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
How Russia-Israel engagement is benefiting Iran Russia’s engagement with Israel and the United States on Syria does not pose a direct threat against Iran, and it could even turn out to be beneficial for Tehran in several aspects. Syria
Moscow’s take on US-Turkey Manbij deal: Wait and see Russia is reserving judgment but also keeping a close eye on an agreement between Turkey and the United States regarding the Kurdish People’s Protection Units in Manbij, Syria. Syria
Iran could become collateral damage of OPEC decision If OPEC decides this month to increase oil output, it will probably be the result of a simple economic decision and not any desire by Riyadh and Moscow to cater to the United States. Saudi Arabia
Russia finds navigating new development tricky in Syria Syria is slowly being seen less as a military liability and more as an investment opportunity, though there are still many potential challenges. Syria
Iran undeterred by possible Russia-Israel deal on Syria Iranian analysts believe any possible deal for Iran to pull back from Syria is designed to prevent the end of the country’s civil war. Palestine
UAE, Russia leaders affirm common ground in Moscow meeting The crown prince of the United Arab Emirates visited Russia last week for the seventh time in five years, meeting with President Vladimir Putin to discuss many areas in which they agreed to collaborate. United Arab Emirates
Trump missing piece in Putin’s Syria plan The Russian president needs the United States to stabilize Syria, but expects sanctions relief in return. Israel
Moscow updates playbook on making Israel, Iran happy Russia faces the conundrum of figuratively finding common ground between Iran and Israel in Syria while literally keeping distance between them. Israel
Russia eyes deeper economic engagement in Libya Moscow hopes to play a growing role in Libya’s economy, health-care system and educational programs. Libya
Netanyahu’s dilemma on Hamas Several signals indicate that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is willing to compromise on the Gaza Strip and reach an agreement with Hamas in order to avoid another escalation. Palestine
Jordan keeps close tabs on southern Syria amid heightened tensions With reports that Iranian militias have withdrawn from southern Syria and the army is preparing to launch a military assault against rebels there, Jordan fears the cease-fire agreement could be jeopardized. Israel
Putin, Macron explore what they have to offer each other on Iran, Syria The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum set the stage for French President Emmanuel Macron to pursue a broad agenda and perhaps bring his country and Russia closer regarding Syria and Iran. Syria
