Russia evacuates 160 staff from Iran's Bushehr plant: What to know The Kremlin says it is committed to maintaining energy cooperation with Iran amid strikes near the Bushehr nuclear power plant. Iran
Analysis Unclear chains of command in Iran complicate Russia’s diplomatic play Multiple power centers in Tehran and the rising influence of the IRGC could complicate Moscow’s ties with Iran and its hopes of playing a mediating role in the conflict. By Anton Mardasov
Russia denied sharing intelligence with Iran in Trump call, Witkoff says Russia denied US reports that it may have provided Tehran with targeting information on American assets in the region. Iran
Putin becomes first to congratulate Mojtaba Khamenei: What to know Oman, Iraq, Azerbaijan and Armenia have all congratulated the Khamenei's son. Iran
Can Libya be turned around and become Russia's 'second Syria'? Russia took an opportunity to mediate between the warring parties in Libya only to see Khalifa Hifter turn his back on Moscow's initiative — perhaps, just for now. Syria
As Russia mediates Syria-Turkey talks, can new Idlib truce hold? As the international spotlight was on intra-Libyan talks in Moscow, Russia mediated talks between Syria-Turkey security chiefs Syria
Can Iran mobilize allies to end US Mideast presence? Iran seeks an end to the US presence in the Middle East, but can it bring Russia and Turkey on board? Iraq
Could fragile cease-fire lead to peace in Libya? The warring parties in Libya agreed to a cease-fire, but the process remains fragile. Turkey
Intel: How Russia is helping Iraq build up its air defenses amid US-Iran escalation Following the latest hostilities between the United States and Iran inside Iraq, Baghdad has reportedly resumed negotiations with Moscow over reinforcing its air defenses. Iraq
Ankara struggles to adapt to new geopolitical reality after Soleimani’s killing After a brief wait-and-see period in the wake of Qasem Soleimani’s killing, Turkey appears inclined to try a mediator’s role between the United States, Iran and Iraq. Syria
Putin, Erdogan demand cease-fire in Libya Turkey and Russia have ordered a cease-fire be reached in Libya in a sign that neither wants a confrontation in the oil-rich North African state where they support opposing sides. Turkey
Turkish-Russia partnership in Libya likely to be to Moscow’s advantage Analysts say any Turkish-Russian “partnership” in Libya could end up working more to Moscow’s advantage than Ankara’s, as was the case in Syria. Syria
Palestinians hope Putin’s visit means bigger Russian role in peace process Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit the Palestinian territories, where he and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas are expected to discuss trade ties, peace negotiations and the upcoming Palestinian elections. Palestine
Is Turkey 'big winner' after Soleimani killing? Some observers assert that the killing of the Iranian military leader Qasem Soleimani will increase US reliance on Turkey for its future military operations in the Middle East and enhance Turkey's overall geopolitical positioning, but such thinking may prove to be wishful thinking. Syria
TurkStream gas pipeline will bring Moscow, Ankara closer than ever Turkey and Russia are set to inaugurate the TurkStream gas pipeline, which promises to increase Russian leverage in regional energy markets. Turkey
How Moscow is positioning itself as broker amid Mideast tensions Russian President Vladimir Putin's shuttle diplomacy in the Middle East seeks to gain Russia more power and higher status. Syria