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 reaches 60% uranium enrichment The announcement further violates the Iran nuclear deal that is currently being discussed with the United States in Vienna. News Brief
Turkey bans cryptocurrency payments The Turkish Central Bank said cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are too risky and forbade their use in the country. News Brief
Israel targets Hamas sites after rocket attack The Israeli military said its warplanes struck a Hamas weapons manufacturing site, a tunnel and a military post. News Brief
Congresswoman introduces bill to condition US aid to Israel The legislation from a progressive representative reflects a trend in the Democratic party toward pro-Palestinian positions and criticism of Israel. Congress
Another crash in Egypt leaves 20 dead The road accident near the Nile River follows deadly train and boat incidents in the North African country earlier this year. News Brief
US to move forward with $23B arms sale to UAE The $23.4 billion arms package includes F-35s, armed drones and other equipment. News Brief
Turkish court releases detained admirals The 10 admirals were arrested last week after criticizing the possible Turkish withdrawal from the Montreux Convention, which regulates maritime traffic through the strategic Bosporus Strait. News Brief
Iran declares uranium enrichment levels of 60% ahead of more nuclear deal talks The increase brings the Islamic Republic closer to the 90% level required to build a nuclear bomb and was in response to the alleged Israeli cyberattack at an Iranian nuclear facility. News Brief
Lebanon expands maritime territorial claim amid dispute with Israel Last year's talks between Israel and Lebanon on their gas-rich Mediterranean Sea border failed to yield an agreement. News Brief
Dubai restaurants to stop screening dining areas during Ramadan fast Restaurants in the UAE's largest city previously had to screen off places where people ate during fasting hours during the Islamic holy month, as is customary throughout the region. United Arab Emirates
Northeast Syria imposes 'total lockdown' due to virus The new measures coincide with Ramadan and follow a relatively high number of new COVID-19 cases in the autonomous region. News Brief
