@GalacticTurtle The Middle East is a big place, it depends on the country. I know a few people who have worked/ still work in several Middle Eastern countries with no issue like UAE, Qatar and Bahrain. That being said, I was told a while ago that having an Israeli stamp in your passport will present problems entering most Middle Eastern countries.

I was actually going to Beijing in April 2020 but for obvious reasons didn't go. China concerns me more than some countries in the Middle East for travel.

Went to Russia pre pandemicand war, it was fine - zero issues at all. As soon as this conflict is over, I'm going straight back. Might be a bit more concerning for you with a US passport, for sure.