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
What fading oil fortunes means for Turkey's businesses Turkish businesspeople are losing sleep over oil-producing states' deferrals of payments to international contractors and the possible loss of mega projects. Legacy: Gulf
Will the Syrian truce survive? As Syrian regime forces recaptured Atman, gaining control of almost all of the cities bordering the critical old international Damascus-Daraa road, talks of a truce emerged. Syria
US, Russia reach partial Syria truce deal The United States and Russia have reached an agreement on a cessation of hostilities in Syria, to go into effect Feb. 27, yet the plan excludes both the Islamic State and al-Qaeda-linked Jabhat al-Nusra. Syria
'Special messages' aside, Iran's S-300 missiles still up in air Despite the increasing regional cooperation between Iran and Russia, the Tehran-Moscow relationship is marred by distrust over the long-stalled S-300 air defense missile deal. Russia
Will Saudi Arabia pressure Jordan to join ground offensive in Syria? There is increasing talk about a land war in Syria to combat the Islamic State, but the Jordanians thus far appear reluctant to get involved. Legacy: Gulf
Can Ankara's plans keep up with Syria's escalation? The course of events in Syria offer opportunities but also new threats to Ankara, which still has to deal with structural flaws in its Syrian policy. Saudi Arabia
Will aid deliveries to Syria help advance peace talks? The United States said it would meet with Russia in Geneva on Feb. 19 for consultations on how to implement a Syria truce, as the United Nations said Feb. 17 that it was able to deliver 100 trucks of humanitarian aid to five besieged Syrian towns. Syria
Turkey ups the ante in Syria Turkey's shelling of YPG positions in Syria is not only fueling animosity between Ankara and Moscow, but is also causing fresh tensions with the United States. Syria
Turkey threatens fragile Syria peace accord Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says the United States is responsible for "sea of blood" in Syria as Turkey attacks Syrian Kurds; Ankara and Riyadh raise specter of ground operations in Syria. Saudi Arabia
Can Turkey return as a player in Syria? The siege of Aleppo and resulting refugee flow offer an opportunity for Turkey's return as a player in Syria, but realities on the ground won't make it easy. Syria
Will US, Russia be able to turn 'words on paper' into action in Syria? The United States and Russia, meeting with international powers, announced that they had agreed on a plan for rapid humanitarian aid delivery to seven besieged areas in Syria and to try to work out a temporary truce to go into effect after one week. Syria
Battle for Aleppo rages on after peace talks suspended Faced with their toughest challenge to date, Syrian rebels are losing ground in Aleppo ahead of the Geneva III peace talks slated to resume Feb. 25. Syria
