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
Lebanon raises fuel prices again The Lebanese government previously subsidized fuel prices amid the country's worsening economic crisis. Lebanon
Israel reopens West Bank crossing after Palestinian manhunt ends The Jalama crossing had been closed since six Palestinian militants escaped from a nearby Israeli prison. Israel
UAE relaxes mask rules as COVID-19 cases decline Masks are no longer required while exercising outdoors or at public beaches and swimming pools, Emirati health authorities announced Wednesday. United Arab Emirates
House removes funding for Israel’s Iron Dome from spending bill The head of the House Appropriations Committee said Israel will receive additional funding in a separate defense bill as the deadline to the end of the fiscal year nears. News Brief
Biden administration appoints new Syria policy chief Ethan Goldrich will take over for Aimee Cutrona as Washington's point person for Syria engagement, but there's no sign of a new approach by the Biden administration. Syria
Iran says nuclear talks to resume in weeks Iran's foreign minister plans to meet with top diplomats from JCPOA signatories at the UN General Assembly. Iran
Dutch court to hear Palestinian's civil case against Israeli commanders Ismail Ziada's case accuses Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz of responsibility for killing members of his family in Gaza during the 2014 war. News Brief
Saudi military trains with Greek forces Saudi Arabia and Greece signed a missile deal earlier this year and are both allies of the UAE and Egypt. News Brief
Qatar Airways flies more Americans out of Afghanistan Qatar has good relations with both the United States and the Taliban and has been assisting with repatriation efforts from Afghanistan. News Brief
UK foreign secretary to press Iranian FM on prisoners, nuclear deal In her first overseas trip as new UK foreign secretary, Liz Truss will meet with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York City this week. Iran
Pentagon says drone strike near Syria's Idlib targeted al-Qaeda official CENTCOM fired a drone missile at at least one jihadi official near Idlib today in the first such strike in recent months. Syria
