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 forces arrest Syrians accused of trying to sneak across border An Iraqi military body said a group of Syrian citizens were caught attempting to illegally cross into western Iraq. News Brief
US, Egypt conclude first 'strategic dialogue' under Biden In a joint statement, the two countries pledged to continue their dialogue on the US-Egypt strategic partnership, regional cooperation and human rights. Egypt
Iran's IRGC praises forces in Gulf of Oman incident Iran claims its naval forces thwarted a US attempt to confiscate oil from an Iranian tanker, yet Washington denies the incident even occurred. Iran
UAE foreign minister meets Assad in Syria Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s stressed support for stability and the need to end the war during the visit, which the US State Department said it does not support. News Brief
Arab-Israeli legislator meets king of Jordan Having previously alerted Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Ra’am party chair Mansour Abbas met today in the royal palace in Amman with Jordanian King Abdullah II. Israel
Erdogan asks Turkish Parliament to renew deployment to Azerbaijan Turkey sent peacekeeping forces to Azerbaijan last year following the victory in the Nagorno-Karabakh war with Armenia. News Brief
Two soldiers in Syria injured by suspected Israeli airstrikes Israel has fired missiles in Syrian territory a few times in recent weeks, according to Syrian media. News Brief
Russia, Turkey condemn assassination attempt on Iraqi prime minister Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi survived a drone attack on his Baghdad residence. Iraq
New Abu Dhabi law allows civil marriage for non-Muslims The decree from Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahayan also establishes a court to handle non-Muslim family matters. United Arab Emirates
Palestinian rights defenders hacked with NSO's Pegasus, report finds The investigation found one of the hacked devices belonged to an American citizen. Israel
Arab League says talks in Lebanon 'starting point' amid Gulf rift Hossam Zaki, the Arab League’s deputy chief, also offered to travel to Saudi Arabia to help mediate the diplomatic row. Lebanon
Saudi Arabia, UAE hold weekslong military exercise The joint defense exercises are expected to last three weeks. Gulf
