Turkey’s Erdogan calls for end to US defense sanctions amid reports of S-400 deal Relations between the two NATO allies have worsened in recent years over political rifts regarding the Eastern Mediterranean, Gaza and Syria, as well as over Turkey’s purchase of Russian S-400 defense systems. Turkey
UK halts 30 arms export licenses to Israel, citing Gaza concerns After reviewing all the licenses issued or extended in recent months for arms exports to Israel, the British government decided to suspend 30 of them. By Rina Bassist , Jack Dutton
Analysis Even as Erdogan befriends Putin, Turkey and Ukraine ink major free trade deal The two countries are finalizing the ratification of the free-trade agreement they signed weeks before the Russian invasion started in February 2022. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
EU's top diplomat asks member states to sanction some Israeli ministers Meeting with European Union foreign ministers, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell advances sanctions against some Israeli ministers. Israel
Analysis Is Khamenei opening door for nuclear talks as Iran FM floats revisions? By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Iran turns to tourism to earn hard currency, create jobs From developing infrastructure to expanding marine tourism and easing visa issuances, Iran is increasingly focusing on its underdeveloped tourism sector as US sanctions are reimposed. Iran
Will US sanctions sway Iran to enter oil deal with Russia? Iranians in general do not trust Russia, but their government may be looking into various oil deals with Moscow to work around US sanctions. Russia
Trump slams Saudi Khashoggi plot, US announces visa sanctions US President Donald Trump heaped scorn on ally Saudi Arabia, saying the operation that killed journalist Jamal Khashoggi was “very bad” and the cover-up in weeks afterward was the “worst … ever.” Saudi Arabia
Khashoggi killing undercuts Trump campaign against Iran The US campaign to convince the world to cut off Iran has taken a hit two weeks before oil sanctions are set to kick in. Saudi Arabia
Iran hedges bets on EU, China with focus on trade with neighbors Beyond engaging with Europe and major global trading partners such as China, Iran is looking to its neighbors to blunt the impact of US sanctions. Iran
Opposition to US plans for east Syria unites fragile Astana trio No daylight among Iran, Turkey and Russia in opposing US policies in Syria; Can Iraq mediate between the United States and Iran? Iraq
US scraps treaty with Iran while calling for another treaty The US withdrew from a treaty with Iran after the treaty was used in a UN court to complain about its sanctions. United States
Will EU’s ‘SPV’ be able to sustain Iran trade, investment? While a welcomed step, the SPV mechanism that Iran and the EU are working on is only the starting point of a process that needs to be further consolidated in order to enable trade and investment between the two sides. United States