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US-Israeli strikes on Iran

US will strike Iran if Tehran responds to sanctions with military escalation — secretary

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that the US goal at this stage is to completely isolate Iran economically

WASHINGTON, August 24. /TASS/. The United States will respond rapidly to any Iranian attack if the Islamic Republic reacts to Washington’s promised "unprecedented sanctions" with military escalation, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent wrote in an article for the Financial Times (FT).

Bessent said that US President Donald Trump would respond swiftly and decisively if Iran took military action against US troops or its neighbors in the Persian Gulf as the regime’s power weakened along with its economy. He also said that the US goal at this stage is to completely isolate Iran economically.

Earlier, Bessent wrote on his X page that the US plans to launch a "financial offensive" against Iran on Monday. Trump had previously announced the start of an "economic warfare and isolation" against Iran on an unprecedented scale. The US president also warned that countries whose financial institutions, businesses, airports or government agencies support Tehran would face severe economic consequences from the United States.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry said in response that the US sanctions policy toward Iran is economic terrorism and a crime against humanity. The ministry added that the US administration, the sanctions planners and their enforcers must face appropriate punishment.

Iran sees US military infrastructure in third countries as legitimate targets — MFA

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei expressed hope that countries providing infrastructure to US troops will take "necessary measures"

Ozon logistics center in Makhachkala attacked by drone, casualties reported

A fire broke out, and emergency services are working at the scene, the company said

Over 1,400 militants surrender in Central African Republic over past year

The Commonwealth of Officers for International Security also reported that of these, 932 have completed the reintegration program

Burnham to announce transfer of classified data for production of SCALP missiles to Kiev

The UK prime minister will arrive in Kiev for a visit on August 24

Gaining control of Kudiyevka, Russia advances on two settlements at once — expert

Andrey Marochko says Russian troops are advancing towards Bugayevka and Goptovka

Warehouses catch fire in Dagestan after UAV debris fall

There were no casualties, acting head of the Republic of Dagestan Fyodor Shchukin said

Transport capacity of Northern Sea Route to reach 45 mln tons by year-end — governor

Andrey Chibis noted that a distinct component of the development of the Murmansk transport hub’s logistics will be incorporated into the project for the development of the Arctic and the Trans-Arctic Transport Corridor

Death toll in Houthi strike on vessel rises to four

Another four crew members were injured

Arctic forum participants clean Pechora River coast

After the coastline was cleaned, the forum guests organized a friendly volleyball match on this site, and then launched kites into the sky

Russia’s frigate Admiral Kasatonov returns to base after long-range deployment

Commander of the Northern Fleet Admiral Konstantin Kabantsov received a report from the ship’s crew on the successful completion of their assigned tasks

Kiev’s 'exotic proposals' for peace merely imitation of peacemaking — envoy

Rodion Miroshnik says European countries "have already promised Kiev colossal sums of money" to continue the conflict

Intensity of attacks on Donbass, Novorossiya directly linked to Western subsidies — envoy

Rodion Miroshnik said that after the 90-billion-euro loan to Ukraine was approved by the EU in April, a sharp escalation began

New coalition of states could form around Trans-Arctic Corridor — expert

Irina Strelnikova, director of the Center for Interdisciplinary Arctic Studies at the Higher School of Economics, said that China, India, and the United Arab Emirates could become potential participants in this alliance

No party to gain significant advantage in US Congress after midterm elections — expert

The president’s party almost always loses seats in the Senate and the House in the midterms, so that is the baseline expectation, Professor of Political Science from the California Institute of Technology Rod Kiewiet said

Putin says economy behind motives of Polish PM Tusk's words about Nord Stream

The Russian president noted that initially the Nord Stream-2 route was planned to stretch across Poland

Air defense repelling drone attack targeting industrial zone of Nevinnomyssk

Governor Vladimir Vladimirov says that some drones have been shot down

Top Iranian diplomat compares US sanctions to movie seen many times before

According to the Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, the United States’ new anti-Iranian course is doomed to failure, as were all of its previous attempts

Armenia to soon begin process of applying for EU membership — PM

Nikol Pashinyan has reiterated that a referendum makes sense when the discussion of the issue has reached a turning point

Voting at Kazakhstan’s parliamentary elections over

Voting at overseas polling stations continue

Houthis attack Yemeni port of Mokha with missiles, drones

The Houthis also attempted an attack on an oil tanker in the Bab El Mandeb Strait

