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
Russia denied sharing intelligence with Iran in Trump call, Witkoff says Russia denied US reports that it may have provided Tehran with targeting information on American assets in the region. Iran
Putin becomes first to congratulate Mojtaba Khamenei: What to know Oman, Iraq, Azerbaijan and Armenia have all congratulated the Khamenei's son. Iran
Russia doubles down on Iran nuclear cooperation as US talks inch forward Moscow’s energy minister said Russia is currently building equipment for new units at Iran’s Bushehr nuclear plant. Iran
Netanyahu puts Trump on notice over Syria Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly challenged US President Donald Trump in announcing his opposition to the cease-fire agreement for southern Syria brokered with Russia. Israel
Syrian cease-fire a delicate balance of vastly different goals Iran welcomes the Russian/US truce initiative in southern Syria, but will Russia be able to keep juggling the broad, and often conflicting, interests of the various players? Syria
Abu Mazen plays losing hand badly in Gaza Strip The Palestinian president faces a challenge from a bitter rival backed by Egypt and the United Arab Emirates; what is Saddam Hussein’s family doing in Qatar?; Russia and the United States wary of Turkish military intervention in Syria. Saudi Arabia
Incessant scandals threaten US-Russia progress on Syria Moscow and Washington will need to safeguard any progress in their relations against fresh controversies and those opposed to cooperation. Syria
Turkey waiting … and waiting … to intervene in Afrin Ankara's pro-government media are blaming the United States and Russia for delaying Turkey’s move on Kurdish forces in Afrin, which was to begin July 5. Syria
Jordan sees big gains in south Syria cease-fire The cease-fire brokered by the United States, Russia and Jordan for southern Syria seems to be holding, for now. Jordan
Turks, Russians partner on mega projects Construction of the Akkuyu nuclear power plant is being moved forward to begin in August, as plans are shaping up for the Turkish Stream natural gas pipeline. Turkey
Ankara may be counting on US-Russian rivalry in Syria Unable to make its own mark, Ankara continues to vacillate between Moscow and Washington in an apparent effort to secure support to roll back gains by Syrian Kurds it considers terrorists. Turkey
Dueling critics find US, Russia too cozy — or too far apart The US and Russian presidents covered a lot of ground — including the conflict in Syria — during their unexpectedly long meeting last week, and while the countries’ future relations remain uncertain, the men agreed to disagree on some fronts. Syria
Turkey potential spoiler of US-Russian progress on Syria Turkey may find common ground with Damascus and Tehran in its concerns about Syrian Kurds; UNHCR notes trend of "spontaneous returns" in Syria; Turkey seizes property of ancient Christian community. Iraq
Tillerson: US could boost cooperation with Russia on Syria The potential for deeper US-Russian cooperation in Syria will be a key topic of discussion when US President Donald Trump meets Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday. Syria
The Kremlin’s contradictory behavior in Syria Russia and Turkey consider establishing a military base in Idlib, Syria, as Moscow encourages the Collective Security Treaty Organization to deploy peacekeepers. Syria
