Russia sends second Syria delegation since Assad’s fall to safeguard military interests Russia has been engaged with Syria’s new authorities as it seeks to maintain its presence and role in the region after the fall of its long-time ally, President Bashar al-Assad, last year. Syria
Iran eyes launch of 4 satellites, open Chabahar space port by spring 2026 Iran is set to launch four domestic-made satellites into orbit by next March, in the latest milestone for Iran's space program. Iran
Analysis After setbacks in Syria and Turkish gains in Libya, Russia scrambles to retain Mediterranean sway Moscow faces growing challenges coordinating in Libya and sustaining its regional presence after losing its key Syrian ally and confronting Ankara’s expanding influence. By Anton Mardasov
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? By Anton Mardasov
Analysis How lessons from Iran, Ukraine are shaping US Army’s new missile defense plan By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Russian missile deal sets off alarm bells in Israel Israel fears that the nuclear agreement, combined with Russian missiles, will strengthen Iran on all fronts, changing the balance of power of both Iran and Hezbollah vis-a-vis Israel. Israel
Russia eyes Iranian arms deal after Lausanne Russian officials are promoting the prospect of major arms sales to Iran after the Lausanne agreement, but any such deals appear to be an impossibility in the near term. Russia
Russia shows interest in Western Sahara Russia's desire to play an active role in the Middle East extends beyond Cairo and Damascus to longstanding issues further south. Algeria
Iran talks may go into night There were signs that Iran and the six world powers were preparing to announce a partial agreement for a final Iran nuclear deal, but diplomats said the talks could go on into the night or the next day, April 1. Russia
Two issues remain in push for Iran deal The last round of talks between the P5+1 and Iran are focusing on two sticking points as the deadline approaches. Congress
Will Russia disrupt Iran nuclear talks? Russia could choose to escalate its relationship with the United States and Europe by interfering in the Iran nuclear negotiations. Russia
Algeria buys Russian arms but keeps Moscow at arm's length Despite a long-standing relationship whereby Algeria buys Russian weaponry, the two nations seem to have trouble seeing eye to eye. Algeria
Erdogan’s delicate balancing act in Kiev Ankara is not prepared to spoil ties with Russia over Ukraine. Turkey
Russia keeps close watch on Yemen Russia is not likely to get too involved in the Yemen crisis, preferring instead to monitor developments from afar and choose its allies carefully. Yemen
Russia indicates it might take anti-IS action in Libya Russia — worried about the Islamic State — indicates that if the UN approves a naval blockade against Islamist militants in Libya, the Russian navy could participate. Russia
Cyprus port deal gives Russian navy alternative to Tartus An agreement allowing the Russian navy access to ports in Cyprus sends a message to the EU and gives Moscow an alternative to its facility at Tartus, Syria. Syria
Egypt acts as middleman for Russia-Libya arms deal Egypt is mediating efforts to supply the Libyan army with Russian weapons to fight the Islamic State, a move that might lead to a end to UN Resolution 1973, which bans the provision of arms to Libya. Egypt
