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Strait of Hormuz developments

Gulf countries opposed introduction of shipping fee in Strait of Hormuz —Trump

According to the US president, he was contacted by the leaders of the Gulf countries

WASHINGTON, July 14. /TASS/. US President Donald Trump acknowledged that the Gulf countries spoke out against his idea of introducing a shipping fee in the Strait of Hormuz.

"I thought it was good," Trump said, answering a question at a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zeidi regarding his previously voiced idea of the US charging a fee of 20% of the value of transported cargo for ensuring safe navigation.

According to Trump, he was contacted by the leaders of the Gulf countries. "We'd love to do it a different way," the White House host noted. Earlier on Tuesday, he stated that he had abandoned the idea of introducing a shipping fee in the strait.

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United States Donald Trump

Anti-Russian sanctions

Trump speaks contradictorily about chances of passing bill on sanctions against Russia

The US president said that key provisions of the document had not been discussed with him and that he needs to review them

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

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 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"

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

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

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

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

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

Zelensky submits to parliament bills extending martial law, mobilization campaign

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

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

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

The US CENTCOM published the corresponding report on X

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

India takes Iran to task over attacks on its ships in Strait of Hormuz

New Delhi condemned the attacks "targeting seafarers and disrupting free and safe navigation through international waterways"

Explosions rock Iran's Qeshm Island

The news agency provided no further details

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

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

"This leads to nothing good," Sergey Lavrov noted

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

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"

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hungary’s parliament approves constitutional amendment to oust president

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

According to Andrey Marochko, the Ukrainian assault forces suffered losses

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

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

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

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

Russia, United States continue cooperation in space — Dmitriev

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

US resumes blockade of Iranian seaports — Trump

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

Turkish court issues int’l arrest warrant for Netanyahu in 'Sumud' flotilla case — TV

Benjamin Netanyahu is accused of crimes against humanity, genocide, deprivation of liberty, cruel treatment, intentional bodily harm, robbery, and seizure of vehicles

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

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

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

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

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

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

China firmly established as Russia’s key partner — ambassador

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

Moldova's involvement in Ukraine conflict escalates it further — expert

The actions of the President of Moldova and the government, aimed at supporting Ukraine, can be perceived as part of a broader strategy developed by EU intelligence services and MI6, Dmitry Sorokin said

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"

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

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

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

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

UK Navy reports attack on tanker off coast of Oman

The crew members were not injured

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

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

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

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

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

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

In total, the Ukrainan drones attacked 15 Russian regions

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

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

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

FACTBOX: Ukrainian parliament dismisses prime minister, government

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

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%

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

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

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

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

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

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

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"

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

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

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

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

Vucic says doesn’t want to drag Serbia into any conflicts, not seeking NATO membership

The Serbian president also said that he had refused to join the so-called coalition of the willing

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

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

Trump notifies US Congress about resuming warfare in Iran — NYT

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

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

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

Zelensky voices plans to replace government, dismiss prime minister

Vladimir Zelensky offered Prime Minister Yulia Sviridenko a new position

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

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 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

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

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

Russia to help strengthen Sahel countries' military capabilities — Lavrov

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

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

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"

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

Russia's oil products situation will gradually improve — Putin

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

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

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

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

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

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"

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

Jared Isaacman also met with Roscosmos CEO Dmitry Bakanov

NATO airborne early warning aircraft circling over Gulf of Riga

The aircraft took off from an airfield in Siauliai

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

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

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

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

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

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"

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

Emergency services are working at the scene