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
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
Can Turkey really turn to Russia? Despite anger at the West after the recent failed coup, the strategic ties some desire with Russia do not appear realistic. Syria
Al-Qaeda affiliate’s desperate 'switch' validates US Syria policy Fear of US and Russian airstrikes on eve of Syrian offensive a sign that Jabhat al-Nusra may be feeling the heat; Turkey’s de-Gulenification campaign in context; retired Saudi general probes Israeli commitment to peace settlement. Saudi Arabia
Why de-escalation of Ankara-PKK clashes doesn’t mean path to peace The Turkish government has lowered the temperature of the war against the PKK because of the prevailing chaos in the army, police and intelligence services, but this is not a step toward peace. Syria
US rebukes Russia Aleppo plan as 'demand for surrender' The United States criticized a Russian Defense Ministry announcement of “humanitarian corridors” for civilians to leave rebel-held eastern Aleppo, but US-Russian negotiations on deeper cooperation continue as the city is steadily falling to the regime. Syria
Is new strategy needed for fighting IS in Syria? In an interview with Al-Monitor, a senior member of the New Syrian Army, Abdulsalam Muzil, talks about his force’s achievements and what's to come in the battle against the Islamic State. Syria
Will Turkey be expelled from NATO? Suggestions that Ankara is endangering its membership in the Western alliance ring hollow given what is transpiring around Turkey today. Turkey
Who sent mystery drone into Israeli airspace? Israel's air force is investigating a triple failure to bring down a drone that flew over the Golan Heights and is still unidentified. Israel
One year after nuclear deal, Iran receives S-300 missiles Iran is now receiving the missile parts of the S-300 surface-to-air missile defense system from Russia. Russia
Kerry, Putin meet to salvage Syria peace talks US Secretary of State John Kerry met with Russian President Vladimir Putin July 14 to see if they could reach an agreement on a US plan to deepen US-Russian coordination on Syria. Syria
Moscow’s turnaround on Turkey Common national interests such as security and economic issues remain the prime core of improved relations between Moscow and Ankara. Syria
Can Bahrain count on Moscow to fill Washington’s shoes? As Bahrain seeks closer ties with Russia, other Arab countries have their doubts about the relationship, yet they recognize Moscow’s growing role in the region amid Washington’s receding influence. Saudi Arabia
Is General Hifter becoming Putin's man in Libya? Despite some speculation, Gen. Khalifa Hifter's sudden visit to Moscow says less about impending arms deals than about Russia's long-term strategy in Libya and the region. Libya
