Saudi defense chief meets Khamenei in historic Iran visit: What to know Prince Khalid’s visit marks a further step in Iran and Saudi Arabia’s political reconciliation, but it comes at a tense time in the region, with the second round of US-Iran nuclear negotiations just two days away. Saudi Arabia
Qatar and Russia to up investment by $2B as emir visits Moscow Cooperation between Qatar and Russia on energy matters is growing, as Doha seeks to mediate between the Kremlin and Ukraine over the war. Qatar
IAEA chief in Tehran as Iran FM returns to Russia with Khamenei letter A flurry of meetings are taking place in Iran, Russia and the US ahead of the second round of nuclear negotiations between the US and Iran on Saturday. Iran
IAEA’s Grossi to visit Tehran ahead of second round of US-Iran nuclear talks The IAEA chief’s visit comes just days after nuclear talks between the US and Iran and less than a week after a senior Iranian official threatened to halt compliance with the nuclear watchdog. Iran
Analysis Wary of Turkey and Iran, Israel tightens ties with Russia: What to know By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
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
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
Turkey’s Erdogan hosts Zelenskyy, hopeful on Ukraine-Russia compromise Zelenskyy’s visit to Turkey comes one week after that of Lavrov, and as Ankara is trying to find a compromise between Moscow and Kyiv on a Black Sea mechanism. Turkey
Analysis As Mali’s junta pokes at Algeria, what’s at stake for North Africa and Sahel? Three years after severing its ties with Morocco, Algeria faces challenges in its relations with Mali and other Sahel countries. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Iran, Algeria to build closer energy, tourism ties Europe is increasingly interested in Algeria as an alternative to Russia for gas supplies, while Iran is seeking to boost its own gas output amid continued US sanctions. Iran
What we know about Palestinian talks in Russia seeking unity The meeting, in which rival Palestinian factions endorsed unity under the PLO umbrella, follows the resignation of Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh and comes as Russia is seeking a diplomatic role in the war. Palestine
As Palestinians head to Russia, Abbas ponders least bad option for PM A large Palestinian delegation will head to Moscow this week to try and reach consensus on a postwar government that could include Hamas representatives in an expanded Palestine Liberation Organization. Palestine
Iran exports to Russia hit high of $2B as sanctions strengthen alliance The significant jump in Iranian exports to Russia is indicative of the two states' increasing focus on joint solutions to circumvent international sanctions that have squeezed their economies. Iran
Armenia, Azerbaijan inch toward shaky peace deal but key issues unaddressed There is mounting speculation that talks will result in a deal to establish diplomatic relations, but many outstanding issues will remain. By Amberin Zaman In Paris, reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
