China, Russia veto scaled-back Hormuz resolution at UN Security Council The vote came hours before the US deadline for Iran to reopen the global chokepoint. Bahrain
Ukraine's Zelenskyy capitalizes on Iran war to ink security deal with Saudi Arabia Kyiv is using its domestic production of anti-drone technology and low-cost, AI-enabled interceptor drones to help Gulf states in countering Iranian drones. Saudi Arabia
Russia evacuates 160 staff from Iran's Bushehr plant: What to know The Kremlin says it is committed to maintaining energy cooperation with Iran amid strikes near the Bushehr nuclear power plant. Iran
Analysis Unclear chains of command in Iran complicate Russia’s diplomatic play Multiple power centers in Tehran and the rising influence of the IRGC could complicate Moscow’s ties with Iran and its hopes of playing a mediating role in the conflict. By Anton Mardasov
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
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
