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City scape of Moscow, Russian capital.

Russia

August 4, 2025

Moscow 11:14 pm

20°C

Shibani and Lavrov

Analysis

Pragmatism outweighs animosity as Syrian, Russian FMs bargain at Kremlin

Despite deep-rooted tensions and clashing interests, Syria’s interim leadership and Russia are finding common ground in a mutually beneficial bid to preserve influence and stability after Assad’s fall.

Amberin Zaman

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani looks on as he leaves following a press conference and a meeting with French President at the Elysee Palace in Paris, on May 7, 2025. Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa arrived in Paris on May 7, state media reported, on his first visit to Europe since overthrowing longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in December. (Photo by Ludovic MARIN / AFP) (Photo by LUDOVIC MARIN/AFP via Getty Images)

Syria FM heads to Russia in first high-level Moscow visit post Assad

As the new Syrian government looks to redefine its ties with Moscow, Russia aims to maintain its naval and air bases in Syria.

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga (L) shakes hands with Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar in Kyiv on July 23, 2025, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (Photo by Tetiana DZHAFAROVA / AFP) (Photo by TETIANA DZHAFAROVA/AFP via Getty Images)

Analysis

Israeli FM's Ukraine visit signals shift from Russia to anti-Iran alignment

Israel has urged Ukraine to join forces against what it estimates is a joint enemy — the Iranian government.

Rina Bassist

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

The Soyuz-2.1b rocket carrying Russia's Meteor-M 2-1 meteorological satellite lifts off from the launch pad at the Vostochny Cosmodrome outside the city of Uglegorsk on Nov. 28, 2017.

Analysis

Iran's new satellite launch: Aerospace leap or Russia-backed mirage?

After nearly a decade of setbacks, Iran has launched its Nahid-2 satellite aboard a Russian rocket. Touted as a milestone in homegrown aerospace, the achievement also exposes Tehran's deepening — and increasingly uneasy — dependence on Moscow.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Latest News

Iran, Russia launch naval drills ahead of trilateral nuclear talks with China

This handout photo made available by the Iranian Army Office on March 12, 2025, shows navy personnel saluting aboard a Chinese military ship during a joint Iranian-Russian-Chinese drill in the Gulf of Oman.

Iran's Araghchi doubles down on China, Russia ties at Shanghai meeting

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi talks on his mobile phone ahead the family photo during the 51st session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Istanbul, on June 21, 2025.

Iran’s Araghchi to meet China, Russia FMs at Shanghai Cooperation meeting

Wang Yi held talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi in Beijing, on April 23, 2025.

Analysis

Can China and Russia fill Iran's defense vacuum after 12-day war?

A S-200 surface-to-air missile system is on display as heavy weaponry, including ballistic missiles, air defense systems and unmanned aerial vehicles, are showcased during an exhibition that marks the 44th anniversary of the 8-year war with Iraq, known as the "Holy Defense Week", in Baharestan Square in Tehran, Iran on Sept. 26, 2024.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Pashinyan and Erdogan

Analysis

Why peace with Turkey has come to mean survival for Armenia’s Pashinyan

As Yerevan edges closer to the West, regional power struggles and domestic unrest threaten to derail the Armenian leader’s strategy.

Amberin Zaman

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

GAVRIIL GRIGOROV/AFP via Getty Images

Putin hosts Iran’s FM as Tehran strikes US bases

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Moscow on Monday for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, a day after US airstrikes hit three Iranian nuclear facilities.

TO GO WITH STORY BY NATACHA YAZBECK (FILES) A picture dated June 13, 2003 shows Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his brother Maher (L) attending their father's funeral in Damascus on June 13, 2000. As Bashar al-Assad's regime fights to stay in power, one man has emerged as the symbol of the dynasty's brutal military might -- the president's feared younger brother Maher. AFP PHOTO/RAMZI HAIDAR / AFP PHOTO / RAMZI HAIDAR (Photo credit should read RAMZI HAIDAR/AFP via Getty Images)

Was Maher al-Assad, brother of ousted Syrian president, spotted in Moscow?

Maher al-Assad is wanted for war crimes and reportedly fled to Russia by way of Iraq as rebel forces took over Syria.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahyan.

