Spotlight on Iran (June 30, 2019 – July 14, 2019)
Iran, Russia and Turkey are preparing for another summit of the three countries’ presidents, set to be held in Ankara in August. In recent weeks, Iran has stepped up efforts to expand its economic influence in Syria and Iraq, signaling its desire to increase its economic clout in the region. Following the completion of formation of the new Iraqi cabinet, the Iranian ambassador to Baghdad met with the incoming Iraqi Minister of Interior, Yassin al-Yasiri, while the Iranian military attaché to Baghdad met with the incoming Minister of Defense. The commentator Hamza Abu Shanab, published an article in which he detailed Iranian assistance to Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
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