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

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Middle East conflict

Trump to make decision on strikes on Iran within two weeks — White House

The US President believes that there still are chances for diplomacy with Tehran

US President Donald Trump AP Photo/Alex Brandon

US President Donald Trump

© AP Photo/Alex Brandon

WASHINGTON, June 19. /TASS/. US President Donald Trump believes that there still are chances for diplomacy with Tehran and he will make a decision on strikes on Iran within the next two weeks, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters in a briefing.

"Based on the fact that there's a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks," she quoted Trump as saying.

Earlier, the US president did not rule out the possibility of US strikes on Iran. The Axios news website reported on June 17, citing sources, that Trump was seriously considering joining the war and launching a US strike against Iran's nuclear facilities.

Overnight into June 13, Israel launched a military operation against Iran. Tehran carried out a retaliatory attack in less than 24 hours. Israel and Iran exchanged strikes again in the following days. Both parties reported casualties and admitted damage to a number of facilities. The two countries continue to exchange strikes.

Tags

United States Iran Israel Donald Trump

Middle East conflict

US congresswoman says strikes on Iran reason to impeach Trump

"He has impulsively risked launching a war that may ensnare us for generations," Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said

Russia backs Iran’s fight for legitimate interests, peaceful nuclear program — Putin

The Russian president also commented on criticism in Western media that Moscow allegedly should have helped Iran against Israel

Downed F-35, US fleet withdrawal, secret Chinese flights: news on Israel-Iran conflict

On Wednesday morning, 50 Israeli Air Force fighter jets struck Iranian facilities used in the production of uranium enrichment centrifuges

Immediate negotiations with Russia are Ukraine’s only chance — envoy to UN

Vasily Nebenzya thanked the United States for supporting the direct dialogue between Moscow and Kiev

US congresswoman says strikes on Iran reason to impeach Trump

"He has impulsively risked launching a war that may ensnare us for generations," Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said

Iran may attack Israel’s Dimona nuclear facility — TV

The Al Jazeera's source also said that the IRGC has "precise information about Israel's stockpile of air defense missiles"

Former Spartak Moscow FC striker Promes taken to Netherlands

According to the report, two military police vans were seen leaving the airport, one of them presumably carrying Promes

Nazi elements within Ukrainian leadership must be eliminated — Putin

Putin noted that in order to achieve a resolution to the conflict, Ukraine must recognize the results of the referendums held in Donbass and Novorossiya

Iran-Israel crisis cannot be resolved militarily — Egyptian president

Abdel Fattah al-Sisi also condemned what he described as "Israeli escalation," warning that it poses a serious threat to regional security and stability at a time of heightened tensions

Press review: Washington mulls Iran strike as Russia and US plan 15 joint ventures by 2025

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, June 19th

'Enemies' attack Iran's nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, Esfahan — agency

Despite the strikes, the organization affirmed that Iran’s pursuit of peaceful nuclear energy would not be halted

Iran warns Qatar about potential strikes on US bases — newspaper

The targets of Iranian strikes, in case the US decides to join the Israeli operation against Tehran, may become other US bases throughout the Middle East, as well as Washington's diplomatic missions in the region, The Washington Post pointed out

West to cut arms flow to Kiev amid Iran-Israel conflict — Russian official

Zaporozhye Region Governor Yevgeny Balitsky urged to take advantage of the situation

Trump emissary asks Musk to give Iran temporary free access to Starlink

"I’ll chip in a donation and I think others would, too," said Grenell

Russian Armed Forces liberate Zaporozhye settlement in Donetsk People’s Republic

At the same time, Ukrainian armed forces sustained losses exceeding 1,350 servicemen over the past 24 hours in the zone of the special military operation

Israeli strikes on western Iran kill five servicemen, injure nine — news agency

Targets in the Qasr-e Shirin district, which borders Iraq, were shelled, the Mehr news agency reported

Israel attacks Iran’s Rasht off Caspian Sea coast

The strike was delivered on the territory of the Sefidrud Technology Park

Iran ready for talks with Israel, but attacks need to stop — foreign minister

Araghchi also said he views the possibility of US joining the attacks on Iran as very dangerous

Russia got assurances from Netanyahu, Trump that staff at Bushehr NPP will be safe — Putin

According to the president, Russia relied "on the certain level of relations with Israel, on the recovering relations with the United States"

Iran will be ready to attack US military in Middle East — top diplomat

"That's quite understandable, and self defense is a legitimate rights of every country," Abbas Araghchi said

