Will Iran, Russia step up energy cooperation to blunt US sanctions?

Amid rising US pressure, Tehran and Moscow might be on the cusp of a new era of economic cooperation, particularly in the energy sector.

Russia

The art of the deal in Helsinki – the next chapter

More than 11% of internally displaced people have returned to areas retaken by Syrian government forces this year.

Syria

Moscow steadily promoting its 'Helsinki agenda' in Syria

Following the Helsinki summit, Russia is working to deliver what each party is expecting from it: security to Israel, cooperation with Iran and engagement with the West.

Syria

Pompeo, Haley try to regroup after Helsinki

In the wake of Helsinki summit, there are signs of a growing chasm between President Donald Trump and his Cabinet chiefs trying to implement US policies toward the Middle East.

Syria

Putin envoy tells Iran that cooperation in Syria will continue

Iranian and Russian officials have insisted that despite pressure from outside countries, the two countries will continue to support the Syrian government.

Israel

Erdogan wants more from Trump before Turkey will free pastor

Though the US president's friendliness toward Turkey's president in Brussels raised hopes for the release of an American pastor charged with espionage, a Turkish court denied an appeal to free Andrew Brunson today.

Turkey

Meet the new generation of Iranian hard-liners

A young generation of hard-liners is beginning to challenge the old guard, taking tougher positions on political issues while being more open on cultural affairs.

Russia

The path to Washington passes through Jerusalem

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has morphed from persona non grata at the White House into the leader with the most influence over the US president.

Israel

Congress calls on Trump to recognize Israeli sovereignty over Golan

After President Donald Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, congressional Republicans are rallying around the Netanyahu government’s next big ask.

Palestine

Hopes soar for US pastor's release as Trump fist-bumps Erdogan

The odds look better than ever that American pastor Andrew Brunson will finally be freed from a Turkish prison after President Donald Trump made friendly gestures toward President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Brussels, but there are no guarantees that Brunson will walk free.

Turkey

Turkey wary of US-Russia deal on Syria

Ankara is increasingly concerned that Washington is working with Moscow to secure an accord for northern Syria between the Bashar al-Assad regime and the Kurds.

Syria

What’s next for Syria after Helsinki summit?

The meeting between the Russian and US presidents did as little for the Middle East as it possibly could, though the two leaders seemed to identify Syria as a good place to rebuild US-Russian cooperation.

Israel