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: Iraq-Jordan-Egypt summit urges increased trade as security concerns loom over region A meeting between the leaders discussed economic cooperation and joint security efforts. Egypt
Turkey open to talks with Greece without preconditions: foreign minister During a meeting with his German counterpart, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said his government is ready for talks with Greece, but without preconditions. Turkey
Report: Emirates and Etihad offer unpaid leave to employees The two Emirati airlines are offering regular flights around the world but have struggled with revenue losses, route cancelations and job cuts amid the coronavirus pandemic. Originals
Intel: Washington condemns Erdogan’s meeting with Hamas leadership The US State Department has condemned the Turkish president’s recent meeting with senior members of the Palestinian militant group Hamas as one that “only serves to isolate Turkey” on the world stage. Palestine
Controversy continues in Israel over US F-35 sale to UAE Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says flatly that he did not know about and did not agree to a deal for Americans to sell F-35 stealth jets to the United Arab Emirates. United Arab Emirates
Nikki Haley praises Trump on Iran, Israel at Republican convention Former UN ambassador Nikki Haley said that Democratic nominee Joe Biden would be good for Iran and the Islamic State. Originals
Gaza locks down as virus infects four The four new cases of the virus confirmed on Monday were the first detected outside Gaza's quarantine centers. Palestine
Detained Jordanian teachers freed amid economic strife The lawyer for the Teachers Syndicate recently told Al-Monitor the government used virus-related laws to silence the group, which is critical of the economic situation in Jordan. Jordan
Curfew hours extended in Jordan as coronavirus numbers spike Jordanian officials said Monday the small country had entered its second wave of the coronavirus. Jordan
Pompeo to visit Sudan, Bahrain, other countries on regional trip Pompeo will discuss Israel and the transition to democracy in Sudan. Bahrain is also rumored to be next in line to normalize relations with Israel. Originals
Syria constitutional talks 'on hold' after three test positive for coronavirus Three of the 45 delegates participating in the so-called Syrian Constitutional Committee in Geneva tested positive for the virus. Syria
Intel: Saudi Arabia Energy Ministry all in on $500 billion megacity An agreement between the futuristic megacity and Saudi Arabia's Energy Ministry underscores the Kingdom's push for renewable energy and economic diversification. Originals
