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 Russia, Iran, China agree on division of roles in Syria reconstruction? Moscow, Tehran and Beijing are all vying for a piece of the Syrian reconstruction business, but will they be able to divide their interests civilly, or are they doomed to rivalry? Syria
Turkey exerts its own leverage in F-35 jet standoff with US The latest meeting between Russian and Turkish leaders in Moscow indicates Ankara is poised to escalate tensions by rebuffing US threats over F-35 jets. Turkey
Putin exploits crisis in US-Turkish relations The Russian president has suggested more defense cooperation with Turkey and says Turkey's president may be willing to coordinate with Syria's Bashar al-Assad. Syria
Does Russia seek return of independent South Yemen? Russia is tacitly stepping up its efforts to engage with the UAE in Yemen and reach out to the Southern Transitional Council, which favors the reestablishment of an independent South Yemen. United Arab Emirates
What did Lavrov discuss in Egypt, Jordan? The Russian foreign minister completed his continual Mideast tour with visits to Cairo and Amman. Egypt
Erdogan flirts with fire as sparks fly over missile deal President Recep Tayyip Erdogan seems to almost revel in the controversy over Turkey's planned purchase of a Russian missile system even as pressure mounts to scrap it and stakes continue to rise. Turkey
Russia, Turkey look to strengthen relationship beyond Syria Contrary to expectations, in Moscow Syria was a marginal story while Putin and Erdogan focused on further boosting bilateral ties. Syria
Moscow cultivates neutral image as Libya quakes Despite the Russians' nominal condemnation of renewed fighting in Libya and continuing contacts with all the major players, Moscow doesn’t want to see Gen. Khalifa Hifter defeated. Libya
Putin plays Syria card in Israeli, Turkish elections Russian President Vladimir Putin may be the winner with regard to his influence in Syria. Israel
Where did Israeli-Russian vote go? Several parties estimate that the “million” immigrants from Russia have been living in Israel long enough to adopt the voting patterns of the general public. Israel
Russia expands ties in Lebanon’s oil, gas sector Russia has gotten a huge head start on the United States in gaining access to Lebanon’s oil and gas sector, allowing Moscow to continue to strengthen its economic position across the Middle East. Israel
