New deal reduces Russia’s military presence in Syria: What to know Under a deal announced by Syria, Russia’s military facilities would be turned into joint training centers. Syria
Russia names Dmitry Dogadkin new ambassador to Syria amid thaw: What to know The appointment of the new ambassador, who previously served as Russia’s envoy to Qatar, comes as Moscow recalibrates its ties with the new Syrian authorities to maintain its strategic foothold in the Mediterranean country. Syria
Iran signs 25 deals at SCO meeting: What to know Iran's foreign minister urged members of the China and Russia-led bloc to focus more on economic development, while host Kyrgyzstan said progress was a made toward an SCO development blank. Iran
Feature Armenia's Pashinyan keeps Iran close while wooing Trump, Turkey and Azerbaijan As Yerevan pursues normalization with Turkey and Azerbaijan and backs a US-led transport corridor, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is working to reassure an increasingly assertive Iran that its interests won't be threatened. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Iran exports to Russia hit high of $2B as sanctions strengthen alliance The significant jump in Iranian exports to Russia is indicative of the two states' increasing focus on joint solutions to circumvent international sanctions that have squeezed their economies. Iran
Armenia, Azerbaijan inch toward shaky peace deal but key issues unaddressed There is mounting speculation that talks will result in a deal to establish diplomatic relations, but many outstanding issues will remain. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Biden, Erdogan ride wave of momentum after Turkey's NATO vote, F-16 sale One expert expects that Erdogan will pay a visit to the White House in the near term as the two parties bridge key differences. Turkey
Why is Tucker Carlson in UAE after controversial Russia visit? The controversial former Fox News host, who recently interviewed Russian President Vladimir Putin, addressed a summit in the UAE’s largest city. Legacy: Gulf
Analysis Four factors driving Turkey's calculus to trade Russian S-400s for US F-35 As its ties improve with Washington, the United States has offered Turkey an opening to return to the F-35 consortium — but only if it gives up its Russian S-400 systems. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Iran begins building 4 more nuclear power plants amid IAEA warnings Western officials have long suspected Tehran of looking to produce nuclear weapons, though Iran denies this. Iran
Nuland says Turkey can return to F-35 consortium if S-400 issue resolved The visit to Turkey by the US State Department's No. 2 comes as another signal of the burgeoning positive momentum in Washington-Ankara ties after Turkey approved Sweden’s membership in NATO. Turkey
What does Sisi-Putin latest nuclear plant deal mean for Egypt, Russia? Egypt is hoping nuclear energy will help meet its substantial power needs as Russia eyes a greater nuclear foothold in the region. Egypt
Turkey’s exports to Saudi Arabia, UAE and Russia shoot up in 2023: Erdogan The Turkish president also said the country’s total export revenues reached an all-time high. Turkey
What is behind Iran-Russia de-dollarization deal as sanctions bite? The long-awaited agreement was one among several solutions the two countries have sought to salvage their battered economies, which remain cut off from key international banking systems. Iran
Iran in tight spot as Russia backs UAE claim on disputed Gulf islands Russia-Iran ties were in the spotlight again, and Tehran was put in the unwanted position of having to reservedly criticize the key ally, after Moscow supported the Arab stance on three Iran-controlled disputed islands. Iran
Despite visits, deals, Russia's Putin does not acquiesce to Iran's Raisi on Gaza The Iranian leadership is finding global sentiments for Gaza civilians as a unique opportunity it shouldn't miss to weaken and corner Israel, the sworn enemy. Iran
