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
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
Turkish military cargo planes stranded in Ukraine return to Turkey Turkish military planes that were stranded at a Kyiv airport after the Russian invasion of Ukraine have returned to Turkey. Turkey
Turkey blasts Swedish extradition refusal as 'very unfavorable' Turkey has lashed out at Sweden over a court ruling against the extradition of a journalist sought by Ankara. Turkey
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
Israel excluded from Ukraine's solidarity conference in Paris While Israel has offered humanitarian aid since the start of the conflict, Ukraine’s president has been strongly pushing for weapons and Iron Dome anti-missile batteries. Israel
Erdogan touts potential gas deal ahead of Turkmenistan summit At Wednesday's summit in Turkmenistan, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is eyeing a gas deal that would extend into Europe. Turkey
UAE-Ukraine trade deal would shore up Middle East food security The goal is to ultimately secure "all aspects of the international food production supply chain." Legacy: Gulf
Ukrainian efforts to stir Circassians against Russia divide diaspora in Turkey A heated debate has erupted in the Circassian diaspora over calls to establish a Circassian battalion against Russia in Ukraine. Turkey
US confident Sweden, Finland will soon join NATO despite Turkey's holdup Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the two Nordic states had taken "tangible steps" to address Turkey's security concerns. Turkey
Inside UAE, Saudi roles in facilitating release of Brittney Griner A high-level Gulf source with access to the details of the exchange told Al-Monitor that the exchange happened at a UAE airbase at 5:00 pm Abu Dhabi time (8:00 am ET). Legacy: Gulf
TIME magazine names Iranian women ‘heroes of the year’ Iranian women are leading the protests in Iran that began after an Iranian Kurdish woman was allegedly beaten to death over her head covering. Iran
Iran sent more drones to Russia for use in Ukraine, US suggests Tehran sent additional UAVs, but no ballistic missiles thus far, the White House said. Iran
Al-Monitor/Premise poll finds tight race for Erdogan in Turkey's elections As the battle for Turkey’s upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections intensifies, an Al-Monitor poll predicts a tight race between the country’s leading opposition bloc and the ruling alliance. Turkey
