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Strait of Hormuz developments

Israel to attack Iranian nuclear facilities if Tehran escalates tensions — portal

The country is interested in maintaining the status quo but is prepared to escalate if necessary

WASHINGTON, September 2. /TASS/. The Israeli military plans to strike Iranian nuclear facilities if Tehran launches an attack on Israel first, Al-Monitor reported, citing sources in the Israeli leadership.

According to the sources, Israel is currently seeking to avoid a direct confrontation with Iran amid ongoing US strikes against the Islamic Republic. The country is interested in maintaining the status quo but is prepared to escalate if necessary.

At the same time, Israeli leaders acknowledge that Iranian authorities could launch limited strikes against Israel under domestic pressure from more radical elements. The Israeli Air Force remains on high alert. Should tensions escalate, the Israeli military’s primary targets would be Iranian nuclear facilities, while energy and transport infrastructure, as well as government institutions, would be considered secondary targets.

Last night, US Central Command reported a series of strikes against targets in Iran. According to Press TV, explosions were reported along the country’s southern coast, including on Qeshm Island and in several cities. In retaliation, Iranian forces struck US military targets in Jordan, Bahrain, and Iraq.

Strait of Hormuz developments

Two tankers in Strait of Hormuz struck mines, engulfed in flames — IRGC

The IRGC stressed that recent US strikes on southern Iran would in no way weaken the Islamic Republic’s control over the Strait of Hormuz

US strikes Jiroft airport in southern Iran — TV

The US Central Command said earlier that se series of strikes had been delivered on targets in Iran

Communique based on results of G20 finance ministers' meeting not agreed upon — Bessent

The head of the US Treasury Department noted that the United States had prepared a final statement as the chair of this meeting

AI-equipped drone strikes on civilian targets in LPR are not operator errors, expert says

The Ukrainian military has increased the number of strikes on cars, private homes and civilian infrastructure throughout the LPR over the past days

Publication of critical infrastructure list not planned — first deputy Russian PM

It is done for security reasons, Denis Manturov said

Bessent stresses importance of contacts with Russia for settlement in Ukraine

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized that the conflict cannot be solved, if the sides don't talk

Press review: CIA chief's Moscow visit raises questions as Russia warns UK of retaliation

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, August 28th

Putin confident Rosatom will launch power unit at Akkuyu NPP in 2026

The Russian president said the company is on schedule

Mohe-Nayba international transport corridor to be built in Russian Far East

The project includes the creation of a combined international border crossing with China, the construction of the deepwater port of Nayba, a new railway line of around 1,300 km from Nizhny Bestyakh to Nayba with access to the port

EU defense ministers make no progress in finding Patriot missiles for Kiev — Kallas

The EU top diplomat reiterated that countries with limited remaining stocks of Patriot missiles nearing their expiration dates should send them to Ukraine

Kremlin aide dismisses rumors of Putin’s refusal to meet with CIA chief

Yury Ushakov said there were no such plans

Su-57 fighter jet’s engine can withstand critical temperature of 2,000 degrees — Rostec

The Su-57 is the world’s only fifth-generation fighter that has proven its ability in a real combat environment to efficiently counter Western-made air defense systems

Yerevan says EU bid doesn't nullify EAEU membership — PM

Nikol Pashinyan noted that Armenia had analyzed the legal framework and had found no violations of Armenia’s obligations to Russia and the EAEU

German MFA summons Russian envoy over Leipzig drone incident — foreign minister

Germany will tighten entry controls for Russian nationals, Wadephul added

Putin, Erdogan discuss Black Sea situation one-on-one — Kremlin aide

The meeting lasted almost an hour and a half

Number of people injured in US strike on wedding ceremony in Iran rises to 68

The wounded have been taken to hospitals in Sirik and Minab

Russia’s air defenses destroy 13 Ukrainian smart bombs, 1,050 UAVs over past day

Russian servicemen liberated the settlements of Novopavlovka and Chervonaya Krinitsa in the Zaporozhye Region over the past 24 hours

UAC plans to produce six Il-114-300 aircraft in 2028, later reach 12 per year

According to the Managing Director Daniil Brenerman, since the Il-114-300 was certified, the company has received a large number of requests for the aircraft from airlines not only in the Russian Far East but also in the European part of Russia and Siberia

Berlin deserves strike on all its facilities making military equipment for Kiev — Medvedev

The Russian senior official also described Vladimir Zelensky’s threats against civil aviation in Russian airspace as an attempt by the "Banderite regime" to engage in state terrorism

