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
Saudi Arabia allows women to register for hajj without male guardian Women can register "along with other women" for the Islamic pilgrimage this year. News Brief
Israeli government receives congratulations from White House, Congress, UAE The United Arab Emirates also welcomed Israel’s new cabinet, but Hamas said it will continue to “resist” Israel no matter who is in power. News Brief
UN expert calls on UAE to release prominent human rights defenders The five activists are accused of trying to overthrow the Emirati government, but the United Nations says they should have never been detained in the first place. United Arab Emirates
Al Jazeera cyberattacked ahead of show on Palestinian 'resistance' The Qatari media giant said it was able to thwart the hacking attempts, which came just ahead of the airing of a series about Gaza-based militant groups. News Brief
Middle East countries set to benefit from Biden’s global vaccine initiative A US State Department spokesperson told Al-Monitor that hard-hit Iran will not be receiving doses at this time. United States
Israeli government approves timing for controversial flag march in Jerusalem The nationalist rally is now scheduled to take place Tuesday, two days after Israel’s parliament votes on the formation of a new government. Exact arrangements still have not been agreed upon. News Brief
Syria rejects US secretary of state's comments on Golan Heights US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told a House of Representatives committee Monday that Israel "has control" over the territory. News Brief
Syria reports new airstrikes from 'Israeli enemy' Syria also reported Israeli airstrikes on a factory on the west coast last month. News Brief
Israeli lawmakers to vote on anti-Netanyahu government Sunday Parliament speaker Yariv Levin announced the Knesset will hold a vote of confidence this weekend, to be followed by the swearing-in of the new government led by Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid. Israel
Iran and Russia sign visa waiver agreement The deal focuses on making it easier for large tourist groups to travel to Iran and Russia. News Brief
Islamic State suicide bombing kills two in Libya The Libyan civil war ended with a cease-fire in October of 2020, and a transitional government is now in power. News Brief
Turkey's Erdogan announces natural gas discovery in Black Sea Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the Fatih drilling ship had found 135 billion cubic meters of natural gas in the Sakarya gas field. News Brief
