UAE's MBZ and Putin hold call as Gulf, Russia push diplomacy on Iran-Israel Russian President Vladimir Putin appears to be courting Gulf support for a diplomatic role in the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel. Iran
Analysis Can Russia broker Iran-Israel deal as Putin looks to divert West from Ukraine? A mediating role between Tehran and Tel Aviv could help the Kremlin boost its credentials as well as turn attention away from ongoing war in Ukraine. By Kasia A. Houghton
Analysis As Israel-Iran strikes escalate, Russia weighs risks and opportunities With evacuations underway and investments at risk, the Kremlin still sees a chance to benefit by boosting gas exports and mediating US-Iran talks. By Nikita Smagin
As Trump gets 'less confident' about deal, Iran threatens US bases in region The US has maintained military bases across the Middle East for decades, with the largest—by personnel count—being Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. Iran
Analysis Mi-26s and T-62s: What Russia's military backing of Haftar means for Libya By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Putin, MBZ meet in St. Petersburg, vow to boost Russia-UAE ties UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan called for de-escalation of the Russia-Ukraine war and a political resolution. United Arab Emirates
Russia to open consular office in Jerusalem, resolving dispute with Israel Israel's Foreign Ministry hailed the agreement reached with Russia over a disputed plot in Jerusalem as a "major achievement." Israel
Syria: US sends F-22 stealth fighter jets to ward off Russian pilots' harassment The Pentagon is upping the ante to deter the Kremlin's provocations in Syria as both Russia and Iran seek to take advantage of a smaller US force fighting ISIS. Syria
UAE ranked first globally in attracting new millionaires in 2022 The UAE had the highest net inflow of millionaires in the world in 2022, while China had the highest net outflow, followed by India and the United Kingdom. United Arab Emirates
Senior Israeli officials attended Russian ambassador's anti-West speech At a Russia Day reception in Jerusalem, Russia's Ambassador to Israel Anatoly Viktorov delivered a speech defending his country's stance against Ukraine. Israel
Russian citizen killed in Egypt shark attack in Red Sea A few foreign tourists have been killed over recent years in shark attacks in the Red Sea, where Russian tourism is important to Egypt’s economy. Egypt
Iran unveils first hypersonic missile 'Fattah,' says no system can intercept it Boastfully adding to its already massive stockpile of long-range projectiles, Tehran appeared headed for a fresh collision course with Israel and its Western adversaries, which remain unnerved by Iran's missile program. Iran
Al-Monitor/Premise Turkey poll: Erdogan, Kilicdaroglu statistically tied in election runoff The poll found the economy, refugees and justice stand out as the top three issues that the country faces, with 71% of respondents favoring an imminent return of refugees in the country. Turkey
Russian interior minister visits Saudi Arabia in Zelenskyy's wake The Ukrainian president criticized the Russian invasion during his surprise trip to Saudi Arabia to attend the Arab League summit. Saudi Arabia
Ukraine’s Zelensky in Saudi Arabia for Arab League summit Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who's also attending, is expected to discuss the drug trade and Syrian refugees at his first summit since Syria was readmitted to the Arab League. Saudi Arabia
Turkey lashes out at US over warship anchored in Cyprus The island remains ethnically divided between Turkish- and Greek-Cypriots since Turkey’s military intervention in 1974 in response to a Greek military coup. Turkey
Iran, Russia ink $1.6 billion rail deal to rival Suez Canal Iran and Russia agreed to build a railway between two Iranian cities as they continue to develop their trade relations despite US sanctions. Iran
