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Strait of Hormuz developments

French MFA believes hardly possible to lift sanctions on Iran until Strait of Hormuz opens

Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot called the current situation around the strait unacceptable

PARIS, May 7. /TASS/. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot believes that lifting sanctions on Iran cannot be considered until the Strait of Hormuz opens.

"There can be no talk of lifting any sanctions as long as the Strait of Hormuz is blocked," he said on RTL radio.

The minister called the current situation around the strait unacceptable.

On May 6, US President Donald Trump announced the suspension of Project Freedom, an operation facilitating vessel transit through the Strait of Hormuz launched two days earlier, until information was received that negotiations on a deal with Iran could be successfully concluded and an agreement would be reached.

Later, the Axios portal reported that Washington and Tehran were close to signing a one-page memorandum on ending the armed conflict. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei stated that Iran was still reviewing the US proposals and would later respond to Pakistan.

Middle East conflict

Death toll from Israeli attacks on Lebanon reaches 2,727 — Health Ministry

The ministry added that the city of Nabatieh and surrounding areas came under heavy bombardment on Thursday

Aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle arrives in Red Sea

"This marks a preliminary deployment," French Minister Delegate to the Minister of the Armed Forces Alice Rufo stated

Iran ready to provide assistance to commercial vessels in Strait of Hormuz — authorities

According to an official address, Iran’s ports are ready to provide "services and technical support, as well as medical assistance"

Germany is turning from industrial giant into workshop — Medvedev

The country's GDP grew by only 0.2% in 2025, adjusted for inflation, the Deputy Chairman of the Security Council said

Washington to continue using force against Iran until it no longer poses threat — strategy

According to the document, the US will also continue to focus its "kinetic, intelligence, and cyber operations against Iranian-backed terror proxies"

US leader says no deadline set for Iran talks

Donald Trump expressed confidence that Iran and the United States would reach an agreement to end the conflict

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

Kiev attempted to leave spy disguised as civilian resident in Velikaya Novoselka

The man explained that he had signed a contract with the battalion while in prison

US envoy may meet with Ukrainian security official in Miami later in the week — agency

Ukrainian lawmaker Yaroslav Zheleznyak said earlier that Rustem Umerov would skip a meeting of Verkhovna Rada’s temporary commission investigating the case of businessman Timur Mindich

Venezuela’s acting president plans to call on Trump to lift sanctions

Delcy Rodriguez pointed out that Venezuela and the US are building "good relations"

German chancellor points to epic global turning point

The current process is "not just a conjunctural crisis or a structural failure," Friedrich Merz says

Ukraine conflict to end only after Kiev’s total surrender — MP

According to Renat Karchaa, a statement about the complete and unconditional capitulation of the Ukrainian regime will be heard at the table

Iran urges UN members against adopting new Security Council resolution on Hormuz Strait

According to the permanent mission, "the US is pushing a flawed, politically motivated UN Security Council draft resolution under the pretext of 'freedom of navigation' to advance its political agenda and legitimize unlawful actions"

German foreign minister presents six-point plan to reform European Union

Johann Wadephul called for replacing the principle of unanimity in foreign policy issues with a qualified majority vote

Pentagon awards $500 million contract to Scale AI company — agency

According to Bloomberg, the agreement is a five-fold increase of a $100 million deal the company received in September 2025

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

Natalya Nikonorova condemned the Kiev regime’s actions

Russia preempted EU threats to blockade Kaliningrad by fully supplying region — expert

Yevgeny Mishin, Deputy Chairman of the Committee on International and Interregional Relations, Security, and Law and Order of the Legislative Assembly of Kaliningrad, pointed to the development of maritime capacity and energy security

Ukrainian attack leaves 13 civilians injured in Russian city of Bryansk

A child was among the wounded

US businessman, CNN founder Ted Turner dies at age 87 — TV

Chairman and CEO of CNN Worldwide Mark Thompson said said that Ted Turner was an intensely involved and committed leader

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

Switzerland ready to host US-Iran talks — MFA

Spokesperson Melanie Gugelmann says the foreign ministry "maintains contact with all parties involved"

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

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"

'Anti-special op' failure, dangers of Germany’s militarization: Medvedev’s statements

Russia must not allow a repeat of June 22, 1941, the Russian Security Council deputy chairman said

Foreign guests for Victory Day in Moscow, Putin’s schedule: statements by Kremlin aide

The Russian president will deliver a speech before the Victory Day parade, which will not include a display of military vehicles and equipment this year

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

Germany 'considering' own nuclear weapons entering public discourse — Medvedev

The Deputy Chairman of the Security Council also noted that Germany is already exploring the possibility of establishing a collective "nuclear umbrella" with Paris and London in the long term

