New deal reduces Russia’s military presence in Syria: What to know Under a deal announced by Syria, Russia’s military facilities would be turned into joint training centers. Syria
Russia names Dmitry Dogadkin new ambassador to Syria amid thaw: What to know The appointment of the new ambassador, who previously served as Russia’s envoy to Qatar, comes as Moscow recalibrates its ties with the new Syrian authorities to maintain its strategic foothold in the Mediterranean country. Syria
Iran signs 25 deals at SCO meeting: What to know Iran's foreign minister urged members of the China and Russia-led bloc to focus more on economic development, while host Kyrgyzstan said progress was a made toward an SCO development blank. Iran
Feature Armenia's Pashinyan keeps Iran close while wooing Trump, Turkey and Azerbaijan As Yerevan pursues normalization with Turkey and Azerbaijan and backs a US-led transport corridor, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is working to reassure an increasingly assertive Iran that its interests won't be threatened. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
As Ukraine crisis heats up, Egypt fears for wheat supply Egypt says the current Russian-Ukrainian crisis would not have an impact on the country's wheat supply for at least six months should wheat imports from Ukraine stop. Egypt
Next phase of China-Iran ties depends on nuclear talks Iran and China's long-term strategic partnership awaits any new outcome of the JCPOA. Iran
Crisis in Ukraine: the Middle East connections Also: Oman's foreign minister says dialogue is essential in dealing with Iran, Yemen and Syria; keeps focus on two-state solution. Turkey
Saudi business group touts plan to improve economic ties with Russia Russia is working to improve relations with Saudi Arabia and wants the kingdom to buy its S-400 missile defense system. Russia
Turkish drones boost Ukrainian spirits amid fears of Russian invasion Turkey's drones are a big morale booster for Ukraine as a potential Russian invasion looms. Turkey
Israel prepares to receive Jews fleeing Ukraine As tensions between Washington and Moscow keep rising, Israel prepares contingency plans for Jewish immigrants from Ukraine. Israel
Why Turkey wants to mediate in Ukraine crisis Erdogan’s offer to mediate between the Russian and Ukrainian leaders reflects Ankara’s growing fears over the conundrums it could find itself in should war materialize. Turkey
Iran to host joint naval exercises with Russia, China US foreign policy appears to be pushing its major adversaries into each others' hands. Iran
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
