China, Russia veto scaled-back Hormuz resolution at UN Security Council The vote came hours before the US deadline for Iran to reopen the global chokepoint. Bahrain
Ukraine's Zelenskyy capitalizes on Iran war to ink security deal with Saudi Arabia Kyiv is using its domestic production of anti-drone technology and low-cost, AI-enabled interceptor drones to help Gulf states in countering Iranian drones. Saudi Arabia
Russia evacuates 160 staff from Iran's Bushehr plant: What to know The Kremlin says it is committed to maintaining energy cooperation with Iran amid strikes near the Bushehr nuclear power plant. Iran
Analysis Unclear chains of command in Iran complicate Russia’s diplomatic play Multiple power centers in Tehran and the rising influence of the IRGC could complicate Moscow’s ties with Iran and its hopes of playing a mediating role in the conflict. By Anton Mardasov
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
