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Strait of Hormuz developments

IRGC attacks two tankers attempting to pass through Strait of Hormuz — agency

According to a report by Fars, two supertankers ignored warnings from the Strait of Hormuz safety center and "endangered shipping in the area"

DOHA, July 14. /TASS/. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC, an elite military force) struck two tankers attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, the Fars news agency reported.

"Two supertankers with their navigation systems turned off ignored numerous warnings from the Strait of Hormuz safety center and endangered shipping in the area. They were struck and disabled," the agency quoted IRGC as saying.

Europe faces difficulties due to conflicts in Ukraine, Middle East, gas shortages — Vucic

The Serbian president noted that gas reserves "have never been this low"

US completes five-hour wave of strikes against Iran — Central Command

According to the statement, the US military "struck military targets across Iran including Bushehr, Chah Bahar, Jask, Konarak, Abu Musa, and Bandar Abbas"

NATO airborne early warning aircraft circling over Gulf of Riga

The aircraft took off from an airfield in Siauliai

Iran and Russia need working groups to monitor joint projects — Iranian president

Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized that Iran and Russia are strategic partners and reliable friends

Kiev suffering unjustified losses counterattacking near Konstantinovka in DPR — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, all previous attempts by the Ukrainian command in this area have been futile and unsuccessful

Military targets to be focus of new wave of US strikes on Iran — CNN

According to the report, the list of targets includes coastal surveillance systems and facilities associated with missiles and drones

Putin awards citizenship to German horse trainer

Karin Martina Staemmler-Gerusel specializes in draft horses

Public monitoring of Siberian crane migration to continue in Yakutia

According to the latest data, 2,241 Siberian cranes from Yakutia's eleven districts have been registered

US military aircraft spotted over Persian Gulf amid Trump’s threats of strikes on Iran

A source in Middle Eastern air traffic control services reported the sighting of a US Air Force Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker

Seven OPEC+ countries produce 6.56 mln bpd below plan in June — report

While the planned production target was set at 29.548 million bpd, actual output stood at 22.988 million bpd

US wants to be reimbursed for ensuring freedom of navigation in Strait of Hormuz — Trump

The US president added that Washington protects all Arab countries of the Persian Gulf

Kremlin spokesman describes 'coalition of the willing' as coalition of warmongers

"This group of countries does not want peace but rather a continuation of war," Dmitry Peskov pointed out

Brent crude tops $81 per barrel on ICE for first time since June 22

As of 8:28 p.m. Moscow time, Brent crude was up 6.59%, trading at $81.02 per barrel

OPEC downgrades forecast for global oil demand growth in 2026

Growth of approximately 40,000 bpd is expected in OECD countries, while non-OECD countries are projected to see an increase of around 0.74 million bpd

Russia and Iran welcome positive dynamics in bilateral relations

Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilyov met with Mohsen Paknejad, Iran's Oil Minister and co-chair of the intergovernmental commission on trade and economic cooperation, as well as Iranian Energy Minister Abbas Aliabadi

Russian forces hammer military infrastructure at Ukraine’s Chernomorsk Port

In addition, the strikes targeted a seiner re-equipped for launching uncrewed boats, a patrol boat and a dry cargo ship

Russia keeps modernizing its Armed Forces, says Putin

Russia will respond in kind to Ukraine’s attacks and its strikes will be much more powerful, the head of state said

Germany becomes hostage to Ukraine's military-industrial complex — politician

Viktor Medvedchuk noted that no facility in Europe was unattainable for Russia

NATO faces its worst crisis since WWII — former US ambassador

Ivo Daalder added that Europeans "no longer see the United States as a reliable partner"

Polish defense minister says draft-age Ukrainians should be home, fighting for country

According to Wladysіaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, Ukrainians "driving around in luxury cars" and disturbing public order should be deported to their homeland

Gold futures slide below $4,000 per troy ounce for first time since July 1

As of 7:55 p.m. Moscow time, gold was down 2.94%, trading at $3,992.9 per troy ounce

Zelensky confirms two civilians brutally murdered by Ukrainian soldiers

Ten servicemen of the Ukrainian armed forces’ 155th Separate Mechanized Brigade have been detained, including the now former brigade commander Stanislav Luchanov

Aliyev declares full normalization between Azerbaijan and Russia

Ilham Aliyev underscored the significance of Russia-Azerbaijan relations, both on a bilateral level and within a broader regional context

