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
Turkey signals new rules of engagement to Syrian Kurds, Damascus Turkish strikes on Syrian government troops and overt Kurdish attacks on targets inside Turkey signal that both sides are changing the rules of the game as Ankara eyes normalization with Damascus. Turkey
Turkey grapples with policy change on Syria Ankara's complex ties with Moscow, the political cost of Syrian refugees and looming elections are all dictating dialogue with Damascus on Ankara, but it has yet to come up with a plan to proceed. Turkey
How Moscow's campaign against Israel's Jewish Agency could backfire Moscow’s recent campaign against a Jewish nonprofit closely affiliated with the Israeli government is likely part of a broader strategy to gain concessions from Israel in ongoing bilateral disputes — yet the plan could backfire. Israel
Turkey makes peace bid with Chechen leader As Ankara finesses relations with Moscow, top Turkish officials have quietly met with Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov after years of chill marked by a string of murders of Chechen exiles in Turkey. Turkey
Russia offers Erdogan economic lifeline Gas payments in rubles will help Turkey reduce its foreign-currency demand. Turkey
At summit, Erdogan, Putin still divided on Syria Ankara agreed that part of its natural gas payments to Moscow would be switched to rubles. Turkey
Russia eyes Port Sudan as key naval hub Russia-Sudan ties have deepened since the October 2021 military takeover in Sudan and the Russia-Ukraine war. North Africa
Erdogan hopes Putin summit will greenlight Turkey's new Syria operation Ankara’s central role in facilitating the Russia-Ukraine grain deal could strengthen its hand in securing Moscow’s acceptance of a Turkish military incursion. Turkey
Turkey, Russia gas ties grow contentious amid Ukraine war Russian gas giant Gazprom’s sudden “maintenance" shutdown of a major pipeline carrying gas to Turkey coincided with the talks over Finland's and Sweden’s NATO membership bids. Turkey
Ukraine, Russia grain talks in Turkey stir optimism as UN voices caution Turkey’s defense chief has announced Russia and Ukraine are set to sign an understanding over a series of “fundamental technical” issues that the warring parties agreed on during today’s talk in Istanbul. Turkey
Erdogan, Putin set to meet in Tehran The Turkish, Iranian and Russian leaders are set to meet in Tehran next week amid lingering Turkish threats against Syrian Kurdish groups. Putin and Erdogan will separately discuss the Ukrainian grain crisis. Turkey
US: Iran aims to send drones to Russia for use in Ukraine White House releases intel linking Iran to Russia's war on Ukraine just days before President Joe Biden is set to meet Israeli, Arab leaders. Iran
