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
Here's what the 2022 NDAA has to say about the Middle East These are the key takeaways on what the 2022 NDAA says – and doesn’t say – about US policy in the region. United States
Israeli contractor working on Gaza security wall injured by gunfire Palestinian farmers were also injured by Israeli military artillery fire in response to the shooting. News Brief
Iran bans travelers from four European countries Governments around the Middle East are instituting restrictions aimed at mitigating the spread of the omicron variant of COVID-19. Iran
Syrian authorities seize large shipment of captagon and hashish Captagon is an amphetamine that is widely used in Syria, including by armed groups. News Brief
New Kuwaiti government sworn in for third time this year There are three members of parliament from opposition parties in the Cabinet. News Brief
Israel's Gantz announces confidence-building measures after hosting Palestinian President Abbas After hosting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at his home in Rosh Ha’ayin, Defense Minister Benny Gantz announced a series of confidence-building measures for Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. Israel
Iran vows to blow up Israel's Dimona first if war breaks out After striking a mockup model of the Israeli nuclear facility with ballistic missiles in a recent war game, Iran said the site will be a prime target in any potential war with Israel. Iran
Turkey records big increase in COVID-19 cases Turkey has relatively high rates of vaccination, and authorities are now pushing people to take booster doses. News Brief
Yemen’s Houthis say Sanaa airport reopen to flights after bombing The UN envoy for Yemen said the recent escalation was "among the worst" seen in the conflict in years. Saudi Arabia
Lebanon and Iraq ink defense cooperation agreement Lebanese Defense Minister Maurice Sleem is in Iraq for an official visit. News Brief
Turkish government probes city of Istanbul employees for alleged terror links The municipal government of Turkey’s largest city is run by the Republican People’s Party, which stands in opposition to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. News Brief
Saudi-led coalition renews airstrikes against Yemen's Houthis Riyadh-led airstrikes came after Yemen's Houthis launched a projectile into the southern Saudi province of Jizan, killing two people late last week. Saudi Arabia
