{{dayPoint.date | date : 'd MMMM yyyy'}}

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Strait of Hormuz developments

Trump says Strait of Hormuz open to all ships except Iran’s

The United States will have a full Blockade, but only on Ships coming to and from Iranian ports, or carrying anything have to do with Iranian cargo, the US president said

US President Donald Trump AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson

US President Donald Trump

© AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson

WASHINGTON, July 14. /TASS/. The Strait of Hormuz is open to all ships with the exception of Iranian vessels, US President Donald Trump said.

"We will therefore have a FULL Blockade, but only on Ships coming to and from Iranian ports, or carrying anything have to do with Iranian cargo," he wrote on platform Truth Social.

Tags

United States Donald Trump

Strait of Hormuz developments

UN warns of serious consequences from closure of Strait of Hormuz

Disruptions to the flow of food, medicines, and other necessary commodities have severe socio-economic and humanitarian consequences, both regionally and globally, Volker Turk said

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

German drone factory for Ukraine legitimate target for Russian military — expert

Chairman of the State Council of the Republic of Crimea Vladimir Konstantinov added that with a new wave of military aid to Kiev, Germany is trying to escalate the conflict

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

The US CENTCOM published the corresponding report on X

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

Attacks on Iran close door to resolution — Lavrov

The foreign minister stressed that the memorandum of understanding signed by Washington and Tehran seemed to have opened it

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"

FACTBOX: Logistics, food supplies, fleet protection measures in Sea of Azov

Port captains are seeking to improve traffic management and reduce vessel handling times

NATO intelligence community behind foiled terrorist attack in Moscow Region — expert

Alexander Stepanov highlighted the critical role of specialized software, primarily developed in Canada, which was to be used alongside drone components of the same origin

France to transfer ready-made SCALP missiles to Ukraine — Russian military analyst

This is a de facto outright legalization of deliveries, Alexander Stepanov said

UAVs intended for terror attack in Moscow Region contained foreign-made explosives — FSB

35 FPV drones were fitted with a combat payload containing a high-explosive fragmentation charge weighing 4 kg each

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

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

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

According to Andrey Marochko, the Ukrainian assault forces suffered losses

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

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

Shells made by Rheinmetall's newest factory shipped to Ukraine

The company put the number of the "latest" RH1412 model shells, which can be used on various 155 mm armed systems, at "several tens of thousands," or more than half the order

Kremlin rejects idea that Russia is China's 'junior partner'

According to Dmitry Peskov, the bilateral relationship is "based on the principle of equality" that respects the interests of both sides

Kiev struck Russian territory up to 850 times per day over past week — envoy

Rodion Miroshnik says that over 300 civilians were harmed by the aggression of Ukrainian troops during this period

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

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

China firmly established as Russia’s key partner — ambassador

Igor Morgulov highlighted that Russia ranked among China’s five leading foreign trade partners

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

FSB prevents large-scale drone attack on strategic facility in Moscow Region

Following the instructions from his handlers, the detainee assembled and activated drones, established a communication channel with foreign operators, and then left the scene

Trump notifies US Congress about resuming warfare in Iran — NYT

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

Press review: EU struggles on Russia sanctions while Moscow trade surplus grows

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, July 14th

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%

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

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

FACTBOX: Ukrainian parliament dismisses prime minister, government

Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada voted by a majority to dismiss Prime Minister Yulia Sviridenko

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

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

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"

NATO reconnaissance aircraft once again operating over Black Sea

The source did not specify the flight’s intended purpose, but pointed out that the same aircraft circled around the Kaliningrad Region for two consecutive days last week

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

Zelensky voices plans to replace government, dismiss prime minister

Vladimir Zelensky offered Prime Minister Yulia Sviridenko a new position

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

Saudi Arabia receives US approval before strike on airport in Yemen — Axios

According to the publication, the Saudis are "concerned about a larger conflict with the Houthis," so the authorities decided to coordinate their actions with Washington in advance

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

Emergency services are working at the scene

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

Idea of excluding Russia from talks on Ukraine shows EU's deadlock position — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov emphasized that Ukraine’s security guarantees are impossible without Russia

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

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"

Russia, United States continue cooperation in space — Dmitriev

The RDIF head earlier participated in the crew’s readiness report for Soyuz MS-29

Russian forces strike Ukrainian military-industrial sites, port infrastructure

Russian forces hit the Kiev-79 industrial enterprise - a key enterprise in Ukraine for the assembly of combat payloads for unmanned aerial vehicles and missiles of various types

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

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

Jared Isaacman also met with Roscosmos CEO Dmitry Bakanov

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

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

EU openly preparing for conflict with Moscow — Russian embassy

The embassy stressed that Russia calls on the Netherlands to recognize that pressure on Moscow and the use of unlawful unilateral "coercive measures" will not change Russia's position but will only further increase the already extremely high level of instability in Europe

