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US cuts costs for Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative — Pentagon chief

This program is one of Washington's arms supply channels to Kiev

WASHINGTON, June 10. /TASS/. The United States is reducing spending on the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said.

"It is a reduction in this budget," the Pentagon chief said at a hearing in the House of Representatives on the issue of USAI funding plans by the administration of President Donald Trump. This program is one of Washington's arms supply channels to Kiev.

"As you know, this administration takes a very different view of that conflict. We believe a negotiated, peaceful settlement is in the best interests of both parties and our nation's interests, especially with all the competing interests around the globe.

"I don't think the word victory has been well defined, or the path to it, and as a result, a path to peace that stops the killing and the carnage is something that President Trump is very interested in.".

Middle East conflict

Iranian military says air defenses downed 28 Israeli targets over past day

According to the report, the intercepted goals included Israel’s Hermes drone used to monitor the "vulnerable areas" of Iran

Explosions rock ammunition depots near Kiev — newspaper

Kiev Mayor Vitaly Klitschko also said there was a fire at night in the warehouses in the Svyatoshinsky district of the capital

Resolution of Iran crisis should lead to regional de-escalation — G7 leaders

Iran is the principal source of regional instability and terror, G7 leaders said in a joint statement

US naval vessels used to defend Israel against Iranian missile attacks — TV

The media still noted that the number of US interceptions remained "relatively low"

Israeli defense chief warns Khamenei may share Saddam Hussein’s fate over war crimes

Israel Katz added that Tel-Aviv would continue to carry out strikes on military targets in Tehran throughout the day

Conflict between Iran, Israel to be short-lived, experts predict

"Oil markets are heading into a peak demand period in the US and will be looking for signs of stabilization rather than further escalation," Mukesh Sahdev said

Advance in Dnepropetrovsk region leads to liberation of Krasnoarmeysk — DPR head

Denis Pushilin also reported intense street fighting in Chasov Yar, noting that the enemy continues to shift reserves in a bid to hold their positions

Russia calls damage from sanctions against it main outcome of G7 summit

The 51st G7 Summit is taking place from June 15 to 17 in Canada

Situation around Iran's nuclear program more complex now — Kremlin

Previous reports have suggested that Russia might take custody of Iran’s uranium stockpile

West gave green light to Israel’s attacks on journalists as it did in Ukraine

Christelle Neant emphasized that "Israel, just like the Ukrainian army and the government, is very much afraid of the truth, afraid of journalists, because they publish the truth about the IDF’s war crimes."

Press review: Iran-Israel conflict deepens and anti-Trump protests divide US society

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, June 16th

Liberation of Petrovskogo in Donbass region paves way for offensive toward Dnepropetrovsk

Earlier, the Russian Defense Ministry reported the liberation of Petrovskogo in the DPR

Israel gave opportunity for dialogue on Iran, now aims to win militarily — Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister underscored that Israel will do its best to achieve its goals

Several killed, ten injured in Ukrainian shelling of Donetsk — authorities

According to the report, one of the strikes destroyed a multi-story apartment building

Top diplomats of Russia, Indonesia to talk economic cooperation ahead of SPIEF

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova announced that the two top diplomats will exchange opinions "on a wide range of issues on the bilateral agenda"

Lavrov urges global community to intensify efforts to ease Israeli-Iranian tensions

The Russian foreign minister called for resolving all emerging issues at the negotiating table

US redeploys refueling aircraft to Europe following escalation between Israel, Iran

Similar reports came later from Fox News

Iran’s neighbors fear being dragged into conflict with Israel — Bloomberg

Sources said that certain regional powers have privately voiced support for efforts to derail Iran’s nuclear program, which they have long taken issue with

IN BRIEF: New arms, blasts: what is known about exchange of strikes between Israel, Iran

US President Donald Trump said he expects the destruction of Iran's nuclear program without Washington's involvement

Grossi fails to confirm Israeli intel findings on Iran’s nuclear program

International Atomic Energy Agency Director General stressed that "the accumulation of uranium enriched at 60%, which is almost military level, is a source of legitimate concern"

Iran detains 28 people on suspicion of spying for Israel since start of newest escalation

According to the report, over a dozen special operations have been held since June 13

US allows Israel to attack Iran, says Iranian president

Masoud Pezeshkian stressed that "the Iranian people must unite and strongly resist aggression"

