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
Pro-Israel group criticizes Georgia Senate candidate for past sermon Christians United for Israel slammed Georgia Democrat Raphael Warnock over a 2018 sermon he gave on the opening of the US Embassy in Jerusalem, but others have defended the candidate for a US Senate seat. Palestine
Palestinian groups conduct first-ever joint military drill Hamas, the Islamic Jihad and other groups held the exercise to prepare for a future conflict with Israel. Palestine
US ambassador's residence in Tel Aviv sold for $67 million The State Department has not acknowledged the buyer, reported to be Trump ally and casino magnate Sheldon Adelson. Israel
Biden’s national security adviser criticizes Saudi Arabia for jailing women’s rights activist Jake Sullivan called the sentencing of activist Loujain al-Hathloul "troubling." Saudi Arabia
US Syria Envoy ‘categorically rejects’ statement by UN rapporteur about Caesar Sanctions US Special Envoy for Syria Joel Rayburn says the blame for Syria’s economic and humanitarian crises rest with Assad, not the US, after Alena Douhan of the UN Human Rights Council said the Caesar Act is hurting Syrians' chances to rebuild infrastructure and live comfortably. Syria
Nasrallah says Hezbollah would not be part of Iran nuclear talks The Shiite party's leader also said Hezbollah has doubled its missile supplies. Saudi Arabia
Yemen’s president orders unity government to Aden after swearing-in in Saudi Arabia The power-sharing agreement comes as Yemen's Houthi rebels have already largely seized control of the country's north Saudi Arabia
Israel braces for lockdown amid coronavirus spike, new UK strain Egypt is also heading for new restrictions amid a new wave Israel
US Customs clarifies position on labeling of West Bank products The US government said areas in the West Bank run by Israel must label products as "Made in Israel" when exporting to the United States, but goods from Palestinian-administered areas do not need to. Israel
Egypt records highest single-day coronavirus count in months The surge in cases led the government to impose a ban on New Year's Eve celebrations across the North African country. Egypt
Turkish journalist sentenced to prison over report on Turkey sending weapons to Syria Can Dundar was tried in absentia. The now Germany-based journalist reported on Turkish support for Syrian rebel groups in 2015, which angered President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Turkey
Trump administration weighs immunity for Saudi crown prince Saad al-Jabri alleged that Mohammed bin Salman has led an attempt to lure him back to the kingdom and kill him. Saudi Arabia
