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
Israeli citizen killed in West Bank outpost shooting The attack occurred near the Palestinian city of Nablus at a settlement that is not approved by the Israeli government. Two students were also injured in the so-far unclaimed attack. News Brief
Hungary seeks Iran’s help stopping Afghan migration to Europe Hungary’s controversial Prime Minister Viktor Orban is a vocal critic of Muslim migration to Europe, and his government believes Iran can help stop the flow of people. News Brief
One-third of Arab world food insecure in 2020, UN says The UN says a spike in undernourishment in the Middle East and North Africa was observed across all income levels, in both conflict-ridden and stable countries. News Brief
Islamic State's spread beyond Syria, Iraq remains concern for US The State Department's annual report on terrorism said Islamic State branches outside of Iraq and Syria caused more fatalities in 2020 than any previous year. News Brief
IAEA head meets UAE foreign minister in Dubai The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency praised the UAE's nuclear energy program. News Brief
Syria, Iraq discuss boosting trade The two countries also discussed cooperation on oil imports earlier this year. News Brief
Soldier killed by suspected Israeli airstrikes in Syria The Syrian military has reported several Israeli missile attacks in recent weeks. News Brief
Democratic lawmakers urge sanctions on Israel's NSO Group The congressional letter also called for sanctions on three other foreign surveillance firms. News Brief
US, Palestinian officials hold first economic dialogue in five years The US-Palestinian Economic Dialogue covered infrastructure development, access to US markets, US regulations, free trade and other financial issues. News Brief
Syrian airline launches flights to Pakistani city An official from Cham Wings Airlines said he hopes the flights to Karachi will help boost trade between Syria and Pakistan. News Brief
Gulf states cooperate on defense, Iran and economic integration at summit The Gulf Cooperation Council held their annual summit in Riyadh this week, indicating a degree of unity among Saudi Arabia, Qatar and other states on regional issues. News Brief
US Navy tests laser weapon in Gulf of Aden The USS Portland fired the prototype laser at a floating training target, the Navy said in a statement. News Brief
