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Strait of Hormuz developments

Strait of Hormuz ship traffic hits near-standstill amid US strikes — Bloomberg

According to the report, vessel traffic is seen only in the northern part of the strait off the Iranian coast along the so-called northern corridor, a shipping route approved by Tehran

NEW YORK, July 9. /TASS/. Commercial shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has plunged to a minimum as the United States launched strikes against targets in Iran for two consecutive days, Bloomberg reported, citing ship-tracking data.

According to the data, vessel traffic is seen only in the northern part of the strait off the Iranian coast along the so-called northern corridor, a shipping route approved by Tehran. No activity has been recorded in the southern part of the strait, known as the Oman corridor, the agency said.

Only two large vessels are currently transiting the strait: a US-sanctioned supertanker and an Iranian-flagged container ship. Bloomberg noted that some vessels might still be in the waterway with their transponders turned off. On Wednesday, 14 commercial cargo ships transited the strait in both directions, compared to a pre-escalation average of 34 vessels a day.

Hungary’s president rejects constitutional amendment allowing his removal from office

Tamas Sulyok believes the document violates the principles of the rule of law, democracy, and separation of powers

Press review: US, Europe may clash over Ukraine as China missile alarms Pacific region

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, July 7th

IN BRIEF: What is known about drone attack on Krasnodarskaya compressor station

The attack was aimed at disrupting the uninterrupted flow of Russian gas to Turkey, but prompt measures prevented any supply interruptions, the company said

Lavrov extends Putin’s invitation to Sahel leaders to attend Russia-Africa summit

The third Russia-Africa summit will take place in Moscow in October

Ukraine sought to disrupt Russian gas supplies with Blue Stream attack — lawmaker

According to Sergey Altukhov, Ukraine continues to escalate the conflict by targeting civilian infrastructure

Funeral of Iranian leader Khamenei in Mashhad postponed due to ceremonies in Iraq

"Due to the mass and solemn farewell ceremonies for the late Leader Ali Khamenei that took place in the Iraqi cities of Najaf and Karbala, the arrival of Khamenei's coffin in Mashhad has been postponed," the funeral committee said

Trump says Russia and Ukraine know what US peace proposals are

The US leader expressed opinion that the peoples of Russia and Ukraine would later be able to establish normal relations

Russian human rights commissioner speaks on prisoner swap plans, return of Kursk civilians

International organizations have begun to acknowledge evidence of Kiev’s crimes against civilians, Yana Lantratova said

Lavrov arrives in Mozambique as part of his African tour

Russian Foreign Minister ’s previous visit to Mozambique took place in May 2023

Ukrainian troops abandon weapons, ammunition made in Poland, France, Italy in Vasilyevka

Commander Mikhail Knyazkin says "a huge amount" of weapons and ammunition was left behind

Trump says doesn’t know if full-scale conflict with Iran could be resumed

The president added that in such a case the United States will "win it very quickly"

Serbia thankful to Russia for reliable gas supplies — minister

It is important especially today, "when the global market is facing constant changes, structural and price-related," Nenad Popovic said

Lavrov, Niger's president hold talks

The talks were preceded by four-party talks involving the foreign ministers of Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali

UAC delivers Su-30SM2, Su-34 fighter jets to Russian Defense Ministry — Rostec

The aircraft have completed the entire cycle of required ground and flight factory tests and have departed for their duty stations

World’s governing volleyball body FIVB lifts sanctions against Russia — statement

The Russian national teams will be restored to the World Ranking with the same World Ranking points as they had at the time that their points were frozen by the decision of the FIVB Board of Administration

International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation acknowledges IOC’s decision on ROC

The IBSF is expected to consider the possibility of bringing Russian athletes back for the federation’s licensed tournament in the first half of September

NATO leaders fail to acknowledge role in fueling nuclear tensions with Russia — ICAN

According to ICAN Executive Director Melissa Parke, "NATO outspends Russia 10 times on nuclear weapons and yet still feels threatened by Moscow"

Special military operation decision forced, as EU, US did not listen to Russia — Kremlin

"As soon as you understand that no one would listen to you, you take firm steps," the Russian Presidential spokesman stressed

Russian troops strike Ukrainian army’s logistics centers, transport sites in past day

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,450 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

Russia bans diesel exports to boost domestic market supplies — Novak

The decision will not affect supplies under intergovernmental agreements

Kiev’s refusal to take back soldiers’ bodies unprecedented in history — Russian diplomat

