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
PYD leader: Russia will stop Turkey from intervening in Syria Speaking in an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, PYD leader Salih Muslim says Russia will prevent Turkey from intervening in Syria. Syria
Davutoglu proposes refugee 'container city' Davutoglu, while advocating a container city for refugees in a safe zone, is ignoring the serious risks it would entail. Syria
Congress hesitant to share IS intelligence with Putin, Assad Lawmakers are ambivalent about greater cooperation in countering foreign fighters. Syria
Abbas turns to Russia It seems Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is asking Russia to step up its role in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as the United States is slowly retreating from dealing with the region's issues. Palestine
Will Russia’s move ruin Erdogan’s plan for Syria? Will Turkey’s rules of engagement against Syrian planes now apply to Russian planes flying near the Turkish border? Syria
Will US, Russia find common ground in Syria? A common enemy, the Islamic State, should be the first step in an expanded international coalition; does Iraqi Kurdistan face the prospect of "administrative breakup"? Iraq
Russian role in Syria still anyone's guess It's difficult to tell how involved Russia plans to become in fighting terrorism in the Middle East, let alone how it might approach such an undertaking. Syria
Do Erdogan’s post-Moscow visit remarks indicate change in Syria policy? Following talks with his Russian counterpart, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vaguely hints at a change in Ankara’s position on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Turkey
Putin supports Erdogan in Turkey, but not in Syria Despite his perceived alignment with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan came back from his trip to Moscow disappointed. Turkey
Kerry's remarks on Syria trouble Turkey Despite Ankara’s dissatisfaction over suggestions that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has to be part of a settlement, experts say there is little Turkey can do to alter the course of events. Syria
Iran welcomes Russian help to end crisis in Syria Iranian officials have said they welcome Russian involvement in Syria, as Russia builds up its military presence in the country. Syria
Israel fears return of Persian Empire According to a senior IDF source, Israel's major concern should be the Iran-Shiite-Hezbollah axis and Iran gaining regional influence and power after the nuclear agreement. Israel
