Pezeshkian to meet Putin as Iran looks to Russia for support: What to know Russia has reportedly provided Iran with military materiel, intelligence and diplomatic backing during the war. Iran
Analysis Russia’s double game in Yemen: Backing Saudi Arabia while courting Houthis Despite public ties to Riyadh, Moscow allegedly aided Houthi Red Sea strikes via Iran to pressure the West beyond Ukraine. By Anton Mardasov
Syria’s Shibani visits Latakia airport to review Russia deal progress: What to know Syria is seeking to ensure that the August deal to turn Russian facilities in the country into joint training centers is implemented. Syria
US hits major Russian bank VTB with Iran-linked sanctions State-controlled VTB becomes one of the most prominent global names yet caught up in Washington’s ongoing effort to squeeze Iran's economy. Iran
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Trump threatens to bomb Oman By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Russian-Egyptian military cooperation on the rise Russia and Egypt have recently signed an agreement on the shared use of air bases, amid other signs of strengthening military ties. Egypt
Russia seeks well-rounded relations with Libyan factions Russian envoy on Libya Lev Dengov talks with Al-Monitor about Moscow's plans with Libya. Libya
Turkey's tomato exports to Russia come at a price for Turks Turkish exporters resumed tomato sales to Russia in November after a two-year embargo, but only a month later, Turkish consumers discovered there is little to celebrate. Turkey
Jerusalem, missile defense dominate Putin's quick Turkey visit During his speed visit to the region, Putin stopped over in Ankara to discuss Trump's Jerusalem move with Erdogan as well as moving forward with the sale of the S-400 missile defense system to Turkey. Palestine
Iran's envoy in Jordan: Support for Hezbollah maintains Arab security In an interview with Al-Monitor, Iranian Ambassador to Jordan Mojtaba Ferdosipour discusses regional developments, including accusations against Iran of supporting terrorism in the Arab world. Saudi Arabia
Iranian oil minister moves to forge new regional partnerships At the recent OPEC meeting, Iran moved to protect its oil production and forge new regional partnerships. Saudi Arabia
Putin's visit to Egypt inspires hope for growth in Cairo Egypt could be seeing the revival of an otherwise lackluster alliance with Russia, a potential relationship that has much to offer both sides. Egypt
Erdogan, Putin strike diplomatic pose in Ankara Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan met today in Ankara, where grandstanding alongside Putin is helping cement Erdogan’s image as a Muslim leader with a real hand in global affairs. Turkey
Moscow’s leverage in Syria is strong, but limited Many believe Russia aims to be the ringmaster of the Syrian show, but currently Moscow is walking a tightrope tethered between opposing forces. Syria
The next battle in Syria With the war on the Islamic State winding down, other tensions in Syria are dialing up as Israel and Turkey worry over forces amassing on their borders. Israel
Syrian Kurds move closer to Russia The Russian-Kurdish collaboration in Deir ez-Zor shows that after the United States, Russia, too, will be standing in the way of Turkey's efforts to block out Syria’s Kurds. Syria
Russia’s multilayered Syrian diplomacy worries Iran Mistrust and differing objectives continue to mar Iran-Russia relations, even as the two countries move forward on Syria. Saudi Arabia
