Trump speaks with Netanyahu, Putin as Iran pressure campaign escalates President Donald Trump spoke by phone separately with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin, discussing the situation in Iran and the possibility of extending the ceasefire. United States
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
Downing of Russian jet forces Ankara to turn West Experts argue that although Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is getting support from NATO and the European Union, he can never be part of the West because his Islamist outlook prevents him from adopting Western values. Turkey
Will natural gas cartel be successful in setting LNG, CNG prices? Key heads of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum member states gather in Iran to push for new global energy market. Egypt
Erdogan more isolated than ever on Syria The Turkish president is on the defensive after Turkey’s shooting down of a Russian warplane; the Syrian war enters a more dangerous phase. Saudi Arabia
Meetings between Turkish, Russian military reveal that Moscow had been warned Turkey and Russia both seem determined to obtain the dominant position in shaping Syria's future. Syria
After shooting down Russian jet, what's next for Turkey? The Syrian army offensive backed by Russia in the region northeast of Latakia and the downing of a Russian Su-24 by Turkey leaves many to wonder which scenario will play out in the coming weeks . Syria
Are Turkey, Saudi Arabia pressuring Jordan on terror blacklist? Jordan has been tasked with overseeing which groups fighting in Syria are designated as terrorist organizations, but its mission is complicated by alliances in the region. Saudi Arabia
Is Lebanon preparing to support Russia's intervention in Syria? When Russia asked airlines in Lebanon to change their routes for conducting military drills to ensure air traffic safety, the matter was blown out of proportion to the point that some considered Russia to have violated Lebanon’s sovereignty. Lebanon
Erdogan gobbles up power in new Turkish government Turkey’s recently announced cabinet is stacked with loyal allies of the president, making it clear that this is the "government of Erdogan." Syria
After Turkey's 'stab in the back' to Russia, will anyone support Ankara? After it shot down a Russian fighter jet, Turkey is unlikely to get much support from its allies. Syria
Will downing of Russia warplane thwart France’s efforts for broader anti-IS coalition? Turkey’s downing of a Russian warplane threatens to complicate French efforts to bolster closer Western coordination with Moscow in combating IS. Iraq
Will Putin, Khamenei negotiate Assad's ouster? Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei praised Russian President Vladimir Putin as they reaffirmed their agreement that the United States is wrong to try to oust Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Syria
Will battle for Aleppo determine Syria’s fate? Syrian government forces advance despite heavy resistance; Arab leadership missing in battle against Islamic State; Erdogan differs with United States and G-20 on next steps in Syria; Israel rethinks "Shiite axis." Legacy: Gulf
