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Strait of Hormuz developments

Inconsistencies in US position biggest hurdle in negotiations — Araghchi

According to the Iranian top diplomat, Washington has already realized that it cannot achieve any goals through military action against Iran

NEW DELHI, May 15. /TASS/. The main difficulty in negotiations with the United States on resolving the conflict is the contradictory messages coming from Washington, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated.

"They will not be able to achieve their goals through military means, but if the path of diplomacy is chosen, the situation will be different. We have already started interacting, but, as you know, there are many problems on this path. The biggest problem is the contradictory signals we receive from the US side through various statements, interviews, and the expression of official positions," he said in a commentary to the Indian television channel Doordarshan.

According to Araghchi, Washington has already realized that it cannot achieve any goals through military action against Iran.

On May 10, Iran delivered its response to US proposals on resolving the Persian Gulf conflict to Pakistan. According to sources cited by The Wall Street Journal, Tehran rejected Washington’s demand to dismantle its nuclear facilities. The newspaper added that Iran was willing to suspend uranium enrichment, but not for 20 years like the United States is stipulating. US President Donald Trump later called Tehran’s response unacceptable.

Israel sees new wave of anti-government protests

The demonstrations were peaceful, with no reports of incidents or clashes

Economic Development Ministry worsens forecast for Russia’s GDP growth in 2018

The Economic Development Ministry has worsened its forecast for Russia's GDP growth in 2018 from 2.1% to 1.9%

Inflation in Russia to be about 3% in early 2018 — Central Bank chief

The Russian Central Bank chief has commented on the decision to cut key rate to 7.75%

Trump brings uncertainty to numbers of US troops in Europe — AP

At the same time, the Donald Trump administration claims that the reduction of US military presence in Europe was planned beforehand and was coordinated with the allies

Russia’s advance, Oreshnik missile use in Ukraine: Putin’s statements to news agencies

According to the head of state, Russian troops are advancing along the entire line of contact, while the Ukrainian armed forces are catastrophically short of personnel

Putin calls aggressive policies of European bureaucracy short-sighted

The Russian president pointed to the current shocks on energy markets, as well as tensions across certain regions

Emergencies Ministry reinforces rescue group at flooded mine in Russia

This is the second accident in a week at the Alrosa-run Mir mine

IAEA turns blind eye to Kiev’s ceasefire violation — diplomat

5 Russian sappers were heavily wounded in a Ukrainian drone attack, Russia’s Permanent Representative to international organizations in Vienna Mikhail Ulyanov said

US not acting consistently with its own Anchorage proposals — top Russian diplomat

The United States are now pretending that the parties should sort things out themselves, Sergey Lavrov noted

Ukrainian forces dismantle Chernobyl infrastructure to build defenses near Kiev — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, after Russian forces seized certain enemy positions in the special military operation zone, dosimeters showed a significant increase in radiation levels

Russian Tokyo Olympic gold medalists, Dina Averina get orders of merits — Putin’s decree

Averina and other 26 Olympians recieved the Order of Friendship

Ukrainian army fires 44 shells, 27 drones at 10 districts in Russia’s Belgorod Region

According to the regional head, six unmanned aerial vehicles were deployed at the Valuysky District and a civilian was injured as a result of a drone attack on a moving vehicle

US to decide whether to go to Eastern Economic Forum without invitation — Kremlin

Spokesman Dmitry Peskov says each country decides on the trip independently

Explosion heard near Iran's Kharg Island - news agency

The exact location and source of the explosion are unknown

Russian diplomat draws UNSC attention to Romanian statements’ inconsistency

Vasily Nebenzya noted that initially Romanian officials spoke about an allegedly deliberate Russian strike on a civilian facility, but just a few hours later Romanian President Nicusor Dan adjusted his position

About 20,000 Ukrainian refugees receive medical assistance in Russia

“As many as 100 babies were born at temporary accommodation centres,” the chief of the national crisis management centre of the Russian emergencies ministry says

Iran to attack other US bases if conflict is resumed — supreme leader’s adviser

Mohsen Rezaee stressed that if the United States resumes hostilities, Iran will "drag the war" beyond the Persian Gulf

Putin awards tennis players Andreeva, Shnaider with medal of Order of Merit

The athletes were awarded for their merits in the development of physical culture and sports and for many years of conscientious work

Russia is part of Europe, it cannot be wiped off map — top senator

It cannot be wiped off map, Valentina Matviyenko said

UK deploys Challenger 2 tanks in exercises near Russian border — report

The publication noted that the deployment of British troops near the Russian border is largely "symbolic," given the limited capabilities of the UK's armed forces

Reduction in Russian oil supplies would be more problematic than Hormuz crisis — Sechin

