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
Israel’s Netanyahu seeks another delay in corruption trial Lawyers for the prime minister say the latest coronavirus lockdown in Israel has left them unable to prepare for next week's hearing. Israel
Iran reports first case of new COVID-19 strain The infected individual reportedly returned from the United Kingdom recently. Iran
Air traffic controllers in New York receive 9/11-like threat to US Capitol over Soleimani killing A digitized voice warned via radio that an airplane would hit the US Capitol on Wednesday. Congress
South Korean delegation heads to Iran over seized ship Iranian forces detained the 20-member crew of a South Korean-flagged oil tanker that Iran's IRGC said had violated environmental protocols. Iran
New congresswoman criticizes Israel over vaccines for Palestinians Illinois Democrat Marie Newman said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should ensure that Palestinians in the West Bank are also vaccinated. The Palestinian Authority is reportedly exploring getting vaccines from Israel. Palestine
US announces sanctions on Iran metals industry The latest of several recent sanctions from the Trump administration includes designations of companies based in the United Kingdom, Germany and China. United States
Iran seeks Interpol red notice for Trump, US officials The Iranian government wants President Donald Trump arrested for ordering the drone strike that killed Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani. Iran
Saudi-led airstrikes in Yemen killed 99 civilians in 2020, monitor says According to Mwatana, a majority of the civilians who died in coalition airstrikes last year were women and children. Saudi Arabia
Iran uses domestically made drones in large military exercise Iran's military training and exercises regularly focus on potential conflict with the United States. Iran
Qatar, Gulf states ink 'solidarity and stability' deal in Saudi Arabia The agreement was struck a day after Saudi Arabia agreed to reopen its air, land and sea borders to rival Qatar. Saudi Arabia
Iraqis protest on anniversary of Qasem Soleimani's death Iranian officials pledged to avenge the commander's killing by the United States, but there were no military conflicts on the one-year anniversary. Iraq
Saudi Arabia agrees to open airspace, border to Qatar The agreement, announced by Kuwait, could spell an end to the diplomatic crisis between the two Gulf states that began in 2017. Originals
