How US-India trade deal could impact Mideast energy, trade routes The United States and India struck a trade agreement on Monday that eases months of tension between the two countries and could influence Gulf oil flows and economic integration. Saudi Arabia
UAE President meets Putin in Russia to discuss nuclear energy, trade, Iran The visit of Emirati President Sheikh Mohammed comes a day after the Kremlin hosted President Ahmed al-Sharaa to discuss the future of Russian military bases in Syria. Russia
European Union adds IRGC to terror list, expands sanctions As the extent of the killing of protests is gradually revealed, the European Union has decided to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization. Iran
Putin offers $1B in frozen assets for Gaza Board of Peace — will US unfreeze them? It remains unclear how such an arrangement could be implemented, since any contribution from frozen assets would require formal unblocking by the US government. Palestine
Analysis Russian leak signals Su-35s for Iran moving to production: What to know By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Turkey’s Fidan to visit Russia as Ukraine's grain deal, Syria talks stall Ankara’s efforts to revive the Black Sea grain deal and stalled high level talks between Ankara and Damascus are expected to be high on the agenda of the talks between top Russian and Turkish diplomats. Turkey
Israeli rabbi, convicted sex offender, asks Ukraine to lift visa ban The notorious Rabbi Eliezer Berland, convicted in Israel of sex offenses, is trying to get Ukrainian authorities to lift a three-year travel ban and allow himself and his followers to perform their traditional pilgrimage to Uman. Israel
US naval diplomacy reaches Turkey in latest sign of rapprochement The US Navy's largest aircraft carrier arrived in Antalya several days before President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is expected to meet Russia's Vladimir Putin in Sochi. Turkey
Erdogan to meet Putin in Sochi as Turkey looks to save Ukraine grain deal Revival of the vital grain deal will top the agenda of the Turkish and Russian presidents in Sochi, but experts believe Moscow's quick return to the agreement is unlikely. Turkey
Ukraine's Zelenskyy meets with Turkish FM as Black Sea pressure rises The revival of the Black Sea grain deal was likely the top agenda item in the Turkish foreign minister’s meeting with Ukraine's leader as Ankara distances itself from Western efforts to set up alternative routes. Turkey
Prigozhin’s death spells end of Wagner, but Russia won't abandon its missions With the Wagner Group's top leadership reportedly dead in a likely assassination, Moscow is continuing to quietly replace the private mercenary outfit in its overseas operations. Syria
Wagner chief Prigozhin among passengers in fatal plane crash: Russian state media Russia’s grey-zone influence in the Middle East and Africa enters uncharted territory amid reports of the Wagner chief’s death. Russia / Mideast
Ukrainian ambassador threatens to block Israeli pilgrims from Uman Ukraine's ambassador to Israel has warned Israel that if it does not stop turning away Ukrainians, Kyiv will close its doors to Israeli pilgrims to the city of Uman. Israel
Iran unveils new armed drone, defying pressure over shipments to Russia With a range of over 1,200 miles, Mohajer 10 is the latest from a family of drones that Russia is believed to have imported from Iran to use in its war on Ukraine. Iran
Turkey FM to discuss alternatives to Black Sea grain deal in Ukraine Turkey's foreign minister will stop in Ukraine Aug. 25 to discuss options for shipping Ukrainian grain amid the deadlock with Russia. Turkey
Explainer: What's going on between Russia and Turkey amid Black Sea escalation Ankara’s avoidance of a public confrontation with Moscow reflects its determination to maintain a balancing act between Russia and the West. Turkey
Analysis Russia pushes North African trade area as Ukraine sanctions bite Russia's influence across North Africa is varied, but regional countries could benefit from discounted Russian hydrocarbons, grain and fertilizer. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
