Saudi Arabia signs first visa-free travel agreement with Russia: What to know The deal will allow citizens of either country to enter visa-free for 90 days for tourism, business and family visits. Saudi Arabia
Egypt, Russia advance construction at Dabaa nuclear plant: What to know The Dabaa nuclear plant could help Egypt address its energy woes while boosting cooperation with Russia. Egypt
Analysis Trump pursues Israeli-Syrian security pact with Sharaa, larger US military footprint Israelis welcome the US effort but fear losing decision-making power and the ability to protect their interests as the US troop presence in the region looks set to further expand. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Russia, Iran to boost ties in ‘all areas’ as Tehran claims nuclear restrictions expired The cooperation pledges follow the weekend's joint letter from Russia, Iran and China to the UN, disputing the validity of reimposing sanctions on Iran. Iran
Analysis From flights to electricity grids, Turkey-Armenia ties slowly advance By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Russia, Turkey to hold talks as Moscow seeks to keep Syria military bases: What to know The talks come after Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa reiterated his openness to negotiating with Moscow over the future of Russian military bases in Syria. Turkey
Iran, Russia, China envoys present joint front to Grossi on nuclear talks As the US-Iran nuclear negotiations progress, Iran, Russia and China presented a united front in a meeting with the international nuclear watchdog chief in Vienna. Iran
Oman’s sultan talks Iran-US nuclear mediation with Putin in first Russia visit Historically neutral Oman has been mediating between the United States and Iran, as Russia seeks to strengthen its ties with the Gulf state. Oman
Qatar and Russia to up investment by $2B as emir visits Moscow Cooperation between Qatar and Russia on energy matters is growing, as Doha seeks to mediate between the Kremlin and Ukraine over the war. Qatar
IAEA chief in Tehran as Iran FM returns to Russia with Khamenei letter A flurry of meetings are taking place in Iran, Russia and the US ahead of the second round of nuclear negotiations between the US and Iran on Saturday. Iran
US imposes new Iran sanctions ahead of Oman talks as Tehran touts nuclear gains Iranian officials met their Russian and Chinese counterparts on Tuesday to discuss the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program as Tehran prepares for negotiations with Washington. Iran
OPEC+ members boost output as Trump tariffs bring down oil prices The US president has been calling on Saudi Arabia and other top oil producers to boost production and bring down prices. Saudi Arabia
US sanctions Russia-based network for aiding Houthis as strikes continue The sanctions target several individuals based in Russia accused of assisting Houthi official Sa’id al-Jamal, who has been under US sanctions since 2021. Yemen
Top US senator: No F-35 jets for Turkey until Russia's S-400 missiles 'gone' Republican Sen. Jim Risch made the statement during the nomination hearing for Tom Barrack to be the next US ambassador to Turkey. Barrack emphasized Ankara's strategic role in countering Iran in the region and promoting stability in Syria. Turkey
Russia's Putin sends letter to Sharaa offering Syria 'practical cooperation' The letter follows Putin and Sharaa speaking on the phone in February and thousands of Syrians seeking refugee at Russia’s base in the country earlier this month. Syria
UAE brokers Ukraine-Russia swap for 350 prisoners: What we know The Emirati mediation follows Saudi Arabia's hosting talks on the war and the UAE boosting its ties with Ukraine. United Arab Emirates
Syria urges citizens sheltering at Russia’s Hmeimim base to go home: What we know Many local residents who fled killings targeting the Alawite community are resisting the government’s efforts to get them to return home, opting to remain at a Russian air base. Syria
