Russia’s Putin hosts Saddam Hifter amid instability in Libya: What to know Moscow has built a strong relationship with Libya’s eastern camp, as Washington and Ankara pursue efforts to reunify the country’s political and military institutions. Libya
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Trump threatens to bomb Oman Kushner meets Netanyahu on Gaza plan; Pope calls for end to West Bank violence; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
New deal reduces Russia’s military presence in Syria: What to know Under a deal announced by Syria, Russia’s military facilities would be turned into joint training centers. Syria
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Syria, Russia reach deal on Russian bases Iran says no reason to fear Pakistan-Turkey-Saudi security pact; Yemeni military reports 7 killed in Houthi attack; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Cargo ship attack near Hormuz clouds US-Iran diplomacy By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: Daily Briefing US extends Iran strikes to bridges, airport By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Russia, China veto UN vote to extend aid to Syria’s opposition-held northwest Russia previously made clear its intent to veto the proposal, despite last-minute hopes the Kremlin might abstain. Syria
OPEC continues oil export cuts in June Global oil prices continue to hold up relative to earlier in the year as oil-producing countries in the Middle East struggle economically. Legacy: Gulf
Intel: Iran, Russia, Turkey discuss stabilizing Syria in virtual summit The presidents of Turkey, Iran and Russia held a virtual summit to discuss the latest developments in Syria today. Syria
Turks lose trust in Russia, warm to US The Turkish public’s trust in Russia has declined in favor of the United States due to the rising conflicts between Ankara and Moscow over the Libyan and Syrian civil wars, according to a survey. Turkey
Why is Sirte everyone’s ‘red line’ in Libya? Libya’s coastal city of Sirte, a strategic gateway to major oil facilities, has emerged as a critical point of contention between Turkey and Russia, with France also scrambling to impede Turkey via NATO. Turkey
Intel: Russian-built aircraft actively using Libya’s Jufra air base Russian fighter aircraft recently delivered to Libya in support of Khalifa Hifter's campaign against the Tripoli-based government are now being put to use. Libya
Iran’s Zarif seeks Russian support as US pressure builds The Iranian foreign minister went to Moscow for help against US efforts to extend an arms embargo against Iran. Russia
Russia says it delivered MiG-29 fighter aircraft to Syria Wednesday's Russian statement, backing up one made by Syria on Saturday, came after the United States accused Russia on May 26 of delivering aircraft to Libya via Syria. Syria
Will Moscow save the West Bank from annexation? The Palestinian leadership is looking to Russia for help resisting Israel's annexation plans. Palestine
What to expect from entente between Moscow, Ankara in Libya As Moscow intensifies its involvement in the Libyan conflict, the US State Department is stepping up pressure against Russian destabilization. Libya
US, Russian troops square off in northeast Syria as Kremlin eyes wider footprint US-Russian standoff near Derik, Syria, blocks traffic for hours before Russians return to Qamishli. Syria
Libya cease-fire 'failed completely,' says Russian Foreign Ministry A spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry blamed foreign interference for the prolonged conflict in Libya. Libya