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
Iraqi Kurdistan brings home migrants trapped at Belarus-Poland border The Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq said its constituents were lured into emigrating by criminal smugglers. Iraq
Socialist group criticizes US congressman for Israel trip Democratic Rep. Jamaal Bowman of New York is a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause, but Democratic Socialists of America, which supports a boycott of Israel, is not happy about his recent travel to Israel and the West Bank. News Brief
UN urges Yemen's Houthis to release detained staff The United States has also called on the Houthis to release Yemeni employees of the US government. Yemen
Suspected Israeli airstrikes hit Syria for third time this month The missiles allegedly targeted an empty building near the capital, Damascus, according to Syrian state media. News Brief
Oil pipeline reportedly explodes in Iran's Khuzestan region Tasnim news agency reported the blast "caused small tremors" but no casualties. Iran
Sudan minister says coup reversal 'unrealistic' Sudan's finance minister has warned time is running out for deposed Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok to join the post-coup leadership. Sudan
Iran increases enriched uranium, prevents inspector access, says IAEA Confidential International Atomic Energy Agency reports have revealed Iran is still restricting inspectors' access to Karaj, where The Wall Street Journal reports the production of advanced centrifuges has resumed. Iran
Famed Syrian singer Omar Souleyman arrested in Turkey Omar Souleyman is accused by Turkey of being a member of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party, aka PKK. News Brief
Intel: Pentagon chief briefed on 2019 Syria airstrike US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered the briefing after reading an investigation into the strike by The New York Times. Syria
Palestinian media: man killed by Israeli forces as tensions continue A top Israeli security official reportedly spoke to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas about security coordination recently. News Brief
Syria explores vaccine cooperation with Cuba Cuba has worked with Syria’s ally Iran on developing vaccines against COVID-19. News Brief
Israeli court delays key testimony in Netanyahu corruption trial Nir Hefetz, a former aide to Benjamin Netanyahu and his family, is the prosecution's star witness in Case 4000. Israel
