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
Erdogan calls Russia's recognition of Ukrainian breakaways 'unacceptable' President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who cut short his visit to Africa after Russia recognizes two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine, expresses support for Zelenskyy’s proposal for summit. Turkey
Israel straddles ties with US, Russia over Ukraine Israel has made it clear that if it is forced to pick sides between the United States and Russia, it will have to pick the Americans. Israel
Russia flexes in Syria as US warns of Ukraine invasion The Kremlin is exercising its power well outside of Europe with naval and air drills on the Mediterranean ahead of an expected invasion of Ukraine. By Al-Monitor Staff
Israeli ultra-Orthodox fret over Russia-Ukraine conflict For the ultra-Orthodox community in Israel, which considers Ukraine as a sort of a homeland, the possibility of a Russian invasion is taken personally. Israel
Israeli leadership caught between US, Russia over Ukraine Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Foreign Minister Yair Lapid walk a fine line to avoid angering Russian President Vladimir Putin while not turning their backs on the United States and Ukraine. Israel
Israel promises support for Ukrainian Jews Foreign Minister Yair Lapid has made it clear that if Jews in Ukraine find themselves in need of rescue, Israel will be there for them. Israel
Russia's experience in Syria informs approach to Ukraine, NATO The opportunity to field-test its next-generation weapons systems in recent years has emboldened the Kremlin to raise the stakes in Ukraine, and so has experience in brinkmanship with Turkey over Syria. Syria
Russian invasion of Ukraine would spell more economic turbulence for Turkey War would bring Turkey under intense pressure from its Western allies to join putative sanctions against Russia, a critical trading partner and supplier of natural gas. Turkey
As Ukraine crisis heats up, Egypt fears for wheat supply Egypt says the current Russian-Ukrainian crisis would not have an impact on the country's wheat supply for at least six months should wheat imports from Ukraine stop. Egypt
As Russia menaces Ukraine, Crimea's Tatars turn to Turkey Complex ties stretch across centuries and continents, but Turkey's affinity for its ethnic kin is taking a backseat to global relations with Russia. Turkey
In Ukraine, Erdogan emphasizes agreements with Moscow Striking a different tone from many of his Western counterparts, the Turkish president’s remarks in Kyiv reflect a position that factors in Moscow’s demands on the Ukraine standoff. Turkey
Ankara reassures Moscow on eve of Erdogan’s Ukraine visit With its president set to visit Ukraine, Turkey has reassured Russia by reiterating its commitment for a key maritime treaty safeguarding Russia's rights in the Black Sea. Turkey
