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 state TV claims boats chased US Navy ship The US' Fifth Fleet said it was unaware of any such incident. Iran
UN seeks to diffuse tensions on Israel-Lebanon border Hezbollah fired rockets into Israel in August, prompting retaliatory strikes by the Israeli military on Lebanon. News Brief
Iran's FM says Saudi Arabia talks have progressed 'good distance' Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian's comments came after Saudi Arabia confirmed the two rivals held their first round of talks with Tehran's new hard-liner government. Saudi Arabia
17 dead bodies found on Libyan beach Libya remains a major departure point for people seeking to irregularly sail to Europe, but the trip can be deadly. News Brief
Saudi Aramco close to retaking Apple as most valuable global company The recent surge in oil prices has lifted Aramco from the low point of its valuation during the COVID-19 pandemic. News Brief
Russian FM, Blinken discuss reviving Iran deal Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed prospects for resuming talks over the landmark nuclear deal, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Wednesday. Iran
Jordan, Syria, Lebanon discuss electricity cooperation A project to provide Lebanon with electricity is the latest sign of Jordan resuming times with Syria. News Brief
Iran concerned by Israel's presence in Caucasus, FM says Iran’s chief diplomat, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, said his country will "not tolerate geopolitical change" in the region. Iran
Kurdish party in Iran claims killing of Iranian intelligence operative The news comes at a time of high tension between Kurdish groups and the Islamic Republic. News Brief
Turkish parliament head to visit Italy Turkey enjoys strong relations with Italy, in contrast with its problematic relations with France and Greece. News Brief
IDF vows to continue striking Iran’s nuclear program IDF chief of staff responds to Iran's demand that Israel's attacks on nuclear sites stop if UN wants full inspection access to resume. Israel
Lebanese court sentences Syrian fighters to death The men partook in the 2014 attack by the al-Qaeda-affiliated Jabhat al-Nusra on the Lebanese army in the town of Arsal, according to the Lebanese military. Lebanon
