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
Iran holds military drill in southwest Khuzestan province has a presence of Arab separatist groups and is strategically located near Iraq and the Persian Gulf. Iran
Italy top foreign investor in Turkey in 2020 Italy supports Turkey on several issues while other European states, especially France, have notable disagreements with Turkey. Turkey
US stands firm as Turkey proposes to ‘find solution’ over S-400 The State Department urged ally Ankara to get rid of the Russian air defense system Turkey
Oman closes land border, parks and beaches as vaccine rollout continues The sultanate's anti-virus committee announced several new restrictions on travel and gatherings on Wednesday. Oman
57 nations hit for failure to repatriate women, children from Syrian camps UN human rights experts are pressing Great Britain, France, Iran, Russia, Turkey, the United States and 51 other countries to repatriate nearly 10,000 of their citizens associated with the Islamic State. Syria
Saudi women’s rights activist Loujain al-Hathloul released from prison Hathloul, who was arrested after campaigning for women's driving rights, had spent nearly three years in prison. Saudi Arabia
Israel’s military skirts budget restrictions for $9 billion air force upgrade The IDF will use a chunk of US aid and foreign borrowing to help fund its planned expansion of the air force's strike range Israel
UAE diplomat Gargash replaced in Cabinet reshuffle Gargash will serve as diplomatic adviser to the Emirati president, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. United Arab Emirates
Turkey aims for moon by 2023 as UAE reaches Mars Turkey's president announced he wants to send a spacecraft to the moon by Turkey's centennial the same day regional rival the United Arab Emirates reached Mars. Turkey
Foreigners in Tel Aviv begin receiving vaccines Israel continues to lead the world in the percentage of people who have received at least one vaccine dose. Israel
Egypt reopens border crossing with Gaza The border between Egypt and the Palestinian territory was previously being opened only for a few days at a time but is now open indefinitely. Palestine
Iran could seek nuclear weapon if cornered, threatens intelligence minister The rare statement from Intelligence Minister Mahmoud Alavi comes as the US administration vows to lift sanctions only if Iran resumes full compliance with the nuclear deal. United States
