Lavrov visits Tehran as Trump praises Russia's role on Iran: What to know During a meeting with his Iranian counterpart earlier this month, Russian President Vladimir Putin renewed Moscow’s offer to mediate between Tehran and Washington. Iran
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
Analysis Putin offers to help end Iran war, but can Russia deliver? As Washington and Tehran weigh their next moves, Moscow is seeking a diplomatic foothold in a war where influence may prove harder to convert into concrete results. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Pezeshkian to meet Putin as Iran looks to Russia for support: What to know Russia has reportedly provided Iran with military materiel, intelligence and diplomatic backing during the war. Iran
Russia surpasses Saudi Arabia as China’s top oil supplier Energy-related cooperation between Saudi Arabia and China remains strong, but Russia and Saudi Arabia will continue to compete for the Chinese oil market in the near future. Legacy: Gulf
Russia's Wagner activities expanding in Libya despite growing Western scrutiny The Wagner Group has sought to use Libya as a forward base for its activities in the Sahel region, particularly Chad and Niger, while building spheres of influence with local communities and smuggling networks in the southern border regions of Libya. North Africa
Syria, Russia to sign 40 investment deals after Assad’s visit Syrian President Assad also said in an interview with Sputnik that he would not meet with Turkish President Erdogan until Turkey removes its troops from Syria. Syria
Syria’s Assad arrives in Russia for talks with Putin Assad’s visit comes ahead of a meeting between Syrian and Turkish diplomats in Russia. Syria
Hamas says leadership visited Russia, met Sergey Lavrov A Hamas official has revealed that his movement "recently" visited Moscow and warned that the group's "patience is running out" with Israel. Palestine
Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt rank among world’s top 10 arms importers: SIPRI Middle East countries made up more than a fourth of the top 40 global arms importers from 2018 to 2022, according to a new report. Legacy: Gulf
Belarus' President Lukashenko in Iran, meets Raisi The first visit in 17 years comes as Iran and Belarus are increasingly brought together over their alliance with Russia amid the war in Ukraine. Iran
Egypt, Russia find opportunity in crisis Analysts say boosting trade between Russia and Egypt in the ruble and the pound is a win for both countries amid Western sanctions on Moscow and the dollar crunch in Egypt. Egypt
Al-Monitor/Premise poll: Russia's role seen as negative in Turkey, Yemen, Iraq The Russian invasion of Ukraine hurt the region economically, as supply chain disruptions and food shortages topped respondents concerns in Turkey, Egypt, Yemen and Iraq Turkey
In Iraq, Macron seeks bigger sphere of influence for France In less than a month, French President Emmanuel Macron hosted both Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani and Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani as Paris works to revive its influence in the region and counter China and Iran. Iraq
Analysis Ukraine war at year 1: Has Gulf's neutrality on Russia invasion paid off? Gulf countries — mainly the United Arab Emirates, then Qatar — as well as Turkey have been major recipients of Russian real estate investment in addition to direct financial injections. By Salim A. Essaid