Houthis to attack US ships if Washington enters Iran-Israel conflict

The group's spokesman Yahya Saria emphasized that the Houthis are "monitoring and watching all activity in the region" and are ready to take the necessary measures to defend their territories

High time for Zelensky to admit loss of everything — Republika Srpska president

According to Milorad Dodik, Zelensky believed the words of Western politicians "who clapped him on the shoulder and promised him a lot of things, but they failed in all of this"

IAEA says no nuclear material at attacked nuclear facility in Iran's Isfahan

The Israeli attack on the nuclear facility in Isfahan will not have radiological consequences, Rafael Grossi said

Russian forces can easily liberate Sumy due to crisis in Ukrainian army ranks — expert

"This is not a major issue for our armed forces, this is quite a realistic task given the current personnel crisis in the Ukrainian army," Yan Gagin said

Russian companies see India as base for setting up IT teams — Indian minister

Vaishnaw added that there are many areas for mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries in the IT sector

Israeli army tightens restrictions inside country after US strikes on Iran

According to a statement from the IDF press office, all gatherings in public spaces, educational activities, and the operation of most businesses - excluding essential services - are prohibited across the country until further notice

Trump has no plans for new strikes on Iran yet — media

According to the report, Trump expects that following Washington’s recent attacks on three Iranian nuclear facilities, Tehran will agree to return to the negotiating table and "end this war"

West’s hybrid war against Russia seeks to destroy EU — diplomat

Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova added that "many EU countries are on the verge of recession"

Iran has right to peaceful use of nuclear technology — Putin

On the night of June 13, Israel launched a military operation against Iran

No talk yet on Putin-Trump meeting — Kremlin aide

Since the beginning of the year and following Trump’s inauguration, the Russian and US presidents have held five phone conversations

Pentagon studied ways to spread bird flu via Ukrainian center, top brass says

"As part of the project, it was assessed under what conditions the virus’ transmission would become uncontrolled, cause economic damage and create risks for food security," Chief of Russia’s Radiation, Chemical and Biological Protection Force Igor Kirillov said

US could strike Iran as soon as next weekend — Hersh

According to the American journalist Seymour Hersh, the operation will "entail heavy American bombing"

Putin admits worried about threat of World War III

"There is a lot of conflict potential, it is growing," the Russian president said

Trump, Erdogan tried to set up meeting between US, Iran — news outlet

According to Axios, the attempt failed because the leaders could not contact Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei for his approval of the meeting

Putin gives interview to Sky News Arabia

Russian President does it after the plenary session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum

Trump announces successful US Air Force attack on three Iranian nuclear sites

According to Reuters, the attack involved B-2 strategic bombers previously redeployed to Guam, a US overseas territory in the Pacific

Russia warns US against interfering in military actions against Iran — MFA

Maria Zakharova said that it would be an extremely dangerous step with unpredictable negative consequences

US use of nuclear weapons in Iran would lead to catastrophic developments — Kremlin

As Dmitry Peskov noted, there are so many speculations that "it’s impossible to comment on them"

Western media coverage of Iran-Israel conflict overlooks nuclear risk element — MFA

Maria Zakharova warned against assuming that just because so-called "precision strikes" are being carried out, a nuclear disaster is out of the question

US, Israel worked as single team against Iran — Trump

Earlier, Trump reported that the US Air Force had conducted a successful attack on "the three nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan"

Ukraine must not acquire nuclear weapons — Putin

According to Putin, these conditions form the foundation for long-term regional stability

Press review: US may abandon Ukraine talks as Mideast braces for escalation

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, June 20th

Russian Knyaz Vandal FPV drones destroy NATO equipment worth over $2bln since August 2024

The FPV jam-resistant drone was tested in August 2024 when Ukraine intruded into the Kursk region

Russian forces 1 km away from Kupyansk after capturing Moskovka — analyst

Andrey Marochko noted that this is a very short distance

Iran states willingness to negotiate, but US finds response unacceptable — media

Earlier, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Tehran was open to negotiations - on the condition that Israel halts its aggression

Putin points to Israel's huge Russian-speaking demographic

The Russian leader also noted that Russia has traditionally friendly allied relations with the Arab and Islamic world

Only Trump can make decisions on Russia, Ukraine — Department of State

The United States closely watched the negotiations between Moscow and Kiev, US Department of State Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said

US gave Israel prior notice of upcoming strikes on Iran — media

While the source did not disclose specific details provided

Iran strikes Rafael weapons factory, sources say

No further details have been disclosed regarding the extent of the damage or the factory’s specific location

