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
Analysis How Turkey's opposition to Sweden, Finland joining NATO could backfire It seems Turkey will continue to block Finland and Sweden’s memberships at the upcoming NATO summit, but Ankara is now signaling its lack of interest in strengthening the alliance. By Cengiz Candar
Russia reportedly drafts UN Security Council resolution condemning Israel over Syria Reports yesterday claimed that Russia is preparing a UN Security Council resolution condemning Israel over its alleged attack last week on the Damascus airport. Israel
Israel puts Syria on notice over Iran According to foreign reports, Israel is increasing its offensive activities in Syria against Iran-related targets. Israel
Israeli energy minister inks deal to export gas to Europe via Egypt Energy Minister Karine Elharrar hailed the signature this morning of a trilateral memorandum of understanding between Israel, Egypt and the European Union on the export of natural gas as a historic event. Israel
European Commission head in Israel for talks on energy, natural gas Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Energy Minister Karin Elharar discussed with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen possibilities for cooperation on exporting Israeli natural gas via Egypt to Europe. Israel
NATO chief lauds Sweden for addressing Turkey’s terror concerns Sweden has faced Turkish opposition to its effort to join NATO because of what Turkey perceives as Sweden's support of Kurdish "terrorists." Turkey
African Union chief says Israel has role to play in Africa Participating at the OECD Africa Forum, African Union Chief and President of Senegal Macky Sall acknowledged Israel’s engagement in Africa, especially on the backdrop of the crisis generated by the Ukraine war. Israel
Russia launches production for Egypt’s nuclear power plant Ukraine war not stopping Russia’s Rosatom from manufacturing equipment for Egypt’s first nuclear power plant. Egypt
Russia remains committed to Syria’s Assad despite Ukraine war, Pentagon says Reports that Moscow has been readying tens of thousands of Syrians to fight in Europe are "disinformation," senior US defense official tells Congress. Syria
Russia expresses 'understanding' for Turkey’s security concerns in north Syria Receiving Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Ankara, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu maintains that the creation of a safe maritime corridor for Ukrainian grain exports should be accompanied by the easing of sanctions against Russia. Turkey
Ukraine complains of Israeli holdup on defensive gear Addressing the press today, Ukraine's ambassador to Israel complained that Israel refuses to greenlight the transfer of sophisticated anti-tank systems from Germany despite US approval. Israel
Egypt asks World Bank for $500 million to buy wheat Egypt is asking the World Bank for $500 million to cover its wheat needs in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine. Egypt
