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

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Top Saudi, Iranian diplomats discuss de-escalation efforts in region

Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud stressed that Riyadh is committed to continuing to play its regional role in ensuring security and stability

DOHA, August 2. /TASS/. Diplomatic efforts toward easing tensions in the Gulf were the focus of a phone call between Foreign Ministers Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud of Saudi Arabia and Abbas Araghchi of Iran, the Saudi Foreign Ministry said.

"The sides discussed recent developments amid the current situation and diplomatic efforts geared toward de-escalation," it said.

The top Saudi diplomat stressed that Riyadh is committed to continuing to play its regional role in ensuring security and stability.

Earlier, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al-Saud held a phone call with US President Donald Trump to discuss ways of easing tension in the Middle East. According to the Axios portal, the Saudi Crown Prince expressed concern over Washington’s plans and warned the US leader against delivering massive strikes against Iran. According to the US media, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries were afraid that an American attack would entail Iran’s strikes on their oil infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Trump agreed to cancel a planned powerful strike on Iran for the sake of reaching a deal with Tehran. According to the US leader, the sides agreed on an outline of a future agreement that will envisage an immediate opening of the Strait of Hormuz and removing Iran’s nuclear threat.

Tags

Iran Saudi Arabia

At least 19 Palestinians killed in Gaza during day as result of Israel’s operations

Sources in Gaza hospitals told Al Jazeera that 12 people were killed in the city of Gaza in the north of the enclave

Professor Jeffrey Sachs is right: Ukraine risks losing Odessa, says Duma member

According to Alexey Chepa, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs, Ukraine is losing ground every day

Nord Stream 2 operator cannot confirm reports about project’s launch in 2020

The cost of construction is estimated at 9.5 billion euros

Iran denies reaching compromise deal with US on opening Strait of Hormuz

There is no agreement on resuming shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and the reports spread on this score are false, the news agency Fars said

Georgia optimistic about restoring strategic partnership with US — PM

Relations between Tbilisi and Washington became strained in 2024 after Georgia passed a law on foreign agents

Major reshuffle made in Bangladeshi army

Lieutenant General Mizanur Rahman Shamim has been appointed Chief of the General Staff of the Bangladeshi Army

Russian Geran, Gerbera drones, Lancet loitering munition hit 3 ships with military cargoes

Russian forces carried out four strikes on targets involved in the transportation of weapons and military equipment

Ukraine to receive 32 Gripen fighter jets from Sweden — PM

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

35 vessels redirected by US military since resumption of blockade of Iran — CENTCOM

Disabled 2, and boarded 2, it wrote on X

Senior Russian lawmaker slams latest US sanctions, sees confidence in dollar cracking

In Vyacheslav Volodin's view, economies can see now that the United States uses the dollar "as an instrument of political pressure"

Russian forces strike Kiev facilities producing missile, drone components — top brass

The Russian Armed Forces struck a facility in Kiev used for the assembly and storage of interceptor drones, the Defense Ministry reported

Coronavirus: Situation in China stabilizes, while global cases are on the rise

The largest outbreak of the virus outside of China has been detected in South Korea

Russia’s Battlegroup North downs over 120 Ukrainian UAVs heading to border areas at night

Air defense crews of the Battlegroup North destroyed all the detected UAVs of the Ukrainian army

Two firefighting helicopters collide west of Athens, two die — TV

According to the television channel, one of the helicopters caught fire and crashed, while the other one made an emergency landing

Over 35 minors killed, some 300 wounded in Ukraine’s attacks in 2026 — diplomat

"Deliberate strikes against children, their murder, and the wounding of children constitute an appalling war crime committed by Ukrainian monsters," Russian Foreign Ministry’s Ambassador at Large Rodion Miroshnik said

Explosion at Moscow cafe kills three people, injures 15 — Interior Ministry

An explosion occurred near a summer cafe at about 08:10 p.m.

