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Middle East conflict

Yemen’s Houthis claim missile attack on Saudi oil tanker in Red Sea

According to Houthi Military Spokesman Yahya Saria, the rebels struck oil tanker Wafa using several ballistic missiles

DOHA, August 5. /TASS/. The Houthis from the Yemeni Ansar Allah rebel movement have used ballistic missiles to hit a Saudi oil tanker Wafa in the northern part of the Red Sea, Houthi Military Spokesman Yahya Saria stated.

According to him, rebels "struck a Saudi oil tanker Wafa in the northern part of the Red Sea near [the port city of] Yanbu using several ballistic missiles." Saria said the strike was accurate.

The Ansar Allah military spokesman noted that since rebels imposed a naval blockade on July 22, the Houthis have attacked a total of eight Saudi oil tankers. Moreover, he said that 29 oil tankers were forced to alter their course in the Red and Arabian Seas. Saria added that Saudi Arabia is rerouting its vessels to the northern part of the Red Sea, attempting to bypass the rebels’ blockade of the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. In response, the Houthis threatened to expand their operations in the north in order to block all routes for Saudi vessels within the framework of the ‘blockade-for-blockade’ strategy.

Trump declines Zelensky’s request for additional Patriot interceptors — newspaper

According to the sources, the US leader cited shortages in US interceptor stocks linked to the military operation against Iran

Russia’s ZALA UAVs destroy Ukraine’s Leopard tank with lancet loitering munition

The Russian Defense Ministry reported that ZALA UAV operators quickly detected enemy equipment being transported to the line of contact behind enemy lines

US, Iran exchanging peace drafts through intermediaries — Qatari Foreign Ministry

Majed bin Mohammed al-Ansari said the documents "had been prepared on behalf of both governments"

Another vessel ablaze off Odessa — media

According to the media outlet, the ship has sustained damage

Zelensky’s 40-day plan fails — Duma lawmaker

Alexey Chepa noted that Ukraine continued to lose territory in the special military operation zone

Russia's Alrosa holds 50% of world's diamond reserves — Putin

The head of state specified that the company's output figures accounted for about 30% of global production

EU net gas injection tops 32 bln cubic meters ahead of winter

Europe has so far managed to inject only 47% of the volumes required for the upcoming winter

Appointment of new commander-in-chief of Ukrainian military escalates terrorism — MFA

Russian Foreign Ministry Ambassador-at-Large Rodion Miroshnik emphasized that during the period of Mikhail Drapaty's tenure as commander-in-chief, approximately 950 civilians have already been affected, including more than one hundred killed

Killed and injured in Moscow Region, 320 downed UAVs: aftermath of drone attacks on Russia

On-duty air defenses intercepted Ukrainian fixed-wing drones over 19 Russian regions

Press review: US-Iran seek talks as Ukraine ups civilian hits and Syria oil route emerges

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, August 4th

Iran still in talks with Oman on safe passage vis Strait of Hormuz — Iranian diplomat

Esmaeil Baghaei emphasized that the negotiations are focused on determining safe shipping routes for vessels in both directions taking into account the national security considerations of Iran and Oman

Russian troops create interceptor drone with maximum speed of over 500 km/h

The Astra-PVO can destroy unmanned aerial vehicles by kinetic energy or by a warhead

Russia to restrict transit of EU poultry meat, by-products from August 5

The decision was made to prevent the spread of epizootics and protect consumers

Russian diver win bronze at 2026 European Aquatics Championships

This is Russia’s fourth bronze medal at the European Championship in addition to previously won three gold and four silver medals

Russian divers win gold at 2026 European Aquatics Championships

This is Russia’s third gold medal at the European Championship in addition to previously won four silver and three bronze medals

Russian forces strike largest Nova Post logistics hub in Kiev

Russian forces also hit an Epicenter logistics hub in the Ukrainian capital

Talks on prisoner swaps with Ukraine not proceeding smoothly — ombudswoman

According to Yana Lantratova, her office is currently working on the lists for swaps

Anonymous posts on social networks call for new mass migration to Ceuta — portal

According to the news portal, "in recent hours, users have been sharing posts, indicating the specific time of the proposed action - the night of August 15 to 16"

Syrian troops’ movements on border coordinated with Iraqi army — commander

Iraqi border troops commander Brigadier General Mohammad Al-Saidi stressed that the situation on the border with Syria is normal

US has no plans to withdraw its troops from Somalia — US Africa Command

The AFRICOM commander described Somalia as strategically important for the US due to its proximity to key maritime trade routes

