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
Should Ankara be optimistic about relations with Trump? Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has expressed optimism about improved US-Turkish relations during a Trump administration. Syria
Will Trump bring Egypt, Israel closer? Observers wait to see what role, if any, the Trump administration might play in a rapprochement between Israel and Egypt. Egypt
Erdogan’s Syria policy hits dead end in Aleppo Ankara anticipates worst-case scenario as Syrian government forces appear close to victory in decisive battle. Syria
Russian-rebel talks resume as Erdogan backs down on Assad Talks between Russia and Syrian rebels were reportedly derailed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's contradictory statements on Syria, but they have apparently resumed after he and the Russian president spoke on the phone and Erdogan publicly declared that Turkey is only targeting terrorist organizations in northern Syria. Syria
What would fall of Aleppo mean for US Syria policy? If the Syrian regime’s campaign to retake eastern Aleppo succeeds, it could have a profound impact on the incoming US administration’s Syria plans. Syria
Is Turkey all talk, or will it split from the West, NATO? Ankara is sending out plenty of signals that it might leave the West and head east toward Russia and China. Turkey
Kremlin unsure how to take Erdogan's vow to topple Assad A Russian diplomat has expressed confusion and cautious disapproval over Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan openly saying that Turkey's main objective in Syria is to topple the regime. Syria
Why Aleppo’s fall will be a game-changer for Turkey The recapture of Aleppo by Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad’s forces could turn the tables on Turkey. Iraq
What is Chechnya's Kadyrov up to in Middle East? Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov has recently been engaging leaders in the Middle East, but not just with Chechnya's interests in mind. Saudi Arabia
Erdogan's shifting rationale on Syria Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's latest rationale for Turkish forces entering northern Syria point to a long-term engagement. Syria
Erdogan comes face to face with US, Russia in Syria Turkey may have gone into Syria to push back Syrian Kurds, but it now finds itself confronting both Russia and the United States. Syria
Why Russia isn’t rushing to lift sanctions on Turkey Russia appears to be in no hurry to remove all of its sanctions against Turkey, even though it’s been a year since they were imposed. Turkey