Medvedev says all sanctions against Russia are illegal

These are measures not provided for by the UN Charter or other international treaties, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council said

Weapons supplies to Kiev fall into European mafia hands — expert

Alexander Stepanov said that it transforms European organized criminal groups and communities into paramilitary combat units equipped to carry out a wider range of tasks

Top Saudi, Iranian diplomats discuss de-escalation efforts in region

Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud stressed that Riyadh is committed to continuing to play its regional role in ensuring security and stability

Armenian president signs decree on appointing Pashinyan as republic’s PM

At the parliamentary elections held in Armenia on June 7, the ruling Civil Contract party led by Nikol Pashinyan gained 49.75% of the electors’ votes

Russian troops liberate 12 communities in Ukraine operation over week — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted roughly 1,495 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed 16 enemy armored combat vehicles in its areas of responsibility over the week, the Defense Ministry reported

US needs to be careful with licenses for production of its weapons — Trump on Ukraine

The US leader said that Washington had not agreed to supply Kiev with either Patriot system technology or Tomahawk cruise missiles, and questioned this possibility

Russian PM to visit China with two-day visit

During the visit, Mikhail Mishustin will meet President of China Xi Jinping

Ukraine to lose its Western territories sooner or later — Putin

It may not happen tomorrow or the day after tomorrow, It may take one year, two years, 10 years or 15 years, Russian President said

Press review: Putin-Xi-Trump meeting rumors swirl while Kiev plays Poland against Russia

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, July 31st

Russian forces eliminate Ukrainian troops, ground robots near Krasny Liman — ministry

Combat footage shows direct hits by FPV drones, destroying several unmanned ground vehicles and taking out Ukrainian troops," the Russian Defense Ministry said

Iran-Oman talks on Strait of Hormuz nearing completion — top Iranian diplomat

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi noted progress in the negotiations

First ship leaves port of after liberation of Mariupol — Southern Military District

The ship was loaded with metal

Russian drone operators hit gas station used by Ukrainian army in Kramatorsk

The station was used in the interests of the Ukrainian army, the Russian defense ministry said

No hope in human rights situation in Ukraine — Russian Foreign Ministry

Grigory Lukyantsev, Russian Foreign Ministry's department director, says the section on this country has become the largest in the joint report of Russia and Belarus on the human rights situation in some countries

West to produce weapons for Ukraine in neighboring NATO countries — expert

According to Alexander Stepanov, the Terminal Autonomy plant destroyed in Kiev was part of a hybrid model

Russia’s Mariia Zhovner wins gold at European Rowing Championships

The Russian female athlete competing under a neutral status in the lightweight women’s single sculls cleared the distance in 7 minutes and 30.47 seconds

Russian woman wins Supermodel of the Universe — 2023

Representatives from the Philippines, the Netherlands, France, Syria, Nigeria, Moldova, and other countries around the world participated in the competition

At least 14 die, 20 wounded in terror attack in northwestern Pakistan

According to the local police chief, a suicide bomber activated an explosive device after police officers tried to search him at the entrance to the police station near

At least 19 Palestinians killed in Gaza during day as result of Israel’s operations

Sources in Gaza hospitals told Al Jazeera that 12 people were killed in the city of Gaza in the north of the enclave

Mercenaries from six countries fighting alongside Ukraine in Kharkov Region — authorities

According to the official, some of the mercenaries, primarily those from NATO countries, pose themselves as motivated and experienced fighters

Paks NPP in Hungary to be shut down for first time in 44 years — Magyar

Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar noted that the second-to-last power unit at the Paks NPP will be shut down on August 2 due to a further drop in the Danube's water level

Putin, Aliyev discussed arrest of Russian citizens in Baku — Kremlin

Painstaking work now continues, and Russian President Vladimir Putin raised all these sensitive issues, which are being discussed at the working level, Dmitry Peskov said

Russian Maritime Board chief holds talks on maritime logistics cooperation in Algeria

The sides also discussed ensuring security of navigation in the Mediterranean

Israel eliminates three radicals in Gaza Strip — IDF

The three terrorists attempted to advance terror attacks against Israeli civilians and IDF troops, the Israel Defense Forces said

