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
Blinken says US will move forward with F-35 sale to UAE Blinken's comments came after the Emirati government said it was suspending discussions on the sale. News Brief
Lebanese justice minister meets families of port explosion detainees Several Beirut port officials were arrested in relation to the deadly explosion in 2020, and their families want them released. News Brief
European court orders Turkey to pay damages to journalist jailed over coup The European Court of Human Rights ruled that Turkey should pay $18,000 to political commentator and former lawmaker Nazli Ilicak for violating her rights. News Brief
Washington Post says Israeli air raids targeted Syrian chemical sites The newspaper reports that June 8 airstrikes in Damascus and Homs targeted military sites linked to Syria's former chemical weapons program. News Brief
Turkish foreign minister announces plan for closer ties with Armenia Turkey and Armenia have announced they will both appoint special envoys to discuss normalizing their historically hostile ties. News Brief
UN envoy seeks new path forward on Syria in Damascus visit Envoy Geir Pedersen said there is "another possibility to start to explore possible avenues" to resolve Syria's conflict politically. News Brief
Gulf states back Egypt in Nile river dam dispute with Ethiopia The Gulf Cooperation Council also launched a political consultation mechanism with Egypt, according to Egyptian media. News Brief
Three killed at Hamas funeral in Lebanon The funeral was held for a victim who died in an explosion last week at a Hamas building in a Palestinian refugee camp. News Brief
Islamic State attacks government, Russian forces in Syrian desert Russia also carried out airstrikes in the eastern Deir ez-Zor province, where the Islamic State has been particularly active recently. News Brief
Turkey arrests dozens of foreign Islamic State suspects Ankara has made sweeping arrests of suspected Islamic State militants. News Brief
UAE is Australia’s top trading partner in the Middle East An Australian trade official praised the two nations' relations while attending Dubai Expo 2020. News Brief
Beirut port explosion probe resumes work The investigation into the deadly blast was suspended in October after a Hezbollah-linked politician filed a lawsuit. News Brief
