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
Houthi security official in Yemen sanctioned by UN for crimes against women Sultan Saleh Aida Aida Zabin, who heads criminal investigations in Houthi rebel territory, has allegedly played a role in arbitrary detentions, torture and sexual crimes against women involved in politics. Yemen
Israeli-owned cargo ship rocked by explosion in Gulf of Oman The blast came just hours after US airstrikes hit an Iran-linked militia in Syria Saudi Arabia
Iran warns it could halt IAEA cooperation after US criticism Tehran has threatened to call off a recent deal with the United Nations' atomic watchdog that allows for limited inspections of Iran's nuclear facilities. Iran
US condemns Iranian response to Baluchistan protests The southeastern province is experiencing angry protests after Iranian security forces shot dead fuel smugglers. Iran
Islamic State recruit Shamima Begum can’t return to UK, court rules Begum, whose British citizenship was revoked on national security grounds in 2019, is challenging the revocation from a displacement camp in Syria. Syria
Bahraini crown prince, Israel’s Netanyahu discuss Iran nuclear deal The call between the Israeli and Bahraini leaders came as the Biden administration seeks to re-enter the Iranian nuclear agreement. Bahrain
Bernie Sanders criticizes Israel over vaccine situation in Palestinian territories The Israeli prime minister's son responded to Sanders on Twitter, saying Israel is not responsible for vaccinating Palestinians. The spat followed reports Israel is giving surplus vaccines to allies abroad. Israel
Twitter removes more Iran-based accounts as part of investigation Twitter began removing the accounts in October when the FBI said the users were seeking to "disrupt the public conversation" surrounding the US presidential elections. Iran
Emirates to resume flights to Newark The resumption means the Dubai-based airline will soon have two flights to the New York City area as it continues to navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic. United Arab Emirates
Vaccine pass required to attend Israeli concert The Israeli government has launched a "Green Pass" program that allows vaccinated individuals to go to concerts, the gym, hotels and more. Israel
Turkey accuses Greece of harassing research vessel in eastern Mediterranean The two countries are set for renewed talks over Aegean maritime zones in early March. Turkey
Blinken calls on UN Human Rights Council to end 'unacceptable bias against Israel' Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced the Biden administration would seek full membership on the Geneva-based council. Israel
![Iran's Atomic Energy Vice-President Ali Akbar Salehi, is seen speaking on a screen as he attends virtually the 64th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) at its headquarters in Vienna, Austria on September 21, 2020. (Photo by JOE KLAMAR / AFP) / The erroneous mention[s] appearing in the metadata of this photo by JOE KLAMAR has been modified in AFP systems in the following manner: [Ali Akbar Salehi] instead of [Zarif]. Please immediately remove the erroneous mention[s] from all](/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/almpics/2021/02/GettyImages-1228632114.jpg/GettyImages-1228632114.jpg?h=a5ae579a&itok=wuurG3fv)
