Why Turkey has few options to protect Black Sea shipping The Russia-Ukraine drone war is hitting Turkish commercial interests, exposing the limits of Ankara’s ability to protect shipping while remaining outside the conflict. Turkey
Analysis Why Ukraine's strike on Iranian ship marks dangerous new phase in ties Tehran has warned Kyiv of consequences, as pent-up tensions couple with what Iran believes is Ukrainian alignment with the US and Israel in the recent war. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Israel rejects Ukraine's claim that Russian shadow fleet vessel docked in Haifa Ukraine alleges the vessel unloaded wheat taken from occupied territories in Haifa, while Israel says ship had not entered the port. Israel
Ukraine's Zelenskyy capitalizes on Iran war to ink security deal with Saudi Arabia Kyiv is using its domestic production of anti-drone technology and low-cost, AI-enabled interceptor drones to help Gulf states in countering Iranian drones. Saudi Arabia
US to advance Turkey's F-16 sales as Sweden's NATO bid moves forward US Senator Bob Menendez, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, says he is in talks with the administration on F-16 sales as the Turkish and US presidents met today. Turkey
In Moscow, Russia's Lavrov welcomes Gulf states' rapprochement with Iran Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that Russia and GCC countries will expand their cooperation together in areas of economic trade, defense, security, energy and politics. Legacy: Gulf
Russia asks Turkey for 'clarification' over Ukraine's Azov prisoner release Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also implicitly criticizes Turkey’s sale of Bayraktar drones to Ukraine. Turkey
Turkey's Erdogan hosts Zelenskyy, says Ukraine 'deserves' to be NATO member Turkish President Erdogan’s declaration of support comes amid a fresh push by Kyiv to join the Transatlantic alliance once the war is over. Turkey
Analysis Iran’s new nuclear normal gets boost from oil exports Also: The Islamic Republic cracks down on the hijab "conspiracy" while suffering brain drain; researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov abducted by Iraqi militia. By Week in Review , Andrew Parasiliti
US presses Turkey to lift opposition to Sweden's NATO bid as summit nears US Ambassador to NATO Julianne Smith said the administration wants to see Sweden's inclusion in the Western military alliance "as soon as possible." Turkey
Turkey's Erdogan ups pressure on US, Sweden ahead of NATO summit Turning up the heat before his critical meeting with the Swedish premier on Monday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated his country’s stiff demands from Stockholm. Turkey
Ukraine's Zelenskyy to visit Turkey as Erdogan seeks to extend grain deal Military aid to Ukraine and another extension of Black Sea grain deal are expected to dominate the talks in Istanbul. Turkey
Analysis US sanctions on UAE Wagner Group affiliate could impact Libya operation A brief mutiny in Russia last weekend by the Wagner Group has shifted the spotlight back on the mercenary organization. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
What's next for Wagner in Syria, Africa after Putin mutiny? Yevgeny Prigozhin's mercenary army usually acted as an unofficial extension of Russian foreign policy, but many questions have arisen following last week's aborted revolt. Syria
Iran police chief makes rare visit to Russia for surveillance deals The police commander's trip came against the backdrop of Iran's months-long unrest and reports that Tehran has been seeking Moscow's advice and surveillance equipment to crack down on dissent. Iran
From UAE to Sudan: US targets Middle East entities for Wagner ties The US has sanctioned entities operating in the UAE and Sudan for alleged connections to the notorious Russian mercenary group, which also has an extensive presence in the Middle East and North Africa. United Arab Emirates
