US wants Lebanon to 'secure' its territory — Rubio

Middle East conflictUS wants Lebanon to 'secure' its territory — Rubio The US Secretary of State commented on Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz's statement that the Jewish state does not intend to withdraw its troops from South Lebanon, even if the United States demands it toDOHA, June 24. /TASS/. The Washington administration wants the Lebanese authorities to control their territory independently, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters in Kuwait. "That is our hope that the Lebanese armed forces and the legitimate sovereign Lebanese government will continue to be able to control and secure more and more of their own territory, because that's who needs to control Lebanese territory, not a terrorist group like Hezbollah," Rubio said, commenting on Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz's statement that the Jewish state does not intend to withdraw its troops from South Lebanon, even if the United States demands it to. "The reason why they're involved there is because territory of Lebanon is being used to launch drones and missiles against Israel, but the more of that area the Lebanese armed forces is able to secure, the less of it's in Hezbollah's control, the less Israel will be in Lebanon. But obviously that's the process we're working through right now with these talks. "I think that’s the core of these talks," Rubio said, referring to the Israeli-Lebanese negotiations in Washington. "And that's exactly what they're talking to the Lebanese about with our mediation." Earlier, Iran demanded a complete ceasefire in Lebanon and the withdrawal of Israeli troops during negotiations with the United States, warning that otherwise Tehran would again block the Strait of Hormuz. Israel said it will not withdraw from Lebanon as long as the Jewish state perceives a threat to its northern regions from Hezbollah forces. Israeli troops continue to hold their positions in southern Lebanon and have a complete freedom of action to eliminate emerging threats. Strait of Hormuz developmentsTrump says Iran making 'very big concessions' to USThe US leader made brief comments to reporters at the CapitolRead moreMedvedev calls international law exception that should be strived forThe Russian Security Council deputy chairman pointed out that throughout its history, humanity has followed a path of wars and conflictsRead moreWest provided Ukraine with $66 bln since launch of Russian asset income schemeThe stated amount of $66 bln does not include deliveries of military equipment, weapons and suppliesRead moreMedvedev calls for lawfully curbing Western military bases in other countriesThe Russian politician noted that these deployments had become a significant factor undermining the collective security system and eroding the sovereignty of statesRead morePerpetrators of attack on bus carrying kids identified, wanted — Investigative CommitteeThe perpetrators will be arrested in absentia soonRead moreAir defenses down nearly 100 drones in Kursk Region over day — governorAlexander Khinshtein said that as a result of the attacks, a school and a private residence in Kolontayevka were damagedRead moreRussian armed forces actively implement AI, robotic systems — defense ministerAndrey Belousov emphasized the crucial role of human judgment in this technological landscapeRead moreBoard of Peace to meet in Cyprus from June 30 to July 1 — portalAccording to an In-Cyprus diplomatic source, the country is neither the organizer nor co-organizer of the eventRead moreRussia invited Ukraine to significantly upgrade level of chief delegates — LavrovThe Russian foreign minister said that Russia proposed creating three working groupsRead moreRussia grateful to Witkoff, Kushner for mediation over Ukraine — KremlinDmitry Peskov also underscored Russia’s expectation that these contacts will persist moving forwardRead morePower outage reported in Sevastopol as Russia downs 323 Ukrainian drones overnightTwo civilians were killed each in a Ukrainian drone attack on Gorlovka in the Donetsk People’s Republic and on the Nizhny Novgorod RegionRead moreWitkoff, Kushner’s visit being discussed, Russia would 'lend them an ear' — LavrovThe Russian foreign minister noted that Russia is always open to talksRead moreSeven civilians wounded after Ukraine’s attacks on DPR during dayFour dwelling houses, six civilian infrastructure facilities, and five trucks were damaged in the periodRead moreElon Musk loses his trillionaire statusThe US entrepreneur's fortune has fallen to $957 blnRead moreContacts between Lavrov, Rubio to continue — senior Russian diplomatDeputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov added that telephone conversations between the officials can be quickly arrangedRead morePharmaceutical companies leave Ukraine — Russian security forcesAccording to the source, the Ukrainian biotechnology company Biopharma intends to launch an 85 million euro production facility in Arad, Romania by the end of 2027Read moreWest holds back from launching drones at Russia over retaliation fears — PutinThe Russian leader pointed out that "when some Ukrainian drones fly over the Baltic states, they don’t attribute them to Russia"Read moreResolving Ukrainian conflict through diplomacy remains possible — LavrovAccording to the foreign minister, this requires specific legally binding security guarantees based on the principle of indivisibility of security, including ensuring Russia's security on its western bordersRead moreCroatia beats Panama in World Cup matchThe match ended with a score of 1-0Read morePress review: UK PM to continue predecessor