Iran, Russia hold naval drills as Araghchi briefs Saudi FM on nuclear talks There are increasing indications a US military strike could be on the horizon as momentum toward a new Iran nuclear deal stalls. Iran
Russia doubles down on Iran nuclear cooperation as US talks inch forward Moscow’s energy minister said Russia is currently building equipment for new units at Iran’s Bushehr nuclear plant. Iran
Russia, China, Iran to hold joint naval drills in Strait of Hormuz: What to know The drills come as the three countries strengthen their ties amid growing US economic and military pressure on Iran. Iran
Russian delegation in Syria to preserve military bases: What to know Russian and Syrian military officials have held a series of reciprocal exchanges and visits in recent weeks, as the Kremlin continues to view Syria as a key military vantage point. Syria
Putin, Raisi look to boost trade, regional cooperation in Moscow talks Ebrahim Raisi's trip to Moscow is unlikely to further elevate relations between the two countries. Russia
Crimean, Syrian ports sign cooperation agreements A Syrian government delegation visited the Russian-backed breakaway republic this week. News Brief
Moscow struggles to sell fighter jets in the Mideast With Egypt and Algeria reportedly backing out of plans to acquire Russian-made fighter jets, there is speculation Tehran could emerge as a potential buyer. Iran
The Takeaway: Iraq takes first steps toward new government: What comes next Updates from our regional correspondents on Turkey, Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Egypt; multimedia on Israel and Iran — all in about 1,000 words. Iraq
Kazakhstan crisis challenges Turkey's leadership of Turkic union The unrest rattling Kazakhstan has reflected the irrelevance of Turkey and the Organization of Turkic States chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Turkey
Turkey, Iran react to Kazakhstan unrest Diplomats from both countries have refrained from making powerful statements on the situation in the Central Asian country. News Brief
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
