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
UAE says French fighter jets no substitute for US F-35 The head of the UAE's air force sought to clarify comments by France's President Emmanuel Macron last week. United Arab Emirates
Egypt to text people to receive booster shot Iraq and Israel have also begun administering booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. News Brief
Saudi Arabia's MBS embarks on tour of Gulf states Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will visit Qatar for the first time since Saudi Arabia ended a yearslong blockade on its Gulf neighbor. Saudi Arabia
Erdogan vows response to Cyprus mosque arson attempt The Turkish president said an attempt to burn down the mosque on the disputed island “will not go unanswered,” while the Cypriot press said the incident was not related to religious or ethnic strife. News Brief
Syrian Olympic Committee takes China's side against US China is facing increased scrutiny in the sports world ahead of the Winter Olympics it is hosting next year, including calls to boycott the games and concern about female tennis star Peng Shuai. News Brief
Turkish police arrest alleged members of far-left organization Lawyers have accused Turkish authorities of unjustly detaining people for alleged Revolutionary Peoples’ Liberation Party-Front (DHKP-C) links. News Brief
Lebanon's information minister resigns amid Gulf row George Kordahi's resignation comes a day before French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia. Lebanon
Islamic State carries out another attack on Iraqi Kurdish forces The Islamic State has attacked the security forces in Iraqi Kurdistan in recent days. News Brief
British F1 driver Hamilton not 'comfortable' in Saudi Arabia Lewis Hamilton cited the kingdom's human rights record and 'pretty terrifying' LGBTQ laws before it hosts its first Grand Prix race. Saudi Arabia
Oil workers killed in Islamic State attack in Syria Syrian state media said IS fighters ambushed buses carrying the employees in the eastern Deir ez-Zor province. News Brief
Iran's Quds Force chief warns US as hopes for nuclear accord fade Esmail Ghaani implied that Iran is able to strike at the US in ways it once could not. Iran
UN urges Sudan’s people to support reinstated prime minister Sudan could face even darker days ahead if protesters don't accept the junta's concession, the UN chief said. The Horn of Africa
