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
Sudan remains open to naval base deal with Russia A top Sudanese general's weeklong visit to Moscow has raised the stakes for US officials pushing for democracy in Khartoum. North Africa
IAEA chief to visit Tehran as nuclear talks near finish line Despite what was reported as complicated, last-minute conditions set by the Iranian side, informal statements by Russian and European negotiators indicated that the talks in Vienna were reaching a conclusion. Iran
Egypt avoids direct condemnation of Russia over Ukraine Egypt called for diplomacy to solve the Ukrainian crisis, avoiding taking any sides in order not to harm its ties with Russia, the United States or NATO. Egypt
Sudan's military leaders well received in Moscow amid growing international isolation As the world's attention shifts to Russia’s escalation against Ukraine, a delegation of high-level Sudanese officials headed by the deputy leader of the country’s military-led ruling council held talks in Moscow. Egypt
Egypt says no worries over Suez Canal amid Russian-Ukrainian standoff The head of the Suez Canal Authority said Egypt is ready for all the possible scenarios resulting from tensions between Russia and Ukraine and their impact on global navigation. Egypt
Russia voices support for new Libyan PM Moscow is throwing its support behind new Prime Minister Fathi Bashagha and its belief that he can "unite Libyan society." Russia
Israeli leadership caught between US, Russia over Ukraine Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Foreign Minister Yair Lapid walk a fine line to avoid angering Russian President Vladimir Putin while not turning their backs on the United States and Ukraine. Israel
Israeli tech companies worry for their Ukrainian programmers As tensions between Russia and Ukraine intensify, Israeli high-tech companies are worried over the safety of thousands of Ukrainian programmers. Israel
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
