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
Turkish and Armenian envoys to meet in Moscow The Turkish foreign minister’s announcement constitutes the latest development in efforts to normalize relations between Turkey and Armenia. News Brief
Iran, Iraq agree to connect rail networks Both countries pledged to build the Basra-Shalamcheh railway years ago but have yet to do so. News Brief
Venezuela's Maduro plans to visit Iran 'very soon' Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said the two countries will sign new accords and "speed up processes of cooperation." Iran
Iraqi court certifies election results Many Iran-backed militias rejected the results of the October election in which they performed poorly. News Brief
US Navy seizes thousands of guns bound for Yemen’s Houthis The US military said the boat, which was carrying the AK-47 cache, came from Iran. News Brief
US government designates alleged al-Qaeda network in Brazil The US government has said in the past that Middle Eastern armed groups are operating in South America. News Brief
Tunisian court sentences ex-president Marzouki in absentia Tunisian state news said former President Moncef Marzouki was convicted of “assaulting the external security of the state." News Brief
Turkey arrests US citizen over selling passport, state media says The State Department said it was aware of the detention of a US citizen but denied he is a diplomat. News Brief
China provides grant to Syrian nonprofit The grant followed a phone conversation between Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his counterpart, Xi Jinping, about China's global economic initiatives and reconstruction in Syria. News Brief
UN slashes food aid to Yemen amid funding crunch Starting in January, eight million Yemenis will receive a reduced food ration from the UN's World Food Program. News Brief
Libya's election commission calls for month postponement Libya's parliament said it would be "impossible" to hold elections as planned on Dec. 24. News Brief
Palestinian killed by Israeli forces after alleged car attack There have been several violent incidents between Israelis and Palestinians in Jerusalem and the West Bank in recent weeks. News Brief