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

Russia supports China’s decision not to comply with US sanctions — MFA

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stressed that Moscow condemns unilateral sanctions

Greece submits plan to EU to fully phase out Russian gas by end of 2027

The commitment stems from the EU’s RepowerEU strategy, through which the bloc seeks to fully end energy ties with Moscow

Drone falls on Latvian oil depot, damaging four tanks — news outlet

According to the report, four tanks were damaged as a result of the drone crash

Aeroflot limits use of power banks on board

Changes are associated with the update in international safety requirements

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

Ukrainian troops had no intention of complying with truce announced by Zelensky — diplomat

Maria Zakharova noted that Vladimir Zelensky’s words again diverged from his actions

Ukraine attempts attack on civilian infrastructure near St. Petersburg: what we know

According to the report, at around 3:20 a.m. Moscow time, air defense and intelligence systems detected a group of six UAVs in Latvian airspace

Germany to be turned into transit staging hub for NATO troops — Medvedev

The Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman highlighted that infrastructure improvements in Germany are proceeding at an accelerated speed for a potential confrontation with Russia

Casualties in Bryansk, 347 drones: aftermath of Ukrainian drone attacks on Russia

Thirteen people, including a child, were injured as a result of the Ukrainian attack on Bryansk

US increases military presence in Middle East to 50,000 troops — media

The New York Times noted that all US forces in the Middle East remain on full combat alert

Almost 1,600 vessels stuck near Strait of Hormuz — CNN

According to the report, the US Navy has so far managed to escort only two vessels through the waters

Berlin undermining international legal obligations — Russian security official

Dmitry Medvedev explained that this refers to the October 2024 opening of the Commander Task Force Baltic in Rostock, which "effectively monitors" Russian ships

Air defenses down 14 Ukrainian drones over Russia's central Tula Region

There were no casualties

US sees European countries as financial, logistical hubs for terrorists — strategy

Europe "must significantly increase its counterterrorism efforts immediately," the document emphasized

Germany’s course towards 'large-scale revanchism' becomes official — Medvedev

"The brainwashing of youth through mainstream classical media and countering Russian 'hybrid propaganda' has been elevated to the rank of state policy," Dmitry Medvedev said

God forbid Russia has to strike Kiev in response to threats — Kremlin

The Russian Foreign Ministry, in a circular note addressed to all diplomatic missions and representations accredited in Russia, once again appealed with an urgent call to take the defense ministry’s statements with the utmost responsibility, Yury Ushakov said

Saudi Arabia refuses to support US Operation Project Freedom — media

According to NBC News, this happened because the US failed to notify Riyadh of the initiative in advance

Iran must export nuclear fuel to US as part of potential deal — Trump

The American president also confirmed that one of the conditions of the agreement is that Iran will suspend the operation of its underground facilities

US court releases what is believed to be Epstein’s suicide note — NYT

According to the publication, the note was found by Epstein’s cellmate, Nicholas Tartaglione, in July 2019

Zelensky's ‘ceasefire’ bluff shows Kiev doesn't want to end war — Zaporozhye lawmaker

Renat Karchaa sharply criticized Vladimir Zelensky’s move, describing it as "a cheap, transparent ploy"

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

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

Kiev loses about 25 troops in botched counterattack near Grishino in Donetsk region

The remnants of the assault forces returned to their initial positions east of Sergeyevka and showed no activity during 24 hours, Andrey Marochko said

Germany, Finland working to turn Baltic Sea into 'NATO internal sea' — Medvedev

The Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council called this destructive activity

Kremlin spokesman doubts reliability of sources media refer to in coup threat speculations

As Victory Day approaches, Western media outlets are ramping up a barrage of disinformation aimed at destabilizing the information landscape with falsehoods

Ukrainian army carries out five attacks on DPR in past day

A civilian was reported injured

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

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

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

Germany moving toward acquiring nukes could prompt Russian strike — Medvedev

The security official emphasized that "such a move could cause no less alarm in the US, which is trying to convince the world of the need to conclude a START IV treaty with China’s participation"

Russia views Zelensky’s remarks about May 9 drone plot as threat of terror act — diplomat

Russia honestly informed the entire global community about it, Maria Zakharova said

Russophobic position leads EU, UK to serious agricultural crisis

Russian Presidential Envoy Kirill Dmitriev said the US is wise to significantly increase its purchases of Russian fertilizer to the highest level in history

No ‘scraps of paper’ can restrain militarization of Germany — Medvedev

"Do not delude yourself that the German establishment will consider itself definitively bound by a scrap of paper, even if some treaty on new principles of European security is concluded," Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev said

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

Iran may respond to US proposal on May 7 — TV

Axios reported earlier that Washington and Tehran were close to signing a memorandum to end the armed conflict

