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
Water protests spread in Iran Farmers in a second province in Iran protest the water crisis in their region. Iran
Top EU official in Turkey to discuss Belarus migration crisis European Commission Vice President Margaritas Schinas said Turkey shares the goal of stopping smuggling networks. Turkish Airlines has been accused of fueling the migrant crisis at the Belarus-Poland border. News Brief
Bulgaria accuses Turkey of election interference Turkey has rejected accusations that it is helping Bulgarian politicians representing the country’s Turkish minority. News Brief
Thousands of Iranians protest water scarcity in Isfahan The demonstrations in Isfahan follow widespread protests over water shortages in the oil-rich southwestern Khuzestan province in July. Iran
Syrian singer Omar Souleyman released from Turkish custody Souleyman was accused of having links with the the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party, a charge his manager denied. News Brief
UK moves to label Hamas as terror organization Home Secretary Priti Patel described Hamas as "fundamentally and rabidly anti-Semitic" and said there's no difference between its military and political wings. Palestine
Iran denounces US sanctions over election interference Iran said the new sanctions imposed on a group of Iranians for alleged election meddling were a continuation of the Trump administration's "maximum pressure" campaign. Iran
Iraq diversifies arms imports after US withdrawal from Afghanistan The US withdrawal may have spurred Iraq to consider purchases from Turkey and Pakistan, according to report by the Pentagon's Inspector General. News Brief
Sudan protesters vow escalation after 15 shot dead in Khartoum The UN human rights chief slammed the killings of Sudanese protesters and called on the military to reinstate the government following last month's coup. Sudan
US charges two Iranians over campaign to influence 2020 election The US Treasury Department also announced sanctions on the Iranians and an Iran-based company for their role in the alleged influence campaign. Iran
House cleaner for Israel's Gantz charged over Iranian spying attempt Israeli authorities say Omri Goren Gorochovsky reached out to an Iranian-linked hacking group and offered to install malware on the defense minister's computer. Israel
Libya's ex-interior minister registers to run for president Bashagha joins a growing list of candidates that so far includes renegade leader Khalifa Hifter, eastern-based parliament speaker Aguila Saleh and the son of late dictator Moammar Gadhafi. Libya
