Analysis As Israel-Iran strikes escalate, Russia weighs risks and opportunities With evacuations underway and investments at risk, the Kremlin still sees a chance to benefit by boosting gas exports and mediating US-Iran talks. By Nikita Smagin
As Trump gets 'less confident' about deal, Iran threatens US bases in region The US has maintained military bases across the Middle East for decades, with the largest—by personnel count—being Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. Iran
Analysis Mi-26s and T-62s: What Russia's military backing of Haftar means for Libya A sweeping display of arms and alliances in Benghazi reflects Khalifa Haftar’s effort to project statehood, Moscow’s deeper investment in Libya, and a shifting power balance that could reshape peace prospects. By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Egypt to ramp up ties with Belarus as Russia opens Red Sea consulate Russia plans to open a new consulate in coastal Sharm el-Sheikh, following Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s visit to Moscow and signs of growing ties between Egypt and Belarus. Egypt
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. Legacy: 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. Legacy: Gulf
Iran, Russia, China conduct new military drills, defying Western pressure The exercise brought together the three countries' lead warships for the stated purpose of bolstering maritime security, while Tehran-backed Yemeni rebels continued to target international navigation in the wake of the Gaza war. Iran