Russian nuclear-powered icebreaker sustained plating damage in Kara Sea

The 50 let Pobedy icebreaker was built at the Baltic Shipyard in St. Petersburg

EU seeking to phase out software from US company Palantir — newspaper

According to Politico, the success or failure of these efforts will determine Europe’s digital sovereignty

US anti-Russian sanctions to harm Washington more than Moscow — portal

Responsible Statecraft said the tightening of sanctions against Russia will not accelerate the settlement of the conflict in Ukraine, but will only emphasize that the United States does not seek peace

No Russian citizens contacting embassy in Cuba for assistance due to blackout — envoy

Viktor Koronelli also added that blackouts occur regularly in Cuba

Brazilian president, Russian Maritime Board chief hold talks on international security

During the talks, topical issues of Russian-Brazilian cooperation were discussed

Even mild winter could turn into nightmare for Ukraine — expert

Vasily Koltashov, director of the Institute of New Society, said that a mild winter with fluctuating temperatures would damage water supply systems

Almost all recent illegal migrants leave Ceuta for Morocco — Foreign Ministry

According to the press release, illegally entering Spain through Ceuta or Melilla does not grant the right to remain in the country, enter mainland Spain, or travel freely across Europe

Tourists from 64 countries can visit Russia using e-visa — prime minister

According to Mikhail Mishustin, the permitted period of stay in Russia has almost doubled from 16 to 30 days

Russia’s artistic swimmers win gold in team event at 2026 European Aquatics Championships

This is Russia’s second gold medal at the European Aquatics in addition to previously won four silver and three bronze medals

Mother of Russians killed in Thailand sees execution as too lenient for killers — relative

The relatives added that the cremation will take place on the territory of Thailand

Trump says Strait of Hormuz to be opened very soon

The US leader pointed out that the discussions were very good

Zelensky announces further purges in Ukraine’s Security Service

Vladimir Zelensky changed SBU regional directorate chiefs in eight Ukrainian regions

Vladimir Medinsky: I’m conflictless but obstinate

Russian Culture Minister Vladimir Medinsky in TASS special project Top Officials

NATO can deploy nuclear weapons in Finland without government approval — politician

According to Armando Mema, no public debate was made on that issue

Kiev’s 40-day plan results in losses on front, in economy — Russian MP

Konstantin Basyuk noted that "now is not the time to relax"

Syria deploys troops to border with Iraq, puts army on high alert — TV

No reasons for this move were provided

Russia’s Africa Corps takes out Ukrainian drone operators in Mali — military officer

According to the helicopter pilot, the nationality of drone operators was identified through radio intercepts and statements from captured militants

Fire breaks out at Wildberries logistics facility in Leningrad Region — company

A preemptive evacuation was carried out at the facility, there are no casualties

What is known about detention of Russians plotting terrorist attacks in Sevastopol

The detainees conducted sabotage and terrorist activities in the Republic of Crimea under the instructions of Ukrainian intelligence services

Ukraine's farm sector stands to lose $3 billion in 2026 due to port closures — Reuters

Purchase prices for oilseeds and grains have declined by an average of 30% in Ukraine

US military redirects 45 vessels since resumption of blockade of Iran — CENTCOM

According to the statement, the US forces boarded two vessels to ensure compliance

Number of migrants arriving in EU by sea decreases by 37% — Frontex

The flow of migrants using land routes through the Balkans decreased by 24%

Trump expects Iran’s renunciation of nuclear weapons to be formalized

The US leader stressed that Iran "would never have a nuclear weapon"

Defense chief reveals classified details of German RCH 155 deliveries to Kiev

During a visit to the KNDS plant in Kassel, Boris Pistorius said that the "wheeled howitzer has proven itself in Ukraine"

NATO deceives Georgia, Ukraine by promising to admit them — Georgia’s ruling party

Kakha Kaladze said NATO no longer hesitates to openly state that joining the alliance is actually impossible and out of the question

Nearly 185 Ukrainian drones flying toward Moscow during day — mayor

Most of them were neutralized on the far approaches, Sergey Sobyanin said

Ukraine risks losing statehood by continuing cooperation with West — expert

In these circumstances, the special military operation is necessary to liberate ordinary Ukrainians, Vladimir Karasev said

Fire at Wildberries sorting center occurs in Tula Region during Ukraine’s UAV attack

According to operational information, damage was recorded in two apartment buildings in the Venevsky district, as well as at two industrial facilities in Novomoskovsk and the Uzlovsky district

Coordinated information campaign may be behind migration crisis in Ceuta — GFCN

According to the Global Fact-Checking Network, the main trigger for this information campaign was a ruling announced by Spain’s Supreme Court on July 8