Russian forces hit fishing vessel used for launching Kiev’s USVs in Odessa port

The strikes were carried out using the Geran-4 Seeker UAV

Russian forces advance toward Druzhkovka despite Ukrainian air counterstrikes — DPR head

In the neighboring Krasnoarmeysk-Dobropolye region, Russian forces have strengthened their positions following the liberation of Vasilyevka

Submarines participation in Chinese-Russian drills demonstrates trust — Chinese expert

Wang Yunfei noted that "underwater communication is complex," in which the parties should exchange information on technical specifications, methods, and tactics

Price of Brent oil up above $85 per barrel on London’s ICE first since June 15

As of 12:23 a.m. GMT, the price was up by 2.78% reaching $85.64 per barrel

Russian troops repel all counterattacks at Konstantinovka, forcing Kiev retreat — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, the Ukrainian assault forces suffered losses

Russia states at G20 that economy should not be used as weapon — MFA

Russia also advocated for an open and inclusive economic system, calling for greater representation of the Global South in governance mechanisms

Russian forces have full control over skies in Konstantinovka — officer

The number of Russian reconnaissance and attack drones has significantly grown in the skies over Konstantinovka, a company commander of the Battlegroup South’s 1465th Motorized Rifle Regiment, call sign Grek, said

Russian kamikaze drone crew eliminates large network of Ukrainian fortifications

The targets were located in several basements of buildings equipped as command posts and UAV control posts

Azerbaijan considering complete withdrawal from Council of Europe, Aliyev says

According to the Azerbaijani president, his country has been discriminated against at the Council of Europe for two years already

Three killed in Moscow region as Russian air defenses shoot down 342 drones in past night

Ukrainian UAVs were intercepted over 15 Russian regions

Russia exports record volumes of wheat to several African countries in 2025-2026 season

Amid a surge in import demand, Russian exporters shipped a record 10 mln metric tons of wheat to Egypt between July 2025 and June 2026

Kiev’s counterattacks near Krasny Liman in Donetsk on decline — expert

The attempts to retake lost lines and positions have declined several-fold, Andrey Marochko said

Millions sign online petition demanding Argentina be booted from World Cup

The petition claims that FIFA and the referees are biased toward Lionel Messi and the Argentininan national team

UK sanctions GRU officers, Rybar analytical center

In total, London expanded its anti-Russian sanctions list by 10 entries and added 14 new names to the sanctions list related to cybersecurity

UK hops on EU's Ukraine financing train

The announcement was made against the backdrop of Starmer’s participation in a summit of the Coalition of the Willing in Paris

Kiev’s drone supplier Helsing makes its UAVs at secret plant in south Germany — NYT

According to sources cited by the newspaper, the factory can be dismantled and relocated within a day

Restrictions lifted: ITTF returns anthem, flag to Russian table tennis players

The decision will come into effect on July 28

Russia's oil products situation will gradually improve — Putin

Russia has a very strong and reliable energy foundation, the Russian president noted

Turkish warships call at Syria’s Latakia for first time since 2011 — defense ministry

The Turkish defense ministry added that the group of ships is led by the TCG Istanbul frigate with Navy Commander Admiral Ercument Tatlioglu onboard

Iran, Russia nearing finalization of Russian gas supply contract — Minister

The main provisions of the final gas trade agreement between Iran and Russia have been agreed upon, Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad said

UK Navy reports attack on tanker off coast of Oman

The crew members were not injured

Another prisoner exchange with Ukraine to take place soon — Russian ombudswoman

Another prisoner swap between Russia and Ukraine will take place soon but its exact date will not be announced, Yana Lantratova said

NASA chief arrives at Baikonur space center on his first visit in eight years

Jared Isaacman also met with Roscosmos CEO Dmitry Bakanov

Kremlin regrets Western attempts to cancel Russian culture

Dmitry Peskov commented on the European Commission’s move to withdraw funding for the Venice Biennale over the opening of the Russian pavilion

Trump notifies US Congress about resuming warfare in Iran — NYT

The letter was sent to US lawmakers on July 10, the report says

Gas explosion in LPR kills one, leaves another person trapped under rubble — ministry

Emergency services are working at the scene

Hi-tech firm delivers ten seaborne air defense systems to Russian Navy and foreign fleets

