New deal reduces Russia’s military presence in Syria: What to know Under a deal announced by Syria, Russia’s military facilities would be turned into joint training centers. Syria
Russia names Dmitry Dogadkin new ambassador to Syria amid thaw: What to know The appointment of the new ambassador, who previously served as Russia’s envoy to Qatar, comes as Moscow recalibrates its ties with the new Syrian authorities to maintain its strategic foothold in the Mediterranean country. Syria
Iran signs 25 deals at SCO meeting: What to know Iran's foreign minister urged members of the China and Russia-led bloc to focus more on economic development, while host Kyrgyzstan said progress was a made toward an SCO development blank. Iran
Feature Armenia's Pashinyan keeps Iran close while wooing Trump, Turkey and Azerbaijan As Yerevan pursues normalization with Turkey and Azerbaijan and backs a US-led transport corridor, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is working to reassure an increasingly assertive Iran that its interests won't be threatened. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
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
Has Turkey’s Erdogan axed his Biden meeting because of Israel? Despite rumors of a cancellation in Turkish media, several high-level US diplomats have traveled over the past few days to Ankara to lay the ground for the summit. Turkey
