Russia’s Putin hosts Saddam Hifter amid instability in Libya: What to know Moscow has built a strong relationship with Libya’s eastern camp, as Washington and Ankara pursue efforts to reunify the country’s political and military institutions. Libya
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Trump threatens to bomb Oman Kushner meets Netanyahu on Gaza plan; Pope calls for end to West Bank violence; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
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
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Syria, Russia reach deal on Russian bases Iran says no reason to fear Pakistan-Turkey-Saudi security pact; Yemeni military reports 7 killed in Houthi attack; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Cargo ship attack near Hormuz clouds US-Iran diplomacy By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: Daily Briefing US extends Iran strikes to bridges, airport By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Russia eyes Port Sudan as key naval hub Russia-Sudan ties have deepened since the October 2021 military takeover in Sudan and the Russia-Ukraine war. North Africa
Erdogan hopes Putin summit will greenlight Turkey's new Syria operation Ankara’s central role in facilitating the Russia-Ukraine grain deal could strengthen its hand in securing Moscow’s acceptance of a Turkish military incursion. Turkey
Turkey, Russia gas ties grow contentious amid Ukraine war Russian gas giant Gazprom’s sudden “maintenance" shutdown of a major pipeline carrying gas to Turkey coincided with the talks over Finland's and Sweden’s NATO membership bids. Turkey
Ukraine, Russia grain talks in Turkey stir optimism as UN voices caution Turkey’s defense chief has announced Russia and Ukraine are set to sign an understanding over a series of “fundamental technical” issues that the warring parties agreed on during today’s talk in Istanbul. Turkey
Erdogan, Putin set to meet in Tehran The Turkish, Iranian and Russian leaders are set to meet in Tehran next week amid lingering Turkish threats against Syrian Kurdish groups. Putin and Erdogan will separately discuss the Ukrainian grain crisis. Turkey
US: Iran aims to send drones to Russia for use in Ukraine White House releases intel linking Iran to Russia's war on Ukraine just days before President Joe Biden is set to meet Israeli, Arab leaders. Iran
Russia, Iran won't endorse Turkish military operation in Syria At the latest Astana Group meeting on Syria, Russia and Iran tried to soothe Turkey by rejecting the Kurdish-led self-rule in northern Syria in a joint declaration this week. Russia
Iran, Russia to establish trade centers The two countries will focus on energy-related trading and establishing a north-south corridor to rival the Suez Canal. Iran
Does Erdogan have a green light from Russia to move into Syria? The US and Iran oppose the planned Turkish operation, as Erdogan digs in further on Finland and Sweden’s NATO bids, and warns Greece on the Aegean Islands. Turkey
Russia expresses 'understanding' for Turkey’s security concerns in north Syria Receiving Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Ankara, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu maintains that the creation of a safe maritime corridor for Ukrainian grain exports should be accompanied by the easing of sanctions against Russia. Turkey
Ukraine, Syria top Lavrov's agenda in Turkey Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrives in Ankara on June 8. Russia
Analysis The Takeaway: Russia, Israel weigh consequences of fallout in ties over Ukraine Dmitiri Simes has the take from Moscow, Ben Caspit the scoop from Jerusalem; Hamas opens terrorist front inside Israel; skepticism over Assad’s refugee strategy; does Egypt’s national dialogue include Brotherhood?; Israel’s psychedelic nasal spray. By Andrew Parasiliti , Elizabeth Hagedorn
