Analysis Iran’s FM Araghchi in Moscow as biting sanctions drive closer Russia ties The economic agenda of the meetings in Moscow and Tehran reflected a deliberate effort by both governments to signal momentum in a partnership increasingly shaped by isolation from the West. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Russia to launch 3 Iranian satellites into orbit this month: What to know The upcoming launch will be the second time Russia’s Soyuz rockets have carried Iranian-made satellites into space. Iran
UAE, Russia host first joint business forum despite Ukraine war sanctions Trade between the two countries is projected to exceed $10 billion in 2025. United Arab Emirates
Analysis Russian leak signals Su-35s for Iran moving to production: What to know Recently leaked documents suggest 16 fighters are already on Russian assembly lines, with deliveries slated through 2027. For Tehran, it would be the first meaningful fighter upgrade in decades. By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Analysis Iran uses first joint SCO field drill to tout drone power, assert post-war resilience By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Analysis As Sharaa heads to Washington, Iran looks to Russia to rebuild Syria ties By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Will Syria come up in Biden-Putin summit? US pressing to maintain humanitarian corridors into Syria; Erdogan’s issues with US Syria policy; UN envoy refers to Syria’s "tragic irony." Russia
Meeting with Biden looms as critical test for Erdogan Turkey’s relationship with the United States poses the toughest test for Erdogan in the coming period, bound to sway both his foreign policy and political alliances at home. Turkey
Sudan puts Russia naval base deal under review A top military officer denied the review was connected to increased ties with the United States. Russia / Mideast
Turkey’s persistent watering down of anti-Russian language leaves NATO in bind Ankara defends its position on Moscow on the grounds that it has to manage its relationship with its powerful northeastern neighbor. Turkey
With ties with West strained, Turkey gets lifeline from Poland Drawing on his rapport with the Polish president and a landmark drone deal with Warsaw, Erdogan seems to be aiming at two goals — strengthening his hand in NATO and having a close ally within the European Union. Turkey
The Takeaway: US ties with Egypt loom large again Picking up the pieces in Gaza; the uneasy, uncertain peace between Israel and Hamas; PLO and Hamas still can’t find common ground; Russia on the diplomatic sidelines; desert kingdom looks to build forest; and more! Egypt
Turkey fails to convince Russia to lift flight ban Despite the efforts of Turkey's top-level delegation to Russia to get flights resumed between the two countries, Moscow has extended the ban. Turkey
Russia to build floating dock off Syrian coast Russia's repair shop in Tartus is working to build a floating dock, greatly expanding the capabilities of the military base. Syria
UN Security Council discusses concerns over spread of Libya's foreign fighters The killing of Chad's leader has ignited fears over the potential spread of violent mercenaries outside of Libya. North Africa
Blinken cautions Turkey against future S-400 purchases Secretary of State Antony Blinken also said that President Joe Biden's recent recognition of the Armenian genocide should not have come as a surprise. Turkey
The Takeaway: Does Hamas win if Abbas delays Palestinian elections? Plus: Fallout in Turkey from Biden’s designation of genocide in Armenia. Israel
Turkish-Russian ties marked more by rivalry than cooperation today President Recep Tayyip Erdogan believed Russia would provide him leverage against the United States and Europe after Turkey’s ties with the West took a nosedive. Turkey