Two tankers in Strait of Hormuz struck mines, engulfed in flames — IRGC

The IRGC stressed that recent US strikes on southern Iran would in no way weaken the Islamic Republic’s control over the Strait of Hormuz

Russia, China to discuss making visa-free travel permanent — Kremlin

The issue will be discussed and agreed upon by the two sides, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said

Turkey, Russia enjoy unprecedented level of bilateral relations development — Erdogan

The significance of Russian tourists for Turkey is very great and multifaceted, the Turkish president added

Online sales may account for around one-third of Russian retail by 2030

At the same time, Deputy Industry and Trade Minister Roman Chekushov noted that the ministry intends to develop all forms of trade

IN BRIEF: What is known about Russia-US financial chiefs’ meeting

The meeting between Anton Siluanov and Scott Bessent took place on the sidelines of the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting

Putin begins his work at Eastern Economic Forum

The Russian leader will hold a meeting on Far East development and receive an interactive presentation on the macroregion's results

Russian, US finance ministries see basis for developing bilateral ties — Siluanov

According to the Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, economic ties between Russia and the United States could help resolve political issues, and the two countries should continue their dialogue

SCO declaration omits Ukraine conflict, addresses nuclear disarmament

SCO countries voiced "deep concern over developments in the Middle East" and backed a diplomatic settlement

'Kiev-regime caliphate,' Zelensky’s green-screen filming: MFA statements

Kiev’s Western sponsors became direct accomplices in its terrorist attacks against children, Maria Zakharova said

IRGC claims elimination of US personnel in Jordan base strike

The strike followed US strikes on Iran, with explosions reported on Iran's southern coast

Special services always in contact — Putin on CIA director's Russia visit

Direct contacts are also maintained between the heads of special services, Vladimir Putin said

Talks on Ukraine frozen to certain extent, but Russia ready for contributions — Putin

Vladimir Putin also stated that the Russian army delivered targeted strikes, hitting only vessels delivering weapons or ammunition to Ukraine

Middle East conflict increases importance of Northern Sea Route for India — expert

Shorter maritime distances translate to cheaper logistics and faster delivery windows for goods moving between Russian ports and Asian markets, Rakesh Mishra highlighted

Medvedev describes European leaders as sponsors of Kiev regime’s terrorism

The Russian Security Council deputy chairman pointed to Russophobic course pursued by Germany's current leadership

Putin notes good level of SCO summit

The Russian leader noted that important documents were adopted

Russian army liberates 1,000 square kilometers of territory over summer, expert says

Andrey Marochko recalled that Russian troops took control of approximately 90 communities over the summer

Uniform orbit inclination for Russian, Indian, US stations to make flights safe — expert

Sergey Yazev noted that since 1967, Soviet and later Russian manned spacecraft have used orbits with an inclination of 51.6 degrees relative to Earth's equatorial reference plane

US discusses issues related to sanctions against Iran with Russia, China — Bessent

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent did not specify the substance of the consultations

Russia sanctions bill 'hanging by a thread' in US Congress — media

House Democrats fear that "the bill as written would give President Donald Trump even more tariff-related authorities that he could abuse"

Russia wants not to freeze, but to end Ukrainian conflict — Putin

Vladimir Putin stressed that Russia is ready for a negotiation process with everyone who wants it

China ready to deepen energy cooperation with Russia, including Power of Siberia 2 — MFA

Guo Jiakun noted that Beijing is "ready to work with Russia to continuously deepen practical bilateral cooperation based on the principles of mutual respect and mutual benefit"

Indonesian president arrives in Vladivostok for EEF, meeting with Putin

According to Russian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov, Indonesia is one of Russia's key, time-tested partners in the Asia-Pacific region and an influential member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations

Hungary stalls Ukraine's EU accession talks again — Euractiv portal

Budapest refused to approve the opening of the second and third negotiating clusters, citing the requirement that Kiev first fulfill the agreement on the rights of ethnic Hungarians

Warehouse with dual-use goods, energy infrastructure hit: strikes by Russian Armed Forces

The Russian Armed Forces hit the Stellar Jet logistics center near the Vishnevoye settlement in the Kiev region using Geran-4 Seeker drones

Putin reports Russian advances on several fronts

Over the past month, 14 settlements have come under the control of Russian forces, Vladimir Putin said

Germany’s standard of living falls — Putin

The Russian President pointed out that businesses are closing, people are losing their jobs

Russian Industry Ministry ready to expand support for businesses hit by Ukrainian attacks

Denis Manturov added that the Russian government continues to closely monitor efforts to deal with the aftermath of Ukrainian attacks on marketplace warehouses

