Russia has maintained a delicate balancing act in the Middle East for decades, trying to navigate its warm relations with Israel even as it has developed strong economic and military ties with Iran.

Cyprus has acted as a transfer point for third-country evacuees following the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, attack. In April 2023, Cyprus also assisted in the repatriation of U.K. nationals from Sudan.

When Israel first started bombing Iran, many in Russia saw it as an opportunity, a means of drawing support and attention away from Ukraine.

By Gleb Bryanski MOSCOW (Reuters) -Rising tensions in the Middle East will accelerate natural gas negotiations between Russia and China, with a decision likely this year, the head of a think-tank that advises the Russian government on China told Reuters.

Israel stunned and hobbled Iran last week when it pulled off an intelligence and military operation years in the making that struck high-level targets with precision. In this Israeli city hit by an Iranian missile,

Iran is a strategic partner to Russia, but Moscow isn't rushing to Tehran's aid in the face of Israeli strikes.

Here’s what else you need to know to Get Up to Speed and On with Your Day. The largest manhunt in Minnesota’s history has ended. Vance Boelter, 57, was arrested Sunday for allegedly killing Minnesota State Rep.

The Kremlin responded Monday to remarks by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu on possible Iranian regime change, issuing a condemnation of the "actions" that have led to escalated tensions between the two Middle Eastern nations.