The world should analyze the situation surrounding the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Executive Secretary of the presidential commission on fuel and energy sector development strategy and environmental security and Rosneft CEO said

Armenia’s election authority rejects request to bar major opposition party from polls

The decision was made during an emergency meeting of the commission

Witkoff and Kushner aware of Bering Strait tunnel project — Dmitriev

The Russian Direct Investment Fund CEO also emphasized that new solutions would reduce the project's overall financial burden

Israel sees new wave of anti-government protests

The demonstrations were peaceful, with no reports of incidents or clashes

Kim Jong Un always welcome guest in Russia — Peskov

There is currently no understanding regarding the timing of North Korean leader’s visit to Moscow, Kremlin Spokesman told

Putin says sees no point in meeting with Zelensky so far

When asked to comment on Zelensky’s recent letter, the Russian leader addressed not the "authors of the epistolary genre," but to Russian soldiers on the frontline

Russian forces take control of Shevchenko in Kharkov Region

At the same time, the Ukrainian armed forces lost about 1,275 service members over the past day as a result of actions by Russian force groupings in the special military operation zone

At least five more drones destroyed while approaching Moscow — mayor

First responders are working in areas where fragments fell

Russia, China build relations that are exemplary for major powers — Russian ambassador

He added that this enables Russia and China "to look with confidence into the future"

Russia ready for renewed relations with US, but ball is in Washington's court — deputy PM

Alexander Novak emphasized that Moscow remains open to improving relations with Washington

Russia’s Shnaider ousts Keys of US on her way to 2026 French Open quarters

Next up for the Russian will be a date with the winner of the match between World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus and Japan’s Naomi Osaka

Merz not to get Tomahawk missiles — Dmitriev

Earlier, the Politico newspaper reported that the US administration may abandon plans to supply Tomahawk cruise missiles to Germany over concerns that Russia may regard this step as an escalation

UK continues buying Russian oil through petroleum products from Asia — Novak

Russian Deputy Prime Minister stressed that after sanctions were introduced, Russia redirected supplies to friendly countries — China, India, and Africa — and is not experiencing problems with sales

First Su-57 fifth-generation fighter ready for delivery to Russian troops

Under the current contract, Russia’s Aerospace Force is set to receive 76 Su-57 fifth-generation fighter aircraft by 2028

Moscow following dramatic events in Syria with high concern — MFA

Russia is taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety of Russian citizens in Syria, the ministry noted

Marine drone that exploded in Romania's Constanta port belonged to Ukraine — president

Responding to journalists’ questions, Nicusor Dan said he could not explain how a maritime drone was able to enter the port

Zelensky’s letter shows he cares more about propaganda than peace — newspaper

He wants to shift the blame onto the other side for the fact that the war will likely continue, the author writes

Officer critical of Ukrainian army chief Syrsky killed — security forces

He worked as a lawyer and fought corruption within the Ukrainian Security Service

SPIEF shows US has changed attitude toward cooperation with Russia — Kobyakov

This is very important because previously, at least under [former US President Joe] Biden, the State Department sent directives around the world prohibiting participation in the St. Petersburg forum, Russian presidential adviser said

Ex-Ukrainian PM criticizes Zelensky’s ‘open letter’ to Putin as PR stunt

In Nikolay Azarov's opinion, the way the letter is written indicates the goal is to disrupt all meetings and talks

Trump says agrees with Israel, Hezbollah on ceasefire terms in Lebanon

The US leader had a very productive call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and highly placed representatives of Hezbollah

Russian diplomat doubts competence of some EU leaders

According to Maria Zakharova, statements that are coming from the European Union are simply unsound

Dissatisfaction with Merz's performance hits new record high — media

Only 16% of respondents approve of Merz's government

Creator of Labubu Toys enters top ten of China’s richest billionaires — Forbes

Her fortune is estimated at $22.3 billion

Russia to always possess modern submarines of all types — Navy commander

Admiral Alexander Moiseyev emphasized that Russia was one of the few countries that carried its strategic nuclear forces’ naval component on strategic missile submarines

EU sanctions hurt Europe more than Belarus and Russia — Szijjarto

The Hungarian Foreign Minister said that even among his ministerial colleagues in Europe there is a clear opinion that the sanctions are not working as planned

German chancellor says Europe ready for talks with Russia on Ukraine

Friedrich Merz claimed that resolving the conflict in Ukraine is "in Europe’s legitimate interests"

Trump thinks US is not protracting conflict with Iran

Donald Trump said that he is "moving very fast"

Northern Sea Route can provide trade solutions amid Hormuz crisis — Sechin

It is capable of providing global trade with reliable logistics solutions, reducing cargo delivery times by 1.5-2 times and cutting costs by 20-30%, Executive Secretary of presidential commission on fuel and energy sector development strategy and environmental security and Rosneft CEO said

