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Middle East conflict

Situation with Middle East conflict getting out of control — UN secretary-general

Antonio Guterres said that "it is time to step back", noting that "there is no military solution to the conflict"

UNITED NATIONS, July 23. /TASS/. The Middle East is being drawn ever more deeply into an expanding conflict, and the situation in the region is getting out of control, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has stated.

"It is teetering on the edge of [the] unimaginable. The region is being pulled into an ever-widening circle of confrontation. One crisis feeds another. One escalation triggers the next," he said, referring to the Middle East conflict during open debates of the UN Security Council on peaceful settlement.

The head of the world organization added that "it is time to step back", noting that "there is no military solution to the conflict."

The United States and Israel launched a war against Iran on February 28. In June, Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding providing for an immediate ceasefire across all fronts, including Lebanon. However, on the night of July 8, the United States resumed large-scale strikes on Iran, accusing Tehran of violating the agreement’s provisions concerning the Strait of Hormuz.

Human rights advocates call US nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia extremely irresponsible

The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons urged Washington to reconsider its decision and the US Congress to ensure that "the strongest safeguards to prevent proliferation" are included in the agreement

Russian Armed Forces liberate Belitskoye in DPR: what's known

The Russian Armed Forces are conducting measures to search for and eliminate Ukrainian soldiers still hiding in the basements

Aftermath of Ukrainian drone attack on Russian regions, boy killed in Voronezh Region

One person was killed and four others, including two children, were injured in a Ukrainian attack on Crimea

Kremlin spokesman addresses US contact, nuclear non-proliferation, peaceful nuclear energy

Dmitry Peskov said that Russia and the United States maintain contact on Ukraine but it would be premature to say that efforts to resolve the conflict are being stepped up

Ukraine's losses from port shutdown estimated at $2 bln per month

An alternative export route runs through Romanian ports, but its capacity is limited

US may hit terrorist group in Mali — Washington Post

Senior US officials, however, disagree over whether to proceed with attacking the militant group

Russia cuts supply route serving Ukrainian troops near Pisarevka in Sumy Region — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, the Krovnoye-Khoten road has come under the near-total control of the Russian military

Lavrov, Rubio have begun talks in Manila

The negotiations are taking place on the sidelines of ASEAN-related events

US masking unsavory actions with myth of Russian threat in Mexico — Russian embassy

They are blatantly speculative in nature and serve narrow political ends

US administration refuses to transfer military aid worth $400 million to Kiev — senator

Dick Durbin says the funds are unavailable until the next president is in office

Russia’s Lavrov arrives in Kyrgyzstan to take part in meeting of SCO foreign ministers

The ministers are expected to discuss current issues of the international and regional agenda, including the situation in the SCO space, ensuring security and stability

FACTBOX: Putin outlines state of economy, fuel market, regional support

The key sectors of the Russian economy remain resilient, the Russian president said

Ukrainian army retreating from Pisarevka in Sumy Region to Khoten as Russia advances

According to Andrey Marochko, Russian troops regularly strike Khoten with fire

US air campaign against Iran running out of steam — Politico

According to the report, the conflict is unlikely to shift decisively without a major escalation, including the deployment of ground forces

Global trade up 12.5% amid Strait of Hormuz shipping disruptions — UNCTAD

The organization said that "a significant share of the increase reflects higher prices rather than stronger trade volumes"

Trump doing everything he can to secure peace in Ukraine — US envoy to UN

Mike Waltz acknowledged that the US president had underestimated the complexity of the task when he previously suggested that he could resolve the Ukrainian conflict in as little as a day

Iran continues to produce missiles at facilities unknown to US — IRNA

The production of drones and missiles in Iran did not stop during the war or during the ceasefire

FACTBOX: Oil price cap freeze, bank restrictions in EU’s 21st sanctions package

The EU has banned its banks from conducting cross-border transactions with 32 Russian banks, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said

Nobody in region to be allowed to sell oil if Iran denied this opportunity — speaker

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf added that security in the strait is possible only if no American forces are present there

One killed, three injured as Turkish cargo ship en route from Russia hit in Black Sea

According to Oksijen newspaper, the attack occurred in international waters off the coast of Turkey's Samsun province

US Department of Energy announces signing of nuclear program deal with Saudi Arabia

The authority reports that the agreement is designed for several decades and is intended to provide "great access for American companies in the Saudi nuclear energy program"

Russian drones strike five ships transporting cargo for Ukrainian military

The ministry published what it described "objective control footage of the July 22 strikes involving Geran-4 Seeker drones on four vessels of the dry cargo carrier type and one bulk-carrier-type ship in the waters of the Black Sea and in the port of Chernomorsk

