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
Erdogan embarks on three-country Africa tour Gaining influence in Africa has been a priority for Turkey in recent years, while it also tries to mend relations with rival Egypt. News Brief
Erdogan says US, not Turkey, proposed F-16 sale Turkey's president said the plan to sell dozens of F-16s to Ankara was Washington’s idea. News Brief
Colin Powell, top diplomat who argued for US invasion of Iraq, dies at 84 Powell would later call his now-infamous UN Security Council speech, which sought to build international consensus for the Iraq war in February 2003, a "blot" on his record. News Brief
Turkey agrees to import more gas from Azerbaijan Turkish officials have expressed a desire to increase strategic cooperation with their Caucasian ally in the past year. News Brief
Iran dismisses Azerbaijan’s claims of drug route to Europe Iranian and Azerbaijani leaders also had a recent row over an Iranian military drill near the border. News Brief
Lebanese president warns against return to 'dark page from our history' Six people were killed at a Hezbollah-led protest over the Beirut port explosion investigation, prompting fears of another civil war in Lebanon. News Brief
US to give $67 million to Lebanon’s military as violence erupts in Beirut The Lebanese army deployed in the streets of the capital after at least six people were shot dead during violent protests. Lebanon
Syrian soldier killed by suspected Israeli airstrike The Syrian military made a somewhat rare acknowledgment that one of its soldiers was killed in an alleged Israeli air attack. News Brief
Intel: Israel sees bad faith in Iran’s delay to return to nuclear talks Israeli officials see diminishing prospects for a return to the 2015 nuclear deal, even if Iran sends negotiators back to Vienna. Iran
Palestinian Authority asks AU to revoke Israel's observer status Israel gained observer status in the supranational African organization in July. News Brief
Six killed in shooting at Hezbollah protest over Beirut explosion probe Hezbollah blamed the Christian political party the Lebanese Forces for the attack. News Brief