policy as US reshapes oil market beyond OPEC+Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, June 23rdRead morePrice of Brent oil down below $76 per barrel on London’s ICEAs of 3:01 a.m. GMT, the Brent price was down by 1.48% at $75.94 a barrelRead moreRussian troops liberate Ivolzhanskoye community in Sumy Region over past dayRussia’s Battlegroup North inflicted more than 215 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed a US-made surface-to-air missile system in its areas of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reportedRead moreEurope equally responsible for striking Zaporozhye NPP as Kiev — analystAccording to Scott Ritter, European countries need Ukraine to justify their continued existenceRead moreRussian government considers diesel fuel exports banThe situation in the Russian fuel market is "indeed challenging but controlled," Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak saidRead morePotential agreements with Europe should be within framework of Anchorage — Russian MFADeputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov added that Moscow is watching with some interest the discussions regarding a potential EU negotiatorRead moreTensions on Ukraine-Belarus border are escalating — CSTO Council's chairmanUkrainian UAV overflights into Russian territory are becoming a daily occurrenceRead moreFunds from Russian assets sent to Kiev are stolen money — LavrovAccording to the Russian top diplomat, a total of 45 bln euros have been transferred to Kiev over four yearsRead moreBees on planet dying out for unknown reasons — scientistDmitry Boguslavsky says scientists thought that bees became disoriented after leaving the hive. However, even if a colony was confined to the hive with food, water, and the right temperature, all bees still diedRead moreDistricts of Kherson Region completely or partially without power — governorVladimir Saldo says power workers and emergency services are already at the sceneRead moreMoscow establishes BARS volunteer formationBARS-Moscow volunteers practice the full cycle of field operations under near-combat conditionsRead moreBeginning of troops withdrawal is source of disagreement between Israel, Lebanon — TVAccording to a source cited by Al Hadath, Israel adheres to the step-by-step principle and demands that the Lebanese army take concrete action on the ground and demonstrate the ability to dismantle Hezbollah infrastructureRead moreUS seeks to buy European section of Nord Streams, resell Russian gas to EU — LavrovThe Russian Foreign Minister believes that it will be at a substantial markupRead moreWest’s preparations for war with Russia, its readiness to respond: Putin's commentsThe leadership of NATO countries and the European Union uses false statements about the alleged Russian threat to increase their military budgets, the Russian leader notedRead moreNATO unity not worth much in real war situations — MedvedevThe Russian Security Council deputy chairman said that the aftermath of the strikes on Iran and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz showed how quickly Washington's allies can turn their back on youRead moreOne person killed, one more injured in Belgorod Region during attack by Ukrainian armyA woman who sustained a shrapnel wound was taken to hospitalRead moreKremlin highlights weakened global institutions, nuclear deterrence as core of securityNew non-nuclear weapons that are potentially comparable in destructive capacity to nuclear arms will soon appear in the world, Dmitry Peskov warnedRead moreRussia warns about countermeasures in event of Baltic region's development by NATODeputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said a recent statement by the Nuclear Planning Group was "a reflection of the alliance’s overall super-aggressive attitude toward Russia"Read moreTrump believes Iran to be ‘on ropes,’ willing to give in to US in all areasAccording to the US leader, by adopting War Powers Act the US Senate "has provided aid and comfort the enemy"Read morePeskov points to trend toward declining role of dollar as global reserve currencyThe Kremlin spokesman noted that the foundations of the international economic order are being depreciatedRead moreRound-the-clock efforts underway to prevent Kiev’s terrorist attacks — FSB chiefAlexander Bortnikov called Vladimir Zelensky a terroristRead moreMoscow to respond in case West uses Russian frozen assets — diplomatAny use of Russian assets for purposes not agreed with the Russian Federation is blatant robbery, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov stressedRead moreMoldova, Armenia now facing same scenario as Ukraine once adopted — MedvedevThe Russian Security Council deputy chairman noted that after the collapse of the Soviet Union, NATO used puppet regimes as a battering ram against RussiaRead moreArmenia at crossroads and threats against Belarus: Kremlin's statementsDmitry Peskov noted that Russia, as an ally of Belarus, would always stand by this country in resolving economic issues and repelling various threatsRead moreEscalation on Ukrainian-Belarusian border and Armenia's choice: CSTO statementsChairman of the CSTO's Permanent Council Viktor Vasilyev stressed that Armenia's membership in the CSTO would be thoroughly discussedRead moreRepelling drone attacks and reserves for mutual assistance: Shoigu’s statementsAccording to the Russian Security Council Secretary, BRICS member countries will use the group's common reserve fundsRead moreFACTBOX: Charting history of TASS media presence on ISSAnna Kikina became the first woman in the "TASS on the ISS" projectRead moreArmenia’s strategic choice important for Russia — KremlinIn March 2025, Armenia’s parliament passed a law launching the process of the country's accession to the European UnionRead moreIran calls on Saudi Arabia to ‘eject’ US troops from regionIran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stressed that Iran respects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and considers it a brotherly nationRead moreSerbia to stay friendly with Russia after election — expertSenior research associate at the Institute for Recent History of Serbia Milana Zivanovic emphasized that cooperation is beneficial for both sidesRead moreRussia, Armenia closely linked, integration process strengthens ties — KremlinDmitry Peskov stressed that Moscow is interested in expanding cooperation with YerevanRead moreRussia upgrades T-90 tank using troop feedback from battlefield — RostecThe knowledge of fighters is useful for modernizing hardware and creating new models, Rostec Deputy CEO Nikolay Volobuyev saidRead moreIN BRIEF: Kremlin comments on preparations for Duma election, irreversible defeat for KievDmitry Peskov said the situation on the front is deteriorating day by day for KievRead moreSteps to counter threats, Kiev's attempts to upend energy sector: Putin's commentsThe Russian president instructed the government and the Defense Ministry to minimize the impact of the Ukrainian attacks on civilian infrastructureRead moreAfD leader calls on Merz to support Costa’s initiative to resume contacts with RussiaPolitico and Bloomberg reported earlier that during the recent EU summit, the association’s largest countries, including Germany, were infuriated over European Council President’s alleged preliminary contacts with MoscowRead moreWest facing catastrophic consequences in event of clash with Moscow — MFAAccording to Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov, an understanding might emerge in Western countries that "we need to lower the temperature"Read moreCatastrophic consequences for West, Lavrov-Rubio contacts: senior diplomat’s statementsSergey Ryabkov emphasized that Russia would not back down from its position that all agreements reached in Anchorage should be implementedRead moreRussian troops strike Ukrainian long-range UAV assembly sites over past day — top brassRussia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted roughly 330 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed three enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reportedRead moreSevastopol temporarily left without power due to attack on its energy infrastructureA special regime has been declared at the facilities, Governor Mikhail Razvozhayev saidRead more'Signs of shift' in US position on Anchorage, dialogue on Ukraine: Ryabkov’s statementsAccording to the Russian diplomat, Moscow remains committed to the understandings reached between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Donald Trump in AlaskaRead morePress review: Israel-Lebanon talks reveal rift and US reassures Gulf as Iran reshapes tiesTop stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, June 24thRead moreMedvedev outlines options for regime change in KievThe Russian Security Council deputy chairman emphasized that legitimate government institutions were crucialRead moreLiberation of Ivolzhanskoye in Sumy Region expands security zone along Russian borderRussia’s Defense Ministry reported earlier on June 24 that its Battlegroup North units "gained control of the settlement of Ivolzhanskoye"Read moreHelicopter operations held near Polish-Ukrainian borderAccording to a source in the EU air traffic control services, a helicopter belonging to one of the security agencies was patrolling the airspace at an altitude of up to 400 meters for nearly an hourRead moreRussian artillery wipes out Ukrainian UAV control posts in Kharkov RegionThe Russian Defense Ministry reported that Giatsint-S crews delivered strikes by 152mm high-explosive fragmentation shells from sheltered positionsRead moreRussian interceptor FPV drones destroy Ukrainian heavy-payload UAVs in ramming attackThe Ukrainian R-18 UAVs were uncovered by radar teams within the Battlegroup West area of responsibilityRead moreLavrov meets with UN chief candidate Espinosa — Russian Foreign MinistryMaria Espinosa presented her campaign platformRead moreBRICS countries to use common strategic reserves for mutual assistance — ShoiguAccording to the Russian Security Council Secretary, this refers to fertilizers, LNG and oil, as well as medicines and a wide variety of other goodsRead moreWestern military bases provide no protection to states — MedvedevThe Russian Security Council deputy chairman added that "in case of danger, personnel of such military bases cares only about hasty evacuation with all their belongings"Read moreRussia-US dialogue on irritants in state of certain stagnation — senior Russian diplomatDeputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov noted "small progress" in this dialogueRead moreHungary once again holds up Ukraine's EU accession process — PoliticoHungary opposed sending a letter to the European Council and Commission on behalf of the bloc's 27 members that spells out the joint position of EU capitalsRead moreRutte states need to increase military production on both sides of AtlanticThe NATO secretary general aslo stressed the need to replenish ammunition stockpilesRead moreRussia says no intention to dismantle elements of strategic stability with USDeputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov noted that hotlines between Russia and the US continue to operateRead moreRussia not to stop on front line to start talks on Ukraine — LavrovThe Russian top diplomat recalled that