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Strait of Hormuz developments

China reiterates call to lift unilateral sanctions on Iran

According to Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun, Beijing hopes that all parties will work together to implement the memorandum of understanding that has already been signed and continue talks

BEIJING, July 1. /TASS/. Beijing calls for the early lifting of unilateral sanctions on Iran and expects Tehran and Washington to continue talks, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at a briefing.

"China has consistently advocated for unilateral sanctions against Iran to be lifted as soon as possible," the diplomat pointed out.

According to him, Beijing hopes that the United States, Iran and other parties will work together to implement the memorandum of understanding that has already been signed and continue talks.

Guo emphasized that such efforts would help achieve an early, comprehensive resolution of the Iran issue.

US concerned about Pope Leo’s position on immigration issues — Vance

The US vice president added that while talking to the church leadership, he is trying to convince them that the US immigration policy is valid

Press review: Peace in Lebanon under threat and Germany readies military draft return

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, June 30th

Lavrov, top Bahraini diplomat discuss situation in Persian Gulf

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Bahraini counterpart Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani also agreed to maintain close cooperation on Middle East issues within the UN Security Council

NATO chief says US flew 5,000 sorties from bases in Europe during operation against Iran

This confirms that Europe remains a key military ally of Washington, Mark Rutte said

Tehran, Washington maintain contact via political, not military channels — Iranian MFA

As Esmaeil Baghaei specified, the Foreign Ministry is engaged from the Iranian side

IN BRIEF: Putin comments on Russia’s strategic goals, security, Duma election

Russia is living through a crucial time, the head of state said, as he pledged that the security of the nation will be ensured

Investigators assume Ukrainian security service behind Monaco blast — Le Figaro

The attack looks more like a 'warning' than a premeditated murder attempt, the newspaper said

Lukashenko off on official visit to Indonesia — Pool of First

The president of Belarus will meet with Indonesian leader Prabowo Subianto in a narrow and expanded format

Russia receives no reaction from UN regarding Ukrainian army’s strike on Starobelsk — MFA

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Alimov emphasized that all letters from the Secretary-General have been very disappointing as they contained no substantive answers

Bank of Russia crafting defense strategy for Euroclear court battle in Belgium

The Bank of Russia is aware of Euroclear's lawsuit in Belgium

France supports terrorists to further its interests — Russian Security Council

Alexander Venediktov also noted that "Ukraine is actively involved in this, including on the African continent"

'Major overhaul' of state: Kazakhstan begins operating under new constitution

One of the key innovations was the restructuring of the legislative branch

French national team has advanced to Round of 16 of World Cup

In the Round of 16, the French team will face Paraguay, which defeated Germany in the first knockout round

Protection against UAV attacks, AI use: statements by Russia’s defense chief

Andrey Belousov said that Russia is actively introducing artificial intelligence systems in its air defenses and the results will be seen by November

Roscosmos, NASA define strategy for safe deorbiting of ISS

The report highlights that in May, international partners reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining ISS operations until 2030

More than 500,000 Venezuelans in need of emergency food assistance — UN

The WFP is urgently appealing for an initial $50 million to provide emergency food assistance

NATO cannot agree on terms of assistance to Kiev over Italy's position — paper

Initially the text was supposed to mention the continuation of assistance in 2027 "at least at a comparable level," but Italy opposed the prolongation

Iran has not yet gained access to $6 bln of its assets in Qatar — NYP

According to the newspaper, Iran wanted its assets transferred as a lump-sum payment, but Washington advocates splitting the amount

Liberation of Rovnoye makes it possible to establish bridgehead for offensive on Dolinka

By advancing near Rovnoye, the Russian army will be able to straighten the front line in the Lyubitskoye-Komsomolskoye sector, military expert Andrey Marochko added

Haaland’s goal propels Norway to Round of 16 at FIFA World Cup

Norway will play Brazil

IN BRIEF: Putin’s key statements on proposal to limit combat zone, special op progress

The Russian president said that Ukrainian strikes on Russia’s infrastructure do not affect the situation at the front or the position along the line of engagement

NATO chief admits to sleepless nights over Russia

According to Mark Rutte, Russia is the main threat for the alliance at present and in the longer term

Russia destroys up to platoon of Ukrainian troops in Novoskelevatoye

Assault units of the 36th separate motorized rifle brigade of the 29th army of Battlegroup East have liberated Novoskelevatoye

Lavrov discusses Persian Gulf situation with Bahraini foreign minister

The foreign ministers stressed the need for a strict compliance by all parties involved in the armed confrontation with the memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran

