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
Oman says it supports UAE-Israel normalization of ties Israeli officials told the local press they are in talks with Oman to reach a similar normalization in ties. United Arab Emirates
Turkey threatens to cut ties with UAE over Israel normalization as feud continues Turkey and the UAE disagree on the Turkey-Kurdish conflict, Libya, drilling in the eastern Mediterranean and more. Israel
Turkey says it will continue attacks on PKK after Iraqi border guards killed A Turkish drone strike targeting the Kurdistan Workers Party left two Iraqi border guards and their driver dead on Tuesday. Iraq
Intel: FBI to join investigation into Beirut blast The FBI will lend its expertise to the investigators probing the explosion that killed at least 172 people in Beirut last week, US Undersecretary for Political Affairs David Hale said today in the Lebanese capital. Lebanon
Netanyahu hails historic peace with UAE, says more Arab countries will follow Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announces full, historic peace with the United Arab Emirates, and says he is not giving up on implementing Israel sovereignty on West Bank lands. Israel
Intel: Iran’s navy boards oil tanker near Strait of Hormuz, US says A Liberian-flagged ship was seized by Iranian forces in international waters near the Strait of Hormuz, according to a US-led maritime security coalition. United States
Israel, UAE announce US-brokered deal to normalize relations Under the deal, Israel has agreed to suspend plans to annex the West Bank. Israel
Lebanon's parliament approves army's broad state of emergency powers Under the state of emergency, civilians can be tried in military court for "breach of security." Lebanon
Eight children die in less than one week at Syria's al-Hol camp This rate is far above normal in the camp for Islamic State-affiliated families, where there are recent reports of escapes and COVID-19 cases. Syria
Greek foreign minister talks Turkey, tourism in Israel Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Danidas came to Israel bearing gifts — news that Israeli tourists will be able to enter the country — likely in return for Jerusalem's continued support for Athens in its conflict against Ankara. Israel
Etihad cancels Shanghai flights following positive virus tests Future travelers to the Chinese city will have to comply with stricter regulations from the Abu Dhabi-based airline. United Arab Emirates
Syria's Assad halts parliament speech over low blood pressure: state TV President Bashar al-Assad said he needed to sit down before suddenly exiting the room full of lawmakers. Syria
