UAE, Russia host first joint business forum despite Ukraine war sanctions Trade between the two countries is projected to exceed $10 billion in 2025. United Arab Emirates
Analysis Russian leak signals Su-35s for Iran moving to production: What to know Recently leaked documents suggest 16 fighters are already on Russian assembly lines, with deliveries slated through 2027. For Tehran, it would be the first meaningful fighter upgrade in decades. By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
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
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
Turkey ratifies Finland’s NATO membership Finland’s accession to the alliance will now be finalized by the US State Department and Helsinki. Turkey
Analysis North Africa diesel exports to Europe surge as Russia digs deeper into Ukraine Europe has been looking for alternative sources of oil and gas in light of Western sanctions on Russia over the Ukraine war. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Saudi Arabia, UAE court China in search for stability with Iran The Arab Gulf states remain cordial and diplomatic as the United States, Russia, China and Iran feud over spying and matters of international law. Legacy: Gulf
Turkish parliamentary committee approves Finland's NATO bid A Turkish parliamentary committee has unanimously approved Finland's NATO membership. Turkey
Russia surpasses Saudi Arabia as China’s top oil supplier Energy-related cooperation between Saudi Arabia and China remains strong, but Russia and Saudi Arabia will continue to compete for the Chinese oil market in the near future. Legacy: Gulf
US imposes fresh sanctions over Iran drone procurement The US Treasury Department designated four entities and three people, including one based in Turkey, accused of aiding Iran's drone and weapons programs. Iran
Russia's Wagner activities expanding in Libya despite growing Western scrutiny The Wagner Group has sought to use Libya as a forward base for its activities in the Sahel region, particularly Chad and Niger, while building spheres of influence with local communities and smuggling networks in the southern border regions of Libya. North Africa
Israel to provide Ukraine with anti-drone systems, as Netanyahu visits Germany Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has gone on the offensive, arguing in Berlin that his judicial reform will strengthen Israeli democracy, not weaken it. Israel
Finland's leader to visit Turkey as Erdogan greenlights NATO bid But the Turkish president has remained resolute in denying Sweden's entry to the alliance, dimming the hopes for Sweden and Finland’s joint accession. Turkey
Analysis France cautious about China's role but welcomes Iran-Saudi agreement Paris would have much preferred that the Saudi-Iran rapprochement would have been reached by means other than Chinese mediation. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Russia fighter jet collides with US drone over Black Sea amid concerns of Iran arms transfers Loss of the USAF MQ-9 comes as Russia has provided weapons technology to Iran, including US arms captured in Ukraine. Russia
