Analysis Putin's Iran diplomacy faces limits as Russia eyes Ukraine concessions As US-Iran tensions escalate, Russia is stepping up mediation efforts, hoping to gain leverage with Washington over Ukraine despite its limited influence on Tehran. By Anton Mardasov
Analysis Pragmatic politics: Why Turkey avoids blaming Russia for Black Sea attacks Beyond economics, Ankara’s approach is also shaped by maintaining its role as an indispensable mediator between the Kremlin and the West. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
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
Egypt wants shipping agencies to deal in pounds amid dollar flight After Egypt’s currency devaluation in March, the Egyptian government hopes to ease the strain on its banking system by mandating that international shipping agencies accept Egyptian pounds instead of US dollars as payment. Egypt
Military minds gather in Israel as war in Ukraine resets strategies As it closely follows the changing battlefield in Ukraine, Israel will soon need to take a definitive stance on the Russian invasion. Israel
Will sanctioned Russian oligarchs find haven in Egypt? Its current economic hardships may prompt Cairo to double down on investments with Russia. Egypt
US becomes Turkey's second biggest gas supplier, but for how long? Turkey's second biggest gas supplier over the past winter was the United States, but Ankara may have to turn back to its neighbors to ensure it has sufficient supplies. Turkey
Brent crude falls nearly 10%, OPEC basket drops slightly Saudi Arabia has acted to keep prices high recently against the wishes of the US. Saudi Arabia
US urges Iraqi government formation as stalemate drags on The deadlock has left Iraq without a new budget amid the economic uncertainty stemming from Russia's war in Ukraine. Iraq
Will Erdogan sustain balance between West, Russia as Ukraine war drags on? If the West and NATO remain united during the long war in Ukraine, Turkey’s policy of straddling between Kyiv and Moscow would be unsustainable. Turkey
Fitch gives Egypt ‘stable’ debt rating, citing reforms Egypt is pursuing deregulation and tax reforms to some success, but the war in Ukraine has severely hurt the country’s economy. Egypt
Russian invasion of Ukraine slams Turkey’s transportation industry Traffic at the Turkish border crossings have come to a grinding halt after trucks en route to Russia, Belarus and Central Asia diverted routes to Turkey and Georgia following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Turkey
In policy shift, Israel will send Ukraine defensive equipment After unsuccessful attempts at mediation between Russia and Ukraine, Jerusalem tilts toward Kyiv. Israel
Turkey steps up Black Sea naval activity as war rages in Ukraine Turkey is extending its grip in the Black Sea, sending drilling ships and carrying out war games. Turkey
