Analysis Turkey rebuffs air-defense criticism after drone shot down near Ankara The incident near the capital has sparked debate over response and raised questions over Turkey’s defense capabilities. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Iran appoints new air defense, air force chiefs in post-war shakeup The promotion of Brig. Gen. Alireza Elhami and Brig. Gen. Bahman Behmard follows Iran's efforts to rebuild its air defenses following the war with Israel in June. Iran
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
Analysis Russian leak signals Su-35s for Iran moving to production: What to know By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Can US convince Turkey to undo 'done deal' with Russia? Although there are some signs of warming between the United States and Turkey over the situation in northeast Syria, many in Ankara feel it is too little, too late. Turkey
Syrian Kurds fear US sellout to Turkey on ‘safe zone’ Zarif meets Assad and Erdogan; is Erdogan banking on Trump to avoid S-400 sanctions? Syria
Why Turkey’s reliance on Trump for S-400 sanctions waiver appears misguided Turkey is counting on President Donald Trump to waive US sanctions if Turkey takes delivery of the Russian air defense system. But any possible leniency would face significant obstacles in Congress. Turkey
Iran moves to facilitate Turkey-Syria understanding ahead of Astana summit The Iranian foreign minister’s recent trips to Damascus and Ankara suggest that Tehran is stepping up its efforts to facilitate and accelerate the political process to end the Syrian crisis. Syria
Russia and Arabs agree on US, spar over Iran The Moscow-hosted fifth ministerial meeting between Russia and the Arab League exposed some disagreements but helped bring Russia and the Arabs closer on other issues. Legacy: Gulf
As Turkey drifts away from the US, will Russia give it what it wants? Both Turkish and Russian analysts believe Putin has been successful in using President Erdogan to drive a wedge between NATO members. Turkey
How Ankara’s anti-West attitude plays into Western hands The Erdogan government is more determined than ever to purchase the S-400 missile systems from Russia, further eroding Turkey's standing as a Western ally. Turkey
Russia sees silver lining in Trump’s IRGC terror designation Moscow expects little immediate fallout from the US designation for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, but is worried about its long-term consequences even as it benefits from some angles. Russia
Turks look to Trump for way around ‘S-400 or F-35’ ultimatum With Congress threatening sanctions if Turkey acquires the Russian S-400 and the Pentagon warning that Turkey could lock itself out of the F-35 fighter jet program, the Turkish president’s son-in-law took his case directly to President Donald Trump. Turkey
What does timing of Lavrov’s visit to Cairo mean? Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and other officials during his visit to Cairo, focusing on political, economic and security ties between the two countries. Egypt
Can Russia, Iran, China agree on division of roles in Syria reconstruction? Moscow, Tehran and Beijing are all vying for a piece of the Syrian reconstruction business, but will they be able to divide their interests civilly, or are they doomed to rivalry? Syria
Turkey exerts its own leverage in F-35 jet standoff with US The latest meeting between Russian and Turkish leaders in Moscow indicates Ankara is poised to escalate tensions by rebuffing US threats over F-35 jets. Turkey
