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
Crisis in Ukraine: the Middle East connections Also: Oman's foreign minister says dialogue is essential in dealing with Iran, Yemen and Syria; keeps focus on two-state solution. Turkey
Saudi business group touts plan to improve economic ties with Russia Russia is working to improve relations with Saudi Arabia and wants the kingdom to buy its S-400 missile defense system. Russia
Turkish drones boost Ukrainian spirits amid fears of Russian invasion Turkey's drones are a big morale booster for Ukraine as a potential Russian invasion looms. Turkey
Israel prepares to receive Jews fleeing Ukraine As tensions between Washington and Moscow keep rising, Israel prepares contingency plans for Jewish immigrants from Ukraine. Israel
Why Turkey wants to mediate in Ukraine crisis Erdogan’s offer to mediate between the Russian and Ukrainian leaders reflects Ankara’s growing fears over the conundrums it could find itself in should war materialize. Turkey
Iran to host joint naval exercises with Russia, China US foreign policy appears to be pushing its major adversaries into each others' hands. Iran
Putin, Raisi look to boost trade, regional cooperation in Moscow talks Ebrahim Raisi's trip to Moscow is unlikely to further elevate relations between the two countries. Russia
Crimean, Syrian ports sign cooperation agreements A Syrian government delegation visited the Russian-backed breakaway republic this week. News Brief
Moscow struggles to sell fighter jets in the Mideast With Egypt and Algeria reportedly backing out of plans to acquire Russian-made fighter jets, there is speculation Tehran could emerge as a potential buyer. Iran
The Takeaway: Iraq takes first steps toward new government: What comes next Updates from our regional correspondents on Turkey, Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Egypt; multimedia on Israel and Iran — all in about 1,000 words. Iraq
Kazakhstan crisis challenges Turkey's leadership of Turkic union The unrest rattling Kazakhstan has reflected the irrelevance of Turkey and the Organization of Turkic States chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Turkey
Turkey, Iran react to Kazakhstan unrest Diplomats from both countries have refrained from making powerful statements on the situation in the Central Asian country. News Brief
