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
Why Turkey is in crosshairs of Chechen leader Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov’s latest threats to Ankara have betrayed the undercurrent tensions between Ankara and Moscow that have been simmering for a while. Turkey
Iran says Vienna talks on ‘good path’ Iranian media and officials have expressed optimism over the latest round of nuclear talks. By Al-Monitor Staff
Egypt, Russia partner to ensure food security for Africa Egypt and Russia discussed a partnership between them to establish a logistic free zone in Cairo to store grains, which would greatly contribute to food security in Egypt while also benefiting neighboring countries. Egypt
Kremlin hopes Syria can be a future thorn in NATO's southern flank The longer runway at Khmeimim airbase in Syria gives nuclear-capable bombers a place to land, and is one more move in Russia's plan to expand its capacities in new directions. Russia
Turkey urges Russia to moderate demands on NATO over Ukraine President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is offering to mediate the crisis, but its not clear Turkey has enough leverage to do so effectively. Turkey
Iran expands economic reach into oil-rich region of Syria Iran exports to Syria are increasing, a sign of an improving economic relation between the two countries. Syria
Many hurdles remain for Turkey-Armenia reconciliation As normalization with Armenia remains crucial for Turkey’s broader regional aspirations, there are still major political and psychological stumbling blocks before the process. Turkey
Russian movie praises Moscow's war efforts in Syria The Russian movie "Sky" tells the story of a pilot killed after a Turkish jet shot down his bomber over northern Syria. Syria
Can Turkey help in Ukraine crisis? Moscow is likely to welcome a Turkish mediation effort if it serves to restrain Ukraine from a military adventure. Turkey
The Takeaway: Iran nuclear talks resume next week — What you need to know Turkish lira crisis hits Syria; Saudi, Syrian intel chiefs talk; Netflix drama evokes memories for Izmir’s Jews; Oman bets on logistics; Egypt, Tanzania deepen ties; Gaza’s women skateboarders — all in less than 1,500 words. By Andrew Parasiliti , Elizabeth Hagedorn , Joe Snell
Abbas seeks Putin’s help to revive Israeli-Palestinian peace process The Palestinian Authority is trying to urge Russia to play a more effective role in the peace process through its position in the international Quartet and to call for an international peace conference. But there are still no serious indications of Russia’s responsiveness. Palestine
