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
Iranian diplomat sentenced to prison for bomb plot on Iranian opposition group The Iranian government strongly condemned the trial. The bomb plot targeted the controversial National Council of Resistance of Iran. Iran
Biden's UN pick passes through Senate Foreign Relations Committee The top Democrat on the committee said he trusts Linda Thomas-Greenfield on Iran and Israel, but his Republican counterparts were more critical. Originals
Lebanese activist and Hezbollah critic Lukman Slim shot dead Slim was shot while visiting southern Lebanon. The government has vowed an investigation amid speculation on Hezbollah's alleged involvement. Lebanon
Four Tunisian soldiers killed during patrol near Algeria border Tunisia's mountainous area is a hotbed of Islamist insurgent activity. Originals
Syria reports Israeli airstrikes in south The news follows reports of suspected Israeli airstrikes against Iranian and Syrian military targets in the country in December and January. Syria
State Department condemns Turkey's anti-LGBT rhetoric against protesters Turkey's president and other officials have used inflammatory anti-gay rhetoric to describe the student-led protests in Istanbul. Turkey
Initial data from Israel unclear on preventing infections Data from Israel's vaccination campaign only shows the vaccine against COVID-19 prevents serious illness so far. Israel
UN’s highest court to hear Iran sanctions case against US The Hague-based International Court of Justice will consider an Iranian lawsuit filed after the United States withdrew from the nuclear deal in 2018 and reimposed economic sanctions. Iran
Turkish police seize several tons of illegal alcohol High taxes on liquor have created a market for illicit liquor in Turkey and police are cracking down. Turkey
Saudi Arabia suspends travel from 20 countries, including US Diplomats, health care workers and their families are exempt from the travel ban. Saudi Arabia
Biden administration makes first call to Turkey National security adviser Jake Sullivan ran through a panoply of regional issues in a call with his Turkish counterpart. Turkey
Turkey, proxy fighters accused of 'illegally transferring' Syrians for prosecution Human Rights Watch documented the transfer of at least 63 Syrians to Turkey for prosecution on charges including membership in a terrorist group. Turkey
