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
Egypt denies report it planned to produce 40,000 rockets for Russia Moscow has also denied the claims that President Sisi ordered the military to secretly ship the rockets to Russia. Egypt
Russia's Lavrov in Turkey to discuss Syria, Caucasus, possible Putin visit Ankara is eager to see Lavrov's visit followed by Russian President Vladimir Putin's trip on April 27 to inaugurate Turkey's first nuclear power plant, built and financed by a subsidiary of Russia's nuclear energy firm Rosatom. Turkey
Oil prices rise by 5% after OPEC's surprise output cut decision Brent Crude had its sharpest price increase in almost a year on Monday after reports that major oil producers will slash their output. Legacy: Gulf
Iran flexes military muscle after joint naval drills with Russia, China The exercise included China's powerful Nanning warship and coincided with Tehran’s recent diplomatic pushes to reposition itself in the regional power play by adhering to the “look to the East” policy. Iran
Russia surpasses Saudi Arabia as China’s top oil supplier Energy-related cooperation between Saudi Arabia and China remains strong, but Russia and Saudi Arabia will continue to compete for the Chinese oil market in the near future. Legacy: Gulf
Russia's Wagner activities expanding in Libya despite growing Western scrutiny The Wagner Group has sought to use Libya as a forward base for its activities in the Sahel region, particularly Chad and Niger, while building spheres of influence with local communities and smuggling networks in the southern border regions of Libya. North Africa
Syria, Russia to sign 40 investment deals after Assad’s visit Syrian President Assad also said in an interview with Sputnik that he would not meet with Turkish President Erdogan until Turkey removes its troops from Syria. Syria
Syria’s Assad arrives in Russia for talks with Putin Assad’s visit comes ahead of a meeting between Syrian and Turkish diplomats in Russia. Syria
Hamas says leadership visited Russia, met Sergey Lavrov A Hamas official has revealed that his movement "recently" visited Moscow and warned that the group's "patience is running out" with Israel. Palestine
Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt rank among world’s top 10 arms importers: SIPRI Middle East countries made up more than a fourth of the top 40 global arms importers from 2018 to 2022, according to a new report. Legacy: Gulf
Belarus' President Lukashenko in Iran, meets Raisi The first visit in 17 years comes as Iran and Belarus are increasingly brought together over their alliance with Russia amid the war in Ukraine. Iran
