Iran plans 20 satellites, test launch by end of 2025: What to know Iran is seeking investment in its space agency and has made progress in developing satellites in the face of sanctions, though reliance on Russia remains a factor. Iran
Analysis 'No real levers': Will Russia deepen Iran ties in South Caucasus over Trump plan? Moscow tries not to publicly criticize Trump's initiatives, but in reality has too few tools for crisis response. By Anton Mardasov
Russia, Iran in talks on construction of small nuclear plants: What to know The comments by the head of Rosatom follow increasing cooperation between Iran and Russia on gas. Iran
Analysis How lessons from Iran, Ukraine are shaping US Army’s new missile defense plan The Army's 2040 air and missile defense strategy aims to overcome gaps exploited by adversaries like Iran while heading off higher-tech advances from China and Russia. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Analysis Pragmatism outweighs animosity as Syrian, Russian FMs bargain at Kremlin By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Analysis Israeli FM's Ukraine visit signals shift from Russia to anti-Iran alignment By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
How 'complete' is normalization between Russia, Turkey? Russia and Turkey recently agreed to cooperate in several significant areas, but there's still some question about how far their friendship extends. Turkey
US puts off announcing decision on Raqqa until after Turkey referendum The US military wants to work with local forces against the Islamic State in Raqqa, but still is working out many of the details, including who should hold what ground after IS is defeated. Israel
Putin gets some payback with 'alternative project' for Libya Why Putin backs Hifter; Barzani’s Sinjar dilemma; Israel’s missing Gaza policy; GCC moves to the margins on Syria. Iraq
Gulf countries take back seat on Syria route It seems Saudi Arabia is more interested in Yemen than in Syria these days, which explains dwindling Gulf support for Syrian rebels. Saudi Arabia
Turkey, US, Russia military chiefs meet to discuss anti-IS strategy Turkey, Russia and the United States met today in Antalya, Turkey, in an attempt to find common ground in the battle against the Islamic State in Syria, but they disagree in regard to which groups in the Syrian war are terrorists. Syria
Is spotlight on Trump’s Russia ties slowing US-Russia cooperation in Syria? Intense scrutiny and investigations of possible ties between Trump associates and Russia may complicate prospects for US-Russian cooperation in the fight against IS and in Syria. It may happen anyway. Syria
The Putin-Trump era of Middle East negotiations The Palestinian leadership is encouraged by indications that Russian President Vladimir Putin is planning to play a major role in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Palestine
Can international force save Gaza? With the deterioration of living conditions in the Gaza Strip, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must seriously consider the idea of having an international force control Gaza’s land and sea borders. Palestine
Is Putin Bibi's new 'bestie'? Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin have developed a surprising rapport and unexpected coordination between their countries on Syria. Palestine
Could Turkey’s misstep in Manbij provide template for Raqqa? Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s latest threat complicates Pentagon planning to oust the Islamic State from its so-called capital; United States provides intelligence for Iraqi strike in Syria. Iraq
What is Russia’s thinking on Libya? In its effort to pursue national security interests in the Middle East, Russia is increasingly involved in the conflict in Libya. Egypt
Why Iran won’t work as a bargaining chip between Russia, US Russia and Iran have enough overlapping interests to keep their relationship strong, even if the United States tries to interfere. Russia
