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 security official tells Iraq to expel Iranian Kurdish groups Iranian officials have been criticizing Kurdish parties from Iran who have a presence in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, where they are regularly targeted by the Iranian military. Iran
Israel, Hamas exchange fire after escaped Palestinian prisoners caught Israel has arrested four of the six Palestinian prisoners who escaped from prison last week. Palestine
Rocket fired into Israel after two Palestinian escapees caught Two of the six escaped prisoners were caught in the northern city of Nazareth. Israeli forces previously searched the homes of the prisoners' families, according to Palestinian media. News Brief
Israeli prime minister cracks down after pilgrims falsify test results New rules will be enforced after some Israelis with COVID-19 returned to the country from Ukraine using forged negative test results. Israel
Bahrain's Gulf Air to start flights to Israel The airline previously said it would begin flights to Tel Aviv in June. Bahrain's new ambassador to Israel wants Israeli tourists to visit. Gulf
Lebanon forms new government The formation of a new government led by Prime Minister Najib Mikati brings to an end a 13-month gridlock in Lebanon. Lebanon
Palestinian media alleges rights abuses during Israeli search for escaped prisoners The Palestinian Authority is demanding the release of more prisoners following an escape at a high-security Israeli prison. Palestine
Lebanon won't deport six detained Syrian refugees Five of the six men are from Syria's Daraa province, where government forces and rebels have clashed in recent months. Lebanon
French court upholds conviction of Assad's uncle in money laundering case A French court last year sentenced Rifaat al-Assad to four years in prison and ordered the forfeiture of his French real estate assets. Syria
US citizens on first Qatar Airways flight from Kabul since pullout Qatar’s special envoy to Afghanistan said the Hamid Karzai International Airport is “fully up and running” and that another passenger flight will depart on Friday. Qatar
German foreign minister reopens embassy in Libya France and Spain already reopened their diplomatic missions in Libya following the end of the civil war last year. News Brief
Jordanian appeals court upholds verdicts in royal sedition trial Former royal court chief Bassem Awadallah, who also is a US citizen, and Sharif Hassan bin Zaid, a minor member of the royal family, were each sentenced to 15 years in prison for allegedly trying to destabilize the kingdom. Jordan