The Palma system is designated to strike air-and sea-launched weapons, including anti-ship missiles flying at low and extremely low altitudes and small-size unmanned fast-speed gunboats

Russia, Iran discuss joint projects in gas industry — Russian Energy Ministry

The parties also discussed the advancement in preparing bilateral cooperation agreements

Yemeni Houthis report attacking Abha Airport in Saudi Arabia

According to the Houthis, the attack was conducted in response to Saudi Arabia’s strike on Sanaa Airport

Press review: Hormuz crisis overshadows Iran nuclear issue and EU divided on Russia talks

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, July 13th

First Russian-Arab forum to be held in early October — Roscongress

The forum will be attended by officials from ministries and agencies, heads of diplomatic missions, representatives of the business and expert communities of Russia and LAS states

Yemen reopens airports across country

The document takes effect upon publication and supersedes the previous circular dated July 13

Iran in contact with Oman, Pakistan, Qatar to prevent further escalation

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei stressed that Tehran would use all necessary means and methods to ensure its national interests and national security

Putin grants Russian citizenship to man behind BMW X6 design

According to publicly available sources, Leclercq has worked for major automakers BMW, Kia, and Citroen

Russia's trade surplus rises to $14.2 bln in May — Central Bank

Compared with April 2026, the surplus increased by $3.148 bln

US wants to control Strait of Hormuz, receive 20% of cargo costs — Trump

"All other countries will have fair and open use of the Strait," the US president said

Kiev loses over 9,900 soldiers, mercenaries in fighting over week — expert

The greatest losses in manpower were inflicted on the Ukrainian armed forces in the area of responsibility of the Battlegroup East, operating in the Dnepropetrovsk and Zaporozhye Regions

Almost 350 children killed in Ukrainian attacks since 2014, Russian commissioner reports

Maria Lvova-Belova noted that children who arrived in EU countries as refugees are often being bullied by local students and teachers

Russian stock market closes higher across major indices

The MOEX Index gained 0.87% to close at 2,164.42 points, while the dollar-denominated RTS Index rose 0.93% to 889.88 points

Zelensky submits to parliament bills extending martial law, mobilization campaign

Martial law and general mobilization were declared in Ukraine on February 24, 2022

Modernizing Russia’s armed forces, fuel situation — Putin’s remarks

The Russophobic factions within the so-called collective West are fighting Russia, but the country is forging ahead with remarkable progress, the Russian leader said

Russia seeks sustainable peace in Ukraine conflict — Kremlin spokesman

According to Dmitry Peskov, The Ukraine process is currently on hold

Zelensky voices plans to replace government, dismiss prime minister

Vladimir Zelensky offered Prime Minister Yulia Sviridenko a new position

Kremlin addresses 'Coalition of the willing' illusions, Sea of Azov navigation

Russia will not seek to prove that the airspace of Baltic nations is being used for Ukrainian drone flights, Dmitry Peskov said

Russian forces suppress Ukrainian artillery in Krasny Liman direction — soldier

Crews of Russian 152-mm self-propelled guns of the Battlegroup West carry out fire missions daily, supporting assault units and destroying targets at ranges of over 25 kilometers

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

Venezuelan earthquake death toll reaches 4,561

According to the government’s daily bulletin, which Rodriguez published on his Telegram channel, as many as 16,740 people were injured

Zaporozhye NPP to inform IAEA about Ukraine’s attack on fire station in Energodar

The management of the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant is also ready to show the aftermath, Yevgenia Yashina said

US troops accuse commanders of negligence over Iranian drone threat

US commanders deny the allegations and maintain that the military facility was adequately protected, The Washington Post reported

Ukrainian troops endanger civilian lives by firing from Kherson’s urban area — governor

For the Kiev regime, Kherson and its residents have long been expendable, Vladimir Saldo said

Brent crude jumps over 5% following Trump's pledge to reinstate blockade on Iranian ports

As of 5:21 p.m. Moscow time, Brent crude was up 5.29%, trading at $80.03 per barrel

Ukrainian conflict should be resolved through dialogue, diplomacy — Turkish leader

Recep Tayyip Erdogan says the NATO summit provided an opportunity for intense diplomatic contacts and bilateral meetings with leaders of the alliance’s member states and other high-ranking guests who were invited to Ankara

IRGC attacks two tankers attempting to pass through Strait of Hormuz — agency

According to a report by Fars, two supertankers ignored warnings from the Strait of Hormuz safety center and "endangered shipping in the area"

