Iran plans 20 satellites, test launch by end of 2025: What to know Iran is seeking investment in its space agency and has made progress in developing satellites in the face of sanctions, though reliance on Russia remains a factor. Iran
Analysis 'No real levers': Will Russia deepen Iran ties in South Caucasus over Trump plan? Moscow tries not to publicly criticize Trump's initiatives, but in reality has too few tools for crisis response. By Anton Mardasov
Russia, Iran in talks on construction of small nuclear plants: What to know The comments by the head of Rosatom follow increasing cooperation between Iran and Russia on gas. Iran
Analysis How lessons from Iran, Ukraine are shaping US Army’s new missile defense plan The Army's 2040 air and missile defense strategy aims to overcome gaps exploited by adversaries like Iran while heading off higher-tech advances from China and Russia. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Analysis Pragmatism outweighs animosity as Syrian, Russian FMs bargain at Kremlin By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Analysis Israeli FM's Ukraine visit signals shift from Russia to anti-Iran alignment By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Opposition leader implores US not to abandon Syria to Russia and Iran The new leader of the Syrian national coalition shared with Al-Monitor his plans for lobbying the Trump administration during his first visit to Washington. Syria
Putin resets Iraqi energy landscape as Barzani steps aside Russian moves maximize leverage as US stumbles on Iraqi Popular Mobilization Units; Massoud Barzani resigns as Kurdistan Region president; Syria and Russia take initiative with regard to local governance in Syria. Iraq
Syrian Kurds focused on federalism The Iraqi Kurdistan independence referendum continues to make waves in Syria as the country's Kurds believe they can negotiate with the Syrian government to establish a federal state. Iraq
Business as usual as Iraq's foreign minister visits Moscow In meetings this week, Russian and Iraqi officials discussed energy deals, Baghdad's battle with Iraqi Kurdistan and how those topics intersect. Iraq
How the Syrian army is working to gain control of road to Raqqa The Syrian regime army took control of Hama’s eastern countryside from the Islamic State, which opened a road toward eastern Syria and areas controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces. Syria
Kurdish crisis could benefit Iran-Turkey-Russia energy deal As markets react to Iraq's reclamation of Kirkuk oil fields, other countries stand ready to take advantage of opportunities being created for energy producers. Iraq
Moscow eyes working with tribes as its next move in Syria Many major players are working to resolve the Syrian civil war, but Russia is finding that some smaller groups — local tribes — could play a significant role. Syria
Iranian officials, media warn against Russian game Iranian media and officials warn parents about Blue Whale, a Russian game that entices players to commit suicide. Russia
Turkey quietly concerned with Russia’s Kurdish policy President Vladimir Putin’s idea for an all-Syria congress incorporating all ethnic groups has raised eyebrows in Ankara. Syria
Are Russia, Iran outflanking the US in Iraq? Russia deftly manages potentially choppy ties with Iran, while the United States claims Iran "subverting Iraq." Iraq
Following Islamic State ouster, tribes key to stability in eastern Syria After the ouster of the Islamic State from the oil-rich Deir ez-Zor province in eastern Syria, several issues are expected to complicate efforts to stabilize the region. Syria
Russia's balancing act in North Africa Despite Russia's very different relations with Algeria and Morocco, Moscow takes pains to treat them the same. Algeria
