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
After two years in Syria, what’s next for Russia? Russia and the United States are curious about each other's long-term goals in Syria, and each believes the other has something up its sleeve. Syria
Hamas invites Russia to play role in Palestinian affairs As new global crises overshadow the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, Hamas seeks to give Russia a wider scope of involvement in a variety of Palestinian issues. Palestine
Challenges still stalk Syrian peace efforts Despite the apparent progress in peace talks, there's still a lot of maneuvering going on in Syria — on the ground and among the many parties involved. Syria
Turkey’s military options in Iraq and Syria hinge on US and Russia Any Turkish military move into northern Iraq or northern Syria seems highly unlikely without US or Russian consent respectively. Iraq
Putin boxed in by Iran, Turkey on Iraqi Kurdish referendum The Russian president could find himself at odds with Iran if he misplays a weak hand. Iraq
Putin, Erdogan emerge all smiles from Ankara meeting As Turkey becomes more alienated from the West, Moscow is filling the gap by extending its friendship — and more — to Ankara. Turkey
Russia tempers Erdogan's threats against Iraqi Kurdistan Major Russian interests in Iraqi Kurdistan’s energy sector are seen as having a bearing on Turkey’s threatening response to the Kurdish independence referendum. Iraq
Hamas promotes ties with Moscow Hamas’ visit to Moscow raises questions about the movement’s objectives and about Russia’s increased influence in the Middle East and in the Palestinian arena. Palestine
Kurdish referendum a double-edged sword for Russia Although Russia says it respects Iraqi Kurds' desire for self-determination, their independence is probably not in Russia's best interest. Iraq
Russia keeps eye on Kurdish oil contracts, referendum Russia has been boosting its presence in Middle East oil via the Kurdish Regional Government, but is also waiting to see what the potential impacts might be of the KRG’s independence referendum. Iraq
Interview Syrian Kurdish commander: We're 'ready to engage' with Damascus In an interview with Al-Monitor, a Syrian Kurdish commander says the United States should stay in Syria during the post-Islamic State process. Mazlum Kobane SDF commander in chief
Moscow welcomes Libya’s fighting factions Russia continues to boost its image as a peacemaker in the Middle East by engaging both of Libya’s warring parties. Libya
