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
US offers up to $10M reward for information on Hezbollah operative The United States is seeking information on the whereabouts of Salim Jamil Ayyash, who is wanted for the assassination of Lebanon's former prime minister. News Brief
Ship stuck in Suez Canal finally freed Ever Given was refloated on Monday after being stuck on the Egyptian canal's bank for nearly a week, allowing for the resumption of traffic. News Brief
Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq receives AstraZeneca vaccine Some countries have suspended the British-Swedish vaccine due to its association with blood clots, though the European Union still recommends its use. The KRG previously received a small amount of Chinese vaccine doses. News Brief
US offers to help Egypt reopen Suez Canal The US offer comes days after a giant vessel ran aground and became lodged sideways in the canal. News Brief
Saudi coalition intercepts Houthi drones as cross-border attacks continue Yemen's Houthi rebels said they launched attack drones and missiles at targets throughout Saudi Arabia today. News Brief
Turkish court sentences former police chiefs over Armenian-Turkish journalist's murder More than two dozen suspects, including Istanbul's former police intelligence chief, were handed various sentences for their alleged roles in the 2007 murder of Hrant Dink. News Brief
Train collision in southern Egypt kills 32, injures dozens Egypt's railroad authority said the collision occurred after the emergency brakes were activated on one of the trains. Egypt
Saudi official denies threatening UN investigator over Khashoggi killing Awwad Alawwad said he did not make menacing comments toward UN investigator Agnes Callamard after she said an unnamed Saudi official threatened to have her "taken care of" during a meeting. Saudi Arabia
China's top diplomat meets Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed strengthening ties and the controversial detention of Muslims in China's Xinjiang region. China-Saudi relations have strengthened in recent years, despite opposition from the United States. Saudi Arabia
Israel says missile struck Israeli ship, points to Iran The cargo ship was heading to India from Tanzania when it was struck by a missile, Channel 12 News reported. News Brief
Saudi Arabia to allow fuel shipments through blockade of Yemen’s Hodeida: Report So far, Riyadh's ceasefire proposal falls short of Houthi demands News Brief
