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
Iran FM meets Putin, Russia’s military intel chief as talks stall: What to know Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi headed to Russia following visits to Pakistan and Oman over the weekend as talks with Washington are at a standstill. Iran
Russia evacuates 160 staff from Iran's Bushehr plant: What to know The Kremlin says it is committed to maintaining energy cooperation with Iran amid strikes near the Bushehr nuclear power plant. Iran
Analysis Unclear chains of command in Iran complicate Russia’s diplomatic play Multiple power centers in Tehran and the rising influence of the IRGC could complicate Moscow’s ties with Iran and its hopes of playing a mediating role in the conflict. By Anton Mardasov
Syria's Eastern Ghouta faces 'another Aleppo' The monthslong fierce offensive launched by Syrian regime forces on the besieged rebel-held enclave of Eastern Ghouta near Damascus has left scores of civilians dead and has depleted the resources for medical staff to treat the injured. Syria
Pentagon stops budgeting for peshmerga salaries The Pentagon’s fiscal year 2019 budget doesn’t specifically dedicate payments for Iraq’s Kurdish fighting force after it stepped back from the front lines of the fight against the Islamic State. Iraq
Russia calls on Jordan to help stabilize Syrian 'safe' zones Jordan has been moving closer to Russia since Moscow gave it a growing role in Syria, a role that could include acting as a buffer there between Iran and Israel. Jordan
Trump takes center stage in Abbas-Putin talks While the Russian president expressed a desire to play a role in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, he made it clear that Washington remains a key party in future talks. Palestine
Turkey’s assault adds to 'climate of repression and decline' in northern Syria Iran tries to broker deal between Ankara and Damascus to contain fighting over Syrian Kurds. Syria
Afrin puts Turkish-Iranian-Russian mistrust on full display More than anything, the situation in Afrin puts on full display the deep and lingering mistrust between Iran, Turkey and Russia. Syria
Pentagon seeks massive boost in bomb budget for Iraq, Syria The Defense Department wants $1.8 billion for precision-guided munitions to finish wiping out the Islamic State. Iraq
What are real reasons behind Russian troop drawdown in Syria? Russia's strategy behind withdrawing its forces from Syria could include wanting to protect them from escalating danger while winning points with voters. Syria
Animosity toward US uniting Turkey, Russia, Iran in Syria A loose alliance between Turkey, Russia and Iran in Syria is fraught with tensions driven by developments on the ground, but the three remain united in their desire not to provide advantage to the United States. Syria
Abbas turns to Moscow in search for new Mideast mediator Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has stepped up his diplomatic offensive to secure support for international sponsorship of the peace process. Palestine
Despite defeat of IS, Syria war risks major power conflict The United States and Russia should abandon "proxy wars" and back a new UN Security Council resolution for a regional peace conference. Israel
Israel, Syria, Iran clash in the skies Israel reacted strongly to the Iranian drone that penetrated its territory and to Syrian fire targeting an Israel Defense Forces jet. Israel
