Trump, Erdogan hold first meeting at NATO as ties warm: What to know The first meeting between the two leaders since Trump's return to office focused on the Iran-Israel ceasefire, the Ukraine war and bilateral ties. Turkey
Analysis Can Russia broker Iran-Israel deal as Putin looks to divert West from Ukraine? A mediating role between Tehran and Tel Aviv could help the Kremlin boost its credentials as well as turn attention away from ongoing war in Ukraine. By Kasia A. Houghton
Analysis As Israel-Iran strikes escalate, Russia weighs risks and opportunities With evacuations underway and investments at risk, the Kremlin still sees a chance to benefit by boosting gas exports and mediating US-Iran talks. By Nikita Smagin
Turkey’s Fidan in Russia as Trump accuses Putin of ‘needless’ killing in Ukraine The top Turkish diplomat’s Moscow visit follows Istanbul peace talks and the US president's rare criticism of the Russian leader. Turkey
Analysis Ukraine ceasefire showcases Saudi Arabia's diplomatic role under Trump By Rosaleen Carroll , Jennifer Gnana
Saudi oil exports hit new low, dropping by more than one-third In May of this year, Saudi Arabia’s value of oil exports hit a low of just over $19 billion, reported the kingdom’s General Authority for Statistics. This includes both crude and refined products. Saudi Arabia
Russian migration to Turkey spikes by 218% in aftermath of Ukraine war Nationals of Iran and Iraq, meanwhile, constitute the largest group of foreigners who left Turkey in 2022. Turkey
Iran shrugs off fresh US reinforcements in Persian Gulf, boasts drone power The latest episode of potential US-Iran tensions in the Persian Gulf ensued Iranian encounters with commercial vessels in the strategic oil passage, the Strait of Hormuz. Iran
Turkey's Fidan says no solution without Russia to grain deal impasse The top Turkish diplomat Hakan Fidan dismissed Kyiv's alternative solution offer to ship Ukrainian grain without an agreement with Moscow. Turkey
Russia pulls inspectors from Turkey after Kremlin nixes grain deal The joint operation center in Istanbul, which was set up as part of the Black Sea grain deal, has been the sole mechanism through which Ukrainian and Russian officials were directly working together on a regular basis since the invasion of Ukraine. Turkey
UK sanctions 13 Wagner-linked firms and officials in Sudan, CAR, Mali The mercenary group has been operating across Africa for many years, exploiting the continent's natural resources and providing military support for its own financial gain. The Horn of Africa
European Parliament rebuffs Turkey's NATO-EU trade-off Turkey’s EU accession process cannot resume under the current circumstances, but new ways to cooperate should be explored, EP members say ahead of an EU foreign ministers meeting. Turkey
Analysis On Gulf tour, Japan's PM secures energy ties as China’s influence grows Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s three-day trip that began Sunday to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar — its key energy suppliers — is seen as a crucial move to secure Japan’s energy future. By Salim A. Essaid
Turkey, Russia discuss Ukraine grain export deal after Moscow halts pact The conversation between the top Russian and Turkish diplomats comes as Ankara is amping up its efforts to salvage the deal critical for global food markets. Turkey
Wheat prices rise by nearly 3% as Russia-Ukraine grain deal expires Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he may call his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, in an effort to save the export deal. The deal’s termination could have economic effects on the Middle East. Turkey
Inside Turkey's three dimensions for changing tune on Sweden's NATO bid Turkey’s surprise decision on the Swedish NATO bid seems to be underpinned by considerations on defense and economic areas. Turkey
Erdogan’s NATO moves agitate Russia but don’t spell Turkey's sharp shift to West The Turkish leader is navigating Ankara’s relationships in ways that he believes best benefit Turkey’s interests and above all his own political survival. Turkey
