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US-Israeli strikes on Iran

Door to peace in Middle East open — top Chinese diplomat

Wang Yi called on the international community to support the Iran-US talks and on the UN Security Council and other multilateral structures to play a bigger role

BEIJING, June 16. /TASS/. Iran and the United States should not revert to a scenario involving the use of force after reaching a mutual understanding, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said.

"The door to peace is open and it should not be shut again. The Middle East has been suffering from wars for a long time and its peoples deserve peace," he said during a phone call with Pakistani Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ishak Dar, as quoted by Xinhua.

According to the top Chinese diplomat, the current consensus has opened up a new stage of efforts toward a lasting peace in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf. However, he admitted that the second stage of talks may be more difficult than the first one, but the sides should not step back and resort to force again.

He also called on the international community to support the Iran-US talks and on the UN Security Council and other multilateral structures to play a bigger role. China, in his words, is ready to continue joint efforts with Pakistan to promote talks and restore peace, stability and development in the Middle East.

Earlier, official representatives of the United States, Iran, and Pakistan, which acts as a go-between, confirmed that Washington and Tehran had reached an agreement, which is expected to be inked in Geneva on June 19. According to Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, during a 60-day ceasefire the sides will discuss Iran’s nuclear program, while the US will lift its maritime blockade against Iran from June 15. Apart from that, military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon, will cease immediately and permanently.

UK investigates reports of Russian frigate firing off warning shots in English Channel

According to the BBC, the incident allegedly occurred on June 16 about 20 nautical miles south of the Isle of Wight

All critical damage at Zaporozhye NPP caused by Ukrainian shelling repaired — director

According to Yury Chernichuk, all damaged infrastructure at the plant is being repaired immediately

Press review: EU seeks to derail Ukraine talks as oil prices fall on Mid-East peace hopes

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, June 16th

Germany takes Goebbels route and Zelensky’s tough guy act: Lavrov’s statements

According to the Russian foreign minister, German officials’ rhetoric on historical issues and regarding events in Ukraine suggest that Moscow needs "to take a tougher stance against them"

UK adds 43 entities, individuals and 27 alleged Russia-linked vessels to sanctions list

Four Chinese companies, one Turkish company and three Thai companies were blacklisted

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 is resorting to terrorist tactics amid Russian military advances — expert

Russian forces are conducting active offensive operations in all sectors of the special military operation zone

Russian stock market accelerates decline on Trump’s statements

The MOEX Russia plunged below 2,500 points first time since June 10

Second stage of deal with Iran, meeting with Zelensky and Ukraine: Trump’s statements

According to the US leader, in the event of an Israeli attack on Lebanon, the deal with Iran may remain in place

FACTBOX: Moscow refinery damaged, 172 UAVs target Russia in Ukraine's new attack

More than 30 drones were destroyed in Kamensk-Shakhtinsky and four districts of the Rostov Region, Governor Yury Slyusar said

Turkey to raise transit fees through Bosphorus and Dardanelles by 15% from July

Turkish authorities have been increasing transit tariffs for vessels passing through the straits once a year since 2022

Ceasefire on all fronts key topic of memorandum with United States — Iran’s top diplomat

The agreement includes a ceasefire in Lebanon

Turkey ready to do everything it can to promote Ukrainian settlement — top diplomat

Turkey is ready to act as a mediator and provide a venue for talks, Hakan Fidan said

Right moment needed to advance peace in Ukraine — Swiss president

Guy Parmelin emphasized that Switzerland is ready to facilitate the dialogue

Top Russian, Turkish diplomats to discuss Middle East, Black Sea region, South Caucasus

According to Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Sergey Lavrov and Hakan Fidan are also expected to discuss the development of Russian-Turkish relations in various spheres

B-52 strategic bomber crashes after takeoff in California

Information about possible causes of the crash is not available at this point

Relations between Moscow, Ankara continue strengthening — top Turkish diplomat

Hakan Fidan noted that Russia-Turkey top- and high-level meetings, as well as business contacts had regular nature