Israel gets US permission to eliminate Radwan commander in Beirut — Kan

According to the state television and radio company, this was the first Israeli attack on the Beirut area since the beginning of the current ceasefire with Lebanon

Russian troops strike Ukrainian army’s transport infrastructure over past day — top brass

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

Press review: Zelensky violates ceasefire as US faces Operation Epic Fury financial drain

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, May 7th

PSG clinches spot in Champions League final

The French club will now face Arsenal

Russia will destroy both Germany's industry, all Europe if war breaks out — Medvedev

Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev said that this is a clear signal to German elites

Russia takes into account Britain’s hostile adventurism in military planning — ambassador

Andrey Kelin added: "Any actions that undermine Russian interests will be met with the strongest response"

Russia's May 8-9 truce initiative causes 'hysterical response' in Kiev — Foreign Ministry

The initiative was supported by US President Donald Trump, Maria Zakharova stated

Another strike hits area near Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant in Iran

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

Israel, US attack amusement park in central Iran

No information on casualties or damage has been reported yet

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

Gazprom Neft in talks on NIS stake sale with MOL only

According to the company, the required corporate and regulatory procedures are being implemented now

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

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

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

Medvedev accuses Berlin of undermining security across entire continent

The Russian Security Council deputy chairman highlighted that Germany lacks the strength and resources to independently pursue a forceful course of action without direct support from its "Big Brother" across the Atlantic

Development of new weapons, civilian transport: statements by Rostec CEO

By 2030, Rostec plans to produce as many as 36 MS-21 aircraft, 20 SSJ-100 aircraft, and 12 Il-114 aircraft

Russia declares ceasefire from midnight May 8 until May 10

This timing includes the days of commemorating the 81st anniversary of the Victory of the Soviet people in the Great Patriotic War

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

Iranian president says he recently met with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei

The meeting took place in a relaxed atmosphere, Masoud Pezeshkian said

Parties involved in trilateral talks on Ukraine aware of next step — Kremlin aide

Yury Ushakov said this step is expected to be taken on behalf of Kiev, particularly from Vladimir Zelensky

Militants active in Mali receive Western funding — Russian helicopter commander

According to the officer, the militants have good weapons and communication devices

Trump claims Iran agreed to give up nuclear weapons

Earlier, CNN quoted sources as saying that Washington and Tehran were discussing a moratorium on uranium enrichment for more than 10 years

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

Tehran, Washington agree on easing Iran blockade in exchange for Strait of Hormuz opening

According to the report, intensive contacts are currently underway on this issue, and that "a breakthrough in resolving the issue of ships blocked in the strait is expected in the coming hours"

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

Enhanced security measures, Victory Day, ceasefire: key topics of Kremlin’s briefing

Dmitry Peskov said that ensuring the safety of citizens is an absolute priority for the Russian authorities, and all measures are taken in accordance with the law

US seeks to develop interceptor that costs less than $250,000 — newspaper

According to The Wall Street Journal, the army wants to launch the project in the coming weeks

Ukrainian forces lose 27 UAV control points due to actions of Russia’s East battlegroup

Over the course of the day, three Starlink satellite communication stations and 19 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles were destroyed

Warsaw to forgive Fico's visit to Moscow if he unblocks aid to Ukraine — MFA

The Slovak prime minister plans to visit Russia on May 9

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

Russian Foreign Ministry calls on foreign states to evacuate their diplomats from Kiev

Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that on May 4, 2026, the Defense Ministry issued an official statement "in connection with the threats of the Kiev regime to strike Moscow on a sacred holiday for all Russians - Victory Day in the Great Patriotic War

Hungary views China as pillar of multipolar world — Orban

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

Slovak PM to fly to Russia via Czech Republic, Germany, Sweden, Finland — news portal

According to the report, Prague, Berlin, Stockholm, and Helsinki had no objections to the transit flight of the Slovak delegation to 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"

Terror against journalists helps West hush up Donbass truth — LPR Union of Journalists

Yevgeny Murylev says that the truth about the events in Donbass has begun to "seep into the minds of Europeans"

Russia will not underestimate Zelensky’s threats to attack Victory Day Parade — MFA

As Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova added, the publicly announced plans for the combat use of drones during the parade may only surprise those unfamiliar with the situation

Ukraine stages provocations along entire front line — adviser to DPR head

Igor Kimakovsky said the provocations take place where the nationalist brigades are stationed

Suez was just a cover: three major misconceptions about World War II in Africa and Iran

It was precisely in the sands of Egypt and the mountains of Iran where the fate of crucial fuel resources was decided, and where the expansion of the Holocaust into the Middle East was planned