, the newspaper specified

Transnistrian leader says ready for compromises, calls on Moldova to resume talks

Vadim Krasnoselsky said this requires organizing talks in the 5+2 format, involving Moldova, Transnistria, the OSCE, Russia, and Ukraine, and observers from the European Union and the United States

Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier heads to Red Sea

According to Le Figaro, the deployment of the aircraft carrier takes place against the background of plans for an international mission to ensure the security of the Strait of Hormuz

Israel, US attack amusement park in central Iran

No information on casualties or damage has been reported yet

Ukraine's attack on Crimea disregards ceasefire on Victory Day — Irish journalist

The Ukrainian forces earlier attacked the city of Dzhankoy, killing five civilians

France to support implementation of TRIPP connectivity project in Armenia

The agreement also noted that the two countries will step up efforts to promote investment in each other’s economies

All oil suppliers to Cuba face threats from US — Foreign Minister

Over four months, only one shipment of fuel has arrived in Cuba, Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla said

US military repels Iranian attacks on two vessels in Strait of Hormuz — NBC

According to the TV channel, the Iranian side used missiles and drones

Pope responds to US president’s critical remarks — portal

The mission of the Church is to preach peace, Leo XIV noted

Zelensky to answer for killing Russians in Crimea right before ceasefire — lawmaker

Leonid Ivlev pointed out that Vladimir Zelensky's words are worthless

Russian army destroyed Ukraine’s nine strongholds built according to NATO standards

According to the report, these positions were located on the southwestern outskirts of Novopavlovka, an essential logistical node for Ukrainian forces near the border of the DPR and Dnepropetrovsk Region

US, Iran close to signing one-page memorandum to end war — news outlet

According to the news outlet, the US leadership’s decision to suspend Operation Project Freedom in the Strait of Hormuz is linked to progress in the negotiations

Over 2,500 militants eliminated during Mali state coup attempt on April 25

By the middle of the day, the Malian Armed Forces with the support of their international allies managed to regain control of the situation and launch counterattacks

Rubio says US operation in Strait of Hormuz is defensive

We're not but if they are attacking us, so they're attacking a ship, you need to respond to that, he told a briefing

US proposal to end war contains terms unacceptable to Iran — Tasnim

According to the source, Washington aims at justifying US President Donald Trump’s statement regarding the end of Operation Project Freedom, which was designed to facilitate the transit of ships through the Strait of Hormuz

US submits draft UNSC resolution on navigation in Strait of Hormuz

Earlier, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is under threat due to the US’ and its allies’ violation of the ceasefire

Malaysia’s king flies to Moscow at Putin’s invitation - agency

Sultan Ibrahim’s private plane took off from Senai International Airport at 8:00 a.m. local time

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

Over 2,400 Russian-linked companies registered in Serbia

Serbian Minister in charge of international economic cooperation Nenad Popovic pointed out that Serbian and Russian specialists can jointly participate in international projects and competition