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
Intel: US, UAE talk F-35 as Russia pitches stealth aircraft A top State Department official warned the Biden administration is "very serious" about imposing sanctions on partners that purchase Russian military hardware. Gulf
Intel: Russia displays new fighter jet at Dubai Airshow 2021 With the Su-75 Checkmate on display, Russia aims to remind the Emirates and other nations they have options when it comes to fifth-generation fighters. Russia / Mideast
Russia begins restoration of Arc of Triumph in Syria's Palmyra Russia has begun the restoration of the Arch of Triumph, one of the historical landmarks in Palmyra, in cooperation with UNESCO. Syria
Syrian Kurdish commander says Russia opposes further Turkish land grabs Mazlum Kobane, commander in chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces, also says Damascus is not yet ready for negotiations. Syria
Russia-Mideast space cooperation still waiting for lift off Moscow has actively resorted to a policy of diplomatic "spamming" — rubber-stamping protocol agreements to imitate the development of cooperation in the field of space. Russia
Sudan coup could offer boon for Moscow Sudan's military coup could hurry along the process of Russia's deeper military involvement in the country. Russia
Intel: Turkey’s Erdogan wants to talk F-35 dispute with Biden in Rome After boasting about future defense ties with Russia, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says he's hopeful the United States will sell Turkey more F-16s. Turkey
Iran tests drones amid simmering tensions with Azerbaijan The exercise was held at a time of intensifying hostile rhetoric between Tehran and Baku, as Russia continues its cautious position in between. Iran
Erdogan says US, not Turkey, proposed F-16 sale Turkey's president said the plan to sell dozens of F-16s to Ankara was Washington’s idea. News Brief
Russian-Iranian competition heats up in South Caucasus For Moscow, contradictions with Tehran may turn out to be much more sensitive than disputes with Ankara. Russia
Turkey requests to buy 40 US F-16 fighter planes Just last week Erdogan boasted about potential new defense deals with Russia, including aircraft purchases. News Brief
