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
Iran’s Khamenei has three main messages for Putin at summit Tehran wants to strengthen existing ties with Russia and develop new areas of cooperation while isolating the United States at the same time. Syria
Russian summit on Syria raises controversy, doubt The Syrian opposition suspects Russia’s upcoming congress is a ploy to bolster the regime and dilute the United Nations’ influence. Syria
Israel, Hezbollah playing Russian roulette in Syria Russia has managed to prevent confrontations between Israel and Hezbollah in Syria, but will its luck run out in the long term? Israel
Opposition leader implores US not to abandon Syria to Russia and Iran The new leader of the Syrian national coalition shared with Al-Monitor his plans for lobbying the Trump administration during his first visit to Washington. Syria
Putin resets Iraqi energy landscape as Barzani steps aside Russian moves maximize leverage as US stumbles on Iraqi Popular Mobilization Units; Massoud Barzani resigns as Kurdistan Region president; Syria and Russia take initiative with regard to local governance in Syria. Iraq
Syrian Kurds focused on federalism The Iraqi Kurdistan independence referendum continues to make waves in Syria as the country's Kurds believe they can negotiate with the Syrian government to establish a federal state. Iraq
Business as usual as Iraq's foreign minister visits Moscow In meetings this week, Russian and Iraqi officials discussed energy deals, Baghdad's battle with Iraqi Kurdistan and how those topics intersect. Iraq
How the Syrian army is working to gain control of road to Raqqa The Syrian regime army took control of Hama’s eastern countryside from the Islamic State, which opened a road toward eastern Syria and areas controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces. Syria
Kurdish crisis could benefit Iran-Turkey-Russia energy deal As markets react to Iraq's reclamation of Kirkuk oil fields, other countries stand ready to take advantage of opportunities being created for energy producers. Iraq
Moscow eyes working with tribes as its next move in Syria Many major players are working to resolve the Syrian civil war, but Russia is finding that some smaller groups — local tribes — could play a significant role. Syria
Iranian officials, media warn against Russian game Iranian media and officials warn parents about Blue Whale, a Russian game that entices players to commit suicide. Russia
