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
Erdogan irked as major players snub humanitarian summit Turkey was expecting representatives from "all" countries to attend the first World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul. Syria
Syrians describe 'most dangerous journey ever' fleeing IS territories Civilians in areas under IS control are barred from leaving, but many are nonetheless risking their lives to flee the group's grip. Syria
Why hasn't Egypt taken a clear stance on Syria? Since Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi came to power two years ago, Egypt has repeatedly stated that it wants to preserve the Syrian state and army, but it has been vague when it comes to voicing an opinion on the regime itself. Egypt
US should accept Russian offer to coordinate strikes on Jabhat al-Nusra US-Russian joint action would be a step forward to defeat al-Qaeda affiliate; US rejects Russian bid to designate Ahrar al-Sham and Jaish al-Islam as terrorist groups; Nasrallah vows deeper commitment to Syria following death of top commander. Lebanon
Why Iran should focus on Turkey, not Russia, for Syria cooperation Despite all talk of a nascent Russian-Iranian alliance, it appears that Iranian interests — and the objective of peace in Syria — are perhaps best served through Iranian-Turkish cooperation. Turkey
Turkish ambassador calls joining EU Ankara’s 'strategic objective' In a wide-ranging interview with Al-Monitor, Turkish Ambassador to France Hakki Akil discussed Turkey’s perspectives on a safe zone in Syria, the migration crisis, Turkey’s progress toward EU membership, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Russian intervention in Syria and the possibility of international intervention in Libya. Syria
Syria contact group urges air drops, expanded cease-fire The International Syria Support Group, meeting in Vienna May 17, appeared to lower emphasis on Syria political talks as it urged shoring up a partial cease-fire and using air drops if needed to get aid to towns subjected to a type of "medieval" siege. Syria
UNESCO steps in to protect what's left of Syria's Palmyra Countless antiquities have been obliterated in the fierce fighting and rampant destruction in Syria, where the famous Palmyra archaeological site has lost a devastating portion of its treasures. Syria
How Russia sees Kurdish quest for autonomy Russia is carefully crafting its policies regarding Kurds, seeking to take a leadership role in the Syrian situation without actually offending anyone. Iraq
Syrian rebels weigh in on cease-fire Opposition fighters in Syria consider the cessation of hostilities 'negative,' although it has reduced civilian casualties. Syria
US, Russia to jointly monitor Syria cease-fire US Secretary of State John Kerry and UN Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura said they hoped that a partial Syria cease-fire would be extended to Aleppo after the United States and Russia agreed to create a joint Syria cease-fire monitoring operation in Geneva, but fighting raged on in the city. Syria
US, Russia compete to woo Syrian Kurds The recent rapprochement between the Kurds and Russia is a new phase in the two sides' relations that date back to the 19th century, but Kurds do not want to alienate the United States either. Iraq
