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
Analysis Europe ups pressure on Iran for supplying Russia with drones in Ukraine The European Union has shifted its focus regarding Iran-made drones beyond the Iranian officials and companies producing them to third parties buying components outside of Iran. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Analysis Niger, Morocco turn their backs on France as Macron withdraws troops In the Sahel region and in North Africa, post-colonial France is rapidly losing its influence. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Why is Libya's commander Hifter visiting Russia? The visit comes amid the aftermath of the Wagner Group’s ill-fated mutiny and the death of its leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, in Russia. North Africa
Turkey’s Erdogan meets Azerbaijan’s Aliyev as Armenians flee Nagorno-Karabakh Ankara is backing the oil-rich Turkic nation’s current drive to seize all of Nagorno-Karabakh. Turkey
Russia becomes UAE’s top gold supplier as Ukraine sanctions bite The United Arab Emirates bought 96.4 tons of gold from Russia in 2022, making it Moscow's top gold importer. United Arab Emirates
Turkey's Erdogan backs Azerbaijan's offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh, as US, Russia urge restraint Addressing the UN General Assembly in New York, Erdogan said the contested Nagorno-Karabakh region is Azerbaijani territory, as US and Russia rejected Baku's offensive. Turkey
Dubai ranks first in luxury home sales in second quarter: report Dubai was one of only four markets to see growth in its overall sales volume of luxury homes between Q2 2022 and Q2 2023 at 79%, along with Sydney (46%), Paris (17%) and Geneva (7%). United Arab Emirates
Which 5 Turkey-based firms did US sanction for aiding Russia in Ukraine? US officials have repeatedly pressed Turkish counterparts to address the flow of funds to Russia amid the war in Ukraine. Turkey
Dubai apartment prices soar, spooking expats The cost of the average apartment in Dubai rose 20% in one year through August. United Arab Emirates
US, Armenia hold military drills as Russia's influence weakens in Caucasus Washington has a finger on the scale as Armenia accuses Russia of failing to protect it against Azerbaijan. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Russia maintains Libya role after Wagner's mutiny, Prigozhin's death A senior defense official visited eastern Libya to meet with the Libyan National Army and assure them that Russian support would continue. North Africa Pulse
US top general talks Syria, NATO with new Turkey counterpart Gen. Mark Milley's first announced call with newly appointed Turkish armed forces chief Metin Gurak follows reports that the United States is exploring alternate routes for Ukraine's grain exports. Turkey