Israel warns Hamas against launching drones from Gaza

It would target those responsible for that, the Israeli prime minister’s office said

Israel won't put up with Turkey's military presence in Syria — Netanyahu

The Israeli prime minister said that the prior warnings on the issue were not heard "clearly enough"

Netanyahu’s office says Syria allowed Turkish troops onto airbase near Aleppo

Israel "will not tolerate threats to its security and would welcome a return to the status quo," the statement says

Russian Embassy in UK denies allegations on Moscow’s plans to lower relations with London

As for the state of Russia-UK relations across all areas, they have deteriorated to an unprecedentedly low level entirely on London's initiative, the Russian Embassy said

Japan accelerates line toward militarization — DPRK

The authors of the report highlighted the events held on August 15 at Tokyo’s Yasukuni Shrine, which is viewed in North Korea and several other Asian countries as a symbol of militarism

Ukraine attacks Ozon warehouse in Orenburg with drones — official

There are no casualties

Trump loses trade war with Canada — The Atlantic

According to the article, the pressure directed at Ottawa has not proven effective

Kiev attacks civilian targets to exert political pressure on Russia — envoy

Rodion Miroshnik added that his working trip to Novorossiya confirmed information about attempts to blockade entire cities, complicate logistics, disrupt the delivery of food, priority goods and medicines, and the supply of energy and water

Israel could cease to exist after the Middle East conflict — senior Russian officer

Apty Alaudinov says Israel’s objective is to drag both the US and the entire NATO bloc into the struggle

Western NGOs implicated in attempts to destabilize Russia ahead of elections — legislator

Vasily Piskarev highlighted that personnel from Western NGOs were engaged in training provocateurs to be used the electoral period

Israel sees US joint mechanism to resolve Gaza problem pointless — portal

"Just as it is clear that Hamas will not disarm of its own free will, so it is clear that such mechanisms will not work," the source said

Russian Soyuz-2.1b rocket with spacecraft lifts off from Plesetsk spaceport — ministry

The rocket carries a spacecraft in the Russian Defense Ministry’s interests

Six people injured in Nevada wildfire — agency

According to the report by the Associated Press, the fire dubbed Hawk spread across 53 square kilometers

Russia not to put up with Kiev holding neo-Nazism as basis of state ideology — Putin

The current Ukrainian government has laid the foundation for the state the neo-Nazism ideology, Russian President said

US will strike Iran if Tehran responds to sanctions with military escalation — secretary

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that the US goal at this stage is to completely isolate Iran economically

New York Times highlights problems with three key factors of global food system

The assumptions of seamless trade, cheap energy, and stable climate are not met, the article says

New corruption scandal in Kiev directly involves Zelensky, former PM says

Nikolay Azarov added that the new scandal involves "people who came to his office almost every day"

Voter turnout at Kazakhstan parliamentary elections exceeds 65% by late afternoon

The lowest turnout was reported in the country’s largest city of Almaty at 36.65%, and the largest in the Kyzylorda region at 81.38%, according to the CEC

Minsk, Pyongyang to sign visa-free travel agreement soon - top Belarusian diplomat

They will sign it in the near future, Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov said

Countries unsympathetic with Russia note Nazism heroization in Ukraine — Putin

Despite the well-known Russophobia in Polish politics, the Polish authorities are paying serious attention to the fundamental foundations of today's Ukrainian statehood, Russian President said

Kiev loses nearly 9,900 soldiers, mercenaries over week of fighting — expert

Andrey Marochko stated that fighters of Russia’s Battlegroup East inflicted the heaviest losses on the enemy

Independent candidate for US president sees rich opportunities in space cooperation

That is cooperation to protect our precious little planet from being struck by an incoming asteroid or comet, Diane Sare said

Dry cargo ship carrying weapons hit in port of Chernomorsk

Moreover, seven fuel storage tanks were hit, the Russian Defense Ministry said

Diversification in energy sector to be discussed at EEF — official

Deputy Prime Minister Yury Trutnev added that business dialogues with representatives from China, India, the UAE, Mongolia, Vietnam, and ASEAN countries are scheduled as part of the forum

Two children killed, seven injured after UAV debris fell on children’s center in Krasnodar

Two adults have been hospitalized, Governor Veniamin Kondratyev said

Ukraine signs documents on drone production in Finland

Vladimir Zelensky and Finnish President Alexander Stubb took part in a roundtable meeting on defense cooperation in Kiev

