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
Egypt charts middle diplomatic course in Ukraine war Cairo voted in favor of the US-backed UN resolution condemning the Russian invasion, but is not shutting down ties with Moscow. Egypt
Egypt explores alternative wheat sources amid Ukraine crisis Egypt is seeking to secure wheat from alternative sources amid an escalated Ukrainian crisis that warns of global shortages. Egypt
Can Turkey benefit from Europe’s quest to reduce Russian gas? Europe’s efforts to phase down gas imports from Russia might place Turkey at the center of routes for alternative supplies from Azerbaijan and Israel. Turkey
Suez Canal Authority remains neutral in Russian-Ukrainian war The Suez Canal Authority proclaimed neutrality in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and announced that it will not ban Russian and Ukrainian vessels from traversing the canal. Egypt
Egypt to have eight months of wheat reserves, says minister The Russian invasion of Ukraine is threatening wheat supplies across the Middle East. By Al-Monitor Staff
On International Women's Day, Turks march in solidarity with Ukrainians Women gathered in Istanbul and other cities for the Feminist Night Walk despite bans and demonstrators taken into custody, calling for the reinstatement of the landmark UN accord on violence against women. Turkey
Biden bans Russian oil imports as Iran talks hit snag The embargo on Russian energy supplies comes as negotiators in Vienna appear close to striking a deal that would ease sanctions on Iran’s oil sector. Iran
Israeli President set for first official visit to Turkey in 15 years Israeli President Isaac Herzog visits Ankara on March 9. Israel
Israeli PM offers rare, uncertain diplomatic channel for Putin, Zelenskyy Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's delegation found Russian President Vladimir Putin focused and determined, and neither delusional nor out of control. Israel
Ukraine war shakes up Turkey's ties with both Russia and NATO Ankara has adopted a dual approach on the Ukraine crisis through moves both pleasing its NATO allies and positioning Turkey as a lifeline for Russia amid crippling Western sanctions on the country. Turkey
Ukraine calls on Egypt to support it, abandon neutrality Ruslan Nechai, charge d'affairs of Kyiv's embassy in Cairo, calls on Egypt and countries in the region to support it with weapons, fuel and financial and humanitarian aid, and abandon the position of "neutrality" regarding the Russian invasion. Egypt
Egypt extends stay of stranded Ukrainian, Russian tourists Ukrainian tourists stuck in Egypt talk to Al-Monitor about the pain they feel to watch their loved ones and families suffering back home as a result of the Russian war. Egypt
