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
Putin, Erdogan hold closed-door summit in Sochi Few details were released about the substance of the relatively brief meeting, but progress on Syria will be difficult to achieve. Russia
Syrian officials, SDF look to Russia for support against Turkey Opposition group granted 'positive' meeting in Moscow as all sides wait to learn next US move in the region. Syria
Russia tries to leverage ties with Taliban in Mideast policies Russia's invitation to the Taliban's since-canceled inauguration ceremony indicates a special relationship has developed between Moscow and the Taliban. Russia
Iran's Raisi to meet Putin as states mull Taliban recognition In his first foreign visit as Iran's president, Ebrahim Raisi will sit down with Russian and Pakistani leaders amid new regional dynamics triggered by the US departure from Afghanistan. Iran
The Takeaway: Iran nuclear diplomacy creeps forward in Moscow and Paris Also: Taliban’s success inspires Syrian jihadis; Russia’s delicate diplomacy in Syria and Turkey; Nile dam parley peters out; IDF snared in political rift; Egypt’s Avenue of the Sphinxes; and more … in only about 1,500 words. Iran
Can Russia maintain status quo in Syria's Daraa despite Assad, Iran? The Russian-brokered cease-fire agreement is evidence of Moscow's complex positioning in southwest Syria. Russia
Are Syrian jihadis ready to take the fight to Afghanistan? Afghanistan revives terror challenges for Washington; Russia anticipates security vacuum; Erdogan senses an opportunity. Syria
As Syria’s foreign jihadis eye Afghanistan, new challenges arise for Moscow The potential that foreign fighters may move from Syria’s Idlib province to Afghanistan could pose major threats to Russia and its Central Asian allies. Russia
Russian rebuke of Turkey for Crimea support highlights Ankara's delicate balancing act Turkey's support for Crimea also highlights the growing value of Ukraine and Crimea for Ankara. Turkey
Russia recalibrates coordination with new Israeli government in Syria There are indications the Kremlin is about to revise its approach to Israel in order to force the Israel Defense Forces into accepting new rules of the regional game. Russia
Russia tries to compete with US in Mideast weapons market Russia's prospects in the Middle East arms market will depend on its ability to master fast production of the latest models of military equipment. Russia
Kremlin's vaccine diplomacy finds trouble in Middle East Deliveries of Russia's Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine are as controversial as the vaccine itself. Russia
