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
Turkish parliamentary committee approves Finland's NATO bid A Turkish parliamentary committee has unanimously approved Finland's NATO membership. Turkey
Russia surpasses Saudi Arabia as China’s top oil supplier Energy-related cooperation between Saudi Arabia and China remains strong, but Russia and Saudi Arabia will continue to compete for the Chinese oil market in the near future. Legacy: Gulf
US imposes fresh sanctions over Iran drone procurement The US Treasury Department designated four entities and three people, including one based in Turkey, accused of aiding Iran's drone and weapons programs. Iran
Russia's Wagner activities expanding in Libya despite growing Western scrutiny The Wagner Group has sought to use Libya as a forward base for its activities in the Sahel region, particularly Chad and Niger, while building spheres of influence with local communities and smuggling networks in the southern border regions of Libya. North Africa
Israel to provide Ukraine with anti-drone systems, as Netanyahu visits Germany Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has gone on the offensive, arguing in Berlin that his judicial reform will strengthen Israeli democracy, not weaken it. Israel
Finland's leader to visit Turkey as Erdogan greenlights NATO bid But the Turkish president has remained resolute in denying Sweden's entry to the alliance, dimming the hopes for Sweden and Finland’s joint accession. Turkey
Analysis France cautious about China's role but welcomes Iran-Saudi agreement Paris would have much preferred that the Saudi-Iran rapprochement would have been reached by means other than Chinese mediation. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Russia fighter jet collides with US drone over Black Sea amid concerns of Iran arms transfers Loss of the USAF MQ-9 comes as Russia has provided weapons technology to Iran, including US arms captured in Ukraine. Russia
Belarus' President Lukashenko in Iran, meets Raisi The first visit in 17 years comes as Iran and Belarus are increasingly brought together over their alliance with Russia amid the war in Ukraine. Iran
Saudi FM in Russia after Ukraine visit, talks mediation and energy ties The Saudi Foreign Minister and his Russian counterpart discussed a range of topics including the Russia-Ukraine war, bilateral trade, oil market stability and the role of Syria during the Moscow meeting of senior officials on Thursday. Legacy: Gulf
Russia to add Gulf countries to visa-free travel list Russia stated that it was preparing visa-free travel agreements with a total of 17 countries, which include Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman and Syria. Legacy: Gulf