US disbands working group set up to pressure Russia into Ukraine deal — agency

According to the sources, the group was established this spring but suspended its activity in May when it became clear to its members that the US president was reluctant to plunge into confrontation with Moscow

Russian troops breach Ukrainian defenses near Verkhnekamenskoye in Donetsk region — expert

Andrey Marochko said that the Ukrainian military is currently trying to hold its key positions and "fierce battles are raging" near Verkhnekamenskoye

Iran repels Israel’s attempted attack on Tabriz airport — agency

The current situation in the city is reportedly calm, being controlled by the law enforcement

Netanyahu names third goal of operation in Iran – to destroy 'axis of terror'

Previously, Israel declared two objectives for its operation: to put an end to Tehran’s nuclear and missile programs

Trump requests National Security Council meeting be held — TV host

Journalist Lawrence Jones reported that the US president will leave for Washington immediately after dinner with the heads of state of the Group of Seven countries in Canada

Trump cutting short his visit to G7 summit, returning to Washington — White House

The US president will be dealing with "many important matters", White House press secretary Caroline Leavitt said

North Korea to send 1,000 combat engineers, 5,000 workers to rebuild Kursk Region – Shoigu

According to Sergey Shoigu, Moscow and Pyongyang also plan to create memorials for the Korean soldiers who died while liberating the Kursk Region

Trump says he may send Vance or Witkoff to meet with Iran — journalist

"It depends what happens when I get back," the US leader said

Trump wants a 'real end' to Iranian nuclear weapons — journalist

Earlier, the US president noted that his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron was mistaken in saying that the US leader left the G7 summit in Canada to work on a ceasefire in the Middle East

Russia honors its commitments under Istanbul accords — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov stressed that a lot has been done to implement the agreements that were reached in Istanbul

Top Israeli diplomat tells EU’s Kallas that strikes on Iran boost European security

Gideon Sa'ar stressed that Israel did not finish the job and will act to complete it

What is known about repatriation of fallen troops’ remains, Russia-Ukraine POW swaps

The Russian Defense Ministry said that Moscow is ready to hand over an additional 2,239 Ukrainian soldiers’ bodies to Kiev

Trump describes West’s decision to abandon G8 format as huge mistake

"Vladimir Putin doesn't want to talk because he was very insulted when he got thrown out of the G8," the US president said

Netanyahu sees possibility of power change in Iran

"Millions of Iranians see it, and this is not the first case", Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said

Iran delivering more missile strikes on Israel — agency

Tasmin news agency did not say however how many projectiles have been fired

Hungary, Slovakia blocked Brussels plan to reject Russian energy resources

Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister of Hungary Peter Szijjarto noted that this plan will lead to a rise in energy prices in Europe and will do harm to the economy of the entire European Union

Arab, Islamic countries urge to refrain from nuclear weapons in Middle East

Against the backdrop of "unprecedented escalation of tensions in the Middle East," the ministers urged to refrain "from targeting nuclear facilities that are under International IAEA safeguards"

'Strategic error': Macron on attempt to change power in Iran by outside force

Commenting on the standoff between Israel and Iran, the French president urged the sides to halt strikes on civilian targets

Press review: Hopes for Israeli-Iranian diplomacy dim as oil prices fluctuate amid crisis

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, June 17th

Iranian president warns of tougher response to Israel if US fails to rein it in

According to the Iranian president, Israel’s attempt to destabilize his country was met with a severe retaliatory strike, and it "sustained heavy losses"

Natanz site hit hardest among Iran's nuclear facilities — Grossi

IAEA Director General added that no inspections are currently being conducted for safety reasons

Twelve Russian scientists leave Tehran, return to Moscow from Baku

Two more participants will return tomorrow by flights organized by the Russian side for those who fled Iran amid the conflict

Shoigu arrives in Pyongyang, scheduled to meet with North Korea’s Kim

This is Russian Security Council Secretary's third visit to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in almost three months

Iran launches missile attack on Israeli territory — IDF

According to the report, defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat

Three people killed in Israeli strike on Iranian state TV building — news agency

The Iranian Foreign Ministry called the strike a war crime

No compensations for termination of Russian gas purchases — EC

Dan Jorgen noted that EU countries having effective contracts for Russian gas-purchases would be offered to sever them on the basis of "force majeure" so that not pay compensations for early termination

Trump encouraging Vance, Witkoff to meet with Iranian officials — NYT

According to the newspaper, should such a meeting take place, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will likely represent the Islamic republic

