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
Rockets fall in Baghdad’s Green Zone, no injuries Iraq's security media cell said the rockets were launched from al-Salaam neighborhood. Iraq
Khamenei says Iran may enrich uranium to 60% Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's comments follow Iran's announcement last month that it was enriching uranium to 20%. Iran
Israeli ambassador demands Saturday Night Live apologize over vaccine joke Israel's ambassador to the United States and United Nations is upset with the comedy show for joking that Israel is only vaccinating Jews. Israel
Sullivan says US communicating with Iran on detained Americans According to White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan, the administration has "begun to communicate" with Iran over the handful of Americans held in the country. United States
Biden to review Trump's freeze on aid to Ethiopia over Nile dam The Trump administration froze some aid to Addis Ababa in August over its stance on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Egypt
Equatorial Guinea to move embassy in Israel to Jerusalem The West African state is the second on the continent to announce plans to open an embassy in the holy city, and the first country anywhere to do so since US President Joe Biden took office. Israel
UAE says Princess Latifa 'cared for at home' amid hostage claims After Sheikha Latifa claimed she was being held hostage, the UN's High Commissioner for Human Rights asked the Emirati government to provide evidence that she is alive. United Arab Emirates
Turkey hires Washington lobbyists in bid for return to F-35 program The Biden administration is giving Turkey the cold shoulder on the S-400 dispute. Turkey
Israeli woman who entered Syria flown home The Israeli government is withholding some details about the Russia-mediated deal that also involved two Syrians being released from Israeli prison. Israel
Iran renews call for sanctions relief as Biden offers nuclear talks Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif also welcomed Washington's decision to rescind the Trump administration's position on snapback sanctions. Iran
UAE dismantling base in Eritrea following drawdown in Yemen Images from The Associated Press show vehicles and structures being removed from the Emirates' military base. United Arab Emirates
Sisi pledges Egypt's support for interim government in Libya Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi met with newly elected Libyan Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibeh in Cairo on Thursday. Libya
