UAE's MBZ and Putin hold call as Gulf, Russia push diplomacy on Iran-Israel Russian President Vladimir Putin appears to be courting Gulf support for a diplomatic role in the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel. Iran
Analysis Can Russia broker Iran-Israel deal as Putin looks to divert West from Ukraine? A mediating role between Tehran and Tel Aviv could help the Kremlin boost its credentials as well as turn attention away from ongoing war in Ukraine. By Kasia A. Houghton
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 By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
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
Oil prices surge as Saudi Arabia, Russia extend 1.3 million barrel cut through December The production cuts by Saudi Arabia, Russia and the OPEC+ alliance have succeeded in keeping oil prices up but have also had some negative effects on the Saudi economy. Legacy: Gulf
In Russia, Turkey's Erdogan seeks better ties with Putin, but distrust lingers The Turkish president wants to enhance his prestige by brokering a new grain deal but faces an uphill battle, with increasing distrust from Moscow over Ankara's ties with Ukraine, and posture inside NATO. Turkey
Erdogan to meet Putin in Sochi as Turkey looks to save Ukraine grain deal Revival of the vital grain deal will top the agenda of the Turkish and Russian presidents in Sochi, but experts believe Moscow's quick return to the agreement is unlikely. Turkey
