Iran rial hits record low 1.13M to dollar as UN snapback sanctions resume: What to know The sanctions, which were trigged by the three European signatories to the nuclear deal, will not hinder Iranian oil exports to China, an official said. Iran
From F-35s to Ukraine: Erdogan-Trump talks signal reset, but sanctions obstacles remain The summit underscored both leaders’ personal chemistry while highlighting the limits of what the partnership can deliver. Turkey
CENTCOM launches task force to drive Pentagon’s drone race New unit aims to put "combat-credible" drone systems into the hands of US troops in the Middle East within 60 days, part of an ambitious new push by the Pentagon to leapfrog advances made by Washington's adversaries in fielding cheaply made but lethal armed drones. United States
As EU tries to wean off Russian gas, pipeline imports via Turkey rise The European Union is importing more Russian gas via Turkey despite efforts to end imports from Russia. Turkey
Analysis As Trump plays Russia oil sanctions gambit, will Middle East profit or pay? By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Senior Israeli officials attended Russian ambassador's anti-West speech At a Russia Day reception in Jerusalem, Russia's Ambassador to Israel Anatoly Viktorov delivered a speech defending his country's stance against Ukraine. Israel
Culture Russian citizen killed in Egypt shark attack in Red Sea A few foreign tourists have been killed over recent years in shark attacks in the Red Sea, where Russian tourism is important to Egypt’s economy. Egypt
UK MPs alarmed by report on British colleges helping Iran develop drones British lawmakers demand that the government provide answers about whether international sanctions were breached. Iran
Turkey’s FM Hakan Fidan in call with Sweden as NATO bid progresses Ankara presses for additional steps from Stockholm ahead of next week’s NATO talks between Turkish and Swedish officials for the Nordic state’s accession to the alliance. Turkey
Turkey’s Erdogan calls Putin, Zelenskyy, offers mediation in Ukraine dam crisis In his first international phone contacts after inauguration, Erdogan sought to expand his country’s mediation role between Moscow and Kyiv. Turkey
Iran unveils first hypersonic missile 'Fattah,' says no system can intercept it Boastfully adding to its already massive stockpile of long-range projectiles, Tehran appeared headed for a fresh collision course with Israel and its Western adversaries, which remain unnerved by Iran's missile program. Iran
NATO turns on charm offensive with Turkey to settle Sweden's membership bid NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg and Sweden’s former premier Carl Bildt are scheduled to travel to Ankara to attend Erdogan's inauguration and convince the Turkish government to greenlight the Swedish membership. Turkey
Qatar forum warns of economic downturn, shift in cryptocurrency One Qatar Economic Forum participant says it will take at least a generation to reach a point where the world can depend on clean power. Qatar
Russian interior minister visits Saudi Arabia in Zelenskyy's wake The Ukrainian president criticized the Russian invasion during his surprise trip to Saudi Arabia to attend the Arab League summit. Saudi Arabia
Ukraine’s Zelensky in Saudi Arabia for Arab League summit Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who's also attending, is expected to discuss the drug trade and Syrian refugees at his first summit since Syria was readmitted to the Arab League. Saudi Arabia
Turkey lashes out at US over warship anchored in Cyprus The island remains ethnically divided between Turkish- and Greek-Cypriots since Turkey’s military intervention in 1974 in response to a Greek military coup. Turkey
Erdogan thanks 'dear friend' Putin as Turkey extends Russia-Ukraine grain deal The extension came as Erdogan prepares to face his rival in the presidential runoff election on May 28. Turkey