UAE's MBZ and Putin hold call as Gulf, Russia push diplomacy on Iran-Israel

Russian President Vladimir Putin appears to be courting Gulf support for a diplomatic role in the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel.

In this pool photograph distributed by the Russian state agency Sputnik, Russia's Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrive for a documents signing ceremony following their talks at the Kremlin in Moscow on January 17, 2025. (Photo by Vyacheslav PROKOFYEV / POOL / AFP) (Photo by VYACHESLAV PROKOFYEV/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Analysis

Can Russia broker Iran-Israel deal as Putin looks to divert West from Ukraine?

A mediating role between Tehran and Tel Aviv could help the Kremlin boost its credentials as well as turn attention away from ongoing war in Ukraine.

Kasia A. Houghton

By Kasia A. Houghton

TEHRAN, IRAN - JUNE 15: People observe fire and smoke from an Israeli attack on the Shahran oil depot on June 15, 2025 in Tehran, Iran. Iran's foreign minister said the country would respond "decisively and proportionally" to a wave of attacks that Israel launched beginning in the early hours of June 13. The attacks targeted multiple military, scientific and residential locations, as well as senior government officials. (Photo by Stringer/Getty Images)

Analysis

As Israel-Iran strikes escalate, Russia weighs risks and opportunities

With evacuations underway and investments at risk, the Kremlin still sees a chance to benefit by boosting gas exports and mediating US-Iran talks.

Nikita Smagin

By Nikita Smagin

A view of Iran's domestically made satellite launch vehicles (SLVs) and missiles in the Museum of Holy Defense in Tehran, Iran on April 17, 2025. The term "Holy Defense" is used to refer to Iran-Iraq war that took 8 years. (Photo by AO / Middle East Images / Middle East Images via AFP) (Photo by AO/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images)

As Trump gets 'less confident' about deal, Iran threatens US bases in region

The US has maintained military bases across the Middle East for decades, with the largest—by personnel count—being Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

US President Donald Trump (R) attends a meeting with Russia's president, Vladimir Putin, during the G20 summit in Osaka on June 28, 2019.

Analysis

Russia's Putin offers Trump help on Iran, likely with strings attached

As Iran weighs the US proposal for a nuclear deal, Russia has volunteered to play a role facilitating future talks.

Elizabeth Hagedorn

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights

In this pool photograph distributed by Russian state agency Sputnik, Russia's President Vladimir Putin (R) and Libya's eastern military strongman Khalifa Haftar (L) attend their meeting in Moscow on May 10, 2025, during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two. (Photo by Gavriil GRIGOROV / POOL / AFP) (Photo by GAVRIIL GRIGOROV/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Analysis

Mi-26s and T-62s: What Russia's military backing of Haftar means for Libya

A sweeping display of arms and alliances in Benghazi reflects Khalifa Haftar’s effort to project statehood, Moscow’s deeper investment in Libya, and a shifting power balance that could reshape peace prospects.

Francesco Schiavi

By Francesco Schiavi

In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance

VASILY FEDOSENKO/AFP via Getty Images

Egypt to ramp up ties with Belarus as Russia opens Red Sea consulate

Russia plans to open a new consulate in coastal Sharm el-Sheikh, following Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s visit to Moscow and signs of growing ties between Egypt and Belarus.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan (2R), US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (2L) and Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andrii Yermak (R) attend the Turkiye-US-Ukraine Trilateral meeting as Ukrainian, American and Russian delegates meet for peace talks at the office of Turkish President in Dolmabahce Palace on May 16, 2025 in Istanbul, Turkey.

Turkey’s Fidan in Russia as Trump accuses Putin of ‘needless’ killing in Ukraine

The top Turkish diplomat’s Moscow visit follows Istanbul peace talks and the US president's rare criticism of the Russian leader.

A portrait of Russia's President Vladimir Putin hangs above next to a torn out one of the ousted Syrian president, as Russian soldiers stand guard at the entrance of the Russian-leased Syrian military base of Hmeimim in Latakia province in western Syria on December 29, 2024.

3 killed in attack on Russia’s Hmeimim base in Syria: Monitor

Russia is aiming to maintain its military bases in Syria following the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad, while a number of Syrians are currently sheltering at the Hmeimim air base.