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
Iran, Belarus sign defense MOU as they explore cooperation on drones Belarus may start playing a bigger role in Russia’s use of Iranian drones in the war on Ukraine. Iran
Turkey struggles to maintain Russia-Ukraine balance as grain crisis persists Erdogan can ill afford to confront Russia by backing alternative means to sustain Ukrainian grain exports without Moscow’s involvement. Turkey
Russia seeks to boost ties with Egypt, Algeria at Africa summit Russia’s second Africa summit did not yield any major deals with North African countries as leaders called upon Russia to resume the Black Sea grain deal. North Africa
Analysis After Niger coup, France worries over Russia's influence, impact on North Africa France is increasingly worried that the military putsch in Niger will push the country into Russia’s lap. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Saudi Arabia, UAE, Turkey, Algeria and Egypt express ‘concern’ over Niger coup The coup in the West African country could be a victory for Russia. The Gulf has economic interests in the region. Gulf
Russia pulls inspectors from Turkey after Kremlin nixes grain deal The joint operation center in Istanbul, which was set up as part of the Black Sea grain deal, has been the sole mechanism through which Ukrainian and Russian officials were directly working together on a regular basis since the invasion of Ukraine. Turkey
UK sanctions 13 Wagner-linked firms and officials in Sudan, CAR, Mali The mercenary group has been operating across Africa for many years, exploiting the continent's natural resources and providing military support for its own financial gain. The Horn of Africa
Dengue fever outbreak in Egypt forces Russia to issue tourism warning Most cases of the mosquito-borne virus are not severe. Russia has implemented health measures for flights from Egypt as a result of the outbreak. Egypt
Inside Turkey's three dimensions for changing tune on Sweden's NATO bid Turkey’s surprise decision on the Swedish NATO bid seems to be underpinned by considerations on defense and economic areas. Turkey
Erdogan’s NATO moves agitate Russia but don’t spell Turkey's sharp shift to West The Turkish leader is navigating Ankara’s relationships in ways that he believes best benefit Turkey’s interests and above all his own political survival. Turkey
Saudi Arabia imports record volumes of discounted Russian fuel oil in June Europe used to be the top market for Russian oil and petroleum products but all that has changed since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Saudi Arabia
Iran summons Russia's ambassador over UAE islands dispute On Monday, Russia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) issued a statement calling for a “a peaceful solution” to the dispute over the Abu Musa and Greater and Lesser Tunbs islands “in accordance with international law." Iran
