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
Dubai to import self-driving cars Dubai will be the first international market for the US self-driving vehicle company Cruise. United Arab Emirates
Iran releases South Korean ship The Hankuk Chemi tanker was released following an investigation into alleged water pollution, but the real reason for its detention may have been frozen Iranian funds in South Korea. News Brief
Iraq, hard hit by COVID-19, sets new daily case record Iraq broke its record for most coronavirus cases in a day Wednesday and the country is far from having enough vaccine doses for its population of around 40 million. News Brief
UAE sends medical and food aid to Syria The United Arab Emirates is calling on other countries in the region and around the world to repair ties and cooperate with the Syrian government amid the ongoing civil war. News Brief
Four soldiers injured in suspected Israeli airstrikes on Syria Israeli missiles struck areas around Damascus, according to Syria's state media outlet. News Brief
Houthi forces claim drone attack on Saudi airbase A Houthi military spokesperson said the attack on King Khalid Air Base was successful but the Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted the drones. News Brief
PA's Abbas in 'good health' after medical check in Germany Palestinian Authority officials dismissed concerns over President Mahmoud Abbas' health ahead of the Palestinian elections. News Brief
Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq imposes partial lockdown amid rising virus cases The measure follows other anti-virus restrictions in recent days and the start of a vaccination campaign in the autonomous part of northern Iraq. Iraqi-Kurdistan
Netanyahu slams Iran nuclear deal on Holocaust day Netanyahu's warns "closest friends" that Iran nuclear deal will "not obligate us." News Brief
Emirati, Israeli media outlets sign cooperation agreement Emirates News Agency also launched a Hebrew-language website. News Brief
Iran shatters daily COVID-19 records A national vaccination campaign is still at least several weeks away as Iran records its highest-ever daily coronavirus infections. News Brief
Iran charges 10 in relation to shooting down of Ukrainian passenger plane Iran concluded that the deadly strike last year was the result of an air defense mistake, but Ukraine has so far rejected this conclusion. News Brief
