Analysis Pragmatic politics: Why Turkey avoids blaming Russia for Black Sea attacks Beyond economics, Ankara’s approach is also shaped by maintaining its role as an indispensable mediator between the Kremlin and the West. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Analysis Putin offers to help end Iran war, but can Russia deliver? As Washington and Tehran weigh their next moves, Moscow is seeking a diplomatic foothold in a war where influence may prove harder to convert into concrete results. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Pezeshkian to meet Putin as Iran looks to Russia for support: What to know Russia has reportedly provided Iran with military materiel, intelligence and diplomatic backing during the war. Iran
Iran joins SCO drill as China resists direct intervention in US-Iran war An IRGC official said the exercise will focus on countering extremist activities and containing violent groups. Iran
Turkey makes peace bid with Chechen leader As Ankara finesses relations with Moscow, top Turkish officials have quietly met with Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov after years of chill marked by a string of murders of Chechen exiles in Turkey. Turkey
Russia offers Erdogan economic lifeline Gas payments in rubles will help Turkey reduce its foreign-currency demand. Turkey
US approves Sweden, Finland NATO bid as Turkey warns of conditions Turkey's President Erdogan warned again this week that his government would block the two Nordic countries' bid to join NATO unless they take action against Kurdish leftist groups. Washington Pulse
At summit, Erdogan, Putin still divided on Syria Ankara agreed that part of its natural gas payments to Moscow would be switched to rubles. Turkey
Russia eyes Port Sudan as key naval hub Russia-Sudan ties have deepened since the October 2021 military takeover in Sudan and the Russia-Ukraine war. North Africa
Russian Orthodox Church builds on links with Egyptian Copts Egypt's Giza governorate now hosts an administrative and spiritual center for the Russian Orthodox Church. Egypt
Erdogan hopes Putin summit will greenlight Turkey's new Syria operation Ankara’s central role in facilitating the Russia-Ukraine grain deal could strengthen its hand in securing Moscow’s acceptance of a Turkish military incursion. Turkey
OPEC+ agrees to small oil production increase US President Joe Biden may have been hoping for a larger boost in production. Legacy: Gulf
Turkey reaps rewards in international standing as first grain ship leaves Ukraine Turkey's diplomatic mediation between Ukraine and Russia could mitigate impact of global food crisis. Turkey
Why Iran-Russia relations likely won’t go beyond cooperation in Syria Putin’s recent trip to Tehran was a PR win for the Russian president, but is unlikely to result in any further concessions for Iran. Iran
Iran says US dollar officially ditched in trade with ally Russia The Islamic Republic took the step following the Russian president's meeting with Iran's leader in Tehran, where the two explored options on how to push back on international sanctions. Iran
Russia to invest $40 billion in Iran’s oil sector The news came during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Iran and may have been motivated by US sanctions. Iran