Terrorist attack in Monaco was likely caused by criminal strife in Kiev — expert

It seems highly probable that this attack was a result of settling scores between tightly knit criminal groups vying for influence over illicit resource, Alexander Protsenko said

German opposition politician listed on Ukraine’s database of unwanted persons

Christian Engel is accused of expressing public support for Russia, discrediting Ukraine, and undermining international support for Kiev

Tokayev shares his impressions of his visit to Brussels with Putin — Kremlin

Following the visit, Kazakhstan signed commercial agreements and memorandums with the EU worth a total of over $12 billion

EU cannot be allowed at negotiating table on Ukraine — senior Russian senator

At the same time, Konstantin Kosachev noted that dialogue with individual EU leaders is possible, but it should not take the form of a "formal negotiation process"

Control over Malinovka enables Russian Armed Forces to advance on Kramatorsk — expert

Following the liberation of Malinovka, significant, broad operational vistas are opening up, Andrey Marochko noted

OPEC+ countries’ quota to increase by more than 1 mbd in July

In light of this, the oil production limit for OPEC+ states stands at 30.633 mbd in July, compared to 29.548 mbd in Jun

World central banks intend to reduce dollar share in reserves — Reuters

Central banks plan to increase their holdings of gold and are showing heightened interest in several other reserve currencies

Russia’s Battlegroup Center deploys latest BM-70 drones with 100 km strike range

The BM-70 drone is outfitted with a powerful payload capable of penetrating reinforced concrete shelters and taking facilities out of service

Russian-Finland agreement on double taxation avoidance suspended as of July 1

Russia’s Finance Ministry previously announced that the Finnish government was fully suspending the agreement

Russia plans to send volunteers on humanitarian missions abroad — newspaper

According to the report, Russia will form an international volunteer reserve in order to provide targeted assistance abroad

Envoy says Zelensky informed of presidential bid intention

The media outlet reported that Zelensky was prepared to offer Zaluzhny positions in the government if he agreed not to run, but the former commander-in-chief said he could not do so because many Ukrainians had placed their hopes in him

Gas price in Europe gain 11% in 1H 2026 to $515 per 1,000 cubic meters

The price of gas in Europe in June was 22% higher than the average quotes for June 2025

Militants from Sudan attack city in CAR, Russian specialists carry out airstrike

The source noted that the militants, using civilians as shields, have dispersed into nearby residential areas

Monaco authorities do not consider June 29 explosion to be terrorist attack — prosecutor

Stephane Thibault said that Monaco’s law enforcement agencies are currently working with their French counterparts to identify the person who planted the explosive device

Public transport in Crimea provided with fuel — head of region

Sergey Aksenov added that limited amount of fuel will be available for sale in the near future

Russian troops begin fighting for Osykovo northwest of Konstantinovka in DPR — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, the Ukrainian army is beginning to face elements of a collapsing front line in this direction

Russia to send aircraft to Turkey to fight forest fires

In response to a request from the Turkish authorities, two Be-200 aircraft will soon be deployed to support efforts in extinguishing seasonal wildfires

Russian troops liberate two settlements in Dnepropetrovsk, Zaporozhye regions

Units of Battlegroup East moved deeper into enemy defenses, liberating the settlement of Pisantsy and the settlement of Novosyolovka

Russian troops in Krasny Liman come across Colombian mercenaries fighting for Ukraine

The commander of a motorized rifle battalion reported that Ukrainian forces in Krasny Liman are not attempting any counterattacks but are putting up sporadic resistance while hiding in basements

Ukrainian army attacks DPR 15 times over past 24 hours wounding six people

Reports indicate that six civilians were wounded

Polish president plans to limit contact with Zelensky over Bandera row — newspaper

Karol Nawrocki may make an announcement on this track on July 11

Kiev's sponsors refuse to respond to deaths of children in Russia in airstrikes — MP

Roza Chemeris' comments came in response to the overnight strike by Ukrainian forces that resulted in the death of a six-month-old baby in Yegoryevsk, near Moscow

Congress fails to pass resolution against US forces fighting in Lebanon

The document was supported by 189 votes and opposed by 235

Russian, Chinese warplanes conducted joint six-hour patrol

Fighter air cover was provided along the entire joint patrol route by Su-30SM and Su-35S aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces and Jian-16 aircraft of the Chinese Air Force

French politician accuses Kiev of plotting assassination attempt on entrepreneur in Monaco

