Raisi: Iran 'never has hope' in Vienna talks Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has struck a pessimistic tone commenting on the nuclear talks between Iran and world powers. Iran
Iraq receives 145% more foreign visitors in 2021 Iraq waived the visa requirements for citizens of many economically powerful countries last year in a bid to attract tourists and businesspeople. News Brief
Saudi Arabia building support for Expo 2030 bid The kingdom wants to host the international cultural forum, which is currently being held in Dubai. News Brief
Saudi IT industry to work with German software firm SAP on cloud technology The memorandum of understanding is the latest to come out of the LEAP technology forum in Riyadh, and reflects the kingdom’s diversification efforts. News Brief
Gaza blockade responsible for $16B in economic damage, UN agency says UN trade and development agency says Gaza economy "near collapse." Palestine
US confirms Greece is seeking to buy F-35s amid tensions with Turkey The US acknowledgment follows a report earlier this month that Athens formally requested to buy as many as 24 of the advanced fighter aircraft. Turkey
Kushner to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar to try to mend Gulf rift Jared Kushner's planned trip to the Gulf comes after the assassination of an Iranian nuclear scientist and a high-profile visit between Israel and Saudi Arabia's leaders. Originals
Intel: Rights groups urge US to nix arms sales to UAE The organizations warned the major weapons sale could contribute to further instability and violent conflict in the Middle East. United Arab Emirates
Israel-Lebanon sea border talks postponed Israel and Lebanon have paused direct discussions over their maritime dispute in a gas-rich part of the Mediterranean in October under US supervision. Israel
Israel's Netanyahu plans official visit to Egypt The reported visit follows a string of normalization deals with Arab countries. Egypt
Iran to execute Iran-Swedish scientist Amnesty International said the charges against Ahmadreza Djalali are unfounded and Sweden spoke to Iran about his case. Originals
US sanctions Libyan militia, leader loyal to Hifter The US Treasury Department blacklisted the Kaniyat militia and Mohamed al-Kani over alleged human rights abuses. Libya
Australian-British academic reportedly released from Iranian prison Kylie Moore-Gilbert was arrested in 2018 and charged with espionage, which she denied throughout her harsh confinement in Iran's notorious Evin and Qarchak prisons. Iran
Israel again strikes targets in southern Syria Syria's state news media reported material damage from an Israeli strike on Syrian air defenses and Iranian militias in the country yesterday. Israel
Yemen’s Houthis grant UN inspectors access to aging oil tanker Experts say the FSO Safer, a dilapidated vessel that contains more than a million barrels of light crude oil, is at risk of rupturing and spilling more oil than the Exxon Valdez. Yemen
The Netherlands to send new troops to Iraq as coalition shifts to advisory role The Dutch now take the helm of a training mission that focuses on "expert specialized capabilities." Iraq
