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
Iran sanctions US envoy to Yemen in retaliation for US blacklisting The Iranian Foreign Ministry announced sanctions on Christopher Henzel, the US ambassador to Yemen. Yemen
State Department says more Syria sanctions possible before presidential transition US Syria envoy Joel Rayburn also told Congress that non-Syrians could soon be sanctioned under the Caesar Act. Originals
'Seeds of progress' in ending Gulf row with Qatar, UAE envoy says UAE Ambassador to the United States Yousef al-Otaiba signaled the Gulf parties are getting closer to an agreement. United Arab Emirates
Iran makes arrests in nuclear scientist's killing, official says Iranian parliamentary adviser Hossein Amir Abdollahian said some of the "perpetrators" had been identified and arrested. Israel
Saudi court hands Saudi-American doctor Walid al-Fitaihi 6-year sentence The Harvard-trained doctor is reported to have been sentenced over tweeting his support for the 2011 Arab Spring protests and for obtaining US citizenship. Saudi Arabia
Egyptian forces kill, arrest Islamist fighters in Sinai There have been several escalations between Egyptian forces and Islamist groups on the peninsula recently. Egypt
Israel ‘very comfortable’ with $23B UAE arms sale, says ambassador Israeli Ambassador to the US Ron Dermer said the sale won't undermine Israel's military advantage in the Middle East. Israel
Uzbekistan repatriates women and children linked to Islamic State in Syria The 98 people were in camps for Islamic State fighters and their families in Kurdish-run northeast Syria. Some other countries have also brought their citizens home from IS camps there, while others have refused. Syria
Most Israelis have negative view of both Netanyahu, Gantz The Israel Democracy Institute's data also showed some support among Palestinian citizens of Israel for political cooperation with the prime minister ahead of possible elections. Originals
Iraq’s president urges end to violence in protest-hit Sulaimaniyah Iraqi President Barham Salih weighed in on the increasingly violent protests that have gripped the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Iraq
Gregory Meeks elected next House Foreign Affairs Committee chair Meeks has a lengthy voting record on the Middle East and has been praised by a variety of Israel- and Iran-focused groups. Originals
Cyberattacks in UAE up 250% during pandemic, Emirati cyber chief says Emirati cybersecurity chief Mohamed al-Kuwaiti said his country is experiencing a “cyber pandemic.” United Arab Emirates