Florian Philippot suggested that the attack on Vadim Yermolayev may have been financed "directly by Zelensky" and that "Ukrainian special services" or "pro-Ukrainian extremist groups" may have been involved

Aftermath of Ukrainian drone attack on Russian regions, 179 downed drones

A Ukrainian drone strike wounded three ambulance workers in the Nikitovsky district of Gorlovka in the Donetsk People's Republic

Russian troops liberate settlement of Novoskelevatoye in Dnepropetrovsk region — top brass

Troops from Battlegroup West in Krasny Liman seized five strongpoints and captured 57 buildings over the past 24 hours, according to the reported

Russia succeeds in creating strike UAV industry comparable to nuclear industry — expert

Dmitry Kuzyakin underscored that the integration of drones into modern warfare marks a fundamental shift from previous conflicts

Ukraine may be involved in assassination attempt on Yermolayev — newspaper

The publication names two main versions of the assassination attempt

Kiev to persist with Western assassination attempts against Ukrainian oligarchs — expert

According to Vladimir Karasev, while Kiev carries out assassination attempts against current or former Ukrainian citizens, the leaders of European countries will look the other way

Iranian oil prices rise 20% after suspension of US sanctions — parliament speaker

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf noted that oil revenues are being transferred to the relevant accounts

Macroeconomic indicators should not turn into 'fetish' — Russian Economy Minister

Maxim Reshetnikov noted that investment is largely a matter of trust and sentiment

Russian troops liberate three communities in Ukraine operation over past day — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted more than 175 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed two enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

EU is arming Moldova to spark war with Transnistria — State Duma member

Alyona Arshinova said that Moldovan President Maia Sandu and her European allies seem intent on seizing Transnistrian industry and covering all the costs of such a conflict

Russia to open diplomatic missions in Gambia, Liberia, Togo, Union of Comoros — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister added that a new department for partnership with Africa was established

Czech government party wants to strip Zelensky of country's highest order

Lower house of parliament deputy Jindrich Rejchl, who put forward the initiative, said he was inspired by Poland’s example.

Head of Lebanese parliament vows to unite opponents of agreement with Israel

Nabih Berri is trying to prevent an escalation of discontent that could lead to an internal conflict that threatens civil peace

Cuba requests UNGA meeting on July 7 over need to end US blockade — top diplomat

Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla emphasized that Cuba posed no threat to the United States

Putin convenes meeting of government officials, Russian oil majors on fuel situation

The Russian president authorized efforts to minimize the impact of Ukrainian terrorist attacks on Russian civilian facilities

Jeland to launch C5 fastback crossover in new C-series

The prototype's premiere is scheduled for July 3-4 in St. Petersburg and July 18-19 in Moscow during the VK Fest youth festival

Russian artillery destroys two Ukrainian army deployment sites near Konstantinovka

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, artillery crews of the 6th Motor Rifle Division are conducting combat operations in the Konstantinovka direction round-the-clock

US Supreme Court strikes down Trump’s executive order limiting birthright citizenship

Five of the six judges pointed out that the right was enshrined in the US Constitution

Lithuanian president appoints Social Democratic Party leader Sinkevicius as prime minister

The newly appointed prime minister must present to parliament the composition of his cabinet and the government's program

Russian Cabinet closes border crossings with Baltic States, Finland

The Russian Foreign Ministry was instructed to notify Riga, Tallinn and Helsinki about the decision made by Moscow and effective from July 1

Senior Russian senator calls potential Starmer successor 'dark horse'

Konstantin Kosachev noted that Andy Burnham was "co-opted into Parliament," otherwise, he would never have made it into the circle of top state officials

Child’s death in Moscow Region, discussions on fuel imports: topics of Kremlin’s briefing

Dmitry Peskov emphasized that the death of a child in Yegoryevsk, near Moscow, due to a drone attack is the result of the Kiev regime's actions

Russian Solntsepyok heavy flamethrower torches Ukrainian stronghold near Krasny Liman

The special operations group commander with the call sign Zmei said that the Solntsepyok heavy flamethrower system was operating daily, providing support to advancing assault groups

Russia urges Kabul and Islamabad to end armed conflict — Foreign Ministry

The ministry referred to a new tragic episode, Pakistan’s airstrikes on the eastern Afghan provinces of Paktya, Paktika and Konar on the night of June 29

Ukraine’s Hornet attack UAVs shot down over Novorossiya highway — Russian Defense Ministry

According to the ministry, air defense personnel employed small arms fire and aerial ramming tactics to down the drones