Press review: Trump, GOP clash over Iran war as NATO launches Baltic drills

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, June 5th

Maximal costs of Nord Stream pipeline repair to be 633 mln euro

This figure is indicated in an internal report prepared by the company, which assesses prospects of gas pipeline use in the future

Mirra Andreeva wins French Open

She defeated Poland’s Maja Chwalinska

Kazakhstan continues OPEC+ work, no plans to leave organization — ministry

"The consequences of the UAE’s exit will likely remain to be seen, at this stage work is processing as usual," Sungat Yesimkhanov said

Europe imitates readiness to talks with Russia — Federation Council Speaker

Valentina Matviyenko stressed that European leaders have not made a single reasonable proposal that could underlie negotiations on Ukraine

Israel goes too far by trying to uncover US position on Iran through espionage — media

According to the newspaper, the Jewish state is particularly interested in information regarding US President Donald Trump’s strategy in negotiations with Tehran

Russia’s upgraded Mi-171Sh Storm to go on serial production in 2022

The aircraft features enhanced protection and displays unique striking capabilities

Oreshnik missile system used in special military op to confirm its accuracy — expert

"This analysis was necessary for developing a more targeted strike policy against the enemy, including the destruction of critical military and government control facilities, as well as infrastructure in urban Ukraine," Igor Korotchenko said

Hamas hands bodies of four Israeli hostages to Red Cross — TV

Once the bodies are brought to Israel, forensic experts will examine them to identify the deceased hostages and determine the causes of their deaths

EU embassies in Moscow should take steps to establish dialogue with Russia — Kneissl

According to former Austrian Foreign Minister, European embassies "just need to do their job"

G7 defense ministers call for boosting defense production in Western countries

The defense chiefs recognized "the importance of ensuring reliable, predictable and stable access to finance for defense industries."

South Ossetia’s parliamentary elections declared valid, with turnout exceeding 54%

A party needs to score more than seven percent of votes to win seats in the national parliament

Belarusian night of protests after presidential vote

Several thousand people reportedly took part in the protests in Minsk

‘It takes two to tango,’ but US does not want it yet — Peskov on relations with US

The Kremlin representative pointed out that the United States still links everything to the settlement of the Ukrainian crisis

Russia showed flexibility in Anchorage without abandoning its positions — top senator

This could serve as a basis for negotiations on settling the Ukrainian conflict, Russian Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko said

Iran severely damaged US air ops center in Qatar — magazine

According to the magazine, proximity to Iran and overall vulnerability of the facility have raised questions of whether it should be rebuilt

Russian swimming sports chief Mazepin: Important to contest unjust ban of Russian athletes

The Russian sports official also stated that Russian sports federations should resort to every available instrument - legal, diplomatic and otherwise - to challenge the unjust suspension against the country competing internationally

Pentagon voices concern over Israel’s increased intelligence activities in US — media

According to them, the Pentagon's intel directorate published a new counterintelligence assessment that raised the threat level from Israel to "critical"

Putin’s remarks on new nature of conflict, Russian strikes: new briefing from Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov noted that the conflict in Ukraine could be resolved by the end of the day if Vladimir Zelensky ordered his troops to withdraw from Russian regions

Ukrainian athletes should not avoid Russian flag’s display as 'winners must be respected'

Some of the international sports federations earlier decided to lift previously imposed restrictions not only for youth athletes but for all athletes at various levels from Russia and Belarus

Trump’s meeting with Iranian supreme leader now impossible — Khamenei’s adviser

According to Mohsen Rezaee, US President Donald Trump has brought the negotiations to a standstill

Russia sees attempts by Yerevan to ‘commit crime against democracy’

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova added that, apparently, pressure on the opposition in the form of arrests, harassment, property seizures, and persecution of the Armenian Apostolic Church proved insufficient

Epstein case reveals real face of Western elites seeking to rule world — Lavrov

"It is unnecessary to explain to any normal person that this is pure Satanism and is beyond human comprehension," the Russian Foreign Minister added

'Response' to Zelensky’s letter, economic growth under sanctions: Putin’s SPIEF statements

Vladimir Putin noted that the West’s short-sighted sanctions policy is working in Russia’s favor

Death toll from Ebola in DRC rises to 86 — Health Ministry

The number of confirmed Ebola cases has risen to 488

Putin says Crimean referendum follows Kosovo precedent

Calling Kosovo “a special case” are proofs of "primitive and straightforward cynicism", the Russian president noted

Russia ready to arrange UN delegation’s visit to Starobelsk — Foreign Ministry

The statement added that Russia expects UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and relevant UN bodies to publicly condemn the Ukrainian military's attack on the college