Russia at important point of completing special op — Medvedev

The Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman addressed volunteers of the United Russia Young Guard and the Volunteer Company departing to the special military operation zone

US to assess prospects for resuming Ukraine talks in coming weeks — Rubio

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio asserted that Washington intends to take a number of steps in the coming weeks to assess the prospects for resuming peace talks

Israeli court bans use of crocodiles to secure prisons with terrorists

According to a report by The Jerusalem Post, the court issued this ruling based on a motion from the animal rights organization Let the Animals Live

King of Spain outraged at events in Ceuta — EFE

The monarch said the state must ensure the safety of autonomous cities and prevent the recurrence of such events

Putin calls for ensuring ‘capacity reserve’ when upgrading Eastern polygon project

The head of state drew attention to the fact that when constructing new facilities, one must not forget about the existing infrastructure and maintaining it in standard condition. He stated that this work "has problem areas"

Russia once again being threatened with draconian sanctions — Medvedev

The West’s sanctions policy "assumed a comprehensive, systemic character" in 2014, the Russian Deputy Security Council Chairman noted

Over 40,000 people in Donbas suffer at hands of Ukrainian army since 2014 — ombudsperson

Russian human rights ombudsperson Yana Lantratova drew attention to Ukraine’s gross violation of international humanitarian law

Workers’ Party nominates Lula da Silva candidate for Brazilian president

Incumbent Vice President Geraldo Alckmin will run alongside the Brazilian leader for the vice presidency, the party’s convention decided

Iran presents US with ‘entirely different’ proposal, used as basis for talks — White House

"The Iranians originally put forward a 10-point plan that was fundamentally unserious, unacceptable and completely discarded," Karoline Leavitt said

IN BRIEF: Three dead, 15 injured: what we know about explosion at cafe in center of Moscow

The police and Russia’s National Guard Rosgvardiya restricted access near the residential high-rise on Kudrinskaya Square, where the blast took place

Press review: Russia, EU seek mutual okays on ‘vaccine passports’ and OPEC+ impacts ruble

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, July 9th

Implementation of agreement with Lebanon to depend on Hezbollah’s disarmament

"Israel’s security is not a bargaining chip," adviser in the Israeli prime minister’s office Dmitri Gendelman said.

Ukrainian drone hits site several meters away from reactor unit at Zaporozhye nuke plant

Such actions by the Ukrainian side create direct risks for the nuclear facility, Head of Russia’s Rosatom civil nuclear power corporation Alexey Likhachev said

OPEC+ Monitoring Committee concerned over attacks on global energy infrastructure

The Committee also analyzed the current market situation and "emphasized the essential role of the Declaration of Cooperation in supporting the stability of global energy markets

China becomes first foreign buyer of Russian S-400 air defense system — media

Many foreign countries are interested in purchasing the cutting-edge missile defense system but the Russian defense industry is first of all obliged to supply weapons to the Russian Defense Ministry

Russia seeks sustainable peace in Ukraine conflict — Kremlin spokesman

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

Russia to assist in training nuclear industry staff in Jordan

In September 2015, Russia and Jordan signed a pre-investment agreement on the construction of a nuclear power plant in Jordan

Trump cancels strike on Iran after compromise proposal on Hormuz Strait operation — TV

According to TV Channel 12, the compromise proposal implies that vessels entering the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz will stay in Iran’s territorial waters while vessels exiting the waterway will pass through Oman’s territorial waters

Number of wounded in Moscow cafe blast rises to 21 — National Anti-Terrorism Committee

A woman brought an improvised explosive device to the eatery

Press review: US-Iran strike lull short-lived and Telegram's Durov faces terrorism charges

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, July 30th

US sees profits as key foreign policy goal, Russian diplomat says

According to Rodion Miroshnik, the United States is doing everything possible to preserve and strengthen its hegemony