Trump highly appreciated the puck given by Putin, American producer told TASS

Chairman of the US Commission of Fine Arts Rodney Mims Cook Jr. presented President Trump with the hockey puck from Vladimir Putin, Stephen Mao said

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

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

What we know about FSB-prevented large-scale drone attack on facility in Moscow Region

According to the FSB, the Ukrainian side recruited a former member of an ethnic organized crime group through a terrorist organization banned in Russia to carry out the attack

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

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

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

Moscow at odds with Baku over Ukraine, sees no reason to spoil relations — Kremlin

Moscow is pragmatic and does not see it as a reason to jeopardize relations, Dmitry Peskov said

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"

Ukraine conflict ushers in age of robot warfare — report

According to the report, besides "the flying drones, which grabbed the world’s attention," armies of unmanned ground vehicles, both tracked and wheeled machines, deliver supplies and ammunition, evacuate the wounded, lay mines, and maintain fire control over territory

US producer Stephen Mao calls Putin ‘great’ leader

According to Stephen Mao, Vladimir Putin has done what a president should do, which is to care for his country, look out for his country and care for his people

Russia to help strengthen Sahel countries' military capabilities — Lavrov

According to the foreign minister, Moscow will also continue providing humanitarian assistance

No evidence to back up claims of Russian drone crash in Moldova — envoy

The Moldovan Foreign Ministry’s claim must be investigated and verified, Russian Ambassador to Moldova Oleg Ozerov said

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

Hungary’s parliament approves constitutional amendment to oust president

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

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

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

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

US resumes blockade of Iranian seaports — Trump

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

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"

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

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"

Kiev deliberately targeting humanitarian corridors in Konstantinovka in DPR — expert

The evacuation of the population of Konstantinovka is proceeding "with great difficulty," Andrey Marochko noted

Interference in Ukrainian settlement, Kiev's terrorism: Lavrov's statements

The Russian top diplomat noted that Europe was still trying to get in the way of a Ukraine peace deal, seeking to undermine agreements reached between Moscow and Washington

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 forces strike military facilities in Kiev, Odessa Region — Defense Ministry

The Russian Armed Forces carried out group strikes using long-range precision air-and ground-launched weapons and unmanned aerial vehicles

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

Russia views new attacks on Iran as violation of signed memorandum — foreign minister

"This leads to nothing good," Sergey Lavrov noted

EU opens talks on Ukraine’s accession under second of six negotiation clusters

The EU accession process is divided into 33 negotiating chapters, which are unevenly grouped into six negotiation clusters

Russia's oil products situation will gradually improve — Putin

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

Hungarian defense minister promises to 'slam the door on Russia'

Romulus Ruszin-Szendi stated that Hungary must restore the trust of its allies

Zelensky submits to parliament bills extending martial law, mobilization campaign

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

NATO airborne early warning aircraft circling over Gulf of Riga

The aircraft took off from an airfield in Siauliai

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

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

Some NATO countries' refusal to fund Ukraine reveals split in alliance — Russian lawmaker

Dmitry Belik also pointed out that domestic political considerations and the need to prioritize social and economic expenditures also play a role

Russia’s Battlegroup West eliminates 107 Ukrainian heavy quadcopters over past day

The air defense crews and mobile armed units also shot down 188 fixed-wing UAVs

Lavrov unsure how Iran agreements to play out, cites Alaska situation

The Russian foreign minister cited the summit in Alaska, where agreements were reached but not implemented

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

Russian troops destroying over 80% of Ukrainian drones in LPR — expert

Andrey Marochko emphasized that Russian soldiers at this point "are handling the challenges from the Ukrainian militants quite effectively"

Security guarantees for Kiev, sanctions against Max — Kremlin briefing highlights

Dmitry Peskov expressed confidence that Max would keep evolving fast despite the European sanctions

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

Kiev’s attack on Kursk NPP is nuclear terrorism — envoy

"The Ukrainian militants have committed another nuclear terrorism attempt, launching at least 12 unmanned aerial vehicles towards the Kursk NPP-2," Rodion Miroshnik said

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

UK Navy reports attack on tanker off coast of Oman

The crew members were not injured

Russia rejects Western accusations of cyberattacks — embassy in The Hague

Vladimir Tarabrin warned Dutch authorities that any further expansion of EU sanctions would provoke retaliatory measures from Moscow

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

Russian forces strike Ukrainian UAV assembly, storage sites in past day — top brass

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,380 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

EU deliberately prepares Moldova for war — State Duma member

Alyona Arshinova emphasized that significant military funding is being allocated to Chisinau amidst Moldova's ongoing economic crisis

Maven Smart AI system to become key component of NATO troop command — expert

According to Alexander Stepanov, one of the benefits of the Maven Smart System platform is its ability to be integrated into armies with different levels of capability, which will allow them to achieve consistent standards of military information management

Casualties in Kuban, fire at Afipsky refinery, 288 UAVs: aftermath of attacks on regions

In total, the Ukrainan drones attacked 15 Russian regions