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 approves 3-day release for jailed lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh Nasrin Sotoudeh is serving a decadeslong prison sentence on charges related to her work as a human rights defender. Iran
US sanctions Iraq's PMU chair Falih al-Fayadh Fayadh chaired Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units as the forces killed hundreds of unarmed pro-democracy protesters. Iraq
UAE reopens land, sea, air ports to Qatar following Gulf deal The announcement comes after Gulf leaders this week agreed to end their years-long embargo of Qatar. Saudi Arabia
Tehran reveals underground missile base near Persian Gulf Iran has announced it built a new subterranean missile base as tension between Washington and Tehran escalates. United States
Iran's supreme leader bans vaccines made in US, UK Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said he had "no confidence" in the American or British-made vaccinations. Iran
Emirati official says Gulf states to work on trade with Qatar before resuming diplomatic ties UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash's comments indicate that healing the Gulf rift may still take more time. Gulf
Israeli missiles hit Syria for second week in a row Israel reportedly struck targets in southern Syria on Wednesday. This follows suspected Israeli airstrikes on the Syrian military in late December and November. Syria
Lebanon returns to lockdown as virus cases spike The lockdown, which runs through Feb. 1, mandates an overnight curfew and the closure of most businesses. Lebanon
Iraqi judge issues arrest warrant for Donald Trump over Soleimani killing The charge of premeditated murder carries a death sentence under Iraqi law but is not likely to be enforced. Iraq
Iran president: US Capitol storming shows Western democracy 'fragile' President Hassan Rouhani also said that “those who in two weeks will have power in the White House must return America, which is a great nation, to its rightful place.” Iran
Intel: Biden to pick Brett McGurk for top White House Middle East role Picking the former defeat-ISIS envoy to oversee US Middle East policy sends a strong signal to Turkey. Turkey
Turkey calls for 'common sense' amid post-election unrest in US Turkish state media reported the government's response to the storming of the US Capitol by Trump supporters. Originals
