Analysis

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

With its air defenses shattered by Israeli strikes in the recent war, Iran is scrambling to rebuild amid growing public doubt over the reliability of its "strategic alliances."

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

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.

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

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.

Iran

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.

Syria

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.

Iran

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.

By Kasia A. Houghton

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.

By Nikita Smagin

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.

Iran

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.

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

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

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.

By Francesco Schiavi

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

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.

Egypt

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.

Turkey