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
Qatar to host first Formula 1 Grand Prix in November The Gulf country, which will make its Formula 1 debut in November, also inked a 10-year hosting deal. Qatar
Iraq to close airports, borders for October election Iraqi authorities have prioritized security in the lead-up to the first election since 2018. News Brief
Iranian military to hold drill over Azerbaijani objections President Ilham Aliyev criticized a planned military exercise close to the Iran-Azerbaijani border. News Brief
EU's top diplomat says Iran nuclear talks to resume 'soon' The European Union’s high representative for foreign affairs, Josep Borrell, said he expects a seventh round of negotiations in Vienna would to resume "within an acceptable period of time.” Iran
Qatar says Taliban rights abuses 'very disappointing' Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammad bin Abdulrahman Al Thani lamented the Taliban's "backward" steps. Qatar
Qatar Airways reports $4 billion in losses Qatar Airways' finances were also affected by the COVID-19 pandemic during the previous fiscal year, though the airline has now largely rebuilt its flight network. News Brief
Tunisia's Saied appoints female prime minister amid coup claims Two months after sacking his former prime minister, Tunisian President Kais Saied has named Najla Bouden Romdhan as the country's next premier. Tunisia
Qatari ambassador meets Saudi diplomat in Riyadh The meeting was a further sign of improving relations between the Gulf states, who did not have relations from 2017 to January 2021. News Brief
Yemen asks for 'balanced' vaccine donation at UN forum Yemen has one of the lowest vaccination rates in the world, and suffering related to the COVID-19 pandemic is compounded by the ongoing war in the country. Yemen
Israel’s Bennett endorses self-testing, booster shots over lockdowns in UN speech The Israeli prime minister said that countries should avoid the “economic price” of lockdowns by vaccinating and offering mass testing. News Brief
Jordan to reopen border crossing with Syria Jordan closed the Jaber border crossing in August due to security concerns amid fighting in southern Syria. Jordan originally supported the Syrian opposition in the civil war but has moved closer to the government recently. News Brief
Two dead after fire at Iranian military facility The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps did not say what caused the fire. News Brief
