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
European countries slam Israel over planned settlement expansion The foreign ministries of France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy and Spain called for an immediate halt to settlement construction in the West Bank. Palestine
France’s Sarkozy charged in Libya campaign funding probe Prosecutors are investigating whether the former French president received illegal campaign financing from Moammar Gadhafi's regime. Libya
Pompeo hopes Armenia can 'defend' itself from Azerbaijan Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also said that Turkey was increasing the risk of more bloodshed. Turkey
Intel: Missile launched on Turkey's Black Sea coast after notice of S-400 test Turkey's Defense Ministry has not publicly confirmed if the missile was part of planned tests of the Russian-built air defense system. Turkey
Biden slams Trump's Iran policy at town hall The Democratic presidential candidate also praised Trump's work on the UAE-Israel deal. Israel
Intel: EU sanctions suspected head of Russia’s Wagner paramilitary group Kremlin insider Yevgeny Prigozhin is suspected of involvement in Wagner's paramilitary activities in Libya Libya
Saudi FM wants focus on Israeli-Palestinian talks over 'eventual normalization' Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud said the focus of Palestinian-Israeli peace efforts should be on bringing the two sides back to the negotiating table. Saudi Arabia
Intel: US Air Force trains with Israel’s newest F-35 squadron Exercise Lightning III focused on offensive air operations involving simulated enemy aircraft and ground targets. Israel
Iran reports two new cyberattacks An official did not reveal any further details on the incidents, Reuters reported. Iran was rocked by a series of mysterious explosions and fires over the summer. Iran
Libya detains alleged human trafficker sanctioned by UN The United Nations imposed sanctions on Abd al-Rahman al-Milad, a former Libyan coast guard commander, in 2018. Libya
Qatar Airways reaches 100 destinations with Sofia, Bucharest fights Qatar's flagship airline flew to around 160 airports before the COVID-19 pandemic, and this figure dropped to 30 at one point amid the crisis. Originals
Yemen’s rival sides begin largest-yet prisoner swap The Houthi rebels and the Aden-based government agreed last month to exchange 1,081 prisoners. Yemen
