Russian delegation in Syria to preserve military bases: What to know Russian and Syrian military officials have held a series of reciprocal exchanges and visits in recent weeks, as the Kremlin continues to view Syria as a key military vantage point. Syria
How US-India trade deal could impact Mideast energy, trade routes The United States and India struck a trade agreement on Monday that eases months of tension between the two countries and could influence Gulf oil flows and economic integration. Saudi Arabia
Putin meets Iran’s top security official as Trump says Tehran wants deal President Donald Trump said on Friday that Iran is seeking a nuclear deal but declined to specify a timeline for negotiations. Iran
UAE President meets Putin in Russia to discuss nuclear energy, trade, Iran The visit of Emirati President Sheikh Mohammed comes a day after the Kremlin hosted President Ahmed al-Sharaa to discuss the future of Russian military bases in Syria. Russia
Analysis Iran’s FM Araghchi in Moscow as biting sanctions drive closer Russia ties By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Analysis Cracks in Russia's influence in South Caucasus offer opening to Middle East Russia’s war on Ukraine has had one unintended consequence: the intensification of geopolitical links between the Middle East and the South Caucasus. By Emil Avdaliani
Iran warns Russia against Caucasus geopolitical changes amid corridor dispute The rare warning highlighted Tehran's deep-seated worries about the Zangezur Corridor, which has put the Iran-Russia alliance to a serious test. Iran
Analysis How Turkish, Russian interests align in West Africa The Turkish role in East Africa contrasts with Ankara’s efforts to counter Russia elsewhere, including in Libya, Syria and Ukraine. By Cagatay Cebe In Istanbul, reporting on security and counterterrorism
Azerbaijan’s FM to meet with Turkey’s Fidan in Ankara as Putin courts Baku Turkey and Azerbaijan long enjoyed deep strategic ties, but relations have deteriorated since President Recep Tayyip Erdogan let slip that Ankara helped Baku in its 2020 war against Armenia. Turkey
Russia’s Shoigu in Iran to signal support, urge restraint against Israel A top Russian security official visited Tehran as Iran says it "welcomes trilateral cooperation between Iran, Russia and China." Iran
Erdogan meets 'dear friend' Putin as Russia, Turkey eye cooperation on Syria The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to bilateral ties only days ahead of the NATO summit. Turkey
Hamas official in Russia, talks hostages, seeks Moscow mediation in cease-fire Russia is seeking the release of two of its citizens who are still being held in Gaza. The country hosted Palestinian reconciliation talks earlier this year. Palestine
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