Kiev has no military commanders who can defeat Russia — Zaporozhye official

Oleg Murachev said that one of Mikhail Drapaty’s possible options to prove his mettle after the appointment is to rely on drones and strikes on civilians and civilian infrastructure

EU ambassadors fail to agree on 21st package of anti-Russian sanctions — source

The European commission earlier proposed to ambassadors a draft version of its sanctions package with softer restrictions on Russian LNG transportation to third countries by European tankers

Lavrov reaffirms Russia’s commitment to Alaska agreements at meeting with Rubio

In addition, the top Russian diplomat emphasized that further weapons supplies to Kiev were unacceptable, the Russian foreign minister said

Japan's foreign minister recounts first contact with Russian counterpart in six years

Toshimitsu Motegi emphasized the importance of managing Japan-Russia relations thoughtfully

Zelensky reports holding 'important' conversation with US envoys Witkoff, Kushner

Vladimir Zelensky said the teams remain in close contact

Russia not to concede to West in confrontation in Ukraine — expert

Hanna Notte added that since the beginning of the Ukrainian crisis, Moscow has gained support from non-Western countries that have refused to make "a binary choice between Russia and the West"

EC acknowledges EU failed to ban entry for participants in Russia's military operation

The European Commission president made no mention of the ban on transporting Russian liquefied natural gas to third countries

Lavrov to ask Rubio for clarification about Trump's comments on Ukraine

The Russian foreign minister recalled that Marco Rubio also commented on the Anchorage outcome in a rather ambiguous way

US forces launching another series of strikes against Iran — Central Command

The authority asserts that it is attacking military targets

Two people killed, 11 wounded following strike on checkpoint at Iran-Iraq border — TV

Local authorities say that the border crossing continues to operate

Lavrov refutes Kiev’s lies about situation at front to Rubio — MP

The Russian foreign minister also confirmed the readiness of the Russian side for negotiations

Ukraine faces its toughest winter in five years due to vulnerable power grid

Work to protect Kiev’s critical infrastructure only began in May 2026 and is 49% complete

Russia, Iran reaffirm commitment to Strategic Partnership Treaty — Russian MFA

An assistant to the Iranian Foreign Minister and Director General for Eurasian Affairs at the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Manouchehr Moradi, was received by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin

Ukraine's security services try to trick Russia into striking civilian sites-intel officer

A military intelligence officer cited as an example the received coordinates of a target in Zaporozhye transmitted by the Ukrainian security services several days ago

Former Ukrainian soldier recounts story of his desertion, coming to Russia

According to Vladimir Lipka, while he was serving in the Sumy area, he saw Americans in the ranks of the Ukrainian armed forces

Ukrainian troops shell DPR settlements 28 times in 24 hours firing 30 rounds of ammunition

Two civilians were killed and ten injured

US rejects Iran’s claim of control over Strait of Hormuz

Commercial vessels continue to use the strait with US military support, CENTCOM said

Russia observing positive momentum in special military operation — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov said that Moscow is open to negotiations

Meeting with Rubio, nuclear arms, US involvement in Kiev's attacks: Lavrov's statements

Russia is prepared for any development in the context of the EU militarization, the Russian foreign minister noted

EU ambassadors fail to agree on 21st package of anti-Russian sanctions — source

According to earlier reports by Politico and Bloomberg, the proposed LNG transportation ban is being blocked by Greece, which fears that its shipping companies may suffer serious losses as a result

Damage from Ukrainian forces actions exceeds $12.7 bln — Investigative Committee chief

Alexander Bastrykin added that efforts to assess the full scale of damage caused by Ukrainian forces are ongoing

Failure of information war against Russia forces US to revise approaches — expert

Sergey Grinyaev noted that the US and its allies had been unable to break the will of the Russian people or weaken the Russian leadership

Romania faces fuel crisis due to Ukrainian attacks on CPC tankers in Black Sea — expert

Adrian Negrescu said that crude oil supplies via the Caspian Pipeline Consortium system to the Novorossiysk terminal were cut off

Meeting between Rubio, Lavrov on sidelines of ASEAN events scheduled for 06:50 Moscow time

The schedule is subject to change, the US State Department warned without elaborating

FACTBOX: What is known about flight altitude restrictions in Moscow air hub area

Transit flights through the Moscow aviation hub are prohibited

Zelensky admits Ukraine not yet prepared for winter

Vladimir Zelensky said that it is crucial to step up the work

US completes strikes on Iran — Central Command

According to the statement, US forces struck maritime capabilities, missile and drone storage facilities, coastal surveillance sites, and air defense assets

