Russian influence

Russian Sukhoi Su-35S fighter aircrafts, Su-34 military fighter jets and Su-30SM jet fighters fly over downtown Moscow during a military parade on June 24, 2020.

Analysis

Russian leak signals Su-35s for Iran moving to production: What to know

Recently leaked documents suggest 16 fighters are already on Russian assembly lines, with deliveries slated through 2027. For Tehran, it would be the first meaningful fighter upgrade in decades.

Francesco Schiavi

By Francesco Schiavi

In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance

A S-200 surface-to-air missile system is on display in Terhran.

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.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

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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.

Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi at the Kremlin in Moscow, on May 9, 2025.

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.

Latest News

Analysis

As Sharaa heads to Washington, Iran looks to Russia to rebuild Syria ties

A picture taken in Damascus on Dec. 9, 2024, shows the building of the Iranian Embassy, which was ransacked after anti-government fighters took the Syrian capital the previous day, with a portrait of Iran's slain Revolutionary Guards commander, Qasem Soleimani, still hanging on its fence.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Grappling with Western sanctions, Iran, Belarus strengthen military ties

Iran's Deputy Defense Minister Majid Ebnoreza (L) sits next to Andrei Matsiyevich.

Turkey, Qatar sign defense deal as Ankara eyes Doha’s Eurofighters

Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani

Russia, Iran to boost ties in ‘all areas’ as Tehran claims nuclear restrictions expired

ALEXANDER KAZAKOV/AFP via Getty Images

MAXIME POPOV/AFP via Getty Images

Russian movie praises Moscow's war efforts in Syria

The Russian movie "Sky" tells the story of a pilot killed after a Turkish jet shot down his bomber over northern Syria.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (L) and his Israeli counterpart, Isaac Herzog (C), review a guard of honor.

Kremlin keeping a close eye on Israel-Ukraine rapprochement

Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu

Can Turkey help in Ukraine crisis?

Moscow is likely to welcome a Turkish mediation effort if it serves to restrain Ukraine from a military adventure.

US Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm speaks during the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference.

The Takeaway: Iran nuclear talks resume next week — What you need to know

Turkish lira crisis hits Syria; Saudi, Syrian intel chiefs talk; Netflix drama evokes memories for Izmir’s Jews; Oman bets on logistics; Egypt, Tanzania deepen ties; Gaza’s women skateboarders — all in less than 1,500 words.

Andrew Parasiliti

Elizabeth Hagedorn

Joe Snell

By Andrew Parasiliti , Elizabeth Hagedorn , Joe Snell

Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Sochi on Nov. 23, 2021.

Abbas seeks Putin’s help to revive Israeli-Palestinian peace process

The Palestinian Authority is trying to urge Russia to play a more effective role in the peace process through its position in the international Quartet and to call for an international peace conference. But there are still no serious indications of Russia’s responsiveness.

Libya army

Moscow builds ties with Tripoli government before December vote

An Italian air force F-35 takes off during the "Blue Flag" multinational air defence exercise at the Ovda air force base, north of the Israeli city of Eilat, on Oct. 24, 2021.

Intel: US, UAE talk F-35 as Russia pitches stealth aircraft

A top State Department official warned the Biden administration is "very serious" about imposing sanctions on partners that purchase Russian military hardware.

Russia debuts a prototype of its new Sukhoi Su-75 Checkmate, a fifth-generation single-engine fighter jet

Intel: Russia displays new fighter jet at Dubai Airshow 2021

With the Su-75 Checkmate on display, Russia aims to remind the Emirates and other nations they have options when it comes to fifth-generation fighters.

Russia / Mideast

The Arc of Triumph in the ancient city of Palmyra, Syria, circa 1880.

Russia begins restoration of Arc of Triumph in Syria's Palmyra

Russia has begun the restoration of the Arch of Triumph, one of the historical landmarks in Palmyra, in cooperation with UNESCO.

Mazlum Kobane (Mazlum Abdi), commander-in-chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces.

Syrian Kurdish commander says Russia opposes further Turkish land grabs

Mazlum Kobane, commander in chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces, also says Damascus is not yet ready for negotiations.

In this handout provided by NASA, a Soyuz MS-15 spacecraft is launched bound for the International Space Station.

Russia-Mideast space cooperation still waiting for lift off

Moscow has actively resorted to a policy of diplomatic "spamming" — rubber-stamping protocol agreements to imitate the development of cooperation in the field of space.

This picture taken on May 2, 2021, shows a view of the Amur-class Russian navy repair ship PM-138 docked at the port of the Sudanese city of Port Sudan.

Sudan coup could offer boon for Moscow

Sudan's military coup could hurry along the process of Russia's deeper military involvement in the country.