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
Turkey bans public smoking in virus mitigation effort Turkey has been recording more than 2,000 cases of COVID-19 a day for weeks, and there are concerns the government is underreporting virus deaths. Turkey
Greece, Egypt expect Biden will be 'decisive' in Mediterranean dispute, Greek PM says Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis' comments came as Turkey announced it was extending exploratory work in the contested waters. Egypt
Israeli settlers visit Dubai to discuss business ties Palestinian officials are angry the Gulf state welcomed Israeli settlers from the West Bank. Originals
France signs financing agreement with UN to support Iraqi elections The UN-France deal supports Iraq's Independent High Electoral Commission ahead of early elections slated for next summer. Iraq
Mosques in Oman to reopen for socially distant daily prayers Amid a declining COVID-19 infection rate, mosques will reopen to a limited number of worshippers beginning Sunday; Friday prayers still will not be allowed. Oman
Bomb goes off at event attended by Western diplomats in Saudi Arabia A Greek Consulate employee and a Saudi guard were injured in an attack at a cemetery in Jeddah. Saudi Arabia
Trump administration unveils more sanctions tied to Iran Six companies and four people were blacklisted by the Treasury Department on Tuesday. United States
US envoy for Iran says Biden returning to Iran deal not a given Elliott Abrams told reporters that the United States will continue to sanction Iran as long as Donald Trump is president. United States
Lebanon returns to lockdown as virus cases surge COVID-19 infections have risen steadily in Lebanon since the August explosion in Beirut. Lebanon
Trump White House proposes sale of 50 F-35s to United Arab Emirates The proposed sale includes 18 MQ-9B weapons-ready drones and air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions. United Arab Emirates
Indiana woman gets 6 years in prison after smuggling cash for the Islamic State Prosecutors say Samantha Elhassani also brought her two children to live in IS-controlled territory in Syria. Syria
Veteran Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat dies at 65 Erekat, who contracted the coronavirus last month, died in a Jerusalem hospital on Tuesday. Palestine
