Analysis Unclear chains of command in Iran complicate Russia’s diplomatic play Multiple power centers in Tehran and the rising influence of the IRGC could complicate Moscow’s ties with Iran and its hopes of playing a mediating role in the conflict. By Anton Mardasov
Russia denied sharing intelligence with Iran in Trump call, Witkoff says Russia denied US reports that it may have provided Tehran with targeting information on American assets in the region. Iran
Putin becomes first to congratulate Mojtaba Khamenei: What to know Oman, Iraq, Azerbaijan and Armenia have all congratulated the Khamenei's son. Iran
Russia doubles down on Iran nuclear cooperation as US talks inch forward Moscow’s energy minister said Russia is currently building equipment for new units at Iran’s Bushehr nuclear plant. Iran
France’s 'diplomatic signaling' on Syria A recent Paris meeting on chemical weapons signaled a French attempt to regain a diplomatic foothold in Syria, but also acknowledged Russia as the main arbiter of the Syrian crisis. Syria
Turkish voices increasingly calling for dialogue with Assad Developments in Syria could force Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to swallow his antipathy to President Bashar al-Assad and establish some level of contact with him, as a growing number of Turks believe. Syria
Will Europe be there when Israel needs it? If the Israeli government expects the international community to heed the “serious threat” posed by Iranian activity in the region, it must be prepared to discuss the serious threat posed by Israeli activity in the Palestinian territories it occupies. Palestine
Russia's retaliation for downed jet has just begun Many questions are being raised about the Russian jet shot down Saturday over Idlib, Syria, and Russia is investigating to find out who actually did the shooting and who supplied the weapons. Syria
Sochi conference casualty of Turkey’s military offensive in Syria Syrian opposition meeting reveals extent — and limits — of Russian-Turkish collaboration. Syria
Sochi summit exposes limitations of Moscow's Syria policy The Sochi meeting was crippled from the very beginning because of Turkey's military offensive in Afrin and the alienation of the Kurds. Syria
Israel presses Russia to help contain 'Iranian threat' Israel is looking to Russia to help dial back Iran's ambitions to expand its presence and influence. Israel
US warns of renewed Syria gas attacks The White House has warned it could take action against Damascus if reported gas attacks continue. Syria
Ankara-Moscow dealings still tangled as Idlib smoke clears Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian leader Vladimir Putin have reportedly agreed to accelerate Turkey's deployment into Idlib a day after its convoy was struck by a car bomb. Syria
Is Israel prepping its public for third Lebanon war? Israel is multiplying its diplomatic efforts against Hezbollah’s missile project, while examining possibilities of preventive strikes. Israel
What role will Moscow assume in Yemen's civil war? Russia is expanding its reputation as a mediator in various conflicts and could wield its influence in Yemen to bring both sides to the negotiating table. United Arab Emirates
Russia's role in Afrin depends on Turkey's true intentions As Turkish forces continue their offensive on Kurdish-controlled Afrin, Russia's playbook there seems to call for a level field and level heads. Syria
![A picture taken on February 3, 2018, shows smoke billowing from the site of a downed Sukhoi-25 fighter jet in Syria's northwest province of Idlib.
Rebel fighters shot down a Russian plane over Syria's northwest Idlib province and captured its pilot, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.
/ AFP PHOTO / OMAR HAJ KADOUR / The erroneous mention[s] appearing in the metadata of this photo by OMAR HAJ KADOUR has been modified in AFP systems in the following manner: [in Syria's northwest province of Idlib.](/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/almpics/2018/02/GettyImages-913730440.jpg/GettyImages-913730440.jpg?h=a5ae579a&itok=ehUK8ZcX)