Pentagon invests over $11 million in establishment of biolabs in Ukraine

Funding was provided through technical assistance programs with the Ukrainian Health Ministry being the recipient

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

West paints Russia as villain amid Patriot strike: situation around Kiev-Pechersk Lavra

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization has said that it is ready to help assess the damage done to the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra after the missile attack

Moscow refinery damaged in Ukraine drone attack — mayor

According to Sergey Sobyanin, no one has been reported injured

Lukashenko doesn’t rule out his meeting with Trump this fall

According to the Belarusian leader, his potential meeting with the US counterpart should cover a range of issues rather than be focused on the release of prisoners only

Iran, New Zealand play to a draw in FIFA World Cup match

The national teams tied at 2-2

Zelensky says not considering Moscow visit for talks with Putin

The head of Kiev regime stated that he could meet the Russian president in Turkey, Switzerland or the Middle East

Another strike hits area near Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant in Iran

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

Putin sets September 20 as date of Russian parliamentary elections

For the first time ever, residents of Donbass and Novorossiya will participate in parliamentary elections

Main fire at Krasnodar Region oil depot, caused by drone attack, extinguished

Firefighters are continuing to work at the site until the danger is completely eliminated, district head Alexander Kharitonov says

Russian PM to travel to Uzbekistan for a two-day working visit

Among the priority topics in the negotiations, Moscow highlights joint projects in the energy sector, including nuclear energy, as well as industry, transport, and agriculture

Readiness to receive Zelensky in Moscow, Witkoff-Kushner visit: Kremlin briefing

There are no official channels for communication between Moscow and Kiev, Dmitry Peskov stressed

European lawmaker calls EU ‘party to Ukrainian conflict’

The EU cannot act as a mediator for a settlement, Michael von der Schulenburg says

US-Iran memorandum includes clause on commitment to peace in Middle East — JD Vance

According to the US vice president, the memorandum implies that Iran will cease supporting the movements Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis from Ansar Allah

FACTBOX: What we know about UK's new sanctions against Russia

The United Kingdom expanded its sanctions list against Russia by 43 entries

US may cancel sanction carveouts for Russian oil soon — Trump

The US leader said that the oil is now flowing

Now that deal with Iran is done, US to focus on Ukraine — Trump

The US president confirmed plans to discuss the Ukrainian peace process at a joint news conference with French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the G7 summit

Russia appreciates Turkey’s diplomatic efforts in Ukrainian conflict settlement — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister added that it is necessary to solve the problem of eradicating the root causes of this crisis

Trump calls Obama administration’s transfer of $350 billion of arms to Ukraine 'crazy'

The US leader emphasized that Washington was selling weapons at present

US envoys Witkoff, Kushner to visit Russia soon — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov said that there are no exact dates yet

US-Iran memorandum general in nature — JD Vance

The US vice president says that the details of the agreement will be worked out during technical negotiations

Vietnam’s PM departs for his first official trip to Russia to attend Russia-ASEAN summit

According Vietnam News Agency, Russia is a traditional friend and a comprehensive strategic partner of Vietnam

Russia delivers massive overnight strike on Ukrainian military-industrial sites

The strikes also targeted military airfields and territorial recruitment centers

US, Iran signed deals, Strait of Hormuz to reopen on June 19 — Trump

The US leader made this announcement at a joint news conference with French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the Group of Seven summit

Ottawa spreading false information about Kiev-Pechersk Lavra — Russian embassy

The embassy emphasized that the office of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is well aware that the buildings at the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra were struck by a US Patriot missile

Resolving Ukraine conflict is what EU needs, German MEP says

Michael von der Schulenburg noted that Europeans need peace more than Russia does

Ukrainian troops trapped near Drobyshevo in Donetsk region - military expert

According to Andrey Marochko, several fire pockets have been formed between the settlements of Drobyshevo and Stavki

IAEA, US to assist Iran in destroying enriched uranium — JD Vance

The US vice president added that this is "spelled out very clearly" in the memorandum of understanding

