Analysis Putin's Iran diplomacy faces limits as Russia eyes Ukraine concessions As US-Iran tensions escalate, Russia is stepping up mediation efforts, hoping to gain leverage with Washington over Ukraine despite its limited influence on Tehran. By Anton Mardasov
Analysis Pragmatic politics: Why Turkey avoids blaming Russia for Black Sea attacks Beyond economics, Ankara’s approach is also shaped by maintaining its role as an indispensable mediator between the Kremlin and the West. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Why Turkey has few options to protect Black Sea shipping The Russia-Ukraine drone war is hitting Turkish commercial interests, exposing the limits of Ankara’s ability to protect shipping while remaining outside the conflict. Turkey
Analysis Why Ukraine's strike on Iranian ship marks dangerous new phase in ties Tehran has warned Kyiv of consequences, as pent-up tensions couple with what Iran believes is Ukrainian alignment with the US and Israel in the recent war. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Lavrov to visit Turkey as Erdogan seeks new Black Sea mechanism with Russia The Turkish president unveiled the efforts to set up a new safety regulation ahead of the top Russian diplomat’s visit. Turkey
Two years into Ukraine war, Iran continues to play Russia enabler Mounting international pressure and onerous sanctions do not seem to have deterred Tehran from its increasing involvement in the Ukraine war, as the Islamic Republic heavily invests in its alliance with Russia for survival. Iran
US sanctions target Russia’s production of Iranian attack drones On the second anniversary of the war in Ukraine, the Biden administration has rolled out new measures meant to counter Russia’s drone partnership with Iran. Iran
US changes tune on Gaza ‘cease-fire’ as Rafah fears grow Under pressure internationally and from Democratic voters, the Biden administration has begun to call for a "temporary cease-fire" in Gaza. Israel
Turkey says talks with US on local production of new F-16 ongoing Mutual quest for the swift delivery of the new F-16s increases the prospects of the Turkish co-production offer, an analyst believes. 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
US sanctions UAE entities for allegedly violating Russian oil price cap The US Treasury Department also moved to crack down on entities buying diamonds from Russia, a key revenue stream for Moscow amid its war against Ukraine. United Arab Emirates
Turkey's manufacturer of Bayraktar drones is building plant in Ukraine The Baykar CEO said “nothing” could impede the construction process for the joint Turkish-Ukrainian drone factory, dismissing security risks. Turkey
Can Turkey, US finally clean the slate after Sweden’s NATO ratification? Ankara’s ratification of Stockholm’s NATO bid creates new opportunities for US-Turkish relations. Turkey
Turkey's parliament to vote on Sweden’s NATO accession this week The progress follows intense diplomatic contacts between Ankara and Washington. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Davos 2024: Green ammonia expansion integral to Morocco’s new hydrogen economy, minister says Morocco's Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development Leila Benali told Al-Monitor in an interview that the COP28 declaration marked the first time an emergence of more inclusive messaging has been seen in official climate text. Morocco
New Black Sea mission could score Turkey points with NATO Two different interpretations of the joint Black Sea mine mission appear to have emerged among Turkey and its other NATO allies, Romania and Bulgaria, but the allies might find a middle ground. Turkey
