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
The path to Washington passes through Jerusalem Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has morphed from persona non grata at the White House into the leader with the most influence over the US president. Israel
Turkey wary of US-Russia deal on Syria Ankara is increasingly concerned that Washington is working with Moscow to secure an accord for northern Syria between the Bashar al-Assad regime and the Kurds. Syria
What’s next for Syria after Helsinki summit? The meeting between the Russian and US presidents did as little for the Middle East as it possibly could, though the two leaders seemed to identify Syria as a good place to rebuild US-Russian cooperation. Israel
Pentagon eyes shrinking role in Syria as Trump and Putin negotiate deal Syrian rebels have presented the White House with military options to push back against Bashar al-Assad’s gains in the southwest, Al-Monitor has learned. Syria
The art of the deal in Helsinki A win-win on Syria is there for the taking by leveraging Putin’s relationship with Iran. Israel
Khamenei adviser warns Moscow of 'empty promises' from US Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei sent his top adviser to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of the Russian leader's meeting with Trump, in hopes that Moscow will remain wary of US promises. Syria
Netanyahu, Putin talk Iran before Helsinki summit In his last meeting with Putin before the Helsinki summit with Trump, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sought to enlist Russia's support for Israel's Syria proposal for the United States. Israel
Trump-Putin meeting in Helsinki might solve Syrian crisis Russia and the United States have very different approaches and goals in the Middle East, but they could lead to a solution in Syria. Syria
'Erdoganism' makes Western debut at NATO summit Though US President Donald Trump is already claiming his share of headlines at the NATO summit, much of the world is waiting to get a look at Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's foreign policy approach now that his office has been granted expanded powers with his July 9 inauguration. Turkey
Kremlin pressed to legalize private military companies As Moscow pulls out troops from Syria, Putin is pressed at home to legalize private military companies and come clean about Russain mercenaries' role in Syria. Syria
Iran supreme leader’s top aide in Moscow to ‘deliver message’ Iran has dispatched to Russia a “special envoy” with a message for President Vladimir Putin only a few days before his scheduled meeting with Donald Trump in Helsinki. Syria
Manbij holds the key to improved Turkish-US ties Ankara is worried the United States and Russia may be working on a deal in Syria that will be to Turkey's disadvantage. Syria
