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
After Iranian, Russian military advances Syrian opposition suffers setback in Aleppo Regime forces were able to retake large swathes of Aleppo’s southern countryside from the opposition, whose weaponry is insufficient in the face of Iranian and Russian ground and air support. Saudi Arabia
Iran enters Syria talks without preconditions Iranian officials have entered the negotiations to find a political solution to the Syrian civil war though they will not accept conditions for President Bashar al-Assad's removal. Syria
Russia puts brakes on Turkey's truck traffic Moscow responds to Ankara’s threats to cancel natural gas and nuclear power station contracts by closing its borders to Turkish trucks. Syria
Syria's 'holy war' The Russian Orthodox Church's description of Moscow's intervention in Syria as a "holy war" has created a buzz among Lebanese Christians. Lebanon
When it comes to foreign policy, will Erdogan resort to 'wily Oriental means'? The best-case scenario for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and the worst-case scenario for Turkey, could be the failure of possible coalition talks after the snap elections. Syria
Why Kerry is prioritizing Syria over Israeli-Palestinian peace Calming Israeli-Palestinian tensions is seen as limited mission as US Secretary of State John Kerry embarks on a new round of international diplomacy on Syria. Palestine
As popularity rises, Iran tries to control Telegram messaging app Iranian authorities have asked Telegram messaging service to block "immoral" content. Russia
Is Russian intervention in Syria pushing 'moderate jihadis' toward Islamic State? Russia's attacks on "moderate jihadi" groups appears to be pushing them to consider the possibility of uniting under the umbrella of the Islamic State. Syria
No breakthrough in Syria possible without Iran Russian foreign minister dismisses rumors of a deal on Assad ahead of Syria talks; Hezbollah takes casualties in Hama; Turkey’s headache over US support for Syrian Kurds; days of rage in Gaza. Palestine
Senate to grill Kerry on Russian war in Syria A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of Oct. 26. Iraq
Could Egypt be key to political solution in Syria? The Russian air operation in Syria, the US suspension of its training program for new Syrian rebels and its rapprochement with Iran call for an Egyptian mediation to end the war in Syria. Saudi Arabia
How Turkey is planning for Assad-led transition in Syria Ankara, still blurry, now agrees to name Bashar al-Assad ‘honorary president’ for six months. Syria
