Biden designates Qatar as major non-NATO ally of U.S.
U.S. President Joe Biden on Thursday designated Qatar as a major non-NATO ally of the United States, fulfilling the promise that he had made to Qatar earlier this year, the White House said.
Orientul Mijlociu
Russia’s Attack on Ukraine Raises Stakes For Iran Nuclear Talks
While it does not appear that Russia has become interested in undermining the JCPOA as a whole, dragging out the talks could serve Russia’s interests.
Russia’s military attack on Ukraine has had a number of consequences for Iran, the most important of which have impacted the state of the nuclear negotiations and the energy market. With nuclear talks in Vienna in their final and most critical stages, a return to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) would lead to the lifting of the “maximum pressure” sanctions that were first imposed on Iran under the Trump administration.
The Limits of a New Iran Nuclear Deal
Why the Original Agreement’s Flaws Remain Unresolved
After months of discussion, negotiators appear close to an agreement to revive the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. Although some issues—including a series of last-minute Russian demands—remain outstanding, both the United States and Iran appear committed to securing a deal in the coming days or weeks. The agreement, if fully implemented, would bring the United States and Iran into compliance with the original pact, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), rolling back parts of Tehran’s nuclear program in exchange for relief from the most severe U.S. sanctions regime ever imposed.
Erdogan Aide Says Zelenskyy, Israel and Soros ‘Leading Ukrainians to Death’
Just before Israeli President Herzog arrives for Turkey visit, Erdogan’s adviser says in an antisemitic tweet that Ukraine and its people ‘are being used up and thrown away’
A senior adviser to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy of leading his own people to death in the fight against Russia’s invasion, and said the Ukrainian president, who is Jewish, is supported by Israel and billionaire financier George Soros.
Russia recruiting Syrians to fight against Ukraine – US officials
Ukraine continued to call for the West to impose a no-fly zone and provide fighter jets.
Russia is recruiting Syrians to fight against Ukraine, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday citing US officials. The Syrians recruited are reportedly “skilled in urban combat.”
According to American officials, Russia has been recruiting soldiers from Syria since 2015.
Iran, UN Nuclear Watchdog Agree on 3-Month Timetable To Resolve Issues
Iran and the United Nations nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, have agreed on a three-month timetable to resolve issues that are stalling agreement on a new nuclear deal between the Islamic Republic and the world powers.
Turkey’s Erdogan Speaks With Putin, Urges Cease-Fire With Ukraine
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke Sunday by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin. During the call, Erdogan reportedly called for Russia to move toward a cease-fire in Ukraine, to open humanitarian corridors for the Ukrainians and to sign a peace agreement.
Russia and Iran Militias Clash in Qamishli
On Thursday, the city of Qamishli, north of Hassakeh, witnessed an intense security alert of the Russia-backed National Defense Forces militia and pro-Iran militias affiliated with the IRGC. This came after armed clashes took place between the two sides.
U.S., Russia Allies Witness Friction in Northeast Syria
Syrian government forces used automatic weapons to attack a military checkpoint in the village of Kozliya in the northern countryside of al-Hassakeh governorate. The outpost was run by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which is backed by the Washington-led International Coalition.
The attack resulted in the death of a government officer and soldier and two SDF fighters.
Elite Syrian Rebel Fighter ‘Abu Tow’ Offers to Help Ukraine Destroy Russian Tanks
A legendary Syrian rebel fighter has offered his expertise to the Ukrainian army in helping them roll back a Russian invasion. Suhail al-Hamood – nicknamed Abu Tow after the anti-tank missile – is said to have destroyed more than 100 Russian-made tanks in Syria during the Free Syrian Army’s battles against Assad regime forces.