Moscow had already did that when the sides had reached the agreement in IstanbulRead morePilot of F-15 downed over Iran reported seeing jellyfish-like group of drones — CNNThe TV channel's sources note that US intelligence had no previous knowledge of Iran's possession of this technologyRead moreKiev cannot forgive Crimea for rejoining Russia in 2014 — KonstantinovChairman of the State Council of the Republic urged Crimeans to show restraint, patience, and uniteRead morePutin, Lukashenko to discuss Zelensky’s threats soon — KremlinDmitry Peskov added that it will be a good opportunity to discuss other issues as wellRead moreLavrov comments on Europe’s revanchism, Zelensky's comfort playing 'fuhrer' roleThe Russian top diplomat highlighted that the current elites in Europe made no secret of their preparations for a war against Russia in the near futureRead moreSituation with US visas to Russian diplomats has made some progress, much work remainsDeputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov added that American officials have begun visiting RussiaRead moreOnly nuclear deterrence shielding world from global war — KremlinDmitry Peskov emphasized that at the same time, nuclear deference does not prevent regional conflictsRead moreIN BRIEF: Lavrov's remarks on contacts with EU and faith in diplomacyAccording to the Russian foreign minister, the Ukrainian conflict can still be resolved through political and diplomatic meansRead moreWest is attempting to challenge Russia's rights to its Arctic territories — MFAThe Russian Foreign Ministry emphasized that the issue of indigenous peoples' rights is being overly politicized by Western countriesRead moreNumber of civilians injured by Ukrainian army in June exceeds 250 per week — envoyAccording to Rodion Miroshnik, the weekly death toll ranged from 30 to 50 civiliansRead moreUS to make new decisions on Iran if it refuses to accept IAEA inspectors — RubioThe US secretary of state denied that there was no understanding between Washington and Tehran regarding the return of IAEA inspectors to IranRead morePolitico understands Lavrov’s article effect, refuses to publish it — MFAForeign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova noted that such an approach is far from being called "journalism"Read moreUS’ new sanctions have nothing to do with supporting Cuban people — diplomatUN Permanent Representative Ernesto Soberon Guzman says sanctions only exacerbate the humanitarian consequences of the economic pressure on the countryRead moreUnited Nations, UN Security Council now devaluing — KremlinAccording to Dmitry Peskov, it is even more evident that the entire system of international relations is depreciatingRead moreEngland, Ghana play to 0-0 draw in World Cup matchIn the final round, England will face Panama, while Ghana will face CroatiaRead moreTrust in Trump expressed by an average of 23% of respondents in 36 countries — pollAccording to data provided by the Pew Research Center, an average of 57% of respondents expressed a positive attitude towards the USRead moreInternational law crisis due to intentions to turn it into privilege — MedvedevThe politician recalled that Western countries had actively promoted that concept for decadesRead moreLondon seeks dubious political points by giving uranium to Kiev — Russian Foreign MinistryRussian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova noted that Moscow is not aware of Ukraine's industrial capacity for independent production of nuclear fuelRead moreKiev’s terrorist attacks cannot change situation at frontline — PutinThe Russian forces are liberating one settlement after another, the Russian president saidRead moreUS Senate passes resolution to end war with IranFifty senators voted in favor, with 48 voting againstRead moreUkrainian POW demands 'just punishment' for Ukraine army commanders, ZelenskyAccording to Sergey Rykov, the policy course being pursued by the Ukrainian leadership is pushing the country’s population to the brink of extinctionRead moreEU to spend 7 trillion euros on weapons in next decade to 'outgun' Russia — ECThe European Union needs to pay the price for peace, to avoid the cost of war, European Commissioner for Defense and Space Andrius Kubilius saidRead moreLavrov would like to see Russia out of 'half-dead' OSCE, but it's up to Putin to decideThe Russian foreign minister explained that Moscow would not feel "any discomfort" leaving the organization on its ownRead moreUkraine’s, collective West actions may exhaust all patience — politicianViktor Medvedchuk said that a lot of Western politicians and Vladimir Zelensky are doing everything they can to bring a nuclear apocalypse closer to realityRead moreRussian authorities eyeing full ban on diesel fuel exportsDeputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said that the full ban was set on gasoline and jet fuel exportsRead moreUS LNG exports remain high in April, with Egypt leading wayLNG exports were 6% lower than in March and 20% higher than in April 2025Read moreTrump orders probe as oil prices stay highThe US president earlier claimed that around 19 million barrels of oil exited the Strait of Hormuz on June 22Read moreDeutsche Bahn suspends train service across Germany due to radio communications failureAccording to some reports, the Berlin commuter train is not operatingRead moreUS carries out successful test of Golden Dome missile system — top defense officialAccording to Pete Hegseth, during the test, "cutting edge directed energy was harnessed and the Dynamic Defense Autonomous Defeat system flawlessly and autonomously cued, targeted, and eliminated a multitude of incoming threats"Read more