Iran's Araghchi doubles down on China, Russia ties at Shanghai meeting Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi seized the opportunity at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in China to denounce Israeli and US attacks on Iran, rally diplomatic support against sanctions and warn of regional instability should the fragile ceasefire collapse. Iran
Iran’s Araghchi to meet China, Russia FMs at Shanghai Cooperation meeting Iran is seeking to deepen economic ties with the China-led bloc amid US sanctions and the aftermath of last month's war with Israel. Iran
Analysis Can China and Russia fill Iran's defense vacuum after 12-day war? With its air defenses shattered by Israeli strikes in the recent war, Iran is scrambling to rebuild amid growing public doubt over the reliability of its "strategic alliances." By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Analysis Why peace with Turkey has come to mean survival for Armenia’s Pashinyan As Yerevan edges closer to the West, regional power struggles and domestic unrest threaten to derail the Armenian leader’s strategy. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Analysis Can Russia broker Iran-Israel deal as Putin looks to divert West from Ukraine? By Kasia A. Houghton
What's next for Russia in Idlib? Following the violation of the cease-fire in Idlib, Russia faces the need to manage the breakout of new hostilities and fix the deal with Turkey. Syria
An artist's 'explosive' works convey hope amid death in Syria Akram Swedaan, an artist displaced from eastern Gouta, opposes war by transforming ammunition into canvases to create works of art. Syria
Astana talks show Russia eager to keep plugging away at Idlib The new round of Syria talks in Kazakhstan produced a cease-fire in Idlib and the promise for a constitutional committee due to be announced in September, but will all of this ultimately happen? Syria
How Syria’s White Helmets are avoiding regime strikes The Syrian Civil Defense, known as the White Helmets, are coming up with new ways to avoid regime and Russian airstrikes. Syria
Israel, Egypt strengthen energy ties Strengthening ties in the field of energy between Israel and Egypt is a clear interest for both countries, but no less a significant American interest as well. Egypt
Syria’s Kurds feel brunt of Turkish-US crisis Turkey is sending military reinforcements to its border with Syria after two missiles were recently launched from Syria toward a border city, portending an imminent Turkish offensive in the area. Syria
Intel: How Russia is deepening military ties with Iran to counter the US Russia and Iran have agreed to tighten their military ties in a joint challenge to perceived US hegemony in the Middle East. Russia
Will Netanyahu's Putin connection backfire in his hunt for votes? Contrary to the thinking of Likud advisers, Russian-speaking Israeli voters might actually be repulsed by election campaign efforts highlighting the friendship between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Israel
Russia, Turkey seek to seize 'cooperation momentum' Following Turkey's purchase of the Russian S-400 anti-air missile system, Moscow and Ankara are looking to expand the bilateral cooperation in trade and military fields. Turkey
Why US companies seek role in Egyptian oil sector The Egyptian oil and natural gas market is witnessing a significant expansion of US companies and although some observers are concerned about this expansion, most agree that this reflects the stability and neutrality of the Egyptian market and is in its favor in the near and long terms. Qatar
Republicans push tepid Trump to sanction Turkey After huddling with President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday, Republican senators tell Al-Monitor that the president isn’t keen on sanctioning Turkey. Turkey
Intel: Why Russia is calling for rethinking Gulf security On Tuesday, Russia’s presidential envoy for the Middle East and African countries and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov laid out Russia’s proposal for collective security in the Persian Gulf. Russia
