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
Northeast Syria thanks Catalan Parliament for recognition There has long been a degree of solidarity between supporters of Kurdish autonomy and Catalan nationalists. News Brief
Houthi authorities report deaths near Saudi border The Saudi-led coalition also said it struck military targets in the capital Sanaa related to drone attacks on the kingdom. Gulf
Erdogan slams Western envoys who urged philanthropist's release Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned a joint statement issued by the United States and nine other countries that called on Ankara to end its four-year detention of Osman Kavala. Turkey
Ex-German soldiers allegedly try to start mercenary force in Yemen The masterminds behind the operation are accused of seeking funding from Saudi Arabia, according to German media. News Brief
Greek foreign minister visits Oman Nikos Dendias will also head to Libya this week and recently participated in a summit with allies Cyprus and Egypt. News Brief
Israel announces 3,000 new Gaza work permits The additional work permits for Gazans follows several Israeli measures aimed at easing border restrictions. Israel
Biden aide, Saudi crown prince discussed Israel normalization: report Axios reports that White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan discussed Saudi Arabia's potential diplomatic ties with Israel during his meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. News Brief
Refugees returning to Syria face reprisals from government The rights organization documented arrest, arbitrary detention, torture and other forms of abuse among Syrian refugees who returned to their home country from Lebanon and Jordan. Syria
Military bus explodes in Damascus, leaving 14 dead Syrian government soldiers were also killed in an explosion in central Syria. News Brief
Members of Congress criticize normalization with Syria's Assad Both Democrats and Republicans on Capitol Hill have spoken out against countries establishing ties with Syria as Jordan, Egypt and the UAE have increased diplomatic contacts with Damascus. News Brief
Egypt-Greece-Cyprus summit prioritizes energy cooperation Egypt is also working to repair its relations with Greece and Cyprus’ rival, Turkey. Egypt
Iran to host Afghanistan’s neighbors for Oct. 27 talks The Iranian Foreign Ministry said on Monday that the foreign ministers from Russia, China, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan will meet in Iran for talks on Afghanistan next week. Iran
