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Iran to only negotiate with US on nuclear program — deputy speaker of parliament

Haji Babaee also said that Tehran had refused direct talks with Washington because of its failure to fulfill its obligations under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and constant threats and sanctions

DUBAI, April 6. /TASS/. Iran will not discuss anything other than its nuclear program during negotiations with the United States, Deputy Speaker of the Iranian Parliament Hamid-Reza Haji Babaee told Chairman of the Advisory Council of Oman Khaled Al-Maawali.

"The decision to introduce indirect negotiations with the United States is a response to harassment from this country. On the other hand, in the current conditions, we are ready to negotiate only on the nuclear program and the rest does not matter," ISNA news agency quoted him as saying.

Haji Babaee also said that Tehran had refused direct talks with Washington because of its failure to fulfill its obligations under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and constant threats and sanctions.

On March 27, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Tehran had used Oman as a mediator to respond to a letter from US President Donald Trump proposing the negotiations. Iran’s Ambassador in Baghdad Mohammad Kazem al Sadeq said that in the letter, Trump demanded that the Iraqi Shiite militia (Al-Hashd ash-Shaabi) be either disbanded or integrated into the Iraqi state system.

On March 30, the American leader promised to levy additional duties on Iran in two weeks if the negotiations on the nuclear program fall through. He also threatened unprecedented bombing of Iran in the event of a complete rejection of the deal.

In response, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali said he did not believe in a US military intervention, but warned that any attempt by Washington to provoke unrest in Iran would be repelled strongly.

Iran's nuclear program

Russia, Iran, China at consultations in Moscow consider scenarios after JCPOA — MFA

"Various options and scenarios are being considered regarding what will occur after the current Security Council resolution expires on October 18 of this year," Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko said

Russia-China-Iran nuclear-related meeting due in Moscow on April 7-8 — Iranian MFA

Earlier, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced that the parties had agreed to concentrate their efforts on finding "viable and sustainable negotiating solutions" to address Western prejudices against Iran's nuclear program

‘Victory Rocket’ with international crew, TASS special correspondent to travel to ISS

The crew includes Roscosmos cosmonaut and TASS’ special correspondent at the ISS Alexey Zubritsky

Envoys from Iran, US to hold talks in Oman — NYT reporter

According to Farnaz Fassihi, Iran had told Washington it is open & willing to hold direct talk if the first round goes well

UN concerned over deteriorating relations between US, Iran, hopes for indirect talks

"We hope that the opportunity of using another country as an intermediary would be used as a way to lower tensions," Stephane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, said

Global oil market situation extremely turbulent — Kremlin

The authorities are doing everything to mitigate the global situation for the Russian economy, Dmitry Peskov stressed

Ukraine appoints notorious former ambassador to Germany as envoy to UN

The new envoy is replacing Sergey Kislitsa, who was dismissed on December 21, 2024

US actions speak of unreadiness for dialogue — Chinese diplomat

"If Washington decides to ignore the interests of the two countries and the international community and insists on its tariffs and trade wars, China will continue to respond to it," Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lin Jian stated

Israeli PM does not rule out Iran rejecting nuclear program

Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel 'have to make sure that Iran does not have nuclear weapons'

EU lays out schedule of retaliatory measures against US tariffs

EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic declined to mention what goods would fall under the EU’s tariffs

Russian companies eye oil and gas projects in Equatorial Guinea — Energy Ministry

The parties are also considering the introduction of industry standards of the Institute of Oil and Gas Technological Initiatives for equipment and technology

US, its allies almost provoked World War III — Medvedev

The official pointed out that despite record military spending, the current US administration under Donald Trump acknowledged the existence of a nuclear threat

Russia creates new counterbalance to EU in West Africa, says Chinese expert

"In the face of Western sanctions following the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Moscow is using military support, energy cooperation and political coordination to fill the power vacuum left by France's decline in West Africa," He Wenping noted