West's illusions about Russia, Witkoff-Kushner upcoming visit: Lavrov's comment

The Russian foreign minister said he hopes that US Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff and businessman Jared Kushner will clarify Washington's plans to implement the agreements on Ukraine during their visit to Russia

Iran survives attacks, brings US to its knees - Israeli media

According to the report, for a long time, Israel has not seen such a consensus in society, between the leftist and far-right forces, that the US-Iran deal is a "strategic defeat" for Israel and a "failure" for the United States and moderate Sunni states in the region

Strategic oil reserves in the US down to minimum since 1983 — CNN

According to the US federal statistics, authorities released 8.9 mln barrels of oil more from the reserve last week

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

Passage through Strait of Hormuz to be free for 60 days during US-Iran talks — JD Vance

According to the vice president, the US expects that passage through the waterway will remain free after the final version of the agreement is concluded

Russia, Laos ink agreement on cooperation in peaceful nuclear energy

The signing ceremony took place in the House of the Government of the Russian Federation

Russian troops liberate Artyoma community in Donetsk region over past day — top brass

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,265 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

Canada understands Zelensky is spent force, says Russian ambassador to Ottawa

According to Oleg Stepanov, the Canadian government masks its helplessness with the predictable trappings of empty public-relations stunts

Israel, US attack amusement park in central Iran

No information on casualties or damage has been reported yet

Zelensky says he asked for technology to produce air defenses from Trump

According to Zelensky, this time around Trump "reacted positively" to his request

Europe fears potential US-Russia talks without EU involvement — Politico

The publication added that European governments are closely monitoring US-Russia contacts amid ongoing discussions on security issues

Canada sanctions Russian stock, mercantile exchanges

Restrictions are applied to SPB Exchange, National Mercantile Exchange, and Eastern Exchange

Macron promises to have 'respectful but firm' talk with Trump at G7 summit

Commenting on Donald Trump's threat to impose 100% duties on French wines because of the tax on tech companies in force in the republic, Emmanuel Macron said that "it doesn't work that way"

Trump says Syria may ‘take care of Hezbollah’

According to the US leader, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who has "done an amazing job of pulling it together," is "very good with Hezbollah"

Likely no survivors in B-52 bomber crash — air base

Eight people were on board the aircraft

Press review: India's Russian submarine leak and Russia-US ties 'beyond repair'

Top stories in the Russian press on Thursday

Israel will not let Iran get nuclear weapons regardless of deal with US — Netanyahu

The prime minister added that Israel was saved from the threat of nuclear destruction

Armenia, US to conduct Eagle Partner military drills in Armenia on June 17-25

The exercises will be held as part of preparations for participation in international peacekeeping missions

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

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"

Lukashenko, Putin agree that Belarus must not be dragged into Ukrainian conflict

According to Alexander Lukashenko, this issue was raised "because the mass media constantly talks about it "

Conflict around Strait of Hormuz to be resolved this year — Belarusian leader

According to Alexander Lukashenko, there are objective reasons that compel the US to stop its military pressure on Iran

Russian troops envelop Konstantinovka from all sides after liberating Artyoma — expert

Andrey Marochko said that the liberation of the settlement of Artyoma is a strategic success of the Russian Armed Forces

No alternative to dialogue between EU, Russia — European lawmaker

Michael von der Schulenburg says the mutual spiral of deteriorating relations will not yield results

Trump hails 'good' talk with Putin, says Russian leader open to peace in Ukraine

The Russian president earlier called Donald Trump to congratulate him on his 80th birthday

Russian troops liberate Novy Donbass community in Donetsk region over past day — top brass

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,330 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

May becomes bloodiest month with over 1,000 people injured in Ukrainian strikes — MFA

According to Rodion Miroshnik, compared with March, which had previously been considered the most intensive month in terms of attacks on civilians, the number of people affected by criminal actions of Kiev's armed formations increased by 237

West no longer safe fighting far from its borders — NATO commander

According to John Stringer, modern long-range missiles, drones, and sabotage threats make it possible to hit facilities that once were considered out of reach

