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
Turkey to block UK minesweeper ships intended for Ukraine Turkey appears determined to strictly adhere to a treaty under which Ankara also closed off its straits to Russian warships. Turkey
2023 in review: Israel-Hamas war puts human rights in focus as pattern of double standards persists A growing number of countries — many of them repressive in their own right — demand to know why Israel’s abuses are permissible. Israel
Turkey’s parliament to resume debate on Sweden’s NATO bid Shortly after the parliament’s Foreign Relations Committee set a date for its new meeting, the Turkish Defense Ministry announced that Turkey and the United States held high-level talks on defense cooperation. Turkey
UAE rolls out red carpet for Russia’s Putin as West ups sanctions President Putin's trip to the UAE and Saudi Arabia coincided with a new series of sanctions announced by the UK against individuals and entities accused of funding the war machine in Ukraine. Legacy: Gulf
What’s on Putin’s agenda on rare trip to Saudi Arabia, UAE? The Russian president's trip comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, where the Hamas-Israel war has threatened to spill into a wider regional conflict. Legacy: Gulf
Why Iran's military aircraft deal with Russia is significant leap for both Tehran receives the equipment as it continues to boost a military alliance with Moscow that has come under the international spotlight and scrutiny since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Iran
Turkey, UK sign defense deal as Ankara presses for Eurofighter jets The move comes as Ankara ramps up its push to purchase 40 Eurofighter Typhoon jets amid the absence of any progress on the Turkish bid to buy 40 new F-16 jets from the United States. Turkey
Business & Tech Briefing: Dubai gears up for COP28 By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Analysis How Russia's Redut PMC forced rival Wagner to withdraw from Syria Almost all of Wagner's mercenaries have already left Syria on planes departing from the Khmeimim air base, and the remaining few dozen are handing over weapons to the military and processing documents. By Anton Mardasov
EU says UAE will restrict certain re-exports to Russia amid Ukraine war The United Arab Emirates has agreed to restrict the re-exportation to Russia of "dual-use" items used for its war in Ukraine, and Turkey is reportedly considering a similar measure. United Arab Emirates
UK sanctions UAE network accused of helping Russia make gold profits The new sanctions announced by the UK Foreign Ministry target 29 individuals and companies operating in and supporting Russia’s gold, oil and strategic sectors. United Arab Emirates
US sanctions UAE, Turkey, China firms for allegedly aiding Russia in Ukraine The move targets the development of Russia’s defense and technology sectors and aims to weaken it in its war against Ukraine. United Arab Emirates