Leaders of Egypt, Jordan, France reject any annexation of Palestinian territory

"The leaders expressed alarm at the increasingly deteriorating situation in the West Bank and East Jerusalem and urged to stop all unilateral measures that undermine the viability of the two State solution and increase tensions," the declaration said

Trump confident US, Israel, Turkey reach deal on Syria

The US president noted that during a conversation with his Turkish counterpart, he congratulated him on 'taking over Syria,' accomplishing something that 'nobody has done in 2,000 years'

Civilian hospital in Zaporozhye Region shelled by Ukrainian troops

"This is a flagrant terror attack targeting a civilian hospital with dozens of patients, many of whom cannot move receiving lung ventilation," Governor Yevgeny Balitsky said

China supports Russia in resolving Iranian nuclear issue — Foreign Ministry

Lin Jian stressed that China "will continue to interact with relevant officials and assist in the development of a solution to the Iranian nuclear issue that would take into account reasonable concerns of all parties"

Putin holds phone talk with Lukashenko

According to Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov, the heads of state discussed current matters of bilateral cooperation

Musk unsuccessfully asked Trump to reconsider US retaliatory tariffs — newspaper

The media outlet also recalled that the businessman said over the weekend that he would like to see a "free trade zone" between Europe and the United States

Possible US-Iran conflict to entail dire consequences — Russia’s deputy foreign minister

Andrey Rudenko clarified that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty between Russia and Iran is not a military alliance

International acceptance of Mir cards grows despite sanctions — Bank of Russia

Currently, apart from Russia the Mir card is accepted in 13 countries

Russian troops liberate Katerinovka community in Donetsk region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted roughly 215 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed three enemy artillery guns in its area of responsibility over the past day

Talks with Japan now impossible, Kremlin says

Dmitry Peskov recalled that "Tokyo has rushed to fully join all unfriendly and hostile steps with regard to our country"

Lavrov discusses Russia-US dialogue, Ukraine crisis with envoys of Eurasian states

During the meeting, the sides exchanged views on issues related to the implementation of the initiative put forward by Russian President Vladimir Putin to create a new security architecture in Eurasia with the participation of all states of the continent and their associations

Kiev’s partners to reduce financing of Ukraine due to US tariffs — politician

Viktor Medvedchuk emphasized that Ukraine had been brought to complete financial, political, and trade dependence on Brussels by "knowingly false European integration rhetoric"

US may raise duties on Chinese goods to 104% — White House

The new increase may be approved on April 9

Investigation results into hole in Russia’s Soyuz MS-09 handed over to law enforcement

Earlier, a source informed that the hole had been drilled in weightlessness by a person not acquainted with the spaceship’s design

Russian, Bangladesh military officials discuss cooperation

The Russian Defense Ministry said the sides "expressed mutual determination to further strengthen the existing friendly relations between the armies and peoples of Russia and Bangladesh"

Japan set for peace treaty with Russia despite strained relations — foreign ministry

The ministry emphasized that the resumption of the exchange program with the southern Kuril Islands, especially visits by former Japanese residents to the graves of their ancestors, remained one of the highest priorities for Japan

Musk reminds Russia, US only two miles apart

Elon Musk has posted a video which also notes that during icy winters, the Russian-American border in this area becomes traversable on foot

New pandemic inevitable, WHO chief asserts

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reiterated the dire consequences of the COVID-19 outbreak worldwide

Death toll in Gaza rises by 59 since April 7 — TV channel

According to Arab TV channels, the IDF continues to carry out intensive air strikes and artillery shelling attacks on all parts of the embattled enclave

Taiwan records approach of 16 Chinese aircraft, five vessels

15 out of 16 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern, southwestern and eastern ADIZ

Russia strikes Ukraine’s central arms artillery base, defense enterprises — top brass

The strike’s goal has been achieved, its targets have been hit, the Defense Ministry said