Musk not letting Kiev use Starlink against Russia without White House’s consent — FT

According to the newspaper, the businessman explicitly stated his position in a conversation with former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mikhail Fyodorov

Russian stocks close mixed on Tuesday

The ruble-denominated MOEX Index increased by 0.39%, the dollar-denominated RTS Index declined by 0.05%

Iran warns US of severe response to its attacks on Iran — IRGC

The United States will regret its new attacks, IRGC spokesman Hossein Mohebi stated

Defense industry facilities in Kiev, port infrastructure: Russian forces' massive strike

A gas station was damaged in the Obukhov district in the Kiev region

Germany to terminate agreement on Russian House in Berlin — foreign minister

In Johann Wadephul's view, Russia is responsible for a "hybrid attack in Leipzig"

Kremlin aide to receive Vatican envoy in late September, discuss Ukraine

Cardinal Matteo Zuppi will soon visit Moscow

Iran launches retaliatory attack on US strongholds in Middle East — agency

The attack is carried out with the use of missiles and UAVs

EU, NATO to establish high-level group to accelerate militarization of Europe — Kallas

The head of European diplomacy said that Europe is investing in defense more than ever

Russia, Turkey call for ceasefire in Persian Gulf — Russian Foreign Ministry

The two sides supported efforts of regional mediators, including work to restore safe and unimpeded navigation through the Strait of Hormuz

CSTO needs expert assessment to resolve issues of Armenian-Azerbaijani border — Putin

Armenia insisted on protection from the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) for "certain sections of the border," but no documents on the delimitation of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border have yet been signed, Vladimir Putin said

President Putin holds talks with Iranian counterpart Pezeshkian

The meeting with the Iranian president opened a series of bilateral talks scheduled for today

Putin, Erdogan begin bilateral meeting in Bishkek

The meeting is taking place in the Aksakals Hall at the Ala Archa State Residence

FACTBOX: What to know about Russian hockey authorities’ CAS lawsuit against IIHF

The case will be heard in late October 2026

Rossotrudnichestvo ready to preserve humanitarian cooperation with Germany — agency chief

Despite the German side’s actions, Rossotrudnichestvo will make every effort to preserve humanitarian cooperation between Russia and Germany so that the peoples of the two countries can continue to maintain ties

SCO expansion must not turn it into amorphous structure — Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized that the SCO is now one of the most powerful regional structures in the world

Over 35 international container voyages expected on Northern Sea Route in 2026

Freight traffic along the NSR is expected to reach around 40 mln metric tons in 2026, Russian Far East and Arctic Development Minister Alexey Chekunkov said

Owners taking measures to protect facilities got nothing to fear — first deputy Russian PM

In order to fall under the effect of the decree, one must repeatedly and deliberately sabotage the implementation of decisions of the Unified National Center, regional headquarters, law enforcement agencies and the government subcommittee, Denis Manturov said

Armenian law on EU membership was public initiative, no need for referendum — PM

Earlier during the meeting, Putin called on Pashinyan to let his country's people vote on accession to the European Union and close the topic

Armenia cannot be members of both EU, EAEU, despite its friendship with Russia — Putin

According to the Russian President, this is due to differences in phytosanitary regulations and technical standards

Kiev losing conflict, can't expect better deal than it backed out of in 2022 — US analyst

Ted Snider pointed out that the continued hostilities had catastrophic consequences for Kiev

Iran attacks US bases in UAE, Bahrain — army statement

The Iranian army said that dozens of drones carried out strikes on radar systems and US troop deployment sites

Trump calls G20 finance ministers' meeting productive

The meeting of G20 finance ministers and central bank governors took place on August 31 and September 1

Putin to answer media questions today

The event is expected to take place after the Russian leader wraps up his bilateral meetings

Russia has responses to aviation threats — minister

The Russian Transport Ministry is constantly improving its flight and airport safety requirements, Andrey Nikitin said

Germany to close Russian Consulate General in Bonn on September 18 — foreign minister

According to Johann Wadephul, the German government is taking measures against Russia as the party responsible for the incident in Leipzig

Number of Russian companies successfully operating in Armenia — Pashinyan tells Putin

According to the Armenian PM, these companies are highly profitable and pay taxes regularly

Under guise of evacuating Kherson, Kiev sends untrained men to front — military expert

Andrey Marochko сlarified that men from the Kherson region are being sent to difficult sections of the front

Container shipping via Northern Sea Route growing exponentially — Grushko

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko noted that Russia's partners are showing increasing interest in using the Northern Sea Route

