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 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
Iran hosts Russian navy chief, seeks to boost China triangle Russian and Iranian commanders discussed forming joint committees tasked with deepening cooperation as sanctions-hit Tehran continues to lean on Moscow. Iran
Analysis Israeli officials visited Russia, discussed Iran on rare trip Israel is trying to have it both ways by increasing its assistance to Ukraine while preserving its security ties with Russia. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Russia’s Tatneft makes new oil discovery in Libya Russia and the controversial military contractor Wagner Group have longstanding interests in Libya’s oil, but instability has hurt the ability of Russian oil companies to operate in the North African country. Libya
Turkey Elections: Kilicdaroglu outreach to US, NATO hindered by Russia ties Even if victory for the opposition reinvigorates Turkey’s relations with NATO, analysts say there’s no chance Ankara will break off ties with Russia. Turkey
Iran increases trade with BRICS including China as it looks to join bloc Iran has seen a 14% year-on-year increase in non-oil trade with members of the five-state alliance, which includes Brazil, China, India, Russia and South Africa. Iran
