Trump may visit Turkey Thursday for Erdogan’s Russia-Ukraine talks The US president floated the idea of traveling to Turkey on Thursday for a potential meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian leaders. Turkey
Egypt’s Sisi in Russia, meets Putin after military parade: What to know Egypt and the Palestinian Authority both sent representatives to Russia for the annual World War II parade as they court ties with Moscow. Egypt
OPEC+ moves up meeting as oil prices continue to drop: What to know Saudi Arabia has signaled it is willing to live with lower oil prices as US President Donald Trump calls for more production. Saudi Arabia
Russia, Turkey to hold talks as Moscow seeks to keep Syria military bases: What to know The talks come after Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa reiterated his openness to negotiating with Moscow over the future of Russian military bases in Syria. Turkey
US imposes new Iran sanctions ahead of Oman talks as Tehran touts nuclear gains Iranian officials met their Russian and Chinese counterparts on Tuesday to discuss the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program as Tehran prepares for negotiations with Washington. Iran
OPEC+ members boost output as Trump tariffs bring down oil prices The US president has been calling on Saudi Arabia and other top oil producers to boost production and bring down prices. Saudi Arabia
US sanctions Russia-based network for aiding Houthis as strikes continue The sanctions target several individuals based in Russia accused of assisting Houthi official Sa’id al-Jamal, who has been under US sanctions since 2021. Yemen
Top US senator: No F-35 jets for Turkey until Russia's S-400 missiles 'gone' Republican Sen. Jim Risch made the statement during the nomination hearing for Tom Barrack to be the next US ambassador to Turkey. Barrack emphasized Ankara's strategic role in countering Iran in the region and promoting stability in Syria. Turkey
Russia's Putin sends letter to Sharaa offering Syria 'practical cooperation' The letter follows Putin and Sharaa speaking on the phone in February and thousands of Syrians seeking refugee at Russia’s base in the country earlier this month. Syria
UAE brokers Ukraine-Russia swap for 350 prisoners: What we know The Emirati mediation follows Saudi Arabia's hosting talks on the war and the UAE boosting its ties with Ukraine. United Arab Emirates
Syria urges citizens sheltering at Russia’s Hmeimim base to go home: What we know Many local residents who fled killings targeting the Alawite community are resisting the government’s efforts to get them to return home, opting to remain at a Russian air base. Syria
Analysis Wary of Turkey and Iran, Israel tightens ties with Russia: What to know Regional shifts, especially involving Iran, Syria and Turkey, are forcing Israel to reevaluate its complicated relations with Russia. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Saudi Arabia's MBS throws support behind Arab plan, rejects displacement of Palestinians Saudi affirmation of the Arab League plan would also see it stepping into a broader role in the development of Gaza vis-a-vis the commitment of funds, as Gulf states are seen as the primary financiers of reconstruction. Saudi Arabia
Analysis Amid US rift and Saudi rivalry, UAE offers Zelenskyy economic lifeline Gulf countries find themselves in a difficult position as they navigate placating Trump, maintaining good relations with Russia, and engaging with Ukraine while also providing mediation and humanitarian aid. By Jennifer Gnana In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics
In Qatar, Russia's Lavrov rejects European force in Ukraine, pushes for Syria access During the visit, Russia and Qatar agreed to step up cooperation via a gas forum and their sovereign wealth funds and discussed the political transitions in Syria and Lebanon. Qatar
Germany arrests Russian suspect over alleged plan to attack Israeli Embassy On Thursday, a Russian national suspected of planning an attack on the Israeli Embassy was arrested by German authorities, and in a separate incident on Friday, a stabbing occurred at the Holocaust memorial in Berlin. Israel
