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's coup leader says he'll announce next PM 'within a week' Gen. Abdel-Fattah al-Burhan pledged that the next prime minister would be a technocrat and the military would make an appointment in the coming days. Sudan
US unveils sanctions targeting Iran's drone program The Treasury Department issued fresh sanctions on Friday targeting individuals and companies the United States says are supporting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ drone program. Iran
World Bank approves loan to Egypt, praises government for growth during pandemic The loan accompanies various reforms, including actions to increase economic participation of women. News Brief
US sanctions 2 Lebanese businessmen, lawmaker The Treasury Department accused Jihad al-Arab, Dany Khoury and Jamil Sayyed of profiting from "the pervasive corruption and cronyism in Lebanon." News Brief
Iran imports more Sinopharm vaccines from China Iran is finally making progress with its vaccination campaign against COVID-19, though virus cases are still rising. News Brief
Ukraine uses Turkish drone for first time against pro-Russian forces Turkey's ties with Ukraine have complicated relations with Russia. News Brief
Bahrain authorizes China’s Sinopharm vaccine for children Authorities around the world are divided on the necessity of vaccinating children against COVID-19. News Brief
Sudan’s ambassador to US vows to oppose coup in Khartoum The United States is coordinating with Gulf states on messaging in hopes of avoiding bloodshed in Sudan. Sudan
Iran to push for inclusive Afghan government at Tehran conference The Iranian government is concerned for the Shiite Muslim and Persian-speaking communities in Afghanistan under the Taliban. News Brief
Ex-Saudi official says MBS suggested killing former king with 'poison ring' The Saudi government responded by describing Saad al-Jabri as "a discredited former government official with a long history of fabricating.” Saudi Arabia
Lebanon charges 68 in relation to shooting at Hezbollah protest Six people were killed at a protest against the Beirut port explosion investigation. News Brief
Chinese foreign minister in Qatar for talks with the Taliban Qatar has a history of mediation related to Afghanistan. News Brief
