Is the Basmalah obligatory when reciting Ayat al-Kursi in the morning and evening remembrances after seeking refuge in Allah from the accursed Satan?

When reciting the Quran from the middle of a surah, it is recommended for the reciter to seek refuge with Allah from the accursed Shaitan (A'udhu billahi minash-shaytanir-rajim). This is because seeking refuge is a Sunnah before reciting the Quran in general, whether inside or outside of prayer, and whether beginning from the start of a surah or its middle. As for the Basmalah (Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim), it is recommended when reciting from the beginning of surahs, except for Surah Bara'ah (At-Tawbah), and the reciter has a choice regarding it if reciting from the middle of a surah.