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
Israel again bombs Hamas targets in Gaza as fire balloons continue The flare-up could threaten last month's cease-fire between Israel and Hamas. News Brief
Kuwait to allow vaccinated travelers entry beginning August 1 The Gulf country also loosened travel restrictions on Kuwaiti citizens. Kuwait
General strike freezes Lebanon as economic crisis continues The country is in the throes of a harrowing economic crisis that began in 2019. News Brief
Hundreds of migrants returned to Libya after rescue at sea The Libyan Coast Guard has intercepted and brought back thousands of people seeking to illegally enter Europe via the Mediterranean this year. North Africa
Erdogan tells Biden Turkey won't change position on S-400s Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reportedly told his US counterpart that Ankara won't soften its stance on the Russian S-400 missile systems despite sanctions imposed by Washington over the purchase. Turkey
US official says Trump recognition of Golan as Israeli territory remains unchanged The US ambassador to the UN said the Biden administration is still working on policy involving the Golan Heights. News Brief
Gulf states want Iran deal talks to address Tehran’s missiles program, support for proxy groups The Gulf Cooperation Council’s statement on Wednesday echoed similar demands from members of Congress. DONT USE - Gulf Pulse
Qatar's emir hosts Venezuelan vice president for official visit Qatar's ally Turkey also has good relations with Venezuela. The US sanctions Venezuela and supports an opposition government in the South American country. DONT USE - Gulf Pulse
Conflicting accounts emerge on West Bank shooting Israeli and Palestinian officials reported different information on a deadly shooting of a Palestinian woman outside of Jerusalem on Wednesday. News Brief
Israel strikes Gaza after incendiary balloons cause fires The arson attack followed an Israeli nationalist rally in disputed Jerusalem. The incident threatened the cease-fire between Israel and Hamas and tested Israel’s new government. News Brief
Emirates loses more than $5 billion in 2020 The Dubai-based airline's financial struggles amid the coronavirus pandemic has led to job cuts and a massive cash injection from the government. News Brief
Canadian parliament calls on government to repatriate citizens from northeast Syria Few Canadians have been brought home from camps for Islamic State families in northeast Syria, and many remain there. News Brief