Greta Thunberg, other activists glue themselves to ground near Rheinmetall’s office

The protest is against the work of a Rheinmetall facility in the Wedding district of Berlin and the use of German weapons in the war against the Gaza Strip and other conflict zones

FACTBOX: German ambassador summoned to Russian foreign ministry

The ministry said the focus of the meeting was the unacceptability of growing support to the Kiev regime

EU imports record volume of gas from Yamal LNG plant in 2026 — FT

According to the analysts, the main buyers were France, Belgium, and Spain

Europe faces difficulties due to conflicts in Ukraine, Middle East, gas shortages — Vucic

The Serbian president noted that gas reserves "have never been this low"

Russian air defenses destroy over 180,000 UAVs in Ukraine operation — top brass

Russian air defense forces intercepted and destroyed 926 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles and 12 smart bombs over the past 24 hours

Brent crude tops $83 per barrel on ICE for first time since June 16

As of 9:12 p.m. Moscow time, Brent crude was up 9.22%, trading at $83.02 per barrel

Russian embassy suggests Amerian public to study data on US biosecurity violatons

Washington's actions run counter to its obligations under the Convention on the Prohibition of Biological and Toxin Weapons, according to the diplomatic mission

Houthis blame Riyadh for the strikes on Sanaa airport

The Foreign Ministry in the Houthi government has regarded the attack on the airport as a declaration of war

Over 50,000 US troops currently deployed across Middle East — Central Command

The US CENTCOM published the corresponding report on X

Iranian attacks on Arab countries violate international law — LAS secretary general

Nabil Fahmy stated that an infringement on the sovereignty of any Arab state required a unified and firm position from all alliance members

US to resume blockade of Iran’s seaports on July 14 — CENTCOM

US forces will enforce the blockade against vessels transiting to or from Iranian ports and coastal areas

Several facilities near Iran’s Omidiyeh damaged by US strikes on region — agency

Mehr reported that at least four people were injured in the incident

Sanctions on Russia start triggering legal warfare within Western business, expert says

Ilya Grashchenkov noted that the financial cost of anti-Russian policies is now shifting from abstract markets to specific corporations

NATO summit in Ankara was pantomime, where leaders said absurd things — EUObserver

According to the report, the possibility of withdrawal of US troops from Europe remained the main unanswered question of the event

US launching another series of strikes on Iran — Central Command

According to the statement, the third night of the strikes is being carried out "at the Commander in Chief’s direction"

Russian-Chinese exercise Joint Sea - 2026 concludes in Qingdao

The closing ceremony was held at the Qingdao Naval Base of the People's Liberation Army

US resumes blockade of Iranian seaports — Trump

"All other countries will have fair and open use of the Strait," the US leader said

FACTBOX: What we know about new EU, UK sanctions against Russia, restrictions on VK, Max

The United Kingdom imposed sanctions on GRU officers allegedly involved in cyber operations targeting the UK, as well as on the Rybar military analytical center

Iran to remain guardian of Strait of Hormuz — foreign minister

Abbas Araghchi also commented on US President Donald Trump’s plans to seize control over the waterway and to levy a security toll of 20%

Russia remained largest oil supplier to India and China in May — OPEC report

Russia supplied approximately 2.1 million bpd of crude oil to India in May

Chinese, Russian naval forces to conduct patrols in Pacific — Chinese Defense Ministry

According to the statement, the patrols will "make a positive contribution to maintaining peace and stability at both the international and regional levels"

West seeking to rewrite history to deprive Russia of its source of strength — MFA

"I believe this is exactly why they want to rewrite history for us - those who demolish monuments or engage in attempts to cancel culture, those who, essentially, have denied us the opportunity to remember our heroes in the information space," Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said

IN BRIEF: FSB thwarts large-scale swarm drone attacks on Russian military airfields

FSB officers seized 24 FPV drones equipped with neural control modules manufactured in the UK, the United States, Canada and Sweden that were resistant to electronic warfare

Trump will support bill on anti-Russia sanctions — CNN

If passed by Congress, the document would pave the way for the administration to impose tariffs on countries purchasing Russian oil, according to the report

Hungary’s parliament approves constitutional amendment to oust president

According to parliament speaker Agnes Forsthoffer, the amendment was supported by 139 lawmakers