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The US and Iran exchanged fire over the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, with Washington launching a naval operation to reopen the waterway and Tehran responding with attacks on ships and a UAE port. A fragile ceasefire appeared to be at risk as both sides reported strikes and denied the other's claims.
Japan has taken delivery of its first cargo of Russian oil in almost a year, with the Omani-flagged tanker Voyager arriving at ports in western Japan. The purchases by Japanese companies Taiyo Oil and Idemitsu are part of efforts to diversify supply sources amid the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and escalating situation around Iran.
Russia's Almaz-Antey Group has announced the development of an automated airspace management system capable of withstanding complex cyberattacks, along with specialized droneports for UAV interceptors. The company also reported commissioning new air traffic control equipment and progress on UAV flight monitoring systems.
A 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck near the Tajikistan–Xinjiang border on Monday, with tremors felt in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The quake, recorded at a depth of 128 kilometers, follows a series of recent seismic activity in the region, according to Pakistan Meteorological Department.
In a series of phone calls and public statements, Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump discussed a May 9 ceasefire in Ukraine, a possible visit to Moscow, and Putin's offer to help with Iran's enriched uranium. Trump prioritized ending the war in Ukraine, while both leaders expressed optimism about a settlement.
Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov has invited Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states to participate in the Center 2026 strategic command-and-staff exercise, scheduled for late September. The invitation was extended during a SCO defense ministers' meeting in Bishkek, where regional security and bilateral military cooperation were also on the agenda.
The Council of the CSTO Parliamentary Assembly met in Moscow to mark the body's 20th anniversary, adopting a statement on legislative harmonization and collective security. Kazakh parliamentary leader Erlan Koshanov raised concerns over Middle East tensions and outlined upcoming exercises, while Russian officials highlighted Moscow's CSTO chairmanship priorities. Coverage draws primarily from TASS reports on the session attended by Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held meetings with Central Asian and CIS foreign ministers in Moscow, focusing on economic and security cooperation, and the escalating situation in the Middle East and around Iran. The discussions included reviewing agreements from the second Central Asia-Russia summit and adopting a special statement on Persian Gulf tensions.
Moldova has formally initiated its withdrawal from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), with key decisions now approved and the official exit expected in April 2027. The process, which includes retaining some economic agreements, has drawn regret from Moscow and criticism from pro-Russian opposition figures within Moldova.
While India faces fuel shortages and social panic amid the Iran war, China has maintained energy stability through a combination of 120-day strategic petroleum reserves, diversified pipeline imports from Central Asia and Russia, and accelerating overland trade routes. Beijing's long-term planning and current economic slowdown have provided buffers against the Hormuz Strait disruption, though Middle East dependence remains a structural challenge.
US President Donald Trump has issued a new ultimatum to Iran, threatening to destroy its power plants and bridges if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened by Tuesday evening. Iran has dismissed the threats, with officials vowing retaliation and regional tensions continuing to escalate.
Iranian officials have expressed gratitude to Russia, Iraq, and Tajikistan for humanitarian assistance, with Moscow delivering 330 tons of supplies. The move comes amid a military conflict that began on February 28, following US and Israeli strikes and subsequent Iranian retaliation. Details remain limited, with claims about the death of Supreme Leader Khamenei unconfirmed.