Iran shoots down MQ-9 Reaper drone launched from Israel near Iraqi border — TV

According to the report, the aerial target was destroyed over the city of Dehloran

Russia recognizes that US-Iranian talks will not take place — senior diplomat

Russia believes that there is no alternative to political and diplomatic methods, Sergey Ryabkov said

More than 100,000 Israelis unable to return home — minister

Miri Regev stressed that the Israeli authorities were working to resolve this issue

Israeli military detects more missile launches from Iran

Sirens sounded "in several areas in northern Israel" after the identification of Iranian missiles

Only Putin or Xi could put an end to Iran-Israel conflict — Maduro

Venezuelan President added that Iran has the right to self-defense and may close the Strait of Hormuz, if necessary

Israel underestimates Iran’s ability to regroup after losing military commanders — expert

Trita Parsi added that "Iranian missiles are successful in penetrating all layers of Israel’s air defense systems"

US diplomatic missions in Israel to be closed on June 17 due to conflict

The diplomats emphasized that "the US Embassy is not in a position at this time to evacuate or directly assist Americans in departing Israel"

Iranian strikes on energy infrastructure could paralyze Israel’s economy — TV

According to the media, Israeli attacks on Iran’s energy infrastructure would not have the same destabilizing effect

Trump dismisses US intel chief's assertion Iran not building nuclear weapon

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said the US intelligence community was closely monitoring Iran's nuclear activities

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

Ukraine, Europe plotting 'bloody provocations' against Russia — SVR

According to Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service, Ukrainian special services have established the closest cooperation with the intelligence agencies of Britain

US involvement in Iran war could end American empire, Trump’s presidency — Tucker Carlson

Other nations would like to see that, and this is a perfect way to scuttle the USS America on the shores of Iran, US journalist said

Kremlin aware of Israeli PM’s statement about 'change of government in Iran'

Dmitry Peskov added that the Kremlin condemns "the actions that have led to such a dangerous escalation in tensions" in the Middle East

Iran’s parliament approves strategic partnership treaty with Russia — embassy

On January 17, following talks in the Kremlin, Russian and Iranian Presidents Vladimir Putin and Masoud Pezeshkian signed the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries

West trying to keep status quo globally resisting developing states’ influence — Novak

The desire to maintain dominant positions in the global economy leads to bilateral agreements being ‘pushed’ instead of multilateral ones, which results in a new round of regionalization, the Russian deputy prime minister added

Israeli, US air defenses have no answer for some of Iran's missiles — US expert

Daniel Davis said that the US should not join Israel’s military operation against Iran

Mini missiles increase Pantsir round of munitions four times

High Precision Complexes Holding has created an airspace monitoring system comprising mini radars that detect low-signature drones

Washington cancels Russia-US meeting on eliminating irritants — Foreign Ministry

As Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova noted, the Russian side hopes the pause they have taken will not last too long

Medvedev allows use of nuclear weapons by Russia when ‘patience runs out’

The politician underscored that no one really needs a nuclear conflict - it is "a very bad story with a very difficult outcome."

Trump reluctant to sanction Russia, says is waiting to see if a deal on Ukraine is there

Reporters asked the US head of state on the sidelines of a G7 summit in the Canadian resort area of Kananaskis on Monday why wait to sanction Moscow

Zelensky, Israel seek to draw US into conflict — Ukrainian politician

Viktor Medvedchuk recalled that the new US administration, led by President Donald Trump, came to power with a peace-oriented agenda

Trump’s threats to Tehran indicate that Israel nears defeat — Iranian ambassador

Mehdi Sobhani noted that the United States is assisting Israel in this conflict, and stated that "this war is imposed on Iran"

US-Russia relations normalization process put on ice — Kremlin aide

"Now, obviously, some kind of an agreement will be reached between the US State Department and the Russian Foreign Ministry on where and when to hold the next meeting," Yury Ushakov said

Washington's imperialist amibitions fuel unrest in Middle East — expert

Alberto Bradanini dismissed the Western narrative that Iran is a nuclear threat

Delegation from Afghanistan departs to SPIEF

According to the report, the delegation is headed by Minister of Agriculture Attaullah Omari

Russia, US keeping in contact about Iran — deputy foreign minister

Sergey Ryabkov said that the issue of Iran was raised during Russia's contacts with US representatives

