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
Egypt to receive Johnson & Johnson vaccine doses Only around 6% of Egypt is vaccinated against COVID-19, though confirmed cases remain relatively low. Egypt
Islamic State 'Beatles' member pleads guilty in US hostage-taking case British-born Alexanda Kotey was part of an Islamic State cell that the US government has linked to the hostage-taking and deaths of Americans James Foley, Steven Sotloff, Peter Kassig and Kayla Mueller. United States
Israeli military: Missile fired from Syria toward Israel exploded over sea Syria also reported Israeli airstrikes near Damascus. News Brief
Northern Cyprus president blasts US senator's call for Turkish soldiers to leave island Sen. Bob Menendez called on Turkish soldiers to leave Cyprus, according to Greek media. News Brief
Israel’s military promotes handler of jailed US spy to brigadier general Aviem Sella's promotion was approved by Defense Minister Benny Gantz. Israel
Israel opens Chinese-run terminal at Haifa port Biden's CIA director raised concerns about Beijing's growing investment in Israel, according to a report. Israel
Iranian tanker carrying fuel for Lebanon to dock in Syria Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah promised Iranian vessels would bring fuel to Lebanon amid its harrowing energy crisis. News Brief
Abu Dhabi lifts quarantine requirement for vaccinated travelers Under the new guidelines, vaccinated travelers must still test negative for COVID-19 prior to departure and upon landing. United Arab Emirates
Palestinian president in Cairo for talks with Egyptian, Jordanian leaders Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi stressed the need for Palestinian political unity to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. News Brief
Qatar in talks with Taliban, Turkey to reopen Kabul airport Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said there is “no clear indication” of when flights will resume at Hamid Karzai International Airport. Qatar
Iranian forces battle group in Kurdistan province Iran has fought Kurdish-Iranian groups recently. News Brief
Democratic Senators urge government formation in Lebanon Four Democratic Senators met with Lebanese President Michel Aoun and will later head to Israel. News Brief
