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
Turkey arrests alleged Gulen supporters for trying to flee to Greece Many supporters of the outlawed Gulen movement have tried to enter Greece since the crackdown against them in Turkey following the 2016 coup. News Brief
Qatar to resume tourist, family visas starting July 12 Both vaccinated and non-vaccinated visitors will be required to present a negative PCR test and certain travelers must quarantine upon arrival. Qatar
World Food Programme sounds alarm as food prices rise in MidEast Currency depreciation and pandemic job losses in neighboring Lebanon and Syria have contributed to major food inflation in both countries. Syria
Saudi Arabia’s Prince Khalid describes 'great' meeting with Blinken Saudi Arabia’s deputy defense minister, Prince Khalid bin Salman, is the most senior Saudi official to visit Washington under the Biden administration. Saudi Arabia
Loud explosion rocks Dubai Local authorities said the explosion aboard a ship led to a fire, and that nobody was hurt. News Brief
UAE and Georgia sign security cooperation agreement The agreement will focus on policing and crime, and follows the United Arab Emirates' warming up to Georgia's historical foe Russia. United Arab Emirates
Tunisia submits UN resolution urging Ethiopia to halt dam filling The draft resolution also called for Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan to finalize an agreement on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam within the next six months. North Africa
Egypt finally releases ship that blocked Suez Canal The owner of the Ever Given has reached a settlement for an undisclosed amount with the Suez Canal Authority. News Brief
Houthi court sentences five to death for spying for UK Houthi forces also said they uncovered an American-British intelligence cell in the country earlier this year. News Brief
Israel to ship soon-to-expire vaccine doses to South Korea The Palestinian Authority rejected a similar agreement last month. News Brief
UN reports severe human rights abuses in Western Sahara Most of Western Sahara is controlled by Morocco, and is considered a non-self-governing territory by the United Nations. News Brief
Israeli army bombs Hamas site after balloons start fires The Israeli army said its warplanes struck a Hamas manufacturing site in the Gaza Strip. Israel
