Araghchi to visit China ahead of US-Iran technical talks: What to know Araghchi’s visit to China follows weeks of trilateral coordination between Iran, Russia and China on the nuclear issue, including a joint condemnation of unilateral sanctions. China
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
Russian, UK envoys ignite fury in Iran with 'inappropriate' restaged photo A restaged version at the Russian Embassy in Tehran of the historic 1943 photo showing Soviet, American and British "Big Three" leaders at the then-Soviet Embassy angered many Iranians, who have historically seen the 1943 Tehran Conference as a bitter symbol of subordination to world powers. Iran
UN Syria envoy urges end to 'siege-like' situation in Daraa UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen said Syrian civilians living under a government siege in the southwestern city are suffering from shortages of fuel, food and medicine. Syria
Egypt enrolls Russian imams in 'fatwa training program' to combat Brotherhood Egypt is helping Russia confront extremism, namely Muslim Brotherhood ideology, by training Russian imams in the Dar al-Ifta — including a 'fatwa training program.' Egypt
Russia denies siding with Ethiopia in Nile dam dispute Egypt interprets Russian reluctance to back its position in the GERD dispute as pro-Ethiopian, but Moscow says it is pursuing a balanced position between Cairo and Addis Ababa. Egypt
Egypt postpones nuclear power plant amid tensions with Russia over Nile dam Egypt pauses El-Dabaa nuclear power plant project for two years amid tensions hanging over the relationship with Russia due to its recent position on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam crisis and its rapprochement with Ethiopia. Egypt
Kremlin's vaccine diplomacy finds trouble in Middle East Deliveries of Russia's Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine are as controversial as the vaccine itself. Russia
Egypt disappointed by Russian stance on Nile dam dispute Some Egyptians call for reassessing relations with Russia after it failed to back Egypt's view on Ethiopia's Nile dam at the Security Council this month, although overall ties remain strong. Egypt
Confrontation between US, pro-Iranian groups in Syria and Iraq poses challenges for Russia While Moscow does not yet have the resources to eliminate Iranian influence in Syria, it would be in its interests to at least prevent the expansion of the activities of pro-Iranian paramilitary structures. Syria
After gestures to US, Turkey turns to placating Russia Turkey is back to its balancing act between Moscow and Washington after a series of moves to win favor with the Biden administration at the expense of irritating Russia. Turkey
Russia rules out opening second Syria border crossing for aid Russia's UN ambassador said his government is still considering whether or not to veto the UN's mandate for Syria's last remaining aid crossing. Syria
Turkey stalls on withdrawal of foreign forces from Libya Turkey might have managed to stave off pressure in the Berlin conference on Libya, but as the December elections near, the Turkish military presence in the country will remain a source of tension. Turkey
John Bolton joins newly launched Turkish Democracy Project The group describes its mission as “encouraging Turkey to adopt more democratic policies and responding to the steady erosion of Turkey’s democratic institutions.” News Brief
