Israeli-Russian journalist removed from Netanyahu’s US flight: What to know Israeli-Russian journalist Nick Kolyohin was removed from the official Israeli Wing of Zion plane just before its departure for Washington, where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet President Donald Trump. Israel
Russian delegation in Syria to preserve military bases: What to know Russian and Syrian military officials have held a series of reciprocal exchanges and visits in recent weeks, as the Kremlin continues to view Syria as a key military vantage point. Syria
Putin meets Iran’s top security official as Trump says Tehran wants deal President Donald Trump said on Friday that Iran is seeking a nuclear deal but declined to specify a timeline for negotiations. Iran
UAE President meets Putin in Russia to discuss nuclear energy, trade, Iran The visit of Emirati President Sheikh Mohammed comes a day after the Kremlin hosted President Ahmed al-Sharaa to discuss the future of Russian military bases in Syria. Russia
Iran undeterred by possible Russia-Israel deal on Syria Iranian analysts believe any possible deal for Iran to pull back from Syria is designed to prevent the end of the country’s civil war. Palestine
UAE, Russia leaders affirm common ground in Moscow meeting The crown prince of the United Arab Emirates visited Russia last week for the seventh time in five years, meeting with President Vladimir Putin to discuss many areas in which they agreed to collaborate. United Arab Emirates
Trump missing piece in Putin’s Syria plan The Russian president needs the United States to stabilize Syria, but expects sanctions relief in return. Israel
Moscow updates playbook on making Israel, Iran happy Russia faces the conundrum of figuratively finding common ground between Iran and Israel in Syria while literally keeping distance between them. Israel
Russia eyes deeper economic engagement in Libya Moscow hopes to play a growing role in Libya’s economy, health-care system and educational programs. Libya
Netanyahu’s dilemma on Hamas Several signals indicate that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is willing to compromise on the Gaza Strip and reach an agreement with Hamas in order to avoid another escalation. Palestine
Jordan keeps close tabs on southern Syria amid heightened tensions With reports that Iranian militias have withdrawn from southern Syria and the army is preparing to launch a military assault against rebels there, Jordan fears the cease-fire agreement could be jeopardized. Israel
Putin, Macron explore what they have to offer each other on Iran, Syria The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum set the stage for French President Emmanuel Macron to pursue a broad agenda and perhaps bring his country and Russia closer regarding Syria and Iran. Syria
New Iraqi government will again require Iranian blessing While Iran may not be the winner in Iraq’s election, it will likely remain the final broker. Iraq
Will Sadr’s victory impact Russia-Iraq relations? The pragmatism displayed by Iraq's Muqtada al-Sadr indicates that Moscow-Baghdad ties will continue — or even expand — when the new government is formed. Iraq
Iran rejects removing forces from Syria Iranian officials have rejected the idea of pulling forces from Syria. Russia
Turkish army's Idlib action 'riskiest cross-border operation' to date Experts list the possibility of confrontation between Turkey and Syria, a new influx of refugees and activity by radical groups as potential hazards of Turkey’s deployment into Idlib. Syria