At least 40,000 people gathered in central Moscow on Saturday to protest in support of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, Reuters reporters estimated.
Authorities have said nationwide protests in Moscow and dozens of others cities are illegal and police have detained more than 860 people, according to the OVD-Info protest monitor.
US considering 'winding down' military efforts in Iran, says Trump
President Donald Trump said on Friday the US was getting very close to meeting its objectives as it considers winding down its military efforts in the Iran war and called on countries that use the Strait of Hormuz to guard and police it "as necessary".
Iran ready to let Japanese vessels transit Hormuz, Kyodo reports
Iran is ready to let Japanese-related vessels pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global oil supplies, Kyodo news has reported, citing Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi.
Putin tells Tehran: Russia stands by Iran
Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Iranian leaders on Nowruz and said Moscow remained a loyal friend and reliable partner to Tehran, the Kremlin said on Saturday.
Israeli military says it is striking Hezbollah targets in Beirut
The Israeli military said early on Saturday it was striking Hezbollah targets in Beirut, after issuing an evacuation warning for seven neighbourhoods in the southern suburbs of the Lebanese capital.
US sending marines and amphibious assault ship to Middle East
The US military is deploying thousands of Marines to the Middle East, officials told Reuters on Friday, as President Donald Trump accused NATO allies of cowardice over their reluctance to send forces to help open the Strait of Hormuz.
