UAE brokers Ukraine-Russia swap for 350 prisoners: What we know The Emirati mediation follows Saudi Arabia's hosting talks on the war and the UAE boosting its ties with Ukraine. United Arab Emirates
Analysis Ukraine ceasefire showcases Saudi Arabia's diplomatic role under Trump Ahead of Ukraine's high-stakes negotiations over the Russia-Ukraine war with the US on Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday. By Rosaleen Carroll , Jennifer Gnana
Analysis Wary of Turkey and Iran, Israel tightens ties with Russia: What to know Regional shifts, especially involving Iran, Syria and Turkey, are forcing Israel to reevaluate its complicated relations with Russia. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Saudi Arabia to host US-Ukraine talks on ending war with Russia A US delegation is set to be in Saudi Arabia next week, as confirmed by Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff in an effort to establish an initial ceasefire as well as a framework for a future peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Analysis Amid US rift and Saudi rivalry, UAE offers Zelenskyy economic lifeline By Jennifer Gnana In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics
Analysis After Istanbul meeting, what role for Turkey in a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire? By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Turkey’s Erdogan hosts Zelenskyy, hopeful on Ukraine-Russia compromise Zelenskyy’s visit to Turkey comes one week after that of Lavrov, and as Ankara is trying to find a compromise between Moscow and Kyiv on a Black Sea mechanism. Turkey
Iran showcases Shahed drones, missiles at Qatar's defense exhibition This year’s Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference features Iranian drones, Russian warships and delegations from across Asia and Africa. Gulf
Turkey’s Fidan to meet Blinken in Washington as US ties strengthen Hakan Fidan's meeting with Blinken comes on the heels of his meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at the Antalya Diplomatic Forum. Turkey
Turkey spy chief Kalin to meet CIA’s Burns, discuss Syria on first US visit In addition to bilateral ties, the Gaza and Russia-Ukraine wars will top the agenda of the Turkish intelligence chief’s meetings with his US counterpart and other US officials. Turkey
Iran, Algeria to build closer energy, tourism ties Europe is increasingly interested in Algeria as an alternative to Russia for gas supplies, while Iran is seeking to boost its own gas output amid continued US sanctions. Iran
In Antalya, Turkey courts Russia on Black Sea deal, the West on defense Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is in Turkey, where he is set to meet with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as Ankara continues to deepen ties with the United States and European Union while also maintaining solid relations with Moscow. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Analysis US Navy faces down Houthi attacks as Washington signals open-ended effort Saudi Arabia has restricted the US military from launching strikes in Yemen via Saudi airspace, leaving an aging US Navy aircraft carrier to shoulder the campaign in the Red Sea. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Lavrov to visit Turkey as Erdogan seeks new Black Sea mechanism with Russia The Turkish president unveiled the efforts to set up a new safety regulation ahead of the top Russian diplomat’s visit. Turkey
Two years into Ukraine war, Iran continues to play Russia enabler Mounting international pressure and onerous sanctions do not seem to have deterred Tehran from its increasing involvement in the Ukraine war, as the Islamic Republic heavily invests in its alliance with Russia for survival. Iran
US sanctions target Russia’s production of Iranian attack drones On the second anniversary of the war in Ukraine, the Biden administration has rolled out new measures meant to counter Russia’s drone partnership with Iran. Iran
US changes tune on Gaza ‘cease-fire’ as Rafah fears grow Under pressure internationally and from Democratic voters, the Biden administration has begun to call for a "temporary cease-fire" in Gaza. Israel
Turkey says talks with US on local production of new F-16 ongoing Mutual quest for the swift delivery of the new F-16s increases the prospects of the Turkish co-production offer, an analyst believes. Turkey
