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
Iraq-Jordan trade deal opens new doors for regional trade A breakthrough trade agreement may signal new trend toward integration; Erdogan plays Syria card in Turkish elections; HTS undermines Turkish-backed groups in Idlib. Iraq
Russia eyes Oman as mediator for regional crises Moscow praises Muscat's stance on regional issues, and seeks to boost its mediation profile. Legacy: Gulf
Turkey may help Moscow with Afghan negotiations Russia is increasing its mediation efforts in Afghanistan as the United States plans its exit. Turkey
Erdogan denied Syrian opportunity to shore up electoral fortunes The outcome of the Sochi summit suggests that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s prospects of launching a new operation in Syria ahead of the March 31 local elections to win back voters disgruntled over economic woes have greatly diminished. Syria
New START withdrawal would ease path for bomber sale to Israel Debate over whether to renew the 2009 nuclear treaty with Russia could have implications for US defense ties with Israel. Israel
Turkey fails to win green light for safe zone at Syria summit Iran and Russia’s leaders tell President Recep Tayyip Erdogan he must acquire consent from Damascus to launch an offensive in northeast Syria against Kurdish forces. Syria
Russia, Turkey, Iran discuss Syria amid simmering disagreements Putin, Erodgan and Rouhani meet to discuss Syria's future for the first time since Trump announced the United States would withdraw troops from Syria. Syria
Ahead of elections, Israel fears foreign cyber meddling Israeli experts warn against foreign manipulation on social networks ahead of the elections, but also against lack of regulation in the war against cyber-attacks. Israel
Ankara, Moscow demand 'decisive measures' in Syria ahead of Sochi summit Turkey's defense minister hosted his Russian counterpart for a preparatory meeting for next week's summit on Syria in a show of the deepening friendship and security ties between the Black Sea powers. Syria
Russia is 'clear eyed' about its Mideast policy Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin discusses the results of his latest tour around the Middle East and Russia’s vision for key regional issues, including Israeli-Iranian frictions, Idlib and the buffer zone in Syria. Iraq
Israel factor complicates but won’t break Iran-Russia partnership in Syria There is speculation in the Persian-language media that Russia and Israel are collaborating against Iran and that Tehran is reconsidering its partnership with Moscow in Syria. Israel