US did not approach Iran with proposal to engage in peace talks — Trump

The US president emphasized that Tehran "should have taken the deal that was on the table" as it "would have saved a lot of lives"

Iran uses advanced missile in attack on Israel — Iranian Defense Ministry

Earlier, ground forces commander Major General Kioumars Heydari said that Iran attacked Tel Aviv, Haifa and other Israeli military facilities with "advanced weapons"

Russian forces strike Ukrainian army training center, air defense radars over past day

Kiev loses 1,320 troops in all frontline areas over past day

RDIF chief estimates cost of anti-Russia sanctions to US at $300 bln

Kirill Dmitriev commented on a post by a foreign journalist, containing an assessment of the damage to the US economy of anti-Russia sanctions

Iran announces start of 'even larger, more devastating' attack on Israel

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps added that Israel, "despite extensive aid of the US and Western countries and possession of most modern and advanced defense technologies," could not counter Iranian missiles

Bazan Group’s refineries in Haifa shut down as Iranian attack impacts power station — TV

According to Israel’s public broadcaster Kan, the power station producing steam and electricity was significantly damaged in the attack

Israel starts using Iron Beam laser weapon system to intercept missiles — embassy

The system was first used in combat conditions in the conflict with Iran

Arab, Islamic foreign ministers urge Israel to stop strikes on Iran

The top diplomats affirm "the imperative need to halt Israeli hostilities against Iran"

No credible evidence that Iran is close to creating nuclear weapons — UK diplomat

Former UK Ambassador to Tehran Richard Dalton noted that US intelligence sees no signs that Iran is taking any steps toward nuclear weaponization

Israeli-Iranian conflict rapidly escalating — Kremlin

"So far, the situation is moving toward an even greater escalation," Dmitry Peskov said

Press review: Moscow sees no peace intent in Kiev as US aids Ukraine strikes

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, June 11th

IRGC targets Mossad headquarters, Israeli military intel buildings in missile strike

As previously reported, Israel’s Glilot military intel base near Tel Aviv was hit by IRGC’s missile strike

Air defenses down 147 Ukrainian drones over Russian regions overnight

According to the Defense Ministry, Russian air defenses have intercepted and destroyed a total of 198 Ukrainian fixed-wing drones since late hours of June 16

Iran hasn’t hit Israel with all its missile might yet — IRGC

When the time comes, Iran will deploy its most advanced systems, Ahmad Vahidi said

Israel eliminates new Iranian top military commander — army

According to the press service, Major General Ali Shadmani "served as War-Time Chief of Staff and Commander of the Emergency Command of the Iranian Armed Forces"

Israeli jets violate Turkey’s airspace — newspaper

The journalist also pointed out that the Israeli Air Force uses Syrian and Iraqi airspace to attack Iran

Int’l community’s reaction to Israeli attack on Iran 'good lesson for everyone' — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov noted that Russia continues monitoring the situation in this regard

Trump says not really pursuing talks with Iran — news agency

The US president said he wants a "real end" to the conflict, not a ceasefire

Iran strikes Tel Aviv, Haifa with 'new weapons,' plans step up attacks soon — general

Earlier, air-raid alerts sounded in Israel, including in Tel Aviv, in connection with the Iranian missile attack

Iranian missile strikes on Israel completely cripple Tel Aviv — news agency

It is noted that the missile strikes resulted in power outages and disrupted fuel supplies

FACTBOX: Oil refinery strikes and radiation leaks – 5 days of Israel-Iran escalation

At least 1,800 people have received wounds and injuries after Israel’s attacks on Iran, Iranian Health Minister Mohammad-Reza Zafarghandi stated

Russia’s FAB bomb strike destroys Ukrainian army platoon in western Donetsk region

The FAB bomb strike also destroyed Ukrainian military equipment, including Baba-Yaga hexacopter drones, the source added

UAV warehouse in Kiev hit by Russia’s strike — media

Kiev officially did not confirm the Russian strike on the hanger with drones

Trump unconvinced that Israel needs to topple Iranian government — report

According to the report, Israel’s leaders contemplate "regime change" in the Islamic Republic

IAEA detects 'direct impact' on nuclear facility in Iran’s Natanz

The IAEA also reported that it has not detected any changes at the nuclear facilities in Esfahan and Fordow

Israeli military command’s calculations groundless — senior Russian diplomat

"Common sense and the return to the negotiating table are needed instead of the escalatory pathway and the military spiral," Sergey Ryabkov said