Israel rejects Ukraine's claim that Russian shadow fleet vessel docked in Haifa Ukraine alleges the vessel unloaded wheat taken from occupied territories in Haifa, while Israel says ship had not entered the port. Israel
Iran FM meets Putin, Russia’s military intel chief as talks stall: What to know Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi headed to Russia following visits to Pakistan and Oman over the weekend as talks with Washington are at a standstill. Iran
Russia evacuates 160 staff from Iran's Bushehr plant: What to know The Kremlin says it is committed to maintaining energy cooperation with Iran amid strikes near the Bushehr nuclear power plant. Iran
Analysis Unclear chains of command in Iran complicate Russia’s diplomatic play Multiple power centers in Tehran and the rising influence of the IRGC could complicate Moscow’s ties with Iran and its hopes of playing a mediating role in the conflict. By Anton Mardasov
Idlib heats up, may be key to Russian-Turkish deal in Syria As Idlib in western Syria falls to an extremist rebel faction, Moscow and Ankara consider their options there and in northern Syria. Syria
Iran plays Hamas card ahead of Israeli elections Hamas insists on Qatari money; Iran offers training for Palestinian factions; Russia wrestles with its limits in Syria; UAE leads GCC rapprochement with Damascus. Legacy: Gulf
As US exits Syria, what will define Moscow's Mideast policy in 2019? The US exit from Syria means the set of challenges facing Moscow in the region is significantly changing. Syria
Does China endanger Israel’s security? Israeli security experts warn that growing Chinese involvement in infrastructure projects could endanger the country’s security. Israel
Turkish-US tension builds as Syria talks founder US national security adviser John Bolton left Ankara without a deal in hand that would protect Washington's allies from harm after the United States withdraws most of its troops from Syria. Syria
Rival fiefdoms emerge in scramble over Trump's Syria withdrawal Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and national security adviser John Bolton have offered different messages about President Donald Trump’s intentions for a Syria withdrawal. Israel
Patriarch grants Ukrainian Church independence at Istanbul mass The spiritual leader of the world’s Orthodox faithful recognized a new national church of Ukraine, marking a historic split with Moscow amid a broader geopolitical dispute. Turkey
Iran, Russia remain skeptical about US exit from Syria, Afghanistan With the announcement of a US withdrawal from Syria, Iran and Russia can be expected to intensify their bilateral cooperation to achieve common interests rather than turn against each other. Syria
Russia eyes options for northern Syria As the United States plans to withdraw from Syria, Russia considers all options available to settle conflict east of the Euphrates. Syria
Trump signals possible flexibility on pace of Syria withdrawal President Donald Trump signaled possible flexibility in the pace of a US withdrawal from Syria, saying the United States would protect the Kurds. Syria
Ankara seeking Russian permission for use of Syrian airspace Ankara’s primary lesson learned from its two operations in northern Syria is not to enter Syria without air superiority. Syria
Putin’s next act: Syrian-Turkish rapprochement The Russian president still needs the United States to keep the pace, and the peace, in Syria. United Arab Emirates