Resolution of fuel issues underway, PM Mishustin keeps situation under control — Putin

A special commission has been set up, Russian President said

Russia expands control zone in Novogrigorovka in DPR with drones — expert

Andrey Marochko says almost all Ukrainian units have retreated from the settlement

82,000 square meters of St. Petersburg warehouse on fire — Emergencies Ministry

The warehouse building measures 680 by 120 meters

West may replace Zelensky with ‘cheaper character’ — expert

According to Alexander Dudchak, a leading researcher at the Institute of CIS Countries, Vladimir Zelensky puts too much into his pocket

PSG with Safonov in squad drew with Rennes in opening round of French championship

In the next round, PSG will play against Lille

Minsk, Pyongyang to sign visa-free travel agreement soon — top Belarusian diplomat

Maxim Ryzhenkov added that the agreement is ready, with only several technical aspects remaining

Pashinyan says to be pleased if Armenia were expelled from CSTO

The Armenian PM said he knew that such discussions were underway within the alliance

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The enemy is trying to intimidate Russians and disrupt the upcoming parliamentary elections, due in September, but these attempts will fail, the president said

Russian troops hit Ukrainian army’s energy, transport infrastructure sites in past day

Targets attacked by operational/tactical aviation, attack drones, missile forces, and artillery

Iran to attack other oil export routes if Gulf countries support US sanctions — official

Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Mohsen Rezaei said that "not a single drop of oil will be shipped from the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz" if Iran's neighbors join the sanctions

Witkoff, Kushner’s visit to Moscow delayed — source

This visit is unlikely to take place before the end of August, the source said

Israel hits Hamas weapons manufacturing site in Gaza Strip, eliminates its commander

According to IDF, the attacked Hamas weapons manufacturing site was located "near an aid distribution point operated by an international organization"

What is known about preliminary results of elections to Kazakhstan’s new parliament

According to the Central Election Commission, 9,351,539 of the country’s 12,623,289 eligible voters participated in the election

Kiev glorifies those behind killing hundreds of thousands of Russians, Poles, Jews — Putin

The basis of the Ukrainian statehood today is based on this neo-Nazi ideology, Russian President said

Russia’s cutting-edge weaponry capable of ‘blinding’ enemy's army

TASS outlines domestic electronic warfare systems

Five parties surpassing 5% threshold to win seats in Kazakh parliament — exit polls

The Adilet party scored more than 70% of votes

Nearly 270 Ukrainian drones taken down over Russian regions during day

Russian air defense systems intercepted and destroyed Ukrainian fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles over Crimea, the Arkhangelsk, Belgorod, Bryansk, Kaluga, Kursk, Oryol, Rostov, Smolensk, Tula, Moscow, and Krasnodar Regions, and the Black Sea, he Russian defense ministry said

Candidate for US president calls for more active humanitarian exchanges with Russia

There are far more similarities than differences between the two nations, Diane Sare said

West's war on Russia, Russian flag as symbol of justice — Lavrov’s remarks

The foreign minister emphasized that the West will try to disrupt the September elections to the State Duma, but "these plans will thwarted"

Ozon’s logistics center in Krasnodar attacked by drone

According to preliminary information, there were no casualties

Russian military keeps attaining special op’s goals, accelerate offensive — Putin

The Russian armed forces keep successfully coping with their tasks until the goals of the special military operation are achieved, Russian President said

FACTBOX: Aftermath of Ukrainian drone attack on Russia, three kids killed in Krasnodar

The Russian e-commerce company Ozon evacuated its warehouses in Adygeisk and Nevinnomyssk due to the threat of a drone attack

Five parties win seats in Kazakh unicameral parliament following election results — CEC

The Adilet party received 71.17% of the vote

Akhmat Kadyrov's name to be forever inscribed in history of Russia — Putin

The Russian president pointed out that "Akhmat-Khadzhi was a courageous man, who understood very well how hard the burden was and what risks he was going to take on"

Russian military satellite delivered into target orbit — Defense Ministry

According to the report, stable telemetry communication has been established and is maintained with the satellite

American lawmakers’ visit to Russia to help in fight against Russophobia in US

Dialogue is always better than silence, independent candidate for US President Diane Sare said

US Navy has announced development of ultra-long-range air-to-air missile

The range of the AIM-424 missile exceeds 460 km

Russia ready to undertake mediation efforts to stabilize Middle East — MFA

Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Alimov emphasized that the situation in Lebanon is a factor complicating attempts to revitalize the negotiation process between Washington and Tehran

