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
Is Erdogan’s Syria policy slipping through his fingers? Syrian Kurds may dash Turkish president’s expectations for US President Donald Trump. Syria
What the US stands to lose by alienating Morocco After Donald Trump's election, abrupt and extreme changes in US policy threaten its relationship with longtime ally Morocco. Morocco
Jordan eyes center stage in Russia’s anti-terrorism policy Jordan's King Abdullah, who visited Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow last week and is in Washington this week, could become a key intermediary between Russia and the Trump administration. Jordan
Why are Syrian rebels stepping up efforts to isolate Iran? The Syrian rebels’ rejection of Iran as a guarantor of the cease-fire in Syria is about much more than simple anti-Iranian sentiment among Sunni militants. Syria
Turkey squeezed between Russia, US in Syria US President Donald Trump’s safe zones idea and Russia’s draft constitution get cold reactions from Ankara. Syria
Former US envoy: Syria may be central to Trump-Netanyahu meeting US President Donald Trump has hinted at creating safe zones in Syria in a draft executive order and in conversations with the Saudi king, while the former US ambassador to Israel says Syria will likely be a "central topic" in Trump’s upcoming meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Saudi Arabia
Moscow offers stage for Palestinian talks All parties involved in Palestinian-Israeli peace talks must put long-term achievements ahead of immediate gains if the problems are ever to be solved — starting with reconciliation among Palestinian factions. Palestine
Is Syria any closer to political solution after Astana talks? It remains unclear whether the Astana talks were a success or a failure, amid intransigence by the Syrian government and the opposition to keep implementing their own agendas. Syria
Russia rushes to fill possible void left by Trump in Middle East The Palestinian ambassador to Moscow tells Al-Monitor that Russia considers the Middle East its vital sphere of interest. Near East
Netanyahu's road to Iran runs through North Korea Israel fears that if North Korea continues to develop its nuclear arsenal, Iran will no longer agree to restraints on its nuclear program. Israel
Why did Russia offer autonomy for Syria’s Kurds? Draft constitution from Russia seeks to decentralize Syrian state authority, limit presidential powers; Turkish forces struggle in two-front campaign against both the Islamic State and Syrian Kurds; Al-Monitor offers in-depth reporting on Syrian Kurdish region. Iraq
Russia offers outline for Syrian constitution Russia’s three-pronged plan for Syria’s constitution addresses secular and Kurdish concerns, as well as governmental structure, including limits on presidential power. Syria
