Lead
Russian newspapers are reporting that the United States and Israel are preparing for new strikes against Iran, citing a lack of progress in negotiations. The reports, carried by TASS, also detail Tehran's capacity for retaliation, the status of diplomatic efforts, and a range of other international developments.
Coverage comparison
The reports from TASS, drawing on Russian newspaper headlines and expert commentary, paint a picture of escalating tensions in the Middle East. One article from May 18 highlights that Washington and Tel Aviv are preparing to resume strikes against Tehran due to stalled talks. Another from June 1 focuses on the struggle to finalize a peace deal, while a May 13 report describes the two sides as creeping toward renewed hostilities. A May 8 piece notes that the US is awaiting Iran's response to a proposal that could pave the way for direct talks.
Key claims
The US and Israel are preparing for new strikes against Iran, as reported by TASS. Iran is said to be capable of mounting a significant retaliatory strike, with its missile capabilities reportedly recovered and domestic unrest virtually nonexistent. US strategy in a renewed conflict is expected to focus on strategic waterways, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, according to Alisa Kazelko, a member of the Russian Export Center JSC and a Valdai expert. A ground operation is considered extremely unlikely.
Diplomatic efforts are continuing. The US is awaiting Iran's response to a proposal aimed at ending the conflict, with American media reporting that Tehran was expected to deliver its response on May 7 through intermediaries. The discussions may involve a symbolic one-page memorandum that could pave the way for 30 days of direct talks, according to CNN, as cited in the TASS report. Iranian authorities have described US initiatives as "far from reality," and experts doubt a comprehensive agreement is possible given disagreements over Iran's nuclear program, the status of the Strait of Hormuz, and unfreezing Iranian assets. Israel, which has continued strikes in Lebanon, may try to disrupt a diplomatic resolution if its interests are not taken into account, according to political analyst Adwan Hisham.
Regarding Russia-Ukraine talks, the anticipated resumption is delayed for now, according to TASS. Russia is also preparing for the possibility of continued Ukrainian long-range drone attacks.
On the economic front, the US may extend the temporary waiver allowing third countries to purchase oil from Russia, while the European Union is considering freezing its price cap on Russian oil, as reported by TASS.
Russia has issued a warning of a potential symmetric strike on Ukraine or even NATO countries in the wake of an attack on the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant. Additionally, Moscow has vowed to protect freedom of navigation in the Arctic as Western countries expand their military presence in the region.
In a separate development, Russia has tested new nuclear missile technology with a Sarmat launch, demonstrating its military might, as reported by TASS. A corruption scandal in Ukraine could jeopardize military aid, according to the same outlet's coverage.