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
Pentagon acknowledges US contractor presence in Syria for first time The US military revealed in a new report that some 5,500 contractors are helping fight the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. Syria
Pompeo faces Senate buzz saw over stance on Iran, Muslims President Donald Trump’s pick for secretary of state is in trouble amid a backlash over his administration’s hawkish bent. Congress
Turkey's running out of time to pick a partner in Syria Turkey's been playing the field in Syria, but as the crisis escalates, Ankara may have to make a commitment to either its NATO allies or Moscow. Syria
Turkey squeezed as US-Russia tensions rise in Syria Since the suspected chemical weapons attack by Syrian regime forces in Douma, Turkey has been producing conflicting messages, visibly torn between its strategic interests in Syria and ties to NATO and the West. Syria
Have Iran, Russia and Turkey reached agreement on future Syrian state? The second trilateral summit between the presidents of Iran, Russia and Turkey appears to have ushered further movement toward an understanding on the political endgame in Syria. Syria
Iranian conservatives predict limited US strike on Syria Iranian conservatives believe that a limited US attack on Syria is likely. Syria
Israel ‘alone in fight’ against Iran in Syria Although Netanyahu failed to convince Trump to back down on his decision to withdraw US forces from Syria, it won’t change Israel’s policy on Syria. Israel
Russia resumes flights to Egypt Russia resumed flights to Egypt today after two years of suspension in a move expected to give a massive boost to tourism. Egypt
Erdogan rebuffs Moscow’s call to hand Afrin to Syrian government Russia wants Turkey to hand control of Afrin province to Damascus, but Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says the territory will be returned to local residents at Ankara’s discretion. Syria
Russia might not be ready for long-term OPEC commitment Saudi Arabia seems to think Russia is on board with a lengthy OPEC deal, but Moscow has a lot of factors to consider. Legacy: Gulf
Iran condemns chemical weapons attacks, denies Syria’s role Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman said that it was not logical for the Syrian army to use chemical weapons while it had the upper hand in the field of battle. Syria
Putin, Erdogan, Rouhani extend circle of trust in Syria As the Astana process seizes the initiative on Syria, the United States could put Israel-Lebanon shuttle diplomacy to the test on Hezbollah. Israel