Iran’s Supreme Leader puts army on high alert — Reuters

Reuters said that Iran rejected direct negotiations with the US on a nuclear deal, but wants to continue indirect negotiations through Oman, a longtime channel for messages between the rival states

Gas actively pumped into Europe’s UGS, LNG imports at record rates

Gas pumping into UGS facilities in EU countries amounted to 250 mln cubic meters on April 5, according to GIE

Leaders of Egypt, Jordan, France support swiftest peace in Ukraine

According to the statement, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Emmanuel Macron and Abdullah II held a joint phone call with US President Donald Trump

US may withdraw up to 10,000 troops from Eastern Europe — TV

NBC pointed out that this initiative builds on Western concerns regarding Russia strengthening its positions in the region

Putin, Lukashenko discuss upcoming Zapad 2025 drills — agency

According to the report, the two leaders also touched upon the developments in the zone of the special military operation

Trump’s new tariffs pave way for new world order, says top EU lawmaker

In an interview with the Funke media group, he pointed out that "the Trump administration is bringing fundamental things into question for no reason at all"

PM Starmer calls US duties challenge for British, global economy

Keir Starmer added that the world is changing and the rules of commerce that were perceived as normal recently are no longer appropriate

Russian doctors treat over 300 people injured in Myanmar quake

The doctors have performed 63 surgeries, including four complex ones

Trump administration unearths issues within US intelligence community — expert opinion

According to Alexander Stepanov, the structurally complex US intelligence community has never been subjected to such intense internal scrutiny

Press review: Iran, Russia, China plan talks as US and China intensify trade conflict

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, April 8th

'Ovechkin makes history': world media discuss sportsman’s 'miracle goal'

Alexander Ovechkin set a new record for the number of goals scored in the regular season of the NHL, surpassing Canada's Wayne Gretzky

Trump's tariffs could plunge world into third global recession in last 20 years — Axios

The portal quoted consulting company Evercore as saying that in 2024, the US imported $3.3 trillion worth of goods, or more than $25,000 per household

Press review: US sees first protests since Trump’s return and OSCE seeks Russia’s comeback

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, April 7th

Trump says US defense budget to amount to one trillion dollars

The 2024 defense budget amounted to 841 billion dollars

Russia, Belarus almost fully switch to settlements in national currencies — prime minister

Mikhail Mishustin stressed that he is prioritizing strengthening trade and economic cooperation with Belarus

Putin thanks Lukashenko for seizing explosives on border with Poland — report

On April 6, Belarusian customs officers stopped the smuggling of 580 kg of pentaerythritetetranitrate in a Mercedes car

Ukrainian command orders to abandon injured troops in Kursk Region — prisoner of war

According to the POW, his group was ordered to proceed to an evacuation point during the retreat, but when the Ukrainian servicemen arrived at the rendezvous point, there was no evacuation vehicle

Russia’s air strike destroys 20 Ukrainian troops in Donetsk region

The Aerospace Forces delivered a strike on the positions of the enemy’s 71st separate jaeger brigade in the settlement of Mirnoye

Russian diplomat calls on US to audit Ukraine aid spending

In Rodion Miroshnik words, an audit is necessary so that "no illusions are left about what [the Kiev regime] really is"

Talks on New Start replacement require certain level of relations with US — Kremlin

"This is what has yet to be restored, provided the two presidents show the relevant political will," Dmitry Peskov added

Top Russian senator calls Europe's targeting of politicians 'medievalism of 21st century'

According to Valentina Matviyenko, what is happening in Europe today is hardly a democracy

NCPM scientists create prototype of computer operating at 'speed of light'

Research Director Alexander Sergeyev elaborated that one of the primary challenges facing the researchers is to integrate the device with fast interfaces compatible with classical electronic computing machines

Russia’s economic growth is currently approaching 'zero' — expert

Alexander Shokhin emphasized that the current issue is finding a balance between rising inflation and the need to avoid overheating the Russian economy

