Saudi defense chief meets Khamenei in historic Iran visit: What to know Prince Khalid’s visit marks a further step in Iran and Saudi Arabia’s political reconciliation, but it comes at a tense time in the region, with the second round of US-Iran nuclear negotiations just two days away. Saudi Arabia
Qatar and Russia to up investment by $2B as emir visits Moscow Cooperation between Qatar and Russia on energy matters is growing, as Doha seeks to mediate between the Kremlin and Ukraine over the war. Qatar
IAEA chief in Tehran as Iran FM returns to Russia with Khamenei letter A flurry of meetings are taking place in Iran, Russia and the US ahead of the second round of nuclear negotiations between the US and Iran on Saturday. Iran
IAEA’s Grossi to visit Tehran ahead of second round of US-Iran nuclear talks The IAEA chief’s visit comes just days after nuclear talks between the US and Iran and less than a week after a senior Iranian official threatened to halt compliance with the nuclear watchdog. Iran
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
In Moscow, Russia's Lavrov welcomes Gulf states' rapprochement with Iran Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that Russia and GCC countries will expand their cooperation together in areas of economic trade, defense, security, energy and politics. Gulf
Russia asks Turkey for 'clarification' over Ukraine's Azov prisoner release Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also implicitly criticizes Turkey’s sale of Bayraktar drones to Ukraine. Turkey
US presses Turkey to lift opposition to Sweden's NATO bid as summit nears US Ambassador to NATO Julianne Smith said the administration wants to see Sweden's inclusion in the Western military alliance "as soon as possible." Turkey
Libya factions reassess Wagner's operations in light of mutiny in Russia The Wagner issue could significantly impact the conflict in Libya and lead to further instability in the country. Libya
Analysis US sanctions on UAE Wagner Group affiliate could impact Libya operation A brief mutiny in Russia last weekend by the Wagner Group has shifted the spotlight back on the mercenary organization. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Pentagon watching closely Wagner’s Mideast posture as questions surround its future In an excerpt from this week's Security Briefing, Pentagon correspondent Jared Szuba looks at what's next for Wagner's forces in the Middle East and North Africa following the private military company's short-lived mutiny in Russia. Syria
Putin’s Syria policy hangs on amid Russian crackdown on Wagner Israeli-Saudi normalization linked to Netanyahu White House visit; Israel’s booming arms exports; Turkey-Sweden ties strained ahead of NATO summit; would an 'informal' Iran deal require congressional review? Syria
What's next for Wagner in Syria, Africa after Putin mutiny? Yevgeny Prigozhin's mercenary army usually acted as an unofficial extension of Russian foreign policy, but many questions have arisen following last week's aborted revolt. Syria
Wagner base in eastern Libya hit by ‘unknown’ drone strike The strike comes as Russia steps up its campaign against the Wagner group in the countries where it is active following last week’s failed mutiny against President Vladimir Putin. Libya
Iran police chief makes rare visit to Russia for surveillance deals The police commander's trip came against the backdrop of Iran's months-long unrest and reports that Tehran has been seeking Moscow's advice and surveillance equipment to crack down on dissent. Iran
From UAE to Sudan: US targets Middle East entities for Wagner ties The US has sanctioned entities operating in the UAE and Sudan for alleged connections to the notorious Russian mercenary group, which also has an extensive presence in the Middle East and North Africa. United Arab Emirates
Analysis Israel-Ukraine channel opens as US pressure to drop neutrality builds Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has finally spoken on the phone with his Ukrainian counterpart Oleksii Reznikov. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
