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
COVID-19 cases increasingly rapidly in northeast Syria The Kurdish-led autonomous region's high population of displaced people and isolation following the UN closure of a border crossing is contributing to the virus' spread. Syria
Turkey plans new naval drills in eastern Mediterranean The Turkish navy will hold live-fire exercises in the eastern Mediterranean next week amid rising tensions with Greece. Turkey
Pompeo makes final stop in Oman amid Israel deal push Oman has been floated as a possible next country to normalize ties with Israel. United Arab Emirates
UN convoy hit by explosion in northern Iraq The convoy was being operated by the World Food Program. Iraq
US troops injured after encounter with Russian vehicle in Syria The US called the incident with Russia in northeast Syria a "breach of deconfliction protocols." Syria
Iran agrees on UN inspector access to suspected ex-nuclear sites The International Atomic Energy Agency and Iran said in a joint statement that inspectors will have access to two suspected former nuclear sites. United States
Palestinian man arrested for allegedly helping Irish nationalist group The man's lawyer said the accused doctor from the West Bank is involved in peaceful activism and was entrapped by British intelligence. Palestine
Pompeo floats ending Sudan's terror designation amid push for Israel ties Sudan's leaders have urged the United States to remove their country from a list of state sponsors of terrorism that also includes North Korea, Iran and Syria. Israel
Pompeo praises killing of Iranian commander at Republican convention US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Qasem Soleimani was responsible for killing US soldiers and other rogue actions in the Middle East. Israel
As Pompeo pushes for Israel deal, Bahrain reaffirms support for two-state solution Pompeo is trying to persuade Bahrain and other countries in the region to join the United Arab Emirates in recognizing Israel. United Arab Emirates
Israel retaliates after Hezbollah shoots at IDF from Lebanon Israel is worried that a security incident late Aug. 25 on the border fence with Lebanon means that Hezbollah intends to escalate tensions. Israel
Pompeo talks Israel, democracy, Nile Dam with Sudanese leaders Sudan's prime minister said his transitional government lacks the authority to establish relations with Israel and Sudan should be removed from the United States' list of state sponsors of terrorism regardless. Sudan
