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
Syrian security personnel killed in drive-by shooting Syrian government and rebel news outlets did not identify the perpetrators of the attack. News Brief
Turkey won't accept 'refugee burden' from Afghanistan Turkey, which already hosts more than 300,000 Afghans, has warned it doesn't have the resources to accept additional migrants from the war-torn country. Turkey
Israel permits additional goods to enter Gaza Israel's military liaison to the Palestinian sides announced that more goods and Palestinian workers will be allowed entry. Israel
Qatar to provide coronavirus vaccines for Afghan evacuees COVID-19 tests and vaccines will be administered to Afghan evacuees who don't immediately depart for other flights, the Qatari Foreign Ministry has said. Qatar
Afghans, US troops killed in blasts targeting Kabul airport evacuations US officials feared the local faction called the Islamic State-Khorasan could attack the beleaguered airfield in the Afghan capital. United States
Israel considers canceling Green Pass for those without booster shot Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz said there was no justification for giving a Green Pass to people who had not gotten the third, booster vaccination dose. Israel
Palestinian dies from Israeli fire during Gaza border clashes Some 40 Palestinians were injured when Israeli troops fired on a crowd of protesters attempting to breach the Gaza perimeter fence. Palestine
Blast at jihadist training camp in Syria's Idlib kills 10 The explosion near the town of Hasano occurred as fighters were reportedly attending a training on mortars. Syria
Sources: Taliban move helped US keep Afghans off Kabul airfield last week The original plan to secure Kabul airport took the presence of Afghan security forces for granted, a US official said. United States
Israel lowers booster age to 30 as COVID-19 cases top 1 million Amid a surge in COVID-19 cases, Israel is encouraging a third booster shot for pregnant women, health care workers, teachers and people over 30. Israel
Oman lifts ban on vaccinated travelers from 18 countries Oman is loosening restrictions on travel amid a decline in COVID-19 cases across the Gulf country. Oman
Hamas welcomes Israel-Qatar deal on Gaza aid Hamas, which had threatened increased violence over the stalled aid payments, said it "appreciated" the Qatari deal with Israel. News Brief
