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
Trump may visit Turkey Thursday for Erdogan’s Russia-Ukraine talks The US president floated the idea of traveling to Turkey on Thursday for a potential meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian leaders. Turkey
Analysis Ukraine ceasefire showcases Saudi Arabia's diplomatic role under Trump By Rosaleen Carroll , Jennifer Gnana
Analysis Wary of Turkey and Iran, Israel tightens ties with Russia: What to know By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Saudi cautious as Iran looks to make gains from Putin’s China visit As Putin was making his way to Beijing, Alexie Miller, chair of Russia’s Gazprom, was in Tehran, where he met First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber and Oil Minister Javad Owji, the company said. Saudi Arabia
UAE, Ukraine conclude trade deal talks, Emirates to help post-war reconstruction Ukraine’s bilateral trade has sharply fallen since Russia invaded the country in February 2022. United Arab Emirates
Northern Cyprus tightens property sales rules amid influx of Russian money Northern Cyprus seeks to tighten its laws on real estate purchases to foreigners amid allegations of Russian black money, Zionist plots and encouragement from Ankara. Turkey
Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE, others shower Russia’s Putin with congratulatory messages Several leaders in the region have extended their congratulations to Russia’s President Vladimir Putin over his reelection, as Western countries condemned the Russian elections as unfair. Legacy: Gulf
How Russia seeks to capitalize on US strikes in Yemen, Red Sea tensions Russia has maintained balanced relations in Yemen, while avoiding criticism of the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, even as its trade has been affected. Legacy: Gulf
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. Legacy: 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