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 kicks off naval missile drills in Gulf of Oman, to renew patrols in Red Sea Iran's Navy will resume patrols in the Red Sea, the Chief of Staff of the armed forces said United States
Congressional Democrats and Republicans rebuke Trump admin over Houthi terror designation The designation of Yemen's Houthi forces as a foreign terrorist organization has been met with criticism from both the House and the Senate. Yemen
Fate of seized South Korean tanker, crew out of Iran’s hands, says foreign minister The decision is the latest in a growing financial dispute between Tehran and Seoul ignited by US sanctions. Iran
Lebanon: Interpol issues warrants for people involved in Beirut port explosion Lebanese state media said the international police organization has issued Red Notices for the owner and captain of a ship that brought tons of ammonium nitrate to Beirut years before last August's tragic explosion. Lebanon
Egypt reopening airspace to Qatar after 3½-year row Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain have already announced the end of their bans on flights from Qatar. Gulf
Rights group B’Tselem says Israel is an apartheid state A new report by one of Israel's leading human rights groups argues in favor of the analogy to segregated South Africa. Israel
Jordanian given death penalty for 2019 stabbing attack The man and two accomplices reportedly were inspired by the Islamic State to stab tourists and Jordanian police in the ancient city of Jerash. Jordan
Sheldon Adelson, major donor in US and Israeli politics, dies at 87 Adelson was a strong supporter of Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as well as pro-Israel Republicans in the United States. Israel
Israel advances plans for 800 new settlement homes in West Bank The news comes ahead of Israel's March 23 election as well as the inauguration of US President-elect Joe Biden on Jan. 20. Israel
Lebanon declares 24-hour curfew, state of emergency The round-the-clock curfew will take effect at 5 am on Thursday and last until Jan. 25. Lebanon
Bahrain opens airspace with Qatar Bahrain's decision followed Saudi Arabia and Qatar opening their borders with Qatar, indicating improving relations in the Gulf. Originals
Israel tightens lockdown measures Israel added more restrictions on top of its lockdown as coronavirus cases continue to spread rapidly. On the other hand, Israel is successfully rolling out the vaccine. Israel
