Analysis Iran uses first joint SCO field drill to tout drone power, assert post-war resilience The five-day drill includes participation from China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Observer states Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan and Iraq will also be present. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Saudi Arabia signs first visa-free travel agreement with Russia: What to know The deal will allow citizens of either country to enter visa-free for 90 days for tourism, business and family visits. Saudi Arabia
Egypt, Russia advance construction at Dabaa nuclear plant: What to know The Dabaa nuclear plant could help Egypt address its energy woes while boosting cooperation with Russia. Egypt
Analysis As Sharaa heads to Washington, Iran looks to Russia to rebuild Syria ties Ahmed al-Sharaa's historic visit to the US highlights Syria's strategic pivot after the collapse of Bashar al-Assad, which has left a vacuum Tehran will be struggling to fill despite years of deep influence. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Analysis Despite internal rifts over Russia’s reliability, Iran pushes closer to Moscow By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Russia to expand private militaries in broader Middle East amid staffing crisis As it wages a full-scale war in Ukraine, Russia wants to reform its army while being chronically short of security personnel, and increasingly dependent on mercenaries Russia
Iran says Ukraine failed to prove drone claims Tehran continued to dig in heels over deliveries of Iranian drones to Russia and accused Ukraine of making "baseless" claims. Iran
Turkey’s Russian-built nuclear plant could amplify Moscow’s regional influence Some experts are warning that Turkey’s first nuclear power plant, which is being built by Russia's Rosatom, might become a tool to advance Russian interests in the region. Turkey
Iran begins linking electricity with Russia Tehran is seeking help from neighboring states in part due to the impact of US sanctions on Iran’s power grid. Iran
Algeria forces Russia to make concessions As the war in Ukraine carries on, the list of problematic issues between Algeria and Moscow is growing. Russia
Egypt, Russia commence second phase of nuclear power plant construction Egypt is preparing to build the second unit of the Dabaa nuclear power plant about five months after establishing the first unit. Egypt
Russian referendums strain Egypt-Ukraine ties Egypt denies sending observers to monitor the Russian referendums on illegally annexing four regions in Ukraine. Egypt
Israel won’t supply Ukraine with missile-defense systems Defense Minister Benny Gantz continues to refuse requests by Kyiv to supply Ukraine with the Israel-US-developed Iron Dome or other anti-missile systems. Israel
Turkey bullish about F-16 deal with Washington, despite Menendez's vow to block it The New Jersey senator has vowed to block any deal until the Turkish president "halts his campaign of aggression against the region." Turkey
EU warns Turkey on ties with Russia ahead of Erdogan-Putin meeting The European Commission’s annual report on Turkey criticizes Ankara for increasing trade and financial relations with Russia, inviting Russian oligarchs to the country and undermining EU sanctions against Russia. Turkey
Turkey's stance complicates potential peace between Armenia, Azerbaijan By linking Turkey’s normalization with Armenia to a peace settlement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Erdogan could encourage intransigence on Baku’s part. Turkey
US to 'reevaluate' relationship with Saudi Arabia after OPEC move The White House has nodded to calls among Democrats in Congress for a reappraisal of Washington's seven decades of support to the kingdom. Washington Connection
