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
Lebanon: Republicans in Congress call for sanctions against political class The letters come amid Lebanon’s continued political paralysis, economic crisis and rising tensions with Israel. Some members of Congress are calling for sanctions on parliament speaker Nabih Berri, an ally of Hezbollah. Lebanon
Iran's oil shipments to China triple in 3 years despite sanctions Iran’s strengthening ties to China have prompted some senators to call for more sanctions. Iran
Iraqi dinar falls 17% against dollar amid US restrictions over Iran deals The current depreciation follows 14 Iraqi banks being barred from using the dollar amid a crackdown on smuggling to Iran. Iraq
Biden walks tightrope as Israel’s democracy tested The judicial overhaul pursued by Benjamin Netanyahu and his right-wing coalition has bitterly divided Israeli society and cast further strain on US-Israel ties. Israel
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
Republican lawmakers urge sanctions over Iran oil sales to China Senate Republicans are pushing for harsher penalties against Chinese-linked actors involved in Iran’s oil and petrochemical trade. Iran
Iran’s Raisi seals 21 deals on Africa trip, attends drone exhibit in Kenya Iran is seeking stronger ties to sub-Saharan Africa but faces competition from the Gulf and China. Iran
In Moscow, Russia's Lavrov welcomes Gulf states' rapprochement with Iran Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that Russia and GCC countries will expand their cooperation together in areas of economic trade, defense, security, energy and politics. Legacy: Gulf
Iran boasts to OPEC of growing crude sales despite sanctions Iran's top energy official told oil-exporting nations that the Islamic Republic is in good shape bypassing sanctions to sell its lifeline product as he advertised an attractive investment market in his country. Iran
Analysis Iran’s membership in Shanghai Cooperation Organization further aligns it with Russia, China Iran becoming a full member of the China and Russia-led SCO may be more symbolic than beneficial, but could help Iran nonetheless amid international isolations, sanctions and shifting regional dynamics. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
US outlines strategy to counter Syria's lucrative Captagon trade The report to lawmakers details US plans to support the counter-narcotics capacity of Syria's neighbors and impose sanctions on the key drug traffickers fueling the regime's operations. Syria