Russian army liberates Basovka in Sumy Region — top brass

In the past day, Ukraine lost more than 170 servicemen, two armored combat vehicles, 12 automobiles, as well as three UAV control points and an ammunition depot in the Kursk direction

White House denies reports Trump considering 90-day pause on duties

On April 2, the US president imposed customs duties on products from 185 countries and territories

Russian agency says Latvia plans to pull down World War II memorials to mar Victory Day

"To give this act of vandalism a semblance of being ‘civilized,’ it is planned to proceed ‘strictly within the Latvian legal framework,’ the statement says

Audi hits brakes on US deliveries following new Trump tariffs — Bild

The company representative added that currently there are more than 37,000 cars sitting in Audi warehouses in the United States, and these are not subject to the new duties, meaning they can be sold

Goldman Sachs says markets pricing in 70% probability of Ukrainian peace agreement

According to the investment bank, this number is slightly lower than a peak of 76% in February

Ukrainian forces planted mines at cemeteries in Kursk Region during retreat — sapper

According to the report, bomb disposal specialists while surveying these territories are invariably wearing armored gear that can weigh up to 50 kg

US not satisfied by current situation around Ukraine — Trump

"So we're meeting with Russia, we're meeting with Ukraine, and we're getting sort of close," US President added

Moldova stands on verge of collapse of relations with Russia — ex-premier

"We stand on the brink of a collapse in relations not only with a friendly nation but also with a strategic partner with whom we share centuries-old socio-economic, cultural, and humanitarian ties," Vasile Tarlev wrote

Ex-top Ukrainian commander confirms reports of secret center for coordination with US

According to Valery Zaluzhny, the coordination center, initially established at the headquarters of the United States European Command in Stuttgart, was later transferred to Wiesbaden

Member of terrorist cell arrested for going to set fire to mosque in Crimea

During a search of his apartment, law enforcement officials seized ready-to-use incendiary devices, knives, pepper spray, aerosol paint for creating swastikas, and communication equipment

Russian embassy chides British media for Jules-Verne-style fantasy of subsea sabotage

"Russia has never threatened the security of the United Kingdom and its residents," the embassy stressed

Russian troops exploiting success in Krasny Liman area in Donbass — DPR head

In the Velikaya Novosyolka frontline area, Russian troops are focused on liberating the settlement of Bogatyr where the Ukrainian military has concentrated its forces and built quite serious defenses, Denis Pushilin said

German politician calls for resuming gas supplies from Russia in response to US tariffs

"Stock markets are plummeting and there is a real threat of a global financial crisis," Sahra Wagenknecht said

Russian lower house ratifies Treaty on Strategic Partnership with Iran

Russian President Vladimir Putin submitted the document to the State Duma in March

Russian army to push Ukrainian troops out of two last settlements in Kursk Region

The Russian Defense Ministry reported earlier on Tuesday that Russia’s Battlegroup North units had liberated the settlement of Guyevo

US to increase military pressure on Houthis — Pentagon chief

"We are not going to relent, and it's only to get more unrelenting, until the Houthis declare that they will stop shooting at our ships," Pete Hegseth said

Initiative with deployment of EU troops in Ukraine makes no practical sense — experts

According to Jack Watling, a senior researcher for land warfare at the UK’s Royal United Services Institute, a "coalition of the willing" should not attempt such an undertaking

Iranian, US representatives to hold talks in Oman on April 12 — top Iranian diplomat

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that 'the ball is in America's court'

Court fines Telegram for keeping channels urging for terror attacks in Russia

The messaging service did not remove these channels and therefore was fined to the tune of seven million rubles (over $80,000)

Carrier rocket with Soyuz MS-27 manned spacecraft blasts off from Baikonur spaceport

