Russian delegation in Syria to preserve military bases: What to know Russian and Syrian military officials have held a series of reciprocal exchanges and visits in recent weeks, as the Kremlin continues to view Syria as a key military vantage point. Syria
How US-India trade deal could impact Mideast energy, trade routes The United States and India struck a trade agreement on Monday that eases months of tension between the two countries and could influence Gulf oil flows and economic integration. Saudi Arabia
Putin meets Iran’s top security official as Trump says Tehran wants deal President Donald Trump said on Friday that Iran is seeking a nuclear deal but declined to specify a timeline for negotiations. Iran
UAE President meets Putin in Russia to discuss nuclear energy, trade, Iran The visit of Emirati President Sheikh Mohammed comes a day after the Kremlin hosted President Ahmed al-Sharaa to discuss the future of Russian military bases in Syria. Russia
Analysis Iran’s FM Araghchi in Moscow as biting sanctions drive closer Russia ties By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Erdogan’s NATO moves agitate Russia but don’t spell Turkey's sharp shift to West The Turkish leader is navigating Ankara’s relationships in ways that he believes best benefit Turkey’s interests and above all his own political survival. Turkey
Saudi Arabia imports record volumes of discounted Russian fuel oil in June Europe used to be the top market for Russian oil and petroleum products but all that has changed since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Saudi Arabia
Iran summons Russia's ambassador over UAE islands dispute On Monday, Russia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) issued a statement calling for a “a peaceful solution” to the dispute over the Abu Musa and Greater and Lesser Tunbs islands “in accordance with international law." Iran
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. Legacy: 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