Russian specialists create micro helicopter to overcome minefields and water obstacles

The new technologies made it possible to combine the maneuverability of an ATV and a helicopter

Kiev engulfed in acrid cloud from Chernobyl, fresh air is gone — journalist

Levels of harmful particles are exceeding safe limits

RuID experiment for foreigners will run until end of 2027 — MP

The experiment was originally scheduled to run until June 30, 2026

Russia calls for international attention to Kiev’s crimes — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov stressed that such crimes are conducted against civilian population

Republican convention ahead of US congressional election to be held in Dallas in September

The US leader indicated that the convention will aim to draw attention to measures taken by his administration, including those in the socio-economic sphere

US expects report from NATO allies on increase in military spending on July 7-8

The NATO countries agreed last year with Washington’s suggestion to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035

Russian Federation Council considers Zelensky’s threats against Belarus serious

According to Konstantin Kosachev, Zelensky's words should be taken seriously because he is "an irrational and unpredictable man", obsessed with a thirst for power

Ukrainian MFA verifying citizenship of businessman injured in Monaco explosion

According to local emergency services, three people - members of a family of Ukrainian origin - were injured in the explosion

Kim Jong Un sends Xi Jinping message marking Chinese Communist Party’s 105th anniversary

The message states that the Chinese Communist Party has written a brilliant chapter in the nation’s history

Mbappe sets record for most goals scored in World Cup knockout stages

Kylian Mbappe scored in the Round of 16 match against Sweden

Zelensky’s 'pantheon of heroes' move will cost Ukraine — former Polish PM

Mateusz Morawiecki clarified that "the cult of the UPA" did not strengthen Ukraine, but rather, it weakened its authority, complicated relations with allies, and distanced Ukraine from Western integration

Euroclear files lawsuit against Bank of Russia to block 18.2 trln ruble recovery — Echo

On May 26, the Moscow Arbitration Court granted the central bank's motion to enforce the ruling in its lawsuit against Euroclear

Senior Russian senator warns of 'joint response' if Ukraine attack Belarus

Konstantin Kosachev emphasized that Russia and Belarus were part of the Union State and military allies

Sitronics KT, Emperium to developing semi-autonomous ferries

The project is being developed by AFK Sistema subsidiaries in collaboration with the government of the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous District, Sitronics said

Russian forces strike Ukrainian army positions by FAB bombs in Zaporozhye, Sumy areas

The ministry uploaded video footage of Su-34 bombers destroying the designated targets

Top Cuban diplomat points to lack of progress in talks with US

Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla also mentioned the ongoing spread of "toxic and false information", including through the media, aimed at distorting the situation in the Latin American country

Gazprom confirms receipt of Ukraine’s $1.65 billion gas debt repayment

The information was confirmed by Gazprom spokesman Sergey Kupiyanov

Russian forces establish foothold along Seversky Donets-Donbass Canal — military expert

Andrey Marochko noted that with Malinovka under control, Russian servicemen "can advance in various areas"

India extends customs duty exemption on petrochemical imports until July 15

The customs duty waiver for approximately 40 types of critical petrochemical products was introduced on April 2 as a temporary, targeted support measure

Strait of Hormuz to be free of tolls, Vance says

JD Vance stressed that the United States still has a lot of leverage points on Iran

Oman proposes Strait of Hormuz fee plan to US — newspaper

According to the report, Iran and Oman are moving forward with plans to collect payment for ships transiting the strait, despite public US objections

White House puts cost of Iran war at about $30 billion

White House Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought said he learned about it from the Department of War

Xi Jinping calls reunification with Taiwan Chinese Communist Party’s ‘historic mission’

The Chinese leader noted that Beijing intended to adhere to the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, resolutely combat "separatist forces advocating Taiwan independence" and resist external interference

US to spend $4 bln to upgrade military bases in UK — media

According to the publication, the largest expenditure, estimated at $1.6 billion, is the modernization of RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk

Several people still alive under rubble in Venezuela after earthquake — TV

Approximately 6,500 people have been rescued from the rubble, while another 51,000 are still missing

Iran exports over 40 mln barrels of oil after US blockade lifted — parliament speaker

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf recalled that passage through the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz was opened to the Islamic republic’s commercial vessels and oil tankers

More than 6,000 people rescued after earthquake in Venezuela

Chairman of the National Assembly Jorge Rodrigue said that 80,870 families were helped

China to accelerate development of world-class armed forces — Xi Jinping

The Chinese leader emphasized that "a strong country must have a strong military" and that national security is impossible without powerful armed forces