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
Russia launches production for Egypt’s nuclear power plant Ukraine war not stopping Russia’s Rosatom from manufacturing equipment for Egypt’s first nuclear power plant. Egypt
Russia expresses 'understanding' for Turkey’s security concerns in north Syria Receiving Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Ankara, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu maintains that the creation of a safe maritime corridor for Ukrainian grain exports should be accompanied by the easing of sanctions against Russia. Turkey
Hamas appeals to Russia for support in confrontation with Israel A Hamas delegation visited Moscow at a time when relations between Russia and Israel are taking a more tense turn due to Israel’s position in the Russia-Ukraine war. Palestine
Will sanctioned Russian oligarchs find haven in Egypt? Its current economic hardships may prompt Cairo to double down on investments with Russia. Egypt
Russia, Wagner Group expand ties with Sudan Sudan's military leaders have expanded ties with Russia since the invasion of Ukraine. Egypt
Ukraine war boosts Erdogan's 'new Atlanticism,' but for how long? Turkey’s westward focus may complicate, or complement, Ankara’s previous priority of Eurasia. Turkey
Analysis The Takeaway: Turkey thrust into spotlight amid Ukraine-Russia talks Turkey acts as mediator in the Russia-Ukraine crisis, Israel is on high alert after a wave of terrorist attacks, how drones are revolutionizing the battlefield, and more. By Elizabeth Hagedorn , Andrew Parasiliti , Joe Snell
Pro-Russia rallies continue throughout Syria Syria has been one of the most vocally supportive countries of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Syria
Iran says Russia won't block nuclear deal Iran's top diplomat was in Moscow in what appeared to be a push to bring Russia back onboard the nuclear talks after they were stalled presumably by Russia's "unrelated" demands. Iran
Hamas keeps quiet on Russian war in Ukraine Hamas is keen on keeping mum about Russia’s war on Ukraine, following lessons learned from the Arab Spring. Palestine
Libya turns on Russia over Ukraine war, but does it matter? Libya’s incoming prime minister initially avoided commenting on Russia’s war in Ukraine. But after Russia welcomed his new government, he turned against Moscow. North Africa
