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
Putin brings China into Middle East strategy Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to China highlights the convergence of interests of Moscow and Beijing in the Middle East. Russia
Hamas sees Russia visit as means to end regional isolation Hamas political bureau leader Khaled Meshaal will visit Moscow in the coming weeks, where he is expected to ask Russia to help restore Hamas' ties with Iran and to pressure Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to soften his opposition to the Islamist movement. Palestine
Russia, Turkey agree on Gulen Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu visited Moscow this week, where he found some common ground with the Russian government on Gulen, while continuing to disagree on Syria. Turkey
Russia rejects UN resolution as pretext to Syria 'intervention' Russia is standing by Syria, including its elections, and warning the United States and other members of the UN Security Council against the perils of "external intervention." Syria
Turkey-Azerbaijan pipeline offers alternative for Russian gas Ankara hopes the new pipeline, which could also carry Iranian natural gas, will break Russia’s stranglehold on natural gas prices. Turkey
Turkey's Circassians jangle Russian nerves Circassians in Turkey have grown bolder in speaking out about their 19th-century suffering and exile, irritating Russia and straining diaspora organizations. Turkey
Former UN Syria envoy says Iran plan on Syria 'worth discussing' In his first interview since resigning as the UN-Arab League special envoy for Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi reflects on the reasons for the failure of the Geneva process and the prospects for a political solution in Syria. Syria
Erdogan under pressure over threat to Tatars in Ukraine Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is boxed in by a looming civil war in Ukraine and an intractable conflict in Syria. Syria
Russia stakes out Iranian market Both Russia and Iran see a shared interest in deepening economic ties, parallel to the P5+1 talks. Russia
What can we learn from Homs? Given the collapse of the Geneva process, and the Syrian government’s staying power, localized cease-fires may be the latest trend in the conflict. Iraq
Former US diplomat warns of possible 'grave mistake' in Syria Ryan Crocker, former US ambassador to Syria, Iraq and Lebanon, warns against a regime change plan that would depose the Alawite power structure in Syria and advises the Obama administration to contain the fighting by backing US regional allies, but not to intervene militarily. Syria
Israel takes strategic alliance with US for granted Israel’s neutrality toward the crisis in Ukraine is a dangerous precedent in Israel's relations with the US, when taking into account that it can exist without Russia’s help, but not without American support. Palestine
