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
Intel: HTS claims credit for death of Iraqi IS leader's brother Hayat Tahrir al-Sham has claimed responsibility for killing the brother of Hajj Taysir, an Iraqi Islamic State emir killed by the United States earlier this year. Iraq
Jordan reopens major border crossing with Syria to truck traffic The Jaber-Nassib crossing has reopened for the first time since it was closed in August. Jordan
Top official of Syria's Kurdish-led alliance survives new assassination attempt Gunmen reportedly attacked a van carrying Laila al-Abdallah in Deir Ez-Zor. Syria
Beirut blast put 1 in 4 children at risk of missing school The Aug. 4 explosion in Lebanon's capital damaged 163 schools and left 85,000 students and their families with tough choices. Lebanon
EU countries summon Iranian ambassadors over human rights concerns Iran's ambassadors to three European countries have been summoned this week over Tehran's human rights practices. Iran
Iran, Russia discuss producing COVID-19 vaccine Russia’s sovereign wealth fund has been in talks over manufacturing the vaccine with Iran and a number of other countries. Russia
Hamas, Fatah agree to hold Palestinian elections within six months The deal comes after reconciliation talks in Turkey this week aimed at resolving the differences between the two main Palestinian factions. Palestine
Saudi Arabia warns of ‘oil spot’ near aging tanker off Yemen's coast UN officials have described the FSO Safer, an aging vessel that contains 1.14 million barrels of light crude oil, as a ticking time bomb. Saudi Arabia
Amnesty calls on EU to reconsider Libya cooperation over migrant abuse The rights group called on the European Union to make support for Libya's coast guard conditional upon ending longstanding abuse of migrants. Libya
Israel's new ambassador to Egypt finally assumes post Amira Oron's assumption of the ambassadorship was delayed for almost twof years because Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu proposed another candidate for the important position. Egypt
France supports Hariri's proposal to end Lebanon Cabinet standoff Former Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri has suggested the role of finance minister be held by an "independent" Shiite. Lebanon
UAE records new high in COVID-19 cases The United Arab Emirates is trying to simultaneously fight the resurgence of the coronavirus and boost its tourism industry. United Arab Emirates
