Israel rejects Ukraine's claim that Russian shadow fleet vessel docked in Haifa Ukraine alleges the vessel unloaded wheat taken from occupied territories in Haifa, while Israel says ship had not entered the port. Israel
Ukraine's Zelenskyy capitalizes on Iran war to ink security deal with Saudi Arabia Kyiv is using its domestic production of anti-drone technology and low-cost, AI-enabled interceptor drones to help Gulf states in countering Iranian drones. Saudi Arabia
Ukraine sends teams to help Gulf counter Iranian drones: What to know Ukraine has significant experience downing Iran’s Shahed drones, leading Gulf states to express interest in Ukrainian expertise and hardware. Iran
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
After Saudi Arabia, Turkey to host US-Russia talks Thursday: What to know Thursday’s US-Russia talks in Turkey come as Ankara seeks to assert its role as a facilitator in US-Russia and Russia-Ukraine negotiations. Turkey
Lavrov in Tehran: Russia seeks leverage in US-Iran standoff The Iranian foreign minister addressed the issue after talks with his Russian counterpart, amid worries in Tehran that Moscow's recent closeness with Washington may undermine Iran's interests. Iran
Lavrov in Turkey, praises Trump as Ankara offers to host Russia-Ukraine talks As Ankara seeks a role in potential Ukraine-Russia peace talks, the top Russian diplomat paid a visit to Turkey less than a week after the Ukrainian president's trip to Ankara. Turkey
Analysis Will US-Russia rapprochement increase odds of Israel striking Iran? Israeli leaders hope the thaw in relations will lead Moscow to stem strategic cooperation with Tehran, leaving Iran vulnerable to an attack on its nuclear facilities after a US green light. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
UAE conveys frustrations to US' top diplomat Rubio over Gaza, Ukraine Arab states have grown increasingly frustrated over the US administration's rhetoric about displacing 2.1 million Gazans from the enclave. United Arab Emirates
Pentagon sends B-52 bombers over Middle East as US aims to pressure Iran The US military signals continuity in the region as Saudi Arabia hosts Trump’s push for a dramatic reset with Russia over the Ukraine war. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
US-Russia talks conclude in Saudi Arabia, most high-level meeting since 2023: What to know The US State Department said one purpose of the talks was to “reestablish” bilateral relations with Russia as Saudi Arabia seeks to mediate between the two. United States
Ukraine's Zelenskyy postpones visit to Saudi Arabia in apparent snub to US The move comes as direct talks between the United States and Russia are ongoing in Riyadh that the Ukrainian president described as a surprise to his country. Turkey
UAE, Ukraine finalize trade deal during Zelenskyy's visit The agreement is expected to contribute $369 million to the UAE’s GDP and $874 million to Ukraine’s GDP by 2031. United Arab Emirates
Zelenskyy heads to Turkey to meet with Erdogan amid US-Russia talks The Ukrainian president's visit to Turkey will coincide with US-Russia talks on a potential ceasefire. Turkey
Where US-Saudi ties stand as Trump eyes kingdom for Russia summit Saudi Arabia could host a meeting between the president and his Russian counterpart on the Ukraine war as investment ties grow and Trump helps move along the LIV Golf-PGA Tour merger. Saudi Arabia
Analysis Italy revamps ties with Saudi Arabia, eyeing investments and defense trade On her first visit to Saudi Arabia, Meloni is seeking to rebrand Italy's political engagement in the Middle East and bring about a new era for Italian industry in the region. By Jennifer Gnana In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics
