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
Libyan strongman Hifter announces presidential run Libya's former eastern-based commander Khalifa Hifter declared his candidacy for the Dec. 24 elections, saying he'll seek to "lead our people in a fateful stage." Libya
Turkish foreign minister meets Iranian president in Tehran Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said there is “no ceiling for elevation of ties with Turkey.” News Brief
Saudi Arabia grants citizenship to prominent doctors, scholars The official Saudi Press Agency said the kingdom will grant citizenship to “experts and exceptional global talents." Saudi Arabia
Kuwait's aging ruler hands some duties to crown prince No reason was given for 84-year-old Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah temporarily relinquishing his duties. Kuwait
Iraq to repatriate citizens stranded at Belarus border The Iraqi announcement came as the European Union said it would step up sanctions on the Belarusian government and some airlines. Iraq
Qatar to begin distributing money to Gazan families again Qatar and Israel reached an agreement in August to resume the payments to the Palestinian enclave, which ended after the latest war in May. News Brief
Israeli defense minister to visit Morocco in first since normalization Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz is expected to sign security cooperation agreements with his Moroccan counterpart, Abdellatif Loudiyi. Morocco
Iraqi airstrikes hit terror targets The Islamic State maintains a presence in the Salah ad-Din area of northern Iraq. News Brief
Israel’s army redraws wartime supply routes to avoid Arab villages Military officials are considering the possibility of local Arab uprisings in Israeli towns as they modify wartime plans. Israel
US Rep. Ilhan Omar moves to block $650 million Saudi arms sale If passed by the Senate, the joint resolution would block the sale of 280 air-to-air missiles to Riyadh. Saudi Arabia
World powers warn Libya election obstructors could face sanctions World leaders gathered in Paris on Friday for a high-level conference aimed at ensuring Libya's elections go ahead as planned. Libya
Families of Lebanese arrested for Beirut blast demand their release Several customs and port officials have been arrested and held in prison in relation to the deadly explosion, but nobody has been convicted. News Brief
