Analysis Iran’s FM Araghchi in Moscow as biting sanctions drive closer Russia ties The economic agenda of the meetings in Moscow and Tehran reflected a deliberate effort by both governments to signal momentum in a partnership increasingly shaped by isolation from the West. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
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
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
Turkey eyes amphibious jets after forest fire fiasco Following Ankara's embarrassing failure to control forest fires this summer, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan appears to be negotiating to purchase Russian firefighting planes. Turkey
Is Belarus scheming against Russia's reconstruction policies in Syria? Belarus is tacitly promoting its own businesses in Syria, but not all of them are necessarily to the detriment of the Russians. Syria
Will Russia reinforce Iraq's air defenses? Iraqi authorities are considering moves to reinforce the country's air defense systems with Russian help following alleged Israeli strikes. Iraq
Netanyahu gets little from Putin in Sochi meeting The meeting that took place on Thursday between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin produced no change in Moscow’s policy on Iran. Israel
Intel: Why Russia boosts Iran even as Tehran pares nuclear deal commitments Despite their differences on Syria, Russia needs a stronger Iran as its partner. Russia
Putin can’t save Erdogan from Idlib quagmire The Russian president ultimately sees Bashar al-Assad as the solution to Turkey’s border crisis, but is playing a long game. Syria
Is UFC champion Nurmagomedov 'new face' of Russian soft power in Mideast? Khabib Nurmagomedov is the first Russian to hold a UFC champion title, but there's more to it when it comes to the Middle East. Russia
Failure to reign in Idlib jihadists makes trouble for Turkey A year after the Sochi agreement, the situation in Syria’s northwest remains as tense as ever. Syria
US calls on Russia to cease Idlib fight amid terror strikes The Pentagon called for Russia to halt its offensive into Syria’s Idlib province as the United States launched strikes into the contested region aimed at al-Qaeda leaders. Syria
Intel: How Russia and Iran are drawing closer on Gulf, Syria The Russian and Iranian foreign ministers met in Moscow to discuss regional issues and opportunities for cooperation. Russia
Rouhani says he doesn’t want photo-op with Trump — but maybe he should French President Emmanuel Macron, the man in the middle, is appealing to both sides for compromise. Russia
Pentagon may consider Turkey rejoining F-35 if it ditches Russian missile system Defense Secretary Mark Esper said today that the United States would “consider” letting Turkey back into the F-35 program if it got rid of the Russian S-400 system. Turkey
