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
Syrian government completes reconciliation deals in Daraa area Syrian government and rebel forces reached a Russian-brokered cease-fire agreement in Daraa in the south earlier this year, following intense fighting. News Brief
US freezes aid to Sudan in response to military takeover The Biden administration urged Sudan’s military to reinstate the civilian-led government, threatening an end to much-needed assistance. Sudan
Germany sentences Islamic State woman to jail over Yazidi child's death The Munich court found Jennifer Wenisch, a German national, guilty of “two crimes against humanity in the form of enslavement." Iraq
Turkey, Qatar express 'concern' over coup in Sudan The Sudanese military has arrested civilians in the transitional government and seized power. News Brief
France calls on Iran to curb nuclear activity as talks remain stalled European diplomats have stepped up efforts to bring back talks between the United States and Iran on the nuclear deal. News Brief
Reports: Iraqi fish dying from highly contagious disease Koi Herpesvirus is deadly for carp, which are a staple of Iraqi cuisine. News Brief
Friday prayers resume in Tehran amid fears of new virus surge Services were held some 20 months after coronavirus concerns forced Iranian Health Ministry officials to bar Muslim worshippers from attending Friday prayers. Iran
Turkey calls designation from global finance watchdog ‘unwarranted’ The Paris-based Financial Action Task Force added Turkey to its “grey list,” which indicates concerns about money laundering and terrorist financing. News Brief
Palestinian Islamic Jihad announces end to hunger strike Israeli officials are disputing the militant group's claim that prison authorities have met the Palestinians' demands. Israel
Kuwait to ease virus restrictions The Gulf state places strict restrictions on unvaccinated people despite low case counts and a low vaccination rate. News Brief
24 put to death in Syria over wildfires Syria experienced deadly forest fires this year and last alongside other Middle Eastern, North African and Southern European countries along the Mediterranean Sea. News Brief
15 spies for Israel's Mossad arrested, reports Turkish press Turkey's Sabah newspaper reported that a 15-member spy network was arrested on Oct. 15 in an operation carried out across four Turkish provinces. Turkey