Magnitude 6.1 earthquake strikes off Japan's coast

No casualties or damage have been reported, and authorities have issued no tsunami warning

Russia demands official apology from Rome over 'monstrous' Kremlin post — diplomat

According to Maria Zakharova, "the situation with free speech in Italy has reached a really frightening stage"

IDF registers launch of Iranian missiles towards Israel

Civilians were instructed to enter a protected space and remain there until further notice

Russian activist, founder of 'Army of Beauties' sentenced to 22 years for state treason

According to the investigation, Nadezhda Rossinskaya systematically raised funds for the Ukrainian army, disguising them as humanitarian projects and partially transferring them to a terrorist organization banned in Russia

CEO unveils Rosneft-made synthetic oil at SPIEF

Sechin invited anyone interested to take a closer look at the oil sample later

Ukraine, Middle East, new world order: main points from Putin's keynote address at SPIEF

According to the Russian president, Russians and Ukrainians are one people

Compensation for Exiting Russian Market will be required for return of foreign companies

Presidential Adviser and Executive Secretary of the SPIEF Organizing Committee Anton Kobakov added that companies aiming to return will be expected to operate not only in Moscow, Vladivostok, and Saint Petersburg, but also within the territories of Donbass and Novorossiya

Berlin decides to expel Russian diplomats en masse, Moscow to mirror that decision — MFA

The diplomats promised to give a mirror response to Berlin's decision

Putin to lay wreath at Tomb of Unknown Soldier to mark Day of Remembrance and Mourning

As part of the solemn commemoration, Russian President will also lay flowers at the monuments dedicated to the hero cities and at the memorial honoring towns awarded the title City of Military Glory

Iran ready for dialogue on atom, won’t give up its nuclear program — president

Masoud Pezeshkian noted that Tehran welcomes dialogue and negotiations, but only if the country's legitimate rights are respected

UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones concludes his career

A former light heavyweight champion, he boasts an impressive record of 28 wins and just a single loss

Russian economy on brink of recession — economic development minister

Maxim Reshetnikov noted that figures point to slowdown

Russia strongly condemns flight of Ukrainian drones through Kazakh airspace — diplomat

Maria Zakharova also pointed out that Russia calls on all responsible governments and specialized international agencies "to pay attention to such provocations"

Putin says Russia ranks first in Europe in terms of GDP

The Russian leader stressed that these are very significant indices

Some countries fear major war, stand ready to back Tehran — Iranian source

The agency source added that some nations "have conveyed their readiness to assist Tehran in various capacities"

Saudi Arabia will be guest country for SPIEF-2026

Presidential Adviser and Executive Secretary of the SPIEF Organizing Committee Anton Kobakov also announced that the second Russia-Africa Foreign Ministers’ Forum is expected to take place in Cairo

Russia is fulfilling all agreements reached with Ukraine in Istanbul — Medinsky

Earlier, media outlets reported claims that in the process of transferring more than 6,000 bodies of fallen Ukrainian soldiers, Russia was allegedly substituting them with the bodies of Russian servicemen

Iran says it used undetectable missiles to strike Mossad headquarters

According to the Iranian official, the attack came as a surprise for the Israel

Strike on Iran will inevitably drag US into regional war — former Pentagon chief

Leon Panetta is convinced that the United States made a "terrible mistake" by going into Iraq in 2003, and believes that it should serve as a lesson for Trump

Putin not ruling out taking control over Sumy, but says there is no such goal now

The Russian president said that Russia's actions are caused, among other things, by the constant shelling of the country's border territories by the Ukrainian forces

Iran rejects US proposals on nuclear program — speaker

According to Mike Johnson, the US strikes were aimed at preventing Iran from obtaining "the most lethal weapon on the planet"

Belarus frees 14 prisoners at Trump’s request — Kellogg’s deputy

According to John Coale, US President Donald Trump "encouraged this trip"

Kiev creates own problems after deciding to attack Russia’s Kursk Region — Putin

Kiev authorities personally formed a line of combat contact stretching along for almost two thousand kilometers, the Russian president said

Lukashenko, Kellogg discuss sanctions against Belarus — presidential spokeswoman

The talks lasted six and a half hours, Natalia Eismont said

Israel says its jets currently strike military targets in southwestern Iran

According to the Fars news agency, explosions were heard in the city of Ahvaz and the port of Mahshahr

