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
Saudi Arabia resumes international flights, reopens borders The kingdom closed its borders in December due to the new COVID-19 variant in the United Kingdom. Some restrictions for travelers from the UK remain in place. Originals
Israel hoping for last-minute F-35s from Trump administration Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz said additional F-15 purchases may follow the procurement of a third F-35 squadron. Israel
Syrian soldiers killed in second bus attack in less than a week The deadly ambush in central Syria followed an attack on Syrian soldiers last week that was later claimed by the Islamic State. Syria
Israel's vaccination drive tops 10% of population Israel expects to administer the vaccine to two million people by the end of the month. Israel
In reversal, Pentagon orders aircraft carrier to remain in Middle East to deter Iran The acting US defense secretary cited Iranian leaders' threats against President Donald Trump and other US officials in the order for the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier to remain in the Middle East. United States
South Korea dispatches anti-piracy unit after Iran seizes oil tanker Iran's Revolutionary Guards said in a statement Monday that the vessel was seized over "environmental pollution." Iran
Egypt clears police officers of Giulio Regeni murder Italian authorities charged four Egyptian police personnel and gave them until today to present evidence in their defense. Egypt
Bus attack leaves dozens dead in eastern Syria Syrian soldiers were reportedly killed when a bus was ambushed in the Deir ez-Zor province. There is significant conflict in the area where Kurdish, government and Islamic State forces all have a presence. Syria
UN condemns Trump's pardon of contractors involved in killing of Iraqis A UN Human Rights Office expert said that the pardon of the men involved in the 2007 Nisour Square massacre undermines the obligation of states to hold war criminals accountable. Iraq
Yemen airport comes under attack as new unity government arrives More than 20 people — but no arriving Cabinet officials — were reported killed. Yemen
Israeli airstrikes hit Syrian targets outside of Damascus The missiles reportedly killed a Syrian soldier in an air defense unit. Syria
Iran to 'urgently resume' gas shipments to Iraq following weeks of cutbacks Tehran has been reducing its gas exports to Baghdad due to unpaid bills, worsening an already critical energy situation. Iraq
