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
New Kuwaiti Cabinet takes office after dispute with parliament The government will be tasked with tending to the country's financial difficulties and the pandemic following a dispute between the prime minister and parliament. Originals
Report says US officials met with Yemen’s Houthis in bid to end war Timothy Lenderking sat down with the Houthis' lead negotiator late last month. Saudi Arabia
Israeli ship sailing again following explosion MV Helios Ray was off the coast of Oman on Wednesday. Israel blamed last week's explosion aboard the ship on Iran, which Iran denied. Israel
Rights group accuses Palestinian Authority of vaccine corruption The Ramallah-based Independent Commission for Human Rights said the Palestinian Authority is giving out vaccine doses based on personal relationships and not medical need. Palestine
Saudi Arabia to require COVID-19 vaccine for this year's hajj The Saudi government is mandating pilgrims be vaccinated but hasn't yet said whether attendance will be limited. Saudi Arabia
The Netherlands puts Qatar trade event on hold over foreign workers' deaths The Dutch government postponed a trade mission in Qatar after a report on thousands of workers dying there since the country was awarded the 2022 World Cup. Qatar
Lebanese pound falls to all-time low on black market as people protest Lebanon's harrowing economic crisis worsened when the pound fell against the dollar again on the black market. Lebanon
Iraq begins administering COVID-19 vaccines The vaccination process is underway throughout the country ahead of Pope Francis' visit. Iraq
Americans accused of helping Carlos Ghosn escape extradited to Japan Japan alleges that a former US Army Special Forces soldier and his son helped the Lebanese businessman and former Nissan head escape the country. Originals
Israel's top court recognizes non-Orthodox converts for immigration The issue of conversion in Reform and Conservative communities has divided Israel for decades. Rabbinical authorities in Israel slammed the decision. Israel
Iran rejects EU invitation to talks with US on nuclear deal Tehran's rejection may be posturing, but the clock is ticking on chances to limit its nuclear capabilities. United States
Syria reports new Israeli airstrikes following explosion on Israeli ship in the Gulf Israel's public broadcaster Kan reported that the missile strikes near Damascus were in response to the explosion aboard an Israeli ship in the Gulf of Oman last week. Syria
