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
Despite Russian airstrikes, FSA continues to confront regime Although recent Russian military strikes in Syria have provided air cover for government forces, the Free Syrian Army continues its battles against the regime. Syria
Iran hedges its bets in Syria After joining the Vienna II talks on Syria, Iran continues to hedge its bets, including beefing up the Syrian National Defense Forces, to ensure its ability to protect its interests in the country and the region. Syria
Is the Chechen 'bogeyman' heading to Syria? Russia is playing up similarities between its past struggles and Syria’s civil war. Syria
Can Syrian opposition defend both Hama and Aleppo at the same time? The Syrian opposition is stretching itself thin as it strives to protect Aleppo while also securing its progress toward Hama, where regime forces pose a serious threat. Syria
As IS fight ramps up, Obama sees modest progress, hope for Syria diplomacy President Barack Obama cited fragile progress in forging a Syrian diplomatic road map at international talks in Vienna that called for bringing the Syrian regime and opposition together for talks leading to a cease-fire, a new constitution in six months and new elections in 2017. Syria
Egypt rushes to bolster tourism after Sinai plane crash Egyptian politicians and public figures have created dozens of initiatives to bring tourism back to Sharm el-Sheikh after Western countries decided to suspend their flights to Sinai in response to the Russian plane crash there. Egypt
What will control over Aleppo’s military base mean for Assad? An expert on the situation in Syria talks to Al-Monitor about the repercussions of the Syrian army’s recent operation, where it succeeded in lifting the siege of the Kuweires military air base east of Aleppo. Syria
Iran doubts US goals in Syria talks Iran's deputy foreign minister for Arab and African affairs, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, said Iran will decide whether to participate in the next round of Vienna II talks on Syria after reviewing whether the United States is working behind the scenes to push its own agenda. Saudi Arabia
Why Iran and Russia aren't as closely aligned on Syria as you might think Despite the shared short-term goals that have currently united them on Syria, Iran and Russia's differences over Syria's future are bound to lead them into conflict. Syria
Envoys look to gain momentum for peace in Syria As world powers seek to sustain momentum for Syria diplomacy amid divisions on the way forward, a former US diplomat urged moving for a cease-fire first before convening talks on Syria’s political future. Saudi Arabia
How will Jordan's pivot to Russia pay off? Jordan and Russia have agreed on military coordination in Syria after a long silence in Amman about Russian intervention there. Jordan
Russian, Israeli jets share Syrian skies ... for now Russia's military involvement in Syria is testing its relations with Israel and the determination of both countries to avoid a conflict. Israel