Zelensky can always come to Moscow to engage in serious conversation — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov pointed out that the Russian president had not received any official invitation to attend the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, for a meeting with Vladimir Zelensky

Switzerland maintains contact with all parties to Ukraine conflict — president

Guy Parmelin emphasized that Switzerland is ready to provide a venue for talks on a peaceful settlement

IN BRIEF: What we know about Tu-22M3 aircraft training flight that went wrong in Siberia

Four crew members are receiving treatment at the hospital, Governor of the Irkutsk Region Igor Kobzev said

Two US nuclear submarines ‘closer to Russia,’ Trump says

"We always want to be ready", US president added

Trump slams ‘fake news’ reports of planned US payments to Iran

The US president accused Democrats of spreading this information

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

Qatar aims to restore 80% of LNG exports within two months — Bloomberg

Fully restoring the remaining capacity, equivalent to two production trains, will take years

No military solution for Middle East, Ukraine — Lukashenko

There are a lot of problems that need to be resolved, Belarusian President said

US-Iran deal goes to second stage, Trump says

The US president believes that this stage will be easier

Don State Technical University develops new unmanned surface vessel model

The new platform will be tested jointly with the Azov Region and Azov Sea Research and Engineering Institute

Russia’s top diplomat comments on Germany’s military buildup, Zelensky’s public posturing

According to Sergey Lavrov, Russia values Turkey’s diplomatic efforts on Ukraine but highlights "that any sustainable, long-term, and reliable settlement requires addressing the root causes of the crisis"

Fire breaks out at oil depot in Russia’s Krasnodar Region due to fallen drone debris

There were no fatalities or injuries

IN BRIEF: Patrushev’s comments on preserving war memory, destruction of Slavs by Europe

According to the presidential aide and Maritime Board chairman, Russia's position at sea needs to be strengthened so that the country remains great and is a true center of power

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

Vietnam’s PM arrives in Kazan for Russia-ASEAN summit

Head of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov met Le Minh Hung at the international airport

June 16 drone attack on Moscow among largest in 2026 — TASS estimates

According to the Moscow mayor, 60 drones have been shot down by air defenses since midnight

EU introduces new anti-Russian sanctions

The European Union blacklisted more than eighty individuals and organizations, including from nations friendly to Russia

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

Europe draws wrong conclusions that Russia allegedly loses — Russia’s top diplomat

Sergey Lavrov stressed that it was confirmed during the visit of three ambassadors from Britain, France, and Germany to the Russian Foreign Ministry

IN BRIEF: US Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber crashes at Edwards Air Force Base

According to preliminary reports, eight crew members on board were killed

California bans flights within 13-kilometer radius of airbase following B-52 jet crash

All types of aircraft are prohibited from flying at altitudes up to 100 meters within the radius, a source in the US air traffic control center says

Russia complies with obligations under Hague Convention on protection of cultural property

According to the statement, Russia strictly adheres to the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict

Israel refuses to withdraw troops from buffer zone in southern Lebanon — defense minister

Israel Katz assumed that it will spark a wave of international criticism

British defense secretary resigns over lack of investment

John Healey said that he was stepping down "with great regret and reluctance"

West working out scenarios for pre-emptive strikes against Russian naval bases — aide

Nikolay Patrushev noted that it is no secret that merchant ships regularly arrive at Russian ports with magnetic mines attached to their hulls, saying there are reasons to believe that the mines are planted at European ports

Belarusian president says countries of the world should get rid of their nuke arsenals

During the interview Alexander Lukashenko was asked whether the US-Israeli attack on Iran under the pretext of trying to prevent Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons could spur other countries to secretly pursue nuclear weapons programs to defend themselves against such attacks

UK to supply $280 million worth of enriched uranium for Ukraine’s NPPs — PM’s office

London will power Ukraine’s nuclear plants for the next two years, the statement says

Lukashenko says conflict with Iran is US’ ‘fatal mistake’

When asked whether the US acted on its own or was pushed into this by an ally, the Belarusian president said the Americans could not have made such a decision if they hadn’t wanted that