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
Erdogan says Turkey will move to improve ties with Egypt, Israel Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hinted Ankara will reinstate its ambassadors in Egypt and Israel. Turkey
Turkish police detain opposition figure Metin Gurcan, a founding member of Turkey's Democracy and Progress Party (DEVA), has been detained by the Turkish police, joining a number of political opponents and critics who have been accused of “political espionage” in recent years. Turkey
Qatar releases two Norwegian journalists after detention Qatari security forces detained two journalists working for Norway's state broadcaster whom Doha accused of trespassing on private property. Qatar
House leaders demand Biden push to free US embassy staff in Yemen The Houthi rebels detained several Yemenis working for the US government earlier this month. News Brief
Jordan to support US Navy unmanned drone task force in Red Sea The Royal Jordanian Naval Base at Aqaba will host the US 5th Fleet's Task Force 59 to test unmanned surface craft in the coming weeks. Jordan
UN nuclear agency chief leaves Iran with no agreement IAEA chief is concerned time could be running out regarding inspections of Iran’s nuclear facilities. Iran
Turkey praises Venezuela for 'peaceful' elections The United States, on the other hand, called the elections in the South American country “flawed.” News Brief
Iran's deputy foreign minister pledges 'new chapter' in Iran-UAE relations Iran's deputy foreign minister, Ali Bagheri Kani, met with senior Emirati officials in Dubai on Wednesday. Iran
Latest alleged Israeli airstrikes in Syria leave civilian, military casualties Israel has fired missiles into Syria four times in November alone, according to the Syrian military. News Brief
Yemen death toll to reach 377,000 by year's end, UN says A new report from the the UN Development Programme estimates 1.3 million people will die if the war in Yemen continues through 2030. Yemen
Children in Lebanon go hungry as economic crisis worsens More than half of families polled by the UN reported their children skipping meals, according to a recent survey. News Brief
Student protests continue in Iraq’s Kurdistan region The students are demanding a return of stipends paid to them by the government that were cut during the Islamic State crisis, according to Kurdish media. News Brief
