Top US senator: No F-35 jets for Turkey until Russia's S-400 missiles 'gone' Republican Sen. Jim Risch made the statement during the nomination hearing for Tom Barrack to be the next US ambassador to Turkey. Barrack emphasized Ankara's strategic role in countering Iran in the region and promoting stability in Syria. Turkey
As Iran set to receive Trump's letter, China to host talks on nuclear program China will host a trilateral meeting with Russia and Iran in Beijing Friday to discuss Iran's nuclear program, amid renewed US efforts to renegotiate a new deal. China
Iran, China, Russia hold joint naval drill despite Trump threats: What we know The drill took place as the United States and Iran remain at odds over the latter’s nuclear program. Iran
Analysis Wary of Turkey and Iran, Israel tightens ties with Russia: What to know Regional shifts, especially involving Iran, Syria and Turkey, are forcing Israel to reevaluate its complicated relations with Russia. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Analysis Amid US rift and Saudi rivalry, UAE offers Zelenskyy economic lifeline By Jennifer Gnana In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics
Analysis Algeria becomes first foreign buyer of Russia's Su-57 fighter jet: What to know By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Erdogan and Biden may meet at NATO's US summit in July, ambassador says Amid widening differences over Gaza, Turkey postponed in April the Turkish president’s visit to the White House that was planned for May. Turkey
UAE, Saudi, Iran, Egypt, Turkey FMs attend Russia's BRICS meeting The BRICS foreign ministers meeting focused on diplomatic developments related to the Gaza war and efforts to ditch the US dollar in international trade, among other matters. Egypt
Saudi cautious as Iran looks to make gains from Putin’s China visit As Putin was making his way to Beijing, Alexie Miller, chair of Russia’s Gazprom, was in Tehran, where he met First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber and Oil Minister Javad Owji, the company said. Saudi Arabia
As Russia's footprint slumps, can Turkey anchor Armenia, Azerbaijan to West? Russia’s declining footprint in the South Caucasus presents an opportunity for Turkey to anchor Azerbaijan and Armenia to the Western fold. Turkey
Iran, Russia enhance security cooperation in Kazakhstan meeting Long-friendly Iran and Russia are growing closer amid the Gaza war and sanctions on both countries. Iran
Has Turkey’s Erdogan axed his Biden meeting because of Israel? Despite rumors of a cancellation in Turkish media, several high-level US diplomats have traveled over the past few days to Ankara to lay the ground for the summit. Turkey
Pentagon confirms talks to withdraw US troops from Niger Washington failed to reach a compromise with junta leaders in Niamey, as Russia continues to make gains across the Sahel. North Africa
Lawmakers urge Biden to help free Princeton researcher kidnapped in Iraq The State Department says it has urged senior Iraqi officials to locate and secure the release of Elizabeth Tsurkov, an Israeli-Russian researcher believed to be held by Iran-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah. Iraq
Northern Cyprus tightens property sales rules amid influx of Russian money Northern Cyprus seeks to tighten its laws on real estate purchases to foreigners amid allegations of Russian black money, Zionist plots and encouragement from Ankara. Turkey
US aims to keep troops in Niger despite junta decision on ending counterterrorism ties Niger’s ruling military junta announced Saturday it was cutting ties with US special operations forces, threatening to undermine a key point of US influence as Russia expands its military foothold across Central Africa. North Africa
Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE, others shower Russia’s Putin with congratulatory messages Several leaders in the region have extended their congratulations to Russia’s President Vladimir Putin over his reelection, as Western countries condemned the Russian elections as unfair. Gulf
How Russia seeks to capitalize on US strikes in Yemen, Red Sea tensions Russia has maintained balanced relations in Yemen, while avoiding criticism of the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, even as its trade has been affected. Gulf
