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
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
South Syria increasingly unstable even as normalization proceeds with Assad Economic turmoil and failed attempts at reconciliation over a decade after the beginning of Syria's civil war keep the country on unstable footing. Syria
Egypt hosted US, China, Russia, France, UK nuclear talks The Cairo talks followed a February meeting in Dubai on nuclear non-proliferation as the Biden administration seeks to set new norms with Beijing and Moscow. Russia / Mideast
UK launches probe into British colleges accused of helping Iran develop drones British leader Rishi Sunak confirmed the inquiry into UK universities' cooperation with Iran in the House of Commons on Wednesday. Iran
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
Culture 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
