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
Lebanese judge sets new date for ex-PM to answers questions on Beirut port explosion Hassan Diab was previously due to appear before investigators on Sept. 20, but Lebanese media reported he left for the United States. Lebanon
EU condemns Houthi execution of 9 Yemenis by firing squad The European Union joined the United States and United Nations in condemning the trial and execution of nine Yemenis accused of involvement in the killing of a senior Houthi official. Yemen
Egypt receives vaccine doses via France The AstraZeneca vaccine doses were delivered via the World Health Organization's COVAX initiative. News Brief
Syria's defense chief visits Jordan to discuss border security State media outlets reported that Syrian Gen. Ali Ayoub and Jordanian Gen. Yousef Huneiti met in Amman to discuss the situation along the border following the fighting in Daraa. Syria
Egypt's security forces harass activists into silence, Amnesty says The report said the National Security Agency threatened human rights defenders with arrests and prosecutions, and questioned them about their political activity on social media. News Brief
Arrest warrant issued for ex-minister over Beirut blast Youssef Fenianos, Lebanon's former public works and transportation minister, had reportedly failed to appear for questioning before the judge. Lebanon
Israel’s Bennett, Sheikh Jarrah twins make TIME 100 list Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Muna and Mohammed Al-Kurd were among the notable figures in TIME Magazine's list of top newsmakers. Israel
Palestinian escapee allegedly beaten by Israeli forces after being recaptured The Commission of Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs said Zakaria Zubeidi suffered physical injuries in Israeli custody. Palestine
Northwest Syria running low on COVID-19 tests, oxygen amid conflict The International Rescue Committee said coronavirus cases are increasing dramatically in the war-torn rebel territory. Syria
Survivors, rights groups call for UN to investigate Beirut blast The joint letter with 145 signatories called on the UN Human Rights Council to heed the call of survivors and launch an independent, international probe of the blast. Lebanon
Iran resumes flights to Afghanistan Iran has taken a measured approach to the Taliban after the group seized control of Afghanistan during the US military withdrawal. Iran
Ex-US intelligence operatives admit to hacking for UAE The Justice Department said Tuesday three former intelligence and military operatives had admitted to helping the UAE government surveil targets worldwide, including US citizens. United Arab Emirates
