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-led coalition hands Camp Taji to Iraq's security forces Taji is the eighth and most expensive facility to be turned over fully to Baghdad's forces Iraq
Hifter’s forces rebuff Tripoli’s call for cease-fire in Libya war LNA spokesman Maj. Gen. Ahmed al-Mismari said Tripoli's call for a cease-fire is not serious. Libya
US envoy says Islamic State likely behind Syria pipeline blast James Jeffrey said the explosion at a major gas pipeline on the outskirts of Damascus was "almost certainly a strike" by the Islamic State. Syria
Intel: Murder of another Iraqi activist sparks new wave of demonstrations The death of a woman activist follows a string of recent assassinations and kidnappings and has reignited mass protests in Iraq demanding an end to violence and corruption. Iraq
Erdogan converts another historic church into a mosque The centuries-old Chora church, which has served as a museum since 1945, will soon be open to Muslim worship. Turkey
UAE to send F-16s to Crete for training with Greek military amid tensions with Turkey The UAE is the latest country to show support for Greece amid a tense maritime dispute with Turkey United Arab Emirates
Coronavirus cases in Israel top 100,000 The surge in coronavirus cases come as confidence in Benjamin Netanyahu's government is declining. Israel
Turkey announces major natural gas discovery in Black Sea President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the discovery of 320 billion cubic meters of natural gas will help Turkey reduce its reliance on foreign energy supplies. Turkey
Lebanon returns to lockdown after post-explosion surge in virus The country has registered all-time highs in daily new COVID-19 cases following the massive Aug. 4 explosion. Lebanon
General Electric signs deal with Iraq's Electricity Ministry The US industrial giant's announcement came before Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi visited the White House. Iraq
Pompeo initiates snapback of Iran sanctions at UN Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States was left with no alternatives following its failed bid at the UN Security Council to extend an arms embargo on Iran. Originals
Iran unveils ballistic missile named after Qasem Soleimani A missile named for the powerful commander killed in a US drone strike last January was unveiled on Iranian state TV Thursday. Iran