Maria Zakharova emphasized that "it has always been considered mandatory to retrieve the bodies of one’s fallen warriors from a battlefield in any way

Trump tells NATO allies he wants to keep US in alliance — Reuters

According to the source, at a closed-door meeting Donald Trump said the United States is ready to continue selling weapons to its allies, regardless of how they will be used

June 2026 in Western Europe temperatures break record as hottest in history — Copernicus

According to Samantha Burgess, strategic lead at the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, "June 2026 underscored how profoundly the climate is changing"

IMF expects Strait of Hormuz to open by mid-July

The Fund expects geopolitical uncertainty to persist throughout the coming year

Key statements from President Putin's meeting with Cabinet on fuel situation

The president noted that Russia's current fuel difficulties are temporary, adding that the country's energy sector possesses a high margin of safety

Trumps says US will deliver 20 strikes on Iran in response of each of its attacks

"They hit actually three boats, not two, and when they hit, we hit back much harder," the president said

Gas withdrawals from European UGS facilities reach six-year high in July amid heatwave

European UGS facilities are currently 50.63% full

Press review: NATO summit sets Ukraine support as EU resists sanctions critics in EU bloc

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, July 8th

Ukrainian drone strike on Krasnodar-Melitopol passenger bus: what we know

No one was injured, and everyone on board managed to evacuate safely

US may ask Turkey to disable Russia’s S-400 in exchange for F-35s — portal

The Trump administration has not yet made a final decision on how Washington will sell F-35 fighters to Turkey

Russia to begin importing petroleum products in July — Deputy PM Novak

The official noted that the government is taking measures to stabilize the situation

Malyutka interceptor drone with automatic target acquisition unveiled at Kazan expo

The Malyutka has a range of up to 12 km and is capable of reaching a maximum speed of 250 km/h

Air defenses destroy 111 Ukrainian UAVs over Russian regions within 12-hour period

In particular, drones were shot down over the Belgorod, Bryansk, Kursk, Oryol, Tula, Kaluga, Moscow, Krasnodar Regions, the Republic of Crimea, the Republic of Bashkortostan and the Republic of Tatarstan

Sova-55 aircraft-type reconnaissance UAV unveiled at Kazan exhibition

The Sova is used primarily for reconnaissance and its secondary purpose is to carry FPV attack drones and repeaters

South Korea’s top court sentences former country’s president to seven years in prison

It is the first verdict of the Supreme Court against Yoon Suk-yeol, who is facing a total of eight trials related to the imposition of martial law

Israel notified by US about plans to attack Iran — media

US President Donald Trump said earlier that the ceasefire with Iran was no longer in effect

Tanker traffic through Strait of Hormuz has virtually stopped — Rystad

According to head of geopolitical analysis at the consulting firm Jorge Leon, the real test comes after 9 July, once the mourning period for late Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei ends

Use of Krasnopol shells cuts ammunition consumption — Rostec

The use of these guided munitions transforms self-propelled artillery systems and towed howitzers from area suppression weapons into precision weapons for the elimination of enemy targets

Kremlin spokesman comments on Kiev’s terrorist attacks, IOC decision on Russia

Ukraine has consistently demonstrated an aggressive attitude and a tendency to carry out terrorist attacks on global energy facilities, Dmitry Peskov noted

Russia’s Scorpion bomber drone covers record 35 km with TM-62 mine

This is currently the only drone in Russia that is fully integrated with the TM-62 mine

Africa undergoes 'second awakening,' Lavrov says

Russian Foreign Minister pointed out that in 1960, the United Nations adopted the declaration on decolonization, and the bulk of African countries gained political independence

Russia fields world’s largest air defense system — Defense Ministry

On July 8, the Russian Armed Forces celebrate Anti-Aircraft Missile Troops Day of the Aerospace Forces

US, Israel act contrary to common sense in their dealings with Iran — expert

Vladimir Orlov pointed out that the Americans are attempting to present a misleading narrative, claiming that the nuclear issue has been resolved, which he considers wishful thinking

Russia does utmost to minimize fallout from Ukraine's energy attacks — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov emphasized that the Kiev regime consistently demonstrates aggressiveness and a penchant for terrorist attacks against global energy facilities

Finland paying for Stubb's belligerent policies with economic collapse — Dmitriev

In May, unemployment rose to 12.7%, the highest since May 1998 and the highest in the EU

Russian forces advancing simultaneously in two areas in DPR — expert

Andrey Marochko added that Russian troops are also advancing southwest of Kutuzovka along the Byk River

