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
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 Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Biden, Erdogan ride wave of momentum after Turkey's NATO vote, F-16 sale One expert expects that Erdogan will pay a visit to the White House in the near term as the two parties bridge key differences. Turkey
Why is Tucker Carlson in UAE after controversial Russia visit? The controversial former Fox News host, who recently interviewed Russian President Vladimir Putin, addressed a summit in the UAE’s largest city. Legacy: Gulf
Analysis Four factors driving Turkey's calculus to trade Russian S-400s for US F-35 As its ties improve with Washington, the United States has offered Turkey an opening to return to the F-35 consortium — but only if it gives up its Russian S-400 systems. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Iran begins building 4 more nuclear power plants amid IAEA warnings Western officials have long suspected Tehran of looking to produce nuclear weapons, though Iran denies this. Iran
Nuland says Turkey can return to F-35 consortium if S-400 issue resolved The visit to Turkey by the US State Department's No. 2 comes as another signal of the burgeoning positive momentum in Washington-Ankara ties after Turkey approved Sweden’s membership in NATO. Turkey
What does Sisi-Putin latest nuclear plant deal mean for Egypt, Russia? Egypt is hoping nuclear energy will help meet its substantial power needs as Russia eyes a greater nuclear foothold in the region. Egypt
Turkey’s exports to Saudi Arabia, UAE and Russia shoot up in 2023: Erdogan The Turkish president also said the country’s total export revenues reached an all-time high. Turkey
What is behind Iran-Russia de-dollarization deal as sanctions bite? The long-awaited agreement was one among several solutions the two countries have sought to salvage their battered economies, which remain cut off from key international banking systems. Iran
Iran in tight spot as Russia backs UAE claim on disputed Gulf islands Russia-Iran ties were in the spotlight again, and Tehran was put in the unwanted position of having to reservedly criticize the key ally, after Moscow supported the Arab stance on three Iran-controlled disputed islands. Iran
