Khamenei aide: Iran to lead ‘resistance axis,’ thwart U.S. influence
Iran and its Mideast allies must form a “resistance axis” to turn back American influence in the region, a top adviser to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said. Ali Akbar Velayati (more…)
OPEC-Saudi ties are tense as equity slumps, crude prices decline
OPEC members are “fed up” with Saudi Arabia’s “policy of overproducing,” according a source close to OPEC who said the organization is increasingly pressuring Riyadh to call an emergency (more…)
NATO cuts Baltic intercepts despite increased Russian ‘missions’
NATO announced it will cut the number of planes patrolling around the Balitc Sea by half beginning in September even as Russian aircraft continue provocations in the area, reports (more…)
Russia expands diplomatic, commercial footprint in the Middle East
By Jack Caravelli Russia is using a broad repertoire of economic, diplomatic and military tools to expand its influence in the Middle East, taking advantage of the Obama administration’s (more…)
Report: China set to provide Iran fighter jets in $1 billion deal
Iran is already beginning to reap the rewards of its recent nuclear deal with world powers. Geostrategy Direct reported last week that China is set to sell the Islamic (more…)
NATO cuts Baltic intercepts despite increased Russian ‘missions’
NATO announced it will cut the number of planes patrolling around the Balitc Sea by half beginning in September even as Russian aircraft continue provocations in the area, reports (more…)
‘Dark money’ on rise in Russia, average bribe reportedly doubles
By Jack Caravelli Citing an estimate by the Russian Interior Ministry, the nation’s federal law enforcement arm, the pro-government newspaper Izvestiya claims the average bribe this year in Russia (more…)
Former Israeli official: Former Mideast allies fear U.S. pivot to Iran
The recently completed nuclear deal marks a U.S. pivot to Iran and away from its traditional Middle East allies, former Israel Defense Forces attache to Washington Amos Yadlin said. (more…)
Mixed messages from Russia, France on Mistral carriers deal
France has denied Russia’s claim that a compensation package for the non-delivery of two French Mistral warships has been reached. SUBSCRIBE l LOGIN (more…)