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 groups say Bahrain police beat, threatened children A report from the Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy and Human Rights Watch accused police in Bahrain of rounding up and mistreating children as young as 11. Bahrain
Saudi activist Loujain al-Hathloul's sentence upheld in Riyadh court The women's rights activist had appealed her probation, which reportedly includes a five-year travel ban. Saudi Arabia
US hits Iranian officials with travel restriction over ‘gross human rights violations’ For the first time, the Biden administration targets alleged IRGC interrogators over inhumane detention of protesters. United States
At least one killed in Baghdad explosion The grenade attack targeted a group of people commemorating a late imam who is revered by Shiite Muslims; the attack follows an Islamic State attack in the Iraqi capital in January. Iraq
Palestinian shot in the West Bank after clash with Israeli soldiers Clashes between Israelis and Palestinians are common in the territory. Palestine
Israel begins vaccination drive for Palestinian workers More than 122,000 Palestinians working in Israel or its settlements are eligible to receive the coronavirus vaccine. Palestine
At least eight dead in fire at Yemeni migrant center, UN says More than 170 people are injured after a fire erupted at a facility holding migrants in Yemen's Houthi-held capital of Sanaa. Yemen
Syrian President Assad, wife test positive for COVID-19 The president and first lady Asma are in good health and getting treated at home. The country has yet to obtain vaccines, and the UN fears cases are much higher in Syria than reported. Syria
British-Iranian aid worker released from house arrest in Iran, faces new trial Following the completion of her five-year prison sentence, Iranian authorities have charged Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe with "spreading propaganda." Iran
Saudi renews bombing of Yemen's capital following Houthi attacks The Biden administration's push to end the war has been stalled by a recent escalation. Saudi Arabia
Gantz informs Biden administration of updated Israeli plans to strike Iran Israel's defense minster joins other officials in subtle warning to Washington over Iran nuclear talks. Israel
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps says it thwarted plane hijacking The perpetrator attempted to land the plane in a Gulf country, Iranian media reported the corps as saying. Many details surrounding the incident are unknown. Iran
