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: Amid maritime deal with Egypt, Greece invites UN court to settle sea dispute with Turkey Greek Prime Minister suggests that if no agreement can be reached, his country's dispute with Turkey over a maritime boundary should go to an international court. Egypt
Lebanese president says 'foreign interference' possible in Beirut blast As investigations into Tuesday's deadly explosion continue, conspiracy theories abound. Lebanon
Air quality a concern in Beirut following explosion The American University of Beirut said air quality has returned to normal following the explosion of ammonium nitrate on Tuesday that killed around 150 and injured thousands. Lebanon
Health workers in Syrian camp for ISIS families test positive for COVID-19 Humanitarians warn that poor conditions in the camp put it at great risk for an outbreak of the virus. These are the first known cases there. Syria
US military delivers humanitarian aid to Lebanon in wake of Beirut explosion The US military is sending three aircraft loads of food, water and medical supplies to Beirut. Lebanon
South Africa calls Sudan, Egypt and Ethiopia back to negotiating table on dam talks After Sudan and Egypt announced they were suspending talks, the African Union chair urged all three parties to resume discussions. Egypt
US top diplomat for Iran Brian Hook steps down Hook was a key figure in the Trump administration's pressure