Russia to launch 3 Iranian satellites into orbit this month: What to know The upcoming launch will be the second time Russia’s Soyuz rockets have carried Iranian-made satellites into space. Iran
UAE, Russia host first joint business forum despite Ukraine war sanctions Trade between the two countries is projected to exceed $10 billion in 2025. United Arab Emirates
Analysis Russian leak signals Su-35s for Iran moving to production: What to know Recently leaked documents suggest 16 fighters are already on Russian assembly lines, with deliveries slated through 2027. For Tehran, it would be the first meaningful fighter upgrade in decades. By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
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
Analysis Trump pursues Israeli-Syrian security pact with Sharaa, larger US military footprint By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
US re-ups support for Sinai mission The United States will continue to fund peacekeeping efforts in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula despite concerns over Russia's influence in the region. Egypt
Turkish troops in Syria threatened at Idlib outposts Turkey could be seriously sidelined by a highly effective operation undertaken recently by Syrian forces. Syria
Tehran convenes allies against threats that include US Iran outlined many concerns it shares with other participants at its recent security conference, especially about Afghanistan and the US presence there. Russia
Intel: How Russia and Turkey are eyeing new deals on Idlib and Libya A high-level Turkish delegation led by Deputy Foreign Minister Sedat Onal visited Moscow today for talks over key issues that have come to dominate bilateral relations in recent weeks. Syria
Facing new refugee wave from Syria, Ankara sends delegation to Moscow As a new offensive by the Syrian regime sends 120,000 Idlib residents fleeing toward the Turkish border, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said his nation "will not carry such a migrant burden on its own." Syria
Russia weighs two reconstruction strategies for Syria In the face of US sanctions, Moscow is considering whether the outsourcing of reconstruction efforts for Syria may be better for Russia than a long-term presence. Syria
Novy God holiday enchants Israelis with Soviet new year festivities After years of misunderstanding and rejection of the Soviet holiday, Novy God has become as Israeli as any other of the beloved traditions brought to the country by waves immigrants. Israel
Turkey’s Libya gambit raises stakes in eastern Mediterranean Turkey’s military commitments to Libya’s Tripoli-based government have escalated the conflict in the eastern Mediterranean. Turkey
Turkey slams US defense bill as sanctions loom The US Senate passed a defense bill with several measures deemed hostile by Ankara officials, signaling Capitol Hill’s intent to move forward with sanctions on Turkey. Turkey
Intel: Top US and Russian generals link up to talk Syria Gen. Mark Milley, the top US military official, met his Russian counterpart Gen. Valery Gerasimov in Bern, Switzerland, today as part of an ongoing high-level military dialogue between the United States and Russia. Syria
Congress sides with Cyprus against Turkey as eastern Mediterranean heats up Congress just passed two bills siding with Cyprus in its territorial and natural gas dispute with Turkey. Turkey
Russia exits nuclear conversion project, but stands by Iran Russia has halted its conversion operations at Iran's Fordow nuclear facility, but this doesn't signal a crack in Moscow-Tehran relations. Russia