Advanced economies' sovereign bonds hit record $59 trillion in 2025 — Siluanov

According to Anton Siluanov, persistent imbalances often reflect a decline in the relative competitiveness of producers in importing countries, including lagging productivity, rising costs and insufficient investment and technology

Zelensky office head’s mobilization remarks confirm Russian data on losses — expert

Kirill Budanov earlier stated that Ukraine needed to mobilize at least 30,000 people every month to maintain troop levels

Russia's hard-to-recover gas reserves, resources estimated at around 30 tcm

Alexander Kozlov said that the Russian Natural Resources Ministry supports providing state assistance to companies transitioning to the production of hard-to-recover hydrocarbon reserves

Kiev is amassing reserves, nationalist units in occupied part of Donbass — expert

Holding the remaining territory of Donbass is currently Kiev's primary strategic objective

Decree on temporary management generalized work already underway — first deputy Russian PM

Denis Manturov noted that business is maximally involved in work at all levels, being in constant contact with government authorities

Armenia’s EU-ward movement equals de facto withdrawal from EAEU — Putin

Membership in both economic organizations is impossible, the Russian leader stressed

Air defenses intercept 109 Ukrainian drones over Russian regions

On-duty air defenses destroyed the Ukrainian UAVs over eight Russian regions

Russian senior diplomat discusses Arctic, NATO’s preps for military conflict with Moscow

Alexander Grushko pointed out that the West had declared the Arctic a zone of geopolitical competition and is determined to secure military superiority there

Defense industry nearly 100% fulfills vital state orders — first deputy PM

Denis Manturov said the Russian defense industry enterprises are demonstrating a high level of discipline in fulfilling state defense orders

Northern Sea Route freight traffic may reach 100 mln tons by 2030-2032

According to Alexey Likhachev, this will provide the basis for making the project economically viable and create the conditions for further development of the entire infrastructure

Two supertankers attacked in Strait of Hormuz — Bloomberg

Both supertankers had deactivated the AIS transponders that reveal their location

Price of Brent oil up above $94 per barrel on London’s ICE first since August 21

As of 7:24 p.m. Moscow time, the Brent price stood at $94.26 a barrel

Russia to respond to closure of consulate in Bonn "as sees fit" — deputy foreign minister

"Everything will be very quick," Alexander Grushko said

Russian firms possess numerous innovative interceptor drone designs — first deputy PM

Denis Manturov noted that the most effective and promising models are being selected jointly with the Defense Ministry for mass production

Iranian forces attack US bases in Iraqi Kurdistan

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has carried out a combined missile and drone attack

Transarctic Transport Corridor cannot be developed with state funding alone

Russian Far East and Arctic Development Minister Alexey Chekunkov stressed that the government's role is to create the necessary infrastructure, reduce risks, establish clear and stable rules and help make complex, long-term projects economically viable

Ukrainian forces set up UAV assembly workshops in residential areas of Kiev — expert

Dmitry Barov said there are a lot of small "garage-style" production facilities in Kiev and other cities that assemble components, drones, and ammunition for them

Bank of Russia extends restrictions on foreign currency cash withdrawals until next March

The Bank of Russia first introduced restrictions on cash withdrawals of foreign currency in 2022

SCO has no practice of members imposes anything on one another — Putin

The Russian leader called the SCO an attractive platform because all matters in the organization are resolved by consensus and on the basis of agreements

Air passenger traffic between Russia, India rises by 12% in first half of 2026

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also discussed prospects for developing bilateral cooperation, including in the transport sector

Putin meets with president of Mongolia

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also took part in the meeting

Ukrainian attack on humanitarian convoy in Kherson region wounds one

The convoy of four vehicles was transporting food and medicines for the residents of Alyoshki

European politicians take summer break at inopportune time for Ukraine — Zelensky

Kiev acknowledges that the country has completely exhausted its own resources and that finding funds is becoming increasingly difficult

Russian envoy calls German measures over Leipzig drone incident unprecedented escalation

Sergey Nechaev also expressed regret that the German authorities continue their course toward systematically dismantling the once-solid framework of Russian-German cooperation

IN BRIEF: Putin, Pezeshkian discuss Iran-US conflict, support for Tehran

The Iranian leader thanked the Russian president for supporting the Islamic Republic during its conflict with the United States

Battlegroup West destroys 87 Ukrainian hexacopters, 63 fixed-wing UAVs over past day

Units of Russia’s Battlegroup West also destroyed three enemy self-propelled artillery units

Putin arrives in Vladivostok to attend Eastern Economic Forum

The Russian president will hold a meeting on the development of the Far Eastern Federal District on the sidelines of the EEF