US to use another ceasefire with Iran to plan ground operation — expert

Ruhollah Modabber believes that the ten-day ceasefire period will enable the US to arrange logistical routes and redeploy troops without worrying about a potential Iranian attack against its targets

Yemeni Houthis attack two Saudi Arabian oil tankers — statement

The Houthis emphasized that they also succeeded in forcing about ten vessels to turn back

Press review: Zelensky gives army chief the heave-ho and US, Saudi Arabia tie nuclear knot

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, July 23rd

Syrsky knew about shady procurement schemes, Germany unhappy with his dismissal — sources

The Russian military sources say that German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul explicitly stated that he would review Vladimir Zelensky's personnel decisions

US may expand Iran operation within days — media

According to the report, Donald Trump is still considering returning to major combat operations against Iran

West makes no secret that it needs Ukraine for resources — Russia’s UN mission

Deputy Permanent Representative Dmitry Chumakov separately said that during the military interventions in Iraq, Libya, and Syria "the battle for political clout was accompanied by a struggle for natural resources"

Putin highlightes external attempts to destabilize Russia's energy sector

The Russian leader said that the condition of key sectors of the domestic economy remains stable

Ukrainian agriculture to suffer most from country's port closure — expert

Alexander Dudchak said that recently grain terminals in Ukrainian ports reduced their operations by about a third, and cargo transshipment volumes began to decline sharply

It could take US weeks to degrade Iran’s missile capabilities — FT

According to the report, much will depend on whether US forces can destroy mobile launchers

Russian forces strike over two dozen vessels carrying cargoes for Ukraine since July 11

Four dry-cargo ships and two sea bulkers carrying military cargoes for the Ukrainian armed forces to the ports of Odessa and Chernomorsk were struck overnight to July 22, and also during the day

FACTBOX: Key takeaways from the Lavrov-Rubio meeting

The Russian foreign minister reaffirmed Russia's readiness to settle the conflict in Ukraine and its commitment to the agreements reached in Anchorage

Russian forces carry out more strikes on Ukrainian ports, infrastructure facilities

Strikes on the port of Odessa hit infrastructure facilities used to unload and store military cargo

Ukrainian forces under Syrsky lost control of 11,500 square kilometers

Despite mounting evidence, the Ukrainian military leadership stubbornly denied the deteriorating situation

Top US diplomat calls ICC 'stupid organization'

According to Marco Rubio, the US will not tolerate it if the ICC attempts to take action against American citizens now or in the future

Iranian military sees possibility of allowing some ships to cross Strait of Hormuz

Vessels are allowed to pass "in accordance with the established route and in line with the previously announced rules," the statement read

Zelensky reluctant to hand over real control over armed forces to Drapaty — portal

The sources believe that Vladimir Zelensky may resort to the work-to-rule tactics, also known as "Italian strike", relying on a loyal defense minister and direct communication with the General Staff

Moscow refuses to recognize G20 decisions made without it — Russian diplomat

Marat Berdyev commented on the Group of Twenty’s move to bar Russian officials from G20 events

Putin to hold meeting with lawmakers on July 27 — Kremlin

According to Spokesman Dmitry Peskov, the discussion is expected to focus on results of the work of the current convocation

IRGC warns shipping companies southern Strait of Hormuz route mined

In response, Tehran began striking US facilities in the Middle East located in Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Oman

Conflict to go beyond regional borders if Trump delivers on his threats — Iranian military

The Iranian armed forces emphasized that Washington’s continuous threats will only make the conflict to expand in the region and even to go beyond its borders

Nearly 1,500 killed in Ukrainian attacks across Russia since 2022 — top investigator

Alexander Bastrykin said the cases document artillery and missile strikes, drone attacks, and cross-border incursions carried out by Ukrainian nationalists

Russian troops control greater part of Pisarevka in Sumy Region — expert

Andrey Marochko says a portion of the settlement remains in the so-called gray zone

Tanker damaged by projectile off Saudi Arabian coast — UK Maritime Trade Operations

There have been no reports of casualties

Trump believes Iran will soon be ready to strike deal with US

The US president says that at this point, every time Iran makes a deal "they want to change it"

Three tankers attempt to traverse Strait of Hormuz, explosion occurs on one of them — IRGC

According to the statement, the other two turned around at full speed and retreated

Russian ambassador explains special military op rationale, aims to Czech foreign minister

