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
Iranian and Pakistani military leaders discuss cooperation, Afghanistan The military chiefs of staff of Iran and Pakistan met near Islamabad and pledged to strengthen ties. News Brief
UN warns women, child migrants unsafe in Libya Libya is a major departure point for people seeking to irregularly reach Europe, and the journey can be deadly. News Brief
Azerbaijan, Iran agree to de-escalate through dialogue Following weeks of heightened tensions between the two countries, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian agreed to settle their differences through dialogue. Iran
Jordan’s King Abdullah visits Qatar Jordan and Qatar repaired ties in 2019 amid the then-ongoing Gulf diplomatic crisis. News Brief
Beirut port probe suspended again as judge issues warrant for ex-minister Former Finance Minister Ali Hassan Khalil was sanctioned by the US government last year for corruption. News Brief
Venezuelan foreign minister wants 'deeper' relations with Turkey Turkey and Venezuela have grown close in recent years, despite US opposition to the South American country’s government. News Brief
Turkey requests to buy 40 US F-16 fighter planes Just last week Erdogan boasted about potential new defense deals with Russia, including aircraft purchases. News Brief
Security forces, IDPs cast votes early in Iraq's parliamentary elections Early voting has opened in Iraq’s parliamentary elections. Iraq
Hezbollah leader meets with Iran FM, calls Tehran ‘loyal ally’ The Iranian foreign minister visited Lebanon this week and pledged the Islamic Republic would continue sending fuel to crisis-stricken Lebanon. News Brief
US praises Bahrain for its help with Afghanistan evacuation Many Gulf states have made Afghanistan a focus of their foreign policies following the Taliban takeover of the country. News Brief
Israeli lawmaker praises 'two-state solution act' in Congress The bill calls for the creation of a Palestinian state alongside a home for the Jewish people in Israel, which earned praise from a retired military commander in Israel's Knesset. News Brief
UN vote shuts down Yemen war crimes investigations Twenty-one member states voted against renewing the UN Human Rights Council's mandate to investigate war crimes in Yemen. Yemen