The crew consists of Roscosmos cosmonaut and TASS’ sixth special correspondent aboard the ISS Alexey Zubritsky, cosmonaut Sergey Ryzhikov and NASA astronaut Jonny Kim

EU plans to impose 25% tariffs on US yachts, diamonds, juices — radio

According to the radio station, tariffs on these goods will be implemented from May 16

Iran could benefit from Russia-mediated talks with US — expert

According to Ruhollah Modabber, the US and Israel are working together on a special plan for Iran that in some respects resembles the Libyan scenario

US has practically no trade with Russia, so no reciprocal tariffs were imposed — Trump

On April 2, Trump imposed customs duties on products from 185 countries and territories

Ukrainian forces fire over 35 drones at Belgorod Region over day — top brass

In Borki, two 16-year-olds were injured as a result of a drone dropping an explosive device

Time has come to stop war in Ukraine, Musk says

US businessman said that he has 'no respect for the warmongers'

Houthis report attacks on Israeli military site, US destroyers in Red Sea

Previously, the Israel Defense Forces reported that it intercepted an unmanned aerial vehicle approaching the country’s eastern borders

Washington would like to see conflict in Gaza over — Trump

"I like to see the war stop, and I think the war will stop at some point," US President said

Belarus' Customs seizes explosives, prevents incidents, casualties — Foreign Ministry

The Foreign Ministry remarked that the truck, which had traveled through several East European countries, narrowly avoided becoming a "time bomb" that could have endangered unsuspecting civilians in the EU

US duties, mass trader liquidations behind bitcoin fall — experts

Over the past day, bitcoin, according to the Binance exchange, lost more than 10% of its value, as it is now trading at $75,000

Three cities in DPR cut off from water supply due to Ukrainian shelling

Repairs are expected to take up to three days

Russian economy attractive to western investors — minister

Maksim Reshetnikov pointed to a high current level of real interest rates in the Russian economy, which means that financial investments are attractive amid stable external trade turnover and steady exchange rate

US, Iran holding direct talks — Trump

According to the US leader, no country is acting as a mediator between the United States and Iran

Trump threatens China with additional 50% tariffs if Beijing doesn’t nix retaliatory move

The US president added that all talks with China concerning their requested meetings with Washington will be terminated

Russia bans advertising on websites of extremist organizations

The law envisages a delayed implementation date for these new regulations, which will come into effect on September 1, 2025

Press review: Ukraine gets ready to host foreign troops as US prepares for trade war

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, April 2nd

Lavrov describes situation in Middle East as 'explosive'

The top Russian diplomat also said the Euro-Atlantic security paradigm was in crisis, and drew attention to the dangerous actions of NATO states aimed at destabilizing the situation in the Asia-Pacific region

US would like to cut defense expenditures jointly with China — Trump

"I don't want them to take $500, $600 billion a year and spend it on their military," US President said

Russia wins industrial war, leaving Europe in the dust, British report shows

Meanwhile, Europe lacked a coherent strategy or understanding regarding its supply chains

UN Security Council to hold Ukraine-themed meeting on April 8 — Russian mission

The session was requested by Western powers

‘Deep state’ instructed Europe to continue conflict in Ukraine — Georgian PM

According to Irakli Kobakhidze, the same thing is happening with financing of organizations engaged in "anti-state processes," including in Georgia - these organizations are now funded only from the EU

EC proposes 25% retaliatory tariffs on US goods from April 16 — Reuters

As the agency says, the EC has removed whiskey from the list of goods subject to import duties

Russia welcomes US-Iran contacts in Oman — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov noted that "it can lead to the de-escalation of tensions around Iran"

American Tater forcibly hospitalized with mental disorder in Moscow

Psychiatrists diagnosed Joseph Tater with mental health

Russian troops advance to Loknya, Yunakovka following Basovka's liberation, expert says

Andrey Marochko noted that Russia’s advances in Sumy have stretched Ukraine’s frontline, compelling Kiev to divert troops and resources to this new sector