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
UAE opens embassy to Israel in Tel Aviv The UAE ambassador to Israel called the Abraham Accords "solid" during the historic ceremony. News Brief
Iran, Syria denounce US 'interference' in Cuba amid unrest Iran is a close ally of Cuba, which is experiencing widespread protests against the communist government. News Brief
Ship that blocked Suez Canal leaves Egyptian waters The Ever Given was released from Egyptian detention last week following an undisclosed agreement with the massive container ship's owner. News Brief
Sultan of Oman wraps up two-day visit to Saudi Arabia Sultan Haitham and Saudi Arabia's King Salman discussed bilateral relations as well as the war in Yemen and Iran's nuclear program. News Brief
Egypt upholds life sentences for 10 Muslim Brotherhood leaders The Brotherhood members are serving life sentences related to a 2011 jailbreak. Egypt
Two Jordanians sentenced to prison over purported plot against state Royal family member Sharif Hassan bin Zaid and former Royal Court head Bassem Awadallah were sentenced to 15 years in prison over an alleged plot against the state. News Brief
Reports highlight crackdowns on press in Kurdistan Region The Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government has rejected the charges, citing the independence of courts and media partnerships. News Brief
UN rights expert says Israeli settlements a 'war crime' Israel blasted the report as “the latest one-sided and biased report against Israel." News Brief
Kuwaiti poet arrested for insulting emir Jamal al-Sayer's apparent arrest came after he tweeted that Kuwait's rulers were violating the constitution. News Brief
Palestinian president to visit Turkey The delayed Palestinian elections, reconstruction in Gaza and Israel will be among the subjects discussed between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan. News Brief
Iranian commander says border 'fully secure' after Taliban seizes key town The Taliban has gained control of a border crossing between Afghanistan and Iran ahead of the pending US troop withdrawal. News Brief
Iraq breaks record for highest daily virus cases Health authorities are asking Iraqis to take the COVID-19 vaccine as rates remain low and infections rise once again. News Brief