Russian stock market closes up on major indices

The ruble-denominated MOEX Index increased by 1.39%, the dollar-denominated RTS Index gained 1.02%

Lockheed Martin to create Patriot complex maintenance facility in Europe — Trump

The president said that US firms had clinched $3 billion of defense contracts at NATO summit

Trump says US received share of Ukrainian land through mineral deal

Discussing the possibility of Ukraine's reconstruction, the US leader expressed confidence that the country had "tremendous potential"

Serbia not to impose visas for Russians — minister

Russian citizens "are the most welcome guests in our country," Nenad Popovic said

Yolka drone effective against new AI-equipped Ukrainian drones — BARS-Bryansk

"Bars-Bryansk unit fighters destroyed a Ukrainian fixed-wing drone using the Yolka system, which caught up with and hit its target in just 20 seconds

Khamenei's coffin arrives in Iraq's holy Shiite city of Karbala

Eyewitnesses report that millions participated in the funeral procession

Fuel situation partially stabilized, but remains challenging — Novak

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the government jointly with oil companies, had prepared additional proposals to supply the domestic fuel market

Russia has to liberate Kramatorsk, Slavyansk for full liberation of Donbass — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov noted that a couple of days ago, the Russian military announced the liberation of a very important city in Donbass - Konstantinovka

Durov questioned in Paris for six hours — agency

"Nearly two years after the criminal case against Pavel Durov was opened, there is still no evidence to support the charges," AFP cited his lawyers

More than 160,000 foreigners show interest in Russian education

Rossotrudnichestvo Deputy Head Pavel Shevtsov said the figure compares favorably with global benchmarks

Death toll from earthquake in Venezuela up to 3,811

According to President of the National Assembly of the Bolivarian Republic Jorge Rodríguez, 16,740 people were injured

Russia as threat, support for Ukraine, US strikes on Iran: NATO chief’s statements

Mark Rutte called the recent US strikes against Iran "absolutely necessary"

IRGC announces strikes on 85 US military facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait

According to the statement, the targets were located in Salman Port, the US 5th Fleet area in Bahrain, and Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait

De Beers’ diamond price cut to set benchmark for broader market — experts

Eduard Lysenker said the main reason behind De Beers’ decision was the collapse in demand for traditional small and medium-sized diamonds due to rising production of synthetic stones

Strait of Hormuz to open only on Iran’s terms, but under US’ threats — parliament speaker

According to Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, threats and breaking promises "are no longer cost-free"

Ukraine to receive 32 Gripen fighter jets from Sweden — PM

According to Ulf Kristersson, continued support for Ukraine is Sweden’s top priority

US security guarantees for Kiev could include closing Ukrainian airspace — Trump

At the same time, the US leader did not rule out that Ukraine may not receive any security guarantees at all

Trump calls Ukraine's strikes deep into Russia escalation of conflict

According to the US leader, it is an escalation that could lead to an end to the conflict

US deploys some 20 warships, auxiliary vessels in Arabian Sea — TV

According to Fox News, the group includes the USS Abraham Lincoln and USS George H.W. Bush strike groups, and the USS Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) with a total of around 20,000 seamen and mariners

Trump believes meeting between Putin, Zelensky to take place ‘very soon’

Earlier in July, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that a Putin-Zelensky meeting could be arranged in Moscow any time

Rosatom begins assembly of fourth reactor vessel for Egypt's El Dabaa NPP

The reactor vessel will be manufactured at the Atommash plant, part of Rosatom's Machine-Building Division

Trump makes no specific commitments on Ukraine behind closed doors at NATO summit

According to the news outlet, the US leader is focused on Iran

Iran cannot ignore US presence near its borders under Trump Route — ambassador

Khalil Shirgolami drew attention to the methods used by the United States, citing Washington's violation of ceasefire agreements with Iran as an example

IN BRIEF: Overnight drone attacks on Russia kill civilian, damage tankers

One civilian was killed and several others were injured in a Ukrainian drone attack on the Saratov Region

IMF upgrades its forecast for contraction of Iran’s economy this year by 0.7 p.p.

