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
Sudan coup leader says he will leave government after transition Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan shows no sign, so far, of reversing course. Sudan
Yet another Kuwaiti government resigns For the second time this year, a Kuwait government has submitted its resignation to the emir. News Brief
Top UN officials urge Sudan coup leaders to reverse course New arrests have been reported as the United Nations holds an emergency session on the coup in Khartoum. Sudan
Israel floats trial for new balloon-based drone, missile-detecting radar The early-detection balloon and radar are the latest in Israel's rapidly growing arsenal of missile defense systems. Israel
Paris climate accords to take effect in Turkey next week Turkey was relatively late to implement the global climate agreement, but President Erdogan felt compelled to do so following severe wildfires and floods this year. News Brief
Pakistan to remove Iran from virus-related travel restrictions list COVID-19 cases have been falling for weeks in Iran, where military leaders have signaled a desire to improve relations with Pakistan. News Brief
Lebanon’s president, prime minister agree on plan to solve crisis with Gulf Saudi Arabia and its allies are angry with a Lebanese minister over comments he made on the war in Yemen, but the row may actually be about the influence of Iran’s ally Hezbollah in Lebanon. Lebanon
Algeria accuses Morocco of fatal attack on three truck drivers The Algerian presidency said the killing of the three Algerian truck drivers in a roadside bombing on Monday "will not go unpunished." Morocco
Intel: Saudi Arabia, UAE publicly reject Sudan’s coup Washington is trying to bring its Middle Eastern allies into line with international efforts to revive the transition to democracy in Khartoum. Sudan
Suspected Israeli missiles hit near Syrian capital The Syrian military said a “number” of Israeli missiles hit unspecified “posts” in the Damascus countryside. News Brief
Iran wants guarantee that US won't quit nuclear deal again The secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said that President Joe Biden must be prepared to give assurances that future administrations won't abandon a revived nuclear deal. Iran
Houthis advance in Yemen’s embattled Marib The Iran-backed Houthi forces have claimed responsibility for a deadly missile attack in Marib province earlier this week. Gulf
