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
Iran's Raisi calls US 'defeat' in Afghanistan opportunity for peace Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi's comments came as the deteriorating security situation forced Tehran to draw down its diplomatic presence in Afghanistan. Iran
Airlines from Turkey, UAE suspend flights to Kabul Turkish Airlines, Emirates and others have stopped flight services to Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover of the capital Kabul and US military withdrawal. News Brief
Israel loosens restrictions on trade, travel from Gaza Israel is reopening the Erez pedestrian crossing to merchants and businesspeople after closing over coronavirus concerns last year. News Brief
Israel approves COVID-19 booster for ages 50+ Health care workers, prisoners and people with weak immune system are also eligible to receive a third dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Israel
Human Rights Watch accuses Gaza groups of war crimes during May fighting Hamas and other Palestinian groups purposefully targeted population centers during the May war with Israel, according to Human Rights Watch. The organization also accused Israel of war crimes last month. News Brief
UN Syria envoy urges end to 'siege-like' situation in Daraa UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen said Syrian civilians living under a government siege in the southwestern city are suffering from shortages of fuel, food and medicine. Syria
UAE sends aid to Greece amid wildfires Forest fires continue to rage in Europe and the Middle East despite containment measures. News Brief
Water protests erupt in Kurdistan Region of Iraq Much of the Middle East is suffering from water scarcity issues amid extremely high temperatures in the summer. News Brief
UN panel calls for cybersurveillance sale freeze amid Pegasus scandal The independent panel said it was concerned by reports that highly sophisticated surveillance tools are being used to monitor journalists, activists and political opponents. Israel
Qatar names Saudi envoy as Gulf ties improve Bandar Mohamed Abdullah al-Attiyah will serve as Qatar's first ambassador to Saudi Arabia since the 2017 Gulf row. Qatar
Turkey’s defense minister discusses Afghan security in visit to Pakistan President Recep Tayyip Erdogan suggested yesterday he may meet with Taliban leadership. Turkey
Etihad Airways recovers most of pre-pandemic cargo network The news followed the Abu Dhabi-based airline announcing a decrease in combined passenger and cargo revenues from last year. News Brief