Government must keep under control situation with fuel — Putin

There are certain inconveniences for people, Russian President said

US sanctions against Iran will backfire on US economy, Iranian parliament speaker warns

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf illustrated the boomerang effect by several photos showing that economic pressure on Iran and disruptions in energy markets would ultimately have consequences for the United States

Iran will not accept US conditions for ending conflict — Foreign Ministry

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei pointed out that the country responsible for initiating the armed conflict should bear the consequences of its actions

NATO, EU to be unable to talk their way out publicly from assisting Ukraine — Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister pointed out that Russia will be taking into account everything that "openly Russophobic elites are doing now in Britain, in Brussels, in Paris, in Berlin, in other NATO and EU countries, in the vast majority of these countries"

Russian athletes win medal count at 2026 European Artistic Gymnastics Championships

The Italian team took second place, athletes from Great Britain came in third

Russia’s Team Spirit grabs Dota 2 trophy at The International for third time

The tournament was held in Shanghai

Nvidia in $6 billion deal to create competitor to Chinese AI models — WSJ

According to sources cited by the newspaper, the deal will allow the company to use AI startup Poolside’s technologies and hire most of its engineers

Putin, Trump to talk to each other at APEC summit if both are there — presidential aide

According to Yury Ushakov, there are no signals or hints in this regard yet as the summit is still three months away

Press review: Ukraine crisis nears peak as Israel-Turkey tensions rise over Syria

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, August 20th

Kiev builds up grouping near Druzhkovka to contain Russia — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, there is an influx of enemy personnel and equipment both in the settlement of Raiskoye and in Alekseyevo-Druzhkovka

High-level delegations from Syria, Israel hold talks in Jordan — agency

According to a source cited by SANA, the sides discussed the need to halt Israeli aggression against Syria and return to the negotiating table

Battlegroup South air defenses down 99 Ukrainian fixed-wing UAVs, 122 heavy rotor drones

Spokesman Vadim Astafyev reported that unmanned systems forces in the Kramatorsk and Slavyansk directions destroyed 54 enemy communication antennas and UAVs, as well as 37 ground robotic systems

Russian plane extinguishes major wildfire hotspots in Serbia

According to the Russian emergencies ministry, over the four days of participating in firefighting operations, the aircraft has performed 19 flights and dropped an overall of 798 tons of water

Magnitude 6.0 earthquake strikes off Japan’s Hokkaido

No casualties of damage were reported

Gold price surpasses $4,700 per troy ounce first since May 14

As of 2:30 a.m. GMT, the price of gold reached $4,713.8 per ounce

AfD to withdraw Germany from eurozone, Schengen Agreement if comes to power - leader

Germany was much better off before the introduction of the euro, co-chair of the Alternative for Germany Alice Weidel said

Shock from massive drone attacks on Donbass and Novorossiya mostly over — envoy

Rodion Miroshnik said that Russian authorities are finding ways to reduce the pressure from Ukraine and to create acceptable living conditions for the civilian population

Iran has scenario to avoid impacts of US sanctions — IRGC spokesman

In Hossein Mohebi's words, the Iranian authorities "are developing economic ties right under the United States' nose, bypassing them, and the results will be seen in the near future"

US to launch 'financial offensive' against Iran on Monday — Treasury Secretary

Scott Bessent added that the US was "entering the endgame" in the conflict

70 vessels redirected by US military since resumption of blockade of Iran - CENTCOM

U.S. forces have redirected 70 commercial vessels, disabled 3 and boarded 2 to ensure compliance

Large gas field discovered in Iran

The field also contains gas condensate

IN BRIEF: Russian forces strike fuel tanker, ports used in Ukrainian army’s supplies

The Russian Armed Forces delivered strikes by air-launched precision-guided weapons and attack UAVs

Two clergymen injured after Ukrainian drone attack near church in Gorlovka

At the moment of the attack, the clergymen were at a parking lot in front of the church

Houthis attack Tihama again during rescue operation

One member of the rescue team was injured

Russian stock market declines at start of trading session

The yuan rose by 5.45 kopecks from the previous trading session’s closing level to 12.391 rubles at the opening of Moscow Exchange trading

Kiev sends elite units to stabilize front in Dobropolye, DPR — expert

Andrey Marochko says Ukrainian command is trying to stabilize the situation amid a panic-ridden sentiment in the army caused by the advance of Russian forces