Over 10 Russian naval ships to hunt down enemy sub in Baltic drills

They will practice mine countermeasures, deliver notional missile strikes on the hypothetical enemy’s warships, carry out artillery firings at the Baltic Fleet’s naval ranges and firings against aerial and naval targets of various complexity, the Baltic Fleet’s press office informed

Russian troops strike Ukrainian army’s transport, energy sites over past day — top brass

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,415 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

Trump says he agreed to cancel a planned major strike on Iran to reach a deal with Tehran

Donald Trump also stressed that the US is ready "to go against the Islamic Republic of Iran, at levels of Military Terror, Strength, and Power not seen since World War II"

Teenage girl dies, two more children wounded after Ukraine drone attack in Belgorod Region

Two more girls, of seven and nine years of age, received shrapnel wounds and were taken to a hospital, the region’s acting governor, Alexander Shuvayev said

15 civilians killed, 51 injured in Ukraine’s attacks on Energodar since late April

Five apartments were destroyed by fire, CEO of Russia’s state nuclear corporation Rosatom Alexey Likhachev said

Russian air defenses down over 6,000 drones flying toward Moscow Region in July — mayor

Sergey Sobyanin also noted that 780 drones were destroyed in July as they approached the capital

Russian forces jit Ukraine’s Pelican radar system in Dnepropetrovsk Region

Pelican radar system was hit with the use of a Geran drone, the Russian defense ministry said

Over 1,000 people went missing in Venezuela during earthquake

Governor Jose Alejandro Teran said that the earthquake affected 8.55% of the state

Moscow, Tehran in contact over Ukrainian attack on Iranian vessel — ambassador

Iranian Ambassador to Moscow Kazem Jalali emphasized that the scope of cooperation between Iran and Russia is very broad

US discussing with Ukraine potential transfer of Patriot production technologies — MP

US President Donald Trump said on July 31 that the United States should be very careful with granting licenses to other countries to manufacture its weapons

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

Venezuela thanks Russia for supporting its efforts in defense of sovereignty — minister

"Today, Russia and Venezuela are consolidating their positions as strategic allies and are ready to expand cooperation in key areas of development and mutual progress," Yvan Gil Pinto added

Donbass Dome system thwarts nearly 140 Ukrainian drone attacks in past week

Ukrainian troops tried to attack a power substation in Donetsk with the use of a FP-2 fixed-wing drone equipped, the Federal Security Service’s department for the Donetsk People’s Republic said

Forces in Europe want historical revenge through conflict with Russia — Kremlin

Among the reasons for the Russophobia of European politicians, the Russian Presidential spokesman singled out "historical traditions"

Russia-Belarus human rights report to be handed over to UN commissioner soon

There has been no official substantive reaction to the reports yet, Grigory Lukyantsev, Russian Foreign Ministry's department director, says

Moscow mayor conveys condolences to families of persons killed in restaurant blast

The perpetrators of this crime will necessarily be found and will face punishment they deserve, Sergey Sobyanin stressed

Lavrov says 30,000 tons of Russian fertilizers to arrive at Kenyan port within days

"Several more countries will receive our fertilizers of those arrested in the European Union under the same mechanism," the Russian foreign minister said

Another batch of Russian humanitarian aid arrives in Iran

Тhe cargoes have been handed over to the Iranian Red Crescent Society, a Dagestan government representative to the Russian trade mission in Iran Andrey Tanayev said

Putin congratulates Russian paratroopers on Airborne Force Day

Russian President said he was confident that the Airborne Force personnel would accomplish the assigned objectives with honor and make considerable contribution to ensuring Russia’s defense capability

Kim reports billions in losses for foreign entrepreneurs due to attacks on Wildberries

Terrorist attacks on Wildberries warehouses constitute force majeure events, the founder of Wildberries and head of RWB said

Deal with Iran still possible — Trump

US President said that he is losing faith in the Iranian authorities because "they do lie, and they do misrepresent" ongoing behind-the-scenes contacts between Washington and Tehran

US still has resources to fuel Ukraine conflict — Russian diplomat

Rodion Miroshnik also pointed out that, at present, keeping the conflict in Ukraine going benefits Washington

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