Lukashenko pardons 14 prisoners, including opposition figures — spokeswoman

Sergey Tikhanovsky is among them, Natalia Eismont said

Israel believes US seriously prepping for war with Iran — media

The report notes that based on military contacts between the two countries over the past 48 hours, a US attack on Iran could occur in the near future

Tourist damages 17th-century painting in Uffizi Gallery when falling

According to Corriere della Sera, the painting is a 1690 portrait of Ferdinando de Medici by Nicoletto

US will not support lower price cap on Russian oil due to impact on its own exports

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia would not supply oil and oil products under the conditions of the price cap

Russian Air Defense downs 4 JDAM bombs, 97 Ukrainian UAVs in past 24 Hours

The report also noted that since the beginning of the special military operation, Russian forces have destroyed a total of 663 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 64,682 UAVs, 611 surface-to-air missile systems, 23,997 tanks and other armored combat vehicles, 1,572 multiple-launch rocket system vehicles, 26,451 artillery pieces and mortars, and 37,102 units of special military automotive equipment

Tornado-S rockets effectively break through Ukrainian air defense

The rockets have an advanced inertial guidance system that successfully operates in conditions of satellite channel jamming, which is important in modern war that uses a lot of electronic warfare systems

Iran says it hit Israeli targets in areas including Ben Gurion Airport

"The operation used a large number of Shahed-136 combat drones, along with high-precision solid and liquid-fuel missiles," said the statement

FACTBOX: Putin names five steps to change national economic structure

The Russian economy should be more technologically advanced

Trump says Iran must concede to end war

Earlier, he reported that the US Air Force had conducted a successful attack on "the three nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan"

Russia’s security zone in Sumy Region is 10-12 km deep — Putin

As the Russian president pointed out, Russia "was forced to create security zones along the border" after the Ukrainian army was expelled from the Kursk Region

Russians most of all wait for return of IKEA, McDonald's

Head of the Russian Quality System nonprofit organization Maxim Protasov still noted that there is a group of consumers that do not want the return of foreign brands at all

Agreements worth $80.3 bln signed at SPIEF-2025 — organizing committee

Presidential Adviser and Executive Secretary of the SPIEF Organizing Committee Anton Kobakov noted that the overall atmosphere of the forum was marked by a strong sense of optimism about the recovery of business relations

Medvedev says both Israel, Iran should abandon their nuclear programs

"We know that Israel has a secret nuclear program," the Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman said

Putin to take part in Brazil-hosted next BRICS summit

Brazil took over BRICS presidency from Russia on January 1

Easier for Iran to attack US bases in Middle East than to hit Israel — TV

High-ranking Iranian official emphasized that US involvement in the conflict would take the conflict to a regional level

Using 'dirty bomb' against Russia to be Ukraine’s last mistake, Putin says

"This would be a colossal mistake on the part of those Russia is calling the neo-Nazis on the territory of current Ukraine," the Russian leader said

Kremlin advisor says US debt is its biggest problem

According to Anton Kobyakov, the US needs to address its negative trade balance and budget deficit

EU wants government change in Russia, like Israel wants in Iran — expert

"They are working to topple a government of a country," former Austrian foreign minister Karin Kneissl said

US prepared to destroy more Iranian targets ‘within minutes’ — Trump

According to US President, "there are many targets left" in Iran, but the US managed to hit "the most difficult of them" tonight

FACTBOX: US strikes Iran: what we know so far

TASS has compiled key information about the US strikes on Iran

US completely destroys Iran’s uranium enrichment sites — Trump

"The strikes were a spectacular military success," US President said

NATO members realize they are nothing without US — Kneissl

Only time can show how long will NATO continue to exist, ex-Austrian foreign minister and head of the Geopolitical Observatory for Russia’s Key Issues said

Iraq extends ban on flights in its airspace for another day — air traffic controllers

The airspace will remain closed for the tenth day in a row

Netanyahu thanks Trump for striking Iran, says move to 'change history'

According to Jewish Prime Minister, this step "will change history"

Another Iranian missile attack reported in Israel, explosions heard

Shortly after the report, the IDF announced "a series of strikes against missile storage and launching infrastructure sites in central Iran"

Ukraine tries to ‘prick’ Russia with story about returned Russian soldier’s body — source

Under the Istanbul agreements, Russia handed over 6,060 bodies of deceased Ukrainian servicemen to Ukraine, while Kiev returned only 78 bodies to Moscow

Russia ready to help Iran restore damaged nuclear facilities — Rosatom head

Alexey Likhachev said Germany had abandoned the Bushehr nuclear power station, damaged but later restored by Russian specialists

	
		OSZAR »