Saudi Arabia signs first visa-free travel agreement with Russia: What to know The deal will allow citizens of either country to enter visa-free for 90 days for tourism, business and family visits. Saudi Arabia
Egypt, Russia advance construction at Dabaa nuclear plant: What to know The Dabaa nuclear plant could help Egypt address its energy woes while boosting cooperation with Russia. Egypt
Analysis Trump pursues Israeli-Syrian security pact with Sharaa, larger US military footprint Israelis welcome the US effort but fear losing decision-making power and the ability to protect their interests as the US troop presence in the region looks set to further expand. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Russia, Iran to boost ties in ‘all areas’ as Tehran claims nuclear restrictions expired The cooperation pledges follow the weekend's joint letter from Russia, Iran and China to the UN, disputing the validity of reimposing sanctions on Iran. Iran
Analysis From flights to electricity grids, Turkey-Armenia ties slowly advance By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Iran’s Zarif seeks Russian support as US pressure builds The Iranian foreign minister went to Moscow for help against US efforts to extend an arms embargo against Iran. Russia
Russia says it delivered MiG-29 fighter aircraft to Syria Wednesday's Russian statement, backing up one made by Syria on Saturday, came after the United States accused Russia on May 26 of delivering aircraft to Libya via Syria. Syria
Will Moscow save the West Bank from annexation? The Palestinian leadership is looking to Russia for help resisting Israel's annexation plans. Palestine
What to expect from entente between Moscow, Ankara in Libya As Moscow intensifies its involvement in the Libyan conflict, the US State Department is stepping up pressure against Russian destabilization. Libya
US, Russian troops square off in northeast Syria as Kremlin eyes wider footprint US-Russian standoff near Derik, Syria, blocks traffic for hours before Russians return to Qamishli. Syria
Libya cease-fire 'failed completely,' says Russian Foreign Ministry A spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry blamed foreign interference for the prolonged conflict in Libya. Libya
What does Libya’s ‘Syrianization’ scenario mean for key actors? Turkey may have gotten kudos for tipping the balance in Libya, but Russian countermoves raise the prospect of Turkish collaboration with Russia in the North African country, which is not to the liking of countries that have been giving plaudits to Ankara. Syria
Russia to negotiate with Syria on more military bases: Interfax Russia, which currently has two permanent military facilities in Syria, will reportedly hold talks with Damascus over obtaining more. Syria
Report: Russia building new military base in northeast Syria The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the news coincides with tensions between Kurdish and Russian forces over the M4 highway. Syria
Intel: Trump administration defended Iran nuclear waivers as 'restrictions,' then ended them The Donald Trump administration ended sanctions waivers on Iranian nuclear facilities today — a mere two months after characterizing them as “restrictions” on Iran’s nuclear program. Russia
Putin appoints third special envoy to Syria Putin's decision to appoint a new special envoy for developing relations with Syria likely has several aims, including to balance military and diplomatic involvement in Russia's Syria policy. Syria
Intel: Russian jets intercept US Navy plane over eastern Mediterranean Two Russian fighter aircraft intercepted a US Navy patrol plane over the eastern Mediterranean. Syria
