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
Rights groups ask Germany to investigate Syria’s use of chemical weapons The criminal complaint covers attacks on rebel territory in Eastern Ghouta in 2013 and Khan Sheikhoun in 2017. Syria
Canada suspending arms exports to Turkey amid Azerbaijan-Armenia conflict Foreign Affairs Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said he is suspending the permits pending an investigation. Turkey
UN chief calls for lasting cease-fire in Libya Antonio Guterres warned the country's "future is at stake." Libya
Jordan's prime minister resigns but stays on as caretaker King Abdullah II instructed Omar Razzaz to remain acting prime minister until a new government is formed ahead of the November parliamentary elections. Jordan
Russia may sell S-400 to Iran after UN embargo expires, ambassador says Russia’s ambassador to Iran said Saturday that the Kremlin may sell its S-400 missile defense system to Tehran after the UN arms embargo expires later this month. Russia
Umrah pilgrimage resumes in Saudi Arabia after 7-month pause Under the new rules, only 6,000 citizens and residents per day are permitted to perform umrah. Originals
Emirates resumes flights to several European cities The Dubai-based airline received $2 billion from the government in August and is gradually approaching its pre-pandemic number of destinations. Originals
US ambassador to Israel warns Biden win could undermine consensus on Iran Ambassador David Friedman is the latest sitting US official to promote the president's policies ahead of the 2020 election. Israel
Oman's coronavirus cases pass 100,000 The Gulf state opened a field hospital Monday to deal with the influx of COVID-19 infections. Oman
Third, final Iranian tanker arrives in Venezuela Iran sent three tankers carrying more than 800,000 barrels of fuel to the South American country, successfully evading US sanctions in the process. Iran
Intel: Morocco signs 10-year military cooperation agreement with Pentagon The United States is building up its alliances in North Africa amid tensions with Russia and China. Morocco
Yazidi spiritual leader Baba Sheikh dies at 87 Nobel laureate Nadia Murad described him as "a beacon of light." Iraq
