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
US official alleges Hezbollah stashed ammonium nitrate throughout Europe The claim came amid a Trump administration push for the EU to fully designate Hezbollah's political wing a terrorist group. Lebanon
The Netherlands takes first step in holding Syria’s torturers to account The Dutch Foreign Ministry says it will hold Syria responsible for "gross human rights violations" in a process that could make its way to the UN's International Court of Justice. Syria
US gives Iraqi Kurdistan peshmerga $250 million worth of Humvees, ammo Washington's ambassador announced the move as some US troops prepare to leave Iraq. Iraq
State Department officials testify before Congress on arms sales to Saudi Arabia, UAE The chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee said the May 2019 sale did not warrant an emergency certification, but a State official cited the threat from Iran. Saudi Arabia
Jordan explosion reportedly caused by overheated ammunition The large blast took place in an uninhabited area in Zarqa near the capital, Amman; no injuries were reported. Jordan
Israel's home demolitions in West Bank spiked during pandemic: UN From March to August, 389 Palestinian-owned structures were razed in the West Bank, the United Nations said. Israel
Biden endorses lower troop levels in Iraq, fight against IS in interview Joe Biden told Stars and Stripes he wants to stop "forever wars" but keep some troops in Iraq and Syria. His opponent, Donald Trump, also pledges to withdraw more troops. United States
Bahrain will establish ties with Israel, Trump says Bahrain follows Kosovo and the United Arab Emirates in normalizing ties with Israel. United Arab Emirates
Iranian fuel tankers reported off coast of South Africa The tankers are reportedly bringing oil to Venezuela and may be taking the longer African route to avoid US forces following a seizure in August. Iran
Israeli warplanes target Aleppo countryside, says Syria The Syrian state press blamed Israel for a round of airstrikes targeting its military facilities in the eastern Aleppo countryside. Israel
Denmark will open embassy to Iraq in Baghdad this year Denmark is assuming control of NATO's training mission in Iraq in December. The European Union member has also trained PMU forces in the fight against the Islamic State. Iraq
Fire breaks out at Beirut's port after last month's deadly explosion The fire is in the same area as the Aug. 4 port explosion from which Lebanon is still recovering. Lebanon
