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
At least 10 fuel porters, protesters killed in Iran's southeast: UN Last month, Iranian security forces reportedly fired on group of people transporting fuel across the Iranian border with Pakistan. Iran
Lebanon's Salameh threatens to sue Bloomberg over sanctions report Bloomberg reported on Thursday that the United States is considering sanctions on Lebanon’s central bank chief, Riad Salameh. Business
US Embassy in Baghdad warns of attacks from 'Iran-supported groups' in Iraq The announcement follows several attacks on the US military in the country as well as retaliatory strikes on Iraqi militias by the United States. Iraq
Iran to present 'concrete plan of action' for nuclear talks, Zarif says Iran's foreign minister shot down comments by a senior politician who said Tehran would negotiate if the United States promises sanctions relief within a year. United States
Saudi-led coalition downs 6 armed drones launched by Houthis The spate of attacks comes a day after the Houthis claimed a missile attack on a Saudi oil facility in Jeddah. Saudi Arabia
Belgian children and some women to be repatriated from IS camp in Syria. The Belgian prime minister said the children in the notorious al-Hol camp could become “the terrorists of tomorrow.” Women will be repatriated on a case-by-case basis. Syria
US hopes for ‘progress’ with Iran after European powers dial back pressure Britain, France and Germany decided not to move forward with a plan to censure Iran during the UN nuclear watchdog agency's quarterly meeting. Iran
Freedom House: Syria, Western Sahara worst in world for political rights The think tank also downgraded Jordan to "not free" in its 2021 democracy rankings. Jordan
Egypt starts vaccinating sick, elderly The country first gave vaccine doses to medical staff and is now offering vaccines to the wider population. Egypt
Helicopter crash kills 10 Turkish soldiers, including general The crash killed the commander of Turkey's 8th Army Corps in the eastern Bingol province. Turkey
Oil prices continue to rise as Saudi Arabia and Russia talk production The price of Brent crude continued to increase above its pre-pandemic levels during the OPEC+ meeting Thursday. Gulf
Israel blames Iran for Mediterranean oil spill The Israeli government has not explained some key details surrounding the incident and Iran has yet to comment. The spill blackened the shoreline in Israel and Lebanon last month. Israel
