UAE president heads to Russia to meet Putin as ties grow: What to know UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan is heading to Moscow on Thursday for an official visit, his second in less than a year as Russian-Emirati relations continue to develop rapidly. United Arab Emirates
As Trump warms to Syria, US pushes UN to lift Sharaa sanctions The move comes as Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa prepares to attend the UN General Assembly in New York next month. Syria
Mysterious fires, alleged cyberattack hint at escalating Israel-Iran shadow war Amid a shadow war with Israel that appears to be escalating, Iran's foreign minister has said that nuclear negotiations are still possible, but will require overcoming rising "anti-negotiation" sentiment in Iran. Iran
US hits Palestine officials with visa bans amid growing statehood recognition The sanctions are expected to have limited effect, as Palestinian officials generally avoid traveling to the United States due to restrictions imposed by a 2019 anti-terrorism law. Palestine
Analysis Trump’s Syria gamble tested by unrest in Suwayda By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Venezuela’s VP meets emir in Qatar, looks to expand energy ties: What to know Qatar has demonstrated interest in Venezuela’s recovering oil industry as well as mediation between the US and the South American country. Qatar
US sanctions China-Iran network aiding Tehran missile program The Trump administration is stepping up sanctions on Iran as it conducts talks over its rapidly expanding nuclear program. Iran
First Syria delegation under Sharaa visits US, will attend IMF meetings: What to know Syria's new government faces the daunting task of rebuilding an economy shattered by war and burdened with debt, ongoing sanctions and reconstruction costs. Syria
From 2008 to today: Expectations and timeline of US-Iran talks The upcoming talks will be the most significant since negotiations broke down in 2022 and come in the wake of President Donald Trump threatening to bomb Iran if it does not agree to a new deal on its nuclear program. Iran
US sanctions Russia-based network for aiding Houthis as strikes continue The sanctions target several individuals based in Russia accused of assisting Houthi official Sa’id al-Jamal, who has been under US sanctions since 2021. Yemen
US sanctions UAE, China firms in crackdown on Iranian drone supplies The Justice Department also announced criminal charges against two Iranian nationals and an Iranian company over their alleged roles in the drone-procurement network. Iran
US says Syria's transitional government a possible step forward The State Department voiced cautious optimism over the new cabinet, which includes members of Syria’s Christian, Alawite, Druze and Kurdish minorities. Syria
Iran’s currency drops to more than 1 million rials to US dollar: What to know This is yet another record low for Iran’s currency, as the country navigates intense sanctions and US pressure. Iran
US slaps sanctions on Iran's oil tankers, targets China 'teapot' refinery Targets of the sanctions include a refinery allegedly purchasing Iranian oil from a vessel linked to Yemen's Houthi militant group. Iran
Feature Syria’s post-Assad economy falters as US stalls on sanctions relief Three months after Syria's rebel takeover, all eyes are on Ahmed al-Sharaa and whether he can stabilize the economy as promised. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
US formally rebrands Yemen's Houthis as foreign terrorist organization Critics say the Houthis' blacklisting will hamper aid delivery in the war-torn country. Yemen
US sanctions on Iran’s 'shadow' oil fleet target brokers in UAE, China The latest sanctions come after President Donald Trump pledged his administration would drive Iran's oil sales down to zero. Iran
