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
Israeli Deni Avdija to make NBA debut The former player for Maccabi Tel Aviv could become the first international basketball star to come out of Israel. Israel
Erdogan blasts European court's ruling on jailed Kurdish leader The European Court of Human Rights said the imprisonment of Selahattin Demirtas had violated his basic rights. Turkey
Dubai begins administering Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine Saudi Arabia and Israel have also approved the American-German vaccine. United Arab Emirates
Turkish Parliament extends troop deployment to Libya The measure, which extends Turkey's presence in Libya by 18 months, had the backing of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's party. Turkey
Iraq closes land borders, restaurants with new anti-virus measures The federal Iraqi government is also barring travelers from the UK, Iran and several other countries. Iraq
Microsoft, Google join WhatsApp suit against Israeli spyware vendor The filing follows reports that the Israel-based NSO Group's Pegasus software was used to hack the phones of dozens of Al Jazeera journalists. Israel
US offers to mediate as Israel, Lebanon remain 'far apart' on maritime border talks Secretary of State Mike Pompeo lamented the lack of progress between the two countries on their Mediterranean border. Lebanon
US unveils new Syria sanctions targeting Assad’s British in-laws The US administration has blacklisted the commander of Syria's military intelligence organization, a senior aide to President Bashar al-Assad and Assad's British in-laws. Syria
Intel: Congress throws Sudan-Israel normalization deal lifeline Sudan is to get $700 million in assistance and $230 million in preliminary debt relief, but 9/11 victims can continue their lawsuit against Khartoum. Israel
Kushner, Israeli delegation arrive in Morocco on first direct flight Israeli and Moroccan officials are expected to sign the first of several accords cementing relations between the two countries. Israel
Russian, Palestinian leaders discuss Israel-Palestinian peace process Russia has voiced willingness to mediate between Israel and Palestine in its capacity as a member of the Middle East Quartet. Palestine
Lebanon passes law criminalizing sexual harassment Lebanese lawmakers broadened what constitutes domestic violence but did not specifically outlaw marital rape. Lebanon