According to Anna Ponomaryova, appeals for the "end of the war" are baffling, coming from a high-ranking official of a country that is actively producing weapons and supplying them to the conflict zone for Ukraine

Maersk suspends operations at one of Ukraine's largest ports

The company indicated that the vessel MEDKON MIRA V.629S with import cargo scheduled for discharge at Chernomorsk has been diverted to the Romanian port of Constanta

Ukraine’s attack being repelled in Sevastopol, four drones shot down

Governor Mikhail Razvozhayev says air defense systems and mobile fire groups are in action

Press review: Houthis add new wrinkle to Mideast tailspin as UN stuck in bystander role

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, July 22nd

EU waging proxy war against Russia but unable to change course of conflict — politician

Armando Mema, a member of Finland’s Freedom Alliance, specified that the EU finances Ukraine "to fight a war it cannot win"

Ukraine’s attack on Voronezh Region causes casualties, serious consequences

Governor Alexander Gusev says air defense forces spent the night repelling the attack on civilian targets, it is too early to provide full details

Most Moldovans oppose unification with Romania, NATO accession — poll

The poll surveyed 1,015 respondents between July 10 and 20

Talks between Lavrov, Rubio have concluded, lasting more than half hour

During the conversation, the parties planned to focus particular attention on the settlement of the conflict in Ukraine

Zelensky effectively launches Fedorov’s presidential campaign himself — Rada member

Maryana Bezuglaya recalled that Vladimir Zelensky and Mikhail Fedorov had worked together for years

IN BRIEF: Ukrainian military reshuffle with new commander-in-chief, General Staff head

Under Ukraine’s national security law, Zelensky may appoint a new commander-in-chief only upon the recommendation of a serving defense minister, a position that is currently vacant

IN BRIEF: What is known about Wildberries operations after drone attacks

Wildberries warehouse operations in Krasnodar and Nevinnomyssk have been suspended, according to the WB Partners Telegram channel

Lavrov-Rubio conversation confirmed hope for common sense, says senior Russian legislator

Grigory Karasin emphasized that objective information regarding the situation along the engagement line, as well as the destructive role played by Europe, should prove beneficial for Washington

Russian troops liberate Belitskoye community in Donetsk region over past day — top brass

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,420 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

Russian forces pound Ukrainian ports, vessels, logistics centers used for military goals

Russian ground-based and air-launched precision-guided weapons and attack UAVs hit a dry cargo ship at the Chernomorsk port as it was unloading supplies intended for the Ukrainian armed forces

UAVs attack energy facility in Ulyanovsk Region — governor

Alexey Russkikh says that emergency services are working at the scene

Zelensky sacks military chief under pressure from Europe — media

Vladimir Zelensky reportedly had no plans to replace the military chief despite nationwide protests

Zelensky confirms that ships cannot enter Ukrainian ports

Earlier, Agrarian Policy and Food Minister Taras Vysotsky said that carriers had suspended operations with Ukrainian sea ports starting on July 22

Russian embassy calls on Berlin to tone down anti-Russian rhetoric

According to the statement, loud propaganda accusations containing baseless speculations and false claims are regularly circulated against Russia

US initiates meeting between Rubio, Lavrov — diplomatic source

Journalists were allowed into the room briefly to film the opening of the meeting

Iran’s defense doctrine follows ‘eye for an eye’ principle — foreign minister

US President Donald Trump earlier said that for every strike on a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, the US armed forces would destroy an Iranian bridge or power plant

US deploying forces to Middle East preparing to expand operations against Iran — WSJ

Sources cited by the newspaper say that special operations forces have been deployed to the Middle East from bases in the US over the past week

Combat trainer aircraft crashes in Moscow Region — Russian Defense Ministry

The flight was carried out without ammunition

EU may allow Greece to continue transporting Russian LNG — FT

According to sources cited by the newspaper, the agreement will allow companies to continue transporting Russian LNG to third countries for 12 months with the possibility of extension, while volumes will be capped at 2025 levels

US to retaliate against Iran for Houthi attacks — Trump

Earlier on Thursday, the Houthis fired ballistic missiles and drones at two oil tankers of the kingdom, which violated their naval blockade of Saudi Arabia

Russian diplomat warns of rising risks to shipping in Strait of Hormuz, Red Sea

Maria Zakharova says tensions in the Persian Gulf area are escalating

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

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,270 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

Ukraine tries to prevent Russia evacuating citizens from Konstantinovka — officer

The deputy commander said the enemy fires back at the civilian population while the evacuation is underway