IMF experts projected the Iranian economy’s contraction by 6.1% in the report released in April

Iran-US memorandum not built on trust from start — Iranian embassy in Moscow

The Memorandum of Understanding between Iran and the US was built on a clear mechanism of 'commitment in exchange for commitment'

FACTBOX: NATO countries' military assistance to Ukraine

A number of NATO member states began transferring weaponry to Ukraine as early as 2014, when a coup d'etat in Ukraine resulted in a change of power

Russia’s Battlegroup North destroys 354 Ukrainian UAVs during past day

The enemy also lost 42 drone control centers, the battlegroup’s spokesman Alexander Tikhomirov said

Russian wheat exports up almost 14% to 48 mln tons in 2025/2026 agricultural season

Russia increased wheat supplies to all top five importers despite a sharp rise in global market competition

Turkey's F-35s to make it significant NATO foothold in Black, Mediterranean seas — expert

According to Alexander Stepanov, Ankara is aspiring to a significant role in NATO and has one of the most combat-ready and largest armies among the alliance members

Lavrov says Russia agreed to US proposals at Alaska summit

The Russian top diplomat said that any other interpretations were irrelevant

NATO changes mandate of Baltic Air Policing Mission to combat mission

The new military format will enable alliance fighters to participate directly in combat operations

Over 4 mln people attend farewell ceremony for slain Iranian leader Khamenei in Karbala

Representatives from various Iraqi provinces, as well as delegations from numerous Arab countries and regional and international organizations that had been unable to attend the farewell ceremony in Iran, traveled to Karbala to pay their respects

Press review: Trump-Putin call as Russian troops advance while US-Russia OPCW talks fail

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, July 6th

US completes another wave of strikes against Iran — CENTCOM

"U.S. forces struck approximately 90 Iranian military targets including air defense systems, coastal surveillance assets, missile and drone storage sites, naval capabilities, and military logistics infrastructure along Iran’s coastline," the US Central Command said

Ukraine moves past Trump’s peace plan — NYP

European officials called on Trump to view Ukraine as a "strategic asset rather than a liability," the newspaper wrote

Europe's worst mistake, Donbass liberation, nuclear escalation: Kremlin comments

Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov says European countries still believe that they can inflict a strategic defeat on Russia and added that this is "the greatest mistake ever"

Euroclear asks appellate court to halt enforcement of Bank of Russia’s claim

The court previously accepted the depository's appeal and scheduled the hearing for July 16

Russia as long-term threat and obligations to Ukraine: NATO summit declaration

In the final declaration, the NATO countries declared their commitment to Article 5 on collective defense

Another reconnaissance aircraft flew near Kaliningrad Region

The aircraft in question is a Boeing RC-135W Rivet Joint, operated by the British Air Force

New wave of US strikes, Iran's response: situation in Middle East

US President Donald Trump called the new wave of strikes on Iran retaliation for alleged attacks on vessels

Oil base reservoir in Tver Region catches fire after Ukraine’s drone attack

The fire has been localized, no casualties were reported, Vitaly Korolev said

Russia’s massive strikes have pushed Ukraine back months in UAV production — expert

Dmitry Kuzyakin noted that production capacity in Ukraine remained considerable

Attack on Blue Stream is energy terrorism, says State Duma member

According to Sergey Altukhov, Ukraine's actions are directed not only against Russia but also against its partners, notably Turkey

Iran to take measures soon to punish US — deputy head of National Security Committee

"In the coming days, additional measures of the Iranian policy aimed at punishing the aggressor and the states that supported him will become apparent," Abbas Moghtadaei said

Support of Kiev by Europe and US direct participation in war against Russia — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov emphasized that because of this, the conflict has ceased to be a special military operation

NATO summit outlines plans to coordinate defense production across member states

The summit effectively authorized NATO to coordinate the entire weapons production process among member states

Disappointment with NATO, refusal to negotiate with Iran: Trump’s key statements

The US president said that he has no intention of negotiating with Iran and also insulted the country’s leadership

NATO reconnaissance aircraft flying around Kaliningrad Region for second day

On Tuesday, the aircraft had completed five circles around the Russian region before returning to base in Romania

Russian government extends temporary diesel export ban to producers

The decision was made to maintain a stable situation in the domestic fuel market

Serbia facing pressure due to refusal to impose sanctions against Russia — minister

The Serbs and Russians are the two closest peoples in the world, which is why people in Serbia know that these sanctions are unjust, Nenad Popovic noted

Renewed strikes in response to MoU violations as US-Iran tensions rise

The US military launched major strikes on Iran in response to Iranian attacks on three vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, CENTCOM said

Unified drone system to become key driver of Russian economic growth — expert

Aviation Project Director at GLONASS Sergey Kukarev noted that the system is already starting to work in logistics

Kiev needs to hold Slavyansk, Kramatorsk during NATO summit — expert

Andrey Marochko says Vladimir Zelensky needs to show the West that the Ukrainian army is "doing fine and stable"