UNICEF calls on Ukraine to honor international humanitarian law after attack on Gelendzhik

The United Nations Children's Fund noted in a statement posted on its website that over the past several days, "children have again been killed and injured in attacks in the Russian Federation"

Hormuz deal involves ships entering Persian Gulf through Iran — WSJ

According to the newspaper, Tehran requested the right to charge a toll for the passage of ships, guarantees of non-resumption of attacks, lifting the US naval blockade and easing sanctions against Iranian oil

Russian fighters drive wedges into Ukraine’s defenses near Novaya Sech — military expert

Andrey Marochko noted that Russian servicemen are also pressing on the settlement of Maryino, which is located southeast of Khrapovshchina

Indian ship comes under fire near Yemen, sailors rescued

India strongly condemned the attack on the mechanised sailing vessel

Air defenses destroy eight Ukrainian drones in Kaluga Region, no casualties reported

Emergency response teams are working on the ground

Over 80% of power plants destroyed in Ukraine — official

Ukraine began experiencing power supply problems in late 2025 amid severe cold weather and significant damage to energy infrastructure

India's position not to allow creation of 'Asian NATO' out of QUAD — Indian expert

Robinder Sachdev said that the administration of US President Donald Trump adheres to a new strategic doctrine

Saudi Arabia hosting Intervision in 2026 not guaranteed — TASS source

Key organizational matters such as the timing, the list of participants and the program of the event are in question

Chisinau Court of Appeal restricts activities of party led by former Gagauzia head

The court has established that the restriction period shall be calculated from September 25, 2025

Russia ready for negotiations on Ukraine with mature approach from West — MFA

Mikhail Galuzin added that Moscow has "repeatedly demonstrated this"

Saudi Arabia in talks with Houthis to de-escalate conflict — Bloomberg

At the same time Saudi Arabia is preparing for war, if the negotiations collapse

US, Iran engaged in closed contacts regarding conflict — Pakistani ambassador to Moscow

Faisal Niaz Tirmizi also emphasized that the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding signed in June serves as confirmation of Pakistan's effective mediating role

Kiev’s strikes on infrastructure depend on Western navigational support — Russian diplomat

According to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, Moscow will continue to counter these strikes using military, political and diplomatic means

Pentagon chief denies depletion of stocks of key munitions in US armed forces

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth stressed that this information is not true

Nadezhda crew under medical care in Novorossiysk after Ukraine’s drone attack

The Turkish Transport Ministry said the rest of the crew are allocated at a hotel and are reportedly in good condition

Lukashenko considering creating powerful anti-drone weapon

According to the Belarusian leader, as quoted by his press service, the state and society pin high hopes on the new Academy of Intelligent Technologies

Black Sea region may not withstand escalation as Iran war rages — expert

Canan Tercan believes that Turkey's calls on the parties of the conflict to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue are a strategic necessity from the point of view of regional stability

Russian troops liberate Baksheyevka community in Kharkov Region over past day — top brass

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,435 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

World’s oceans once again becoming key arena of geopolitical rivalry — presidential aide

Nikolay Patrushev stressed the importance of discussing the expansion of Russia-Brazil cooperation in maritime logistics, advanced maritime technologies and other areas

NATO admits using Palantir AI to manage combat operations — Politico

A NATO official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Politico that Palantir AI "has unparalleled capabilities to process heaps of satellite imagery"

Senior Russian diplomat outlines conditions for Ukraine talks

According to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, Russia had yet to receive substantive proposals from Western countries regarding the Ukraine issue

Zelensky’s 40-day plan opens 'portal to hell' for Ukraine — Duma member

Leonid Slutsky said that Ukraine is systematically being cut off from weapons supply routes and risks facing its worst winter yet

Putin signs law regulating digital currencies, digital rights in Russia

The document establishes operational frameworks for crypto exchanges, digital depositories, and market participants

Moscow can’t accept collective EU, NATO response to message on indivisibility of security

Russia is waiting for a detailed response from each side, Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova informed

S-400 systems ‘triumphantly’ down 10 Ukrainian MiG-29s in one day in 2023 — journal

According to Chief of the Air Defense Missile Forces of the Russian Aerospace Forces Major General Alexander Romanenkov, at that time, 24 aircraft were shot down in a week, using a new method

Iran, Oman plan to open new central 'corridor' through Strait of Hormuz — TV

The source said US President Donald Trump was attempting to interfere in negotiations between Iran and Oman to claim credit for a future agreement between Muscat and Tehran

Iran-Oman agreement may formalize Tehran’s control of Strait of Hormuz

According to the report, vessels heading into the Persian Gulf would transit a channel controlled by Iran, and close to its coast, while ships leaving the Gulf would travel on a channel near Oman

ONGC, Sodeco to have stakes in new Sakhalin-1 project operator

The Sakhalin-1 operator is to prepare required documents for the transfer of participation interests

Postponed visit of Pakistani Prime Minister to Russia expected in fall — envoy to Moscow

Faisal Niaz Tirmizi noted that as soon as the sides agree on dates, all details will be finalized in the next few weeks, if not in the next few days

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

Casualties, fire at Wildberries sorting center, 475 UAVs: aftermath of drone attacks

On-duty air defenses intercepted and destroyed Ukrainian drones over 17 Russian regions

Zelensky statements about attacks on merchant ships unacceptable — Turkish trade union

Efecan Ozcan added that the Maritime Workers Platform strongly opposes attacks that turn the Black Sea into a battlefield

US preparing to announce deal with Iran, Oman on Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday — Axios

According to the news portal, the agreement's effect may be extended beyond 60 days

North Korea to take further measures regarding Japan — official

Kim Yo Jong accused Tokyo of speeding up the country’s transformation into "a military state," pointing to the recent test launch of a Tomahawk cruise missile from a Japanese destroyer, Japan’s joint drills with the United States, the deployment of long-range weapons and the development of offensive weapons

Lavrov to lead Russian delegation at UN General Assembly session in New York

The 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly will open on September 8

US-Iran deal could be reached as early as August 4-5 — Bessent

According to the US Treasury Secretary, the agreement would guarantee freedom of navigation through the waterway

China's economy to exceed 170 trillion yuan by 2030 — premier

Li Qiang noted that China will promote a high-quality development of its economy, strive to expand domestic demand by stimulating consumption, and fully unlock the potential of its market with a population of 1.4 billion people

Thai foreign ministry conveys letter of condolence to Lavrov over murder of Russians

Director General of the European Department of the Thai Foreign Ministry Somrudee Poophronnack confirmed that Thailand attaches great importance to this case

Hainan unveils development plan for 'Silicon Valley' of China's seed industry up to 2030

The establishment of the seed breeding Silicon Valley will be completed in two phases

Stocks of key Pentagon munitions reach dangerously low levels — CNN

The main reason for the depletion of air defense stocks was the war with Iran

Poland scrambles fighter jets for second day due to Russian Il-20 aircraft over Baltic Sea

The Polish military reported four such incidents in July

Qatari, US leaders hold phone call to discuss de-escalation between US, Iran

American President Donald Trump lauded Doha’s role in supporting diplomatic efforts and promoting dialogue between the parties in the interests of enhancing regional security

Kiev, by bombing economic infrastructure, attempts to escalate — deputy foreign minister

Mikhail Galuzin stressed that the Kiev regime is apparently trying to 'beg' more weapons from its Western sponsors

Ukraine’s air defenses fail to intercept even one Russian missile overnight

Russia launched Tsirkon and Iskander missiles, among others, on targets in Ukraine

Switzerland suspects 24 cases of involvement of its citizens in combat on Ukraine’s side

According to latest data, 10 proceedings have been completed while 14 are ongoing

No evacuation of employees of Russian institutions in Cuba currently considered — envoy

Viktor Koronelli noted that blackouts are occurring one after another as a result of the criminal fuel and energy blockade of the Caribbean republic by the United States

Geran drones strike five dry cargo ships at Nikolayev port, near Odessa

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the ships were involved in delivering military supplies to the Ukrainian armed forces

Inflicting defeat on Russia, powerful nuclear power, impossible — deputy foreign minister

Mikhail Galuzin pointed out that the West is striving to do so through the hands of its Kiev puppets

EU, NATO responsible for bloody disintegration of Yugoslavia — Russian Embassy

The Russian diplomatic mission also noted that the experience of the events in Serbian Krajina "convincingly demonstrates the catastrophic consequences of encouraging nationalist radicalism"

India to continue modernizing its Sukhoi Su-30MKI multirole fighters — Defense Ministry

The fighter jets will be armed with a variety of long-range missiles, including the Russian-Indian-made BrahMos supersonic cruise missile

Number of killed, injured at hands of Ukrainian army grows 25% compared to June — MFA

According to the data, in the week from June 15 to 21, the number of killed and injured was 291, while in the week from July 27 to August 2, it reached 391

Russian troops strike auto equipment plant, military cargo ships, port terminal in Ukraine

Throughout July, Russian troops struck over 80 sea vessels at Ukrainian ports and in the Black Sea