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
Tunisian police fire water cannon, tear gas on anti-Saied protesters The protesters gathered in downtown Tunis on what marked the 11th anniversary of the uprising that toppled Tunisia's former dictator. Tunisia
Saudi authorities find Captagon pills hidden in onions The distribution and sale of captagon, a type of amphetamine, is a major business in the Middle East and especially lucrative in Syria, where it reportedly rivals the country’s GDP. News Brief
US alleviates Lebanon's sanctions concerns over energy deal US Ambassador to Lebanon Dorothy Shea provided a Treasury Department letter that addressed concerns over the energy plan's potential to violate sanctions on Syria. Lebanon
Lebanese minister seeks economic boost with Iraq visit George Boushekian visited Baghdad this week to seek cooperation with his Iraqi counterparts and facilitate business deals between Iraqi and Lebanese entities amid Lebanon's economic crisis. News Brief
Blinken says 'a few weeks' left for Iran to resume nuclear compliance US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said there were "other options" if world powers are unable to resurrect the deal. Iran
2 Israeli soldiers killed by friendly fire The incident comes less than a week after two Israeli pilots were killed in a helicopter crash off Haifa. Israel
UN experts urge Iran to halt execution of juvenile offender Hossein Shahbazi was 17 when he was arrested for fatally stabbing a classmate and was sentenced to death in a trial that reportedly relied on torture-tainted confessions. Iran
Qatar International Islamic Bank retains A credit rating from Moody's The leading Islamic bank’s head said the rating reflects its ability to withstand the COVID-19 pandemic. News Brief
German court convicts ex-Syrian officer of crimes against humanity Anwar Raslan is the highest-ranking former Syrian government official to be tried for crimes committed in Syria's civil war. Syria
Algeria reopens consulate in Libya after eight-year absence Algeria's ambassador also met with UN envoy Stephanie Williams to discuss Libya's future. News Brief
US seeks 'clarification' from Israel after Palestinian-American detained by IDF found dead Omar Abdalmajeed Asaad died after he was detained in an Israeli raid in the West Bank village of Jiljilya, his family and Palestinian officials said. Israel
Iranian border leader visits Pakistan, participates in defense exercise Iran and Pakistan have worked to strengthen their relations since the US military withdrawal from Afghanistan. News Brief
