Saudi defense chief meets Khamenei in historic Iran visit: What to know Prince Khalid’s visit marks a further step in Iran and Saudi Arabia’s political reconciliation, but it comes at a tense time in the region, with the second round of US-Iran nuclear negotiations just two days away. Saudi Arabia
Qatar and Russia to up investment by $2B as emir visits Moscow Cooperation between Qatar and Russia on energy matters is growing, as Doha seeks to mediate between the Kremlin and Ukraine over the war. Qatar
IAEA chief in Tehran as Iran FM returns to Russia with Khamenei letter A flurry of meetings are taking place in Iran, Russia and the US ahead of the second round of nuclear negotiations between the US and Iran on Saturday. Iran
IAEA’s Grossi to visit Tehran ahead of second round of US-Iran nuclear talks The IAEA chief’s visit comes just days after nuclear talks between the US and Iran and less than a week after a senior Iranian official threatened to halt compliance with the nuclear watchdog. Iran
Analysis Wary of Turkey and Iran, Israel tightens ties with Russia: What to know By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Iran, Russia use own currencies for trade Saudi Arabia and India have also signaled moving away from the US dollar. Iran
'Normalization' with Assad is the new normal in Turkey Comments by Turkey's foreign minister hinting at normalization with Damascus drove hundreds of Syrians across Turkish-occupied areas of northern Syria to stage demonstrations. Turkey
Turkey makes peace bid with Chechen leader As Ankara finesses relations with Moscow, top Turkish officials have quietly met with Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov after years of chill marked by a string of murders of Chechen exiles in Turkey. Turkey
Russia offers Erdogan economic lifeline Gas payments in rubles will help Turkey reduce its foreign-currency demand. Turkey
US approves Sweden, Finland NATO bid as Turkey warns of conditions Turkey's President Erdogan warned again this week that his government would block the two Nordic countries' bid to join NATO unless they take action against Kurdish leftist groups. Washington Pulse
At summit, Erdogan, Putin still divided on Syria Ankara agreed that part of its natural gas payments to Moscow would be switched to rubles. Turkey
Russia eyes Port Sudan as key naval hub Russia-Sudan ties have deepened since the October 2021 military takeover in Sudan and the Russia-Ukraine war. North Africa
Russian Orthodox Church builds on links with Egyptian Copts Egypt's Giza governorate now hosts an administrative and spiritual center for the Russian Orthodox Church. Egypt
Erdogan hopes Putin summit will greenlight Turkey's new Syria operation Ankara’s central role in facilitating the Russia-Ukraine grain deal could strengthen its hand in securing Moscow’s acceptance of a Turkish military incursion. Turkey
Breaking | Last Updated: August 3, 2022, 11:48 am OPEC+ agrees to small oil production increase US President Joe Biden may have been hoping for a larger boost in production. Gulf
Turkey reaps rewards in international standing as first grain ship leaves Ukraine Turkey's diplomatic mediation between Ukraine and Russia could mitigate impact of global food crisis. Turkey
Why Iran-Russia relations likely won’t go beyond cooperation in Syria Putin’s recent trip to Tehran was a PR win for the Russian president, but is unlikely to result in any further concessions for Iran. Iran
