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
Israeli military: Palestinian attacker shot and killed by soldiers Israeli and Palestinian officials offer differing accounts of West Bank violence. Israel
Iranian commander threatens to 'destroy' US ships A general in Iran's elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps made the provocative statement less than a week into Joe Biden's presidency. The new US president has said he wants to talk with Iran. Iran
Greece, France sign fighter jet deal amid tensions with Turkey Athens' roughly $3 billion purchase of 18 Rafale fighter jets comes as Greek officials meet Turkish counterparts for exploratory talks to resolve disputes. Turkey
Israel bans flights amid virus surge Israel is also experiencing violent clashes over virus restrictions as well as relative success in administering coronavirus vaccines. Israel
UN-led Syria Constitution talks resume in Geneva Representatives from the Syrian government, opposition and civil society are meeting this week to discuss the “basic principles” of a future Syrian charter. Syria
Iran demands answers from Indonesia over seized oil tanker Indonesia seized an Iranian fuel tanker on Sunday, accusing the vessel of failing to respond to radio calls and disabling its identification system. Iran
Israel extradites Australian woman accused of child abuse Australian authorities sought the extradition of former teacher Malka Leifer for several years. Israel
Israel’s Cabinet approves diplomatic relations with Morocco The agreement calls for "diplomatic, peaceful and friendly relations" between the two governments. Israel
Qatar Airways announces expansion of flights to US Qatar's flagship airline will resume flights to Seattle and Atlanta and increase daily and weekly flights to other cities in the United States. Qatar
Israeli airstrikes hit central Syria Iranian forces have repositioned themselves in eastern Syria due to recent suspected Israeli strikes. Israel
UAE confirms F-35 agreement inked with Trump administration The weapons package, which includes dozens of the stealth fighter jets, drones and other munitions, is valued at $23 billion. United Arab Emirates
Islamic State kills 1, wounds 3 in Sinai The Egyptian peninsula's deadly insurgency lingers on. Egypt
