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
Rights group criticizes Jordan over debt imprisonment Human Rights Watch has highlighted the plight of poor Jordanians imprisoned for failing to pay back loans taken out to meet basic needs. Jordan
'Scores' of migrants burned to death from Houthi projectiles in Yemen: HRW Human Rights Watch accused Houthi security forces of firing "unidentified projectiles" into a migrant detention center earlier this month. Yemen
Iraq gives visa on arrival to citizens of 30 countries The list includes the United States, China and other large economies in a bid to attract investment to Iraq; most foreigners need to apply for a visa before traveling to Iraq. Iraq
French citizen charged with espionage in Iran The man was flying a helicopter with a camera in the desert, according to his lawyer. Several foreigners have been charged with spying and related crimes in Iran recently. Iran
NGOs file Syria torture complaint against Russia’s Wagner Group The rights organizations allege that the shadowy paramilitary group is behind the 2017 torture and killing of a Syrian military defector. Syria
Iran's Revolutionary Guards tout new missile base in support of navy Top IRGC commanders inaugurated on Monday what Iranian state television described as a new underground missile base. Iran
Kosovo becomes third country to open embassy in Jerusalem The Muslim-majority country opened an embassy in the contested city after Israel recognized its independence from Serbia. Israel
Oman bans popular chat app Clubhouse The audio-only phone application is popular throughout the Middle East but could face further restrictions. Oman
Israel behind serial sabotage of Iranian tankers, report says Israeli attacks have hit more than a dozen Iranian oil tankers in recent years, The Wall Street Journal reported. Israel
Turkey and Egypt make first diplomatic contact since 2013 The two countries were at odds over the 2013 coup in Egypt that brought Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to power. Egypt
Israel, Cyprus, Greece conduct naval exercise amid tensions with Turkey France also sent naval assets for the first time since last year's joint exercises. Israel
US restores aid to Houthi-held northern Yemen The announcement comes a year after the Trump administration slashed $73 million in assistance over concerns the Houthis were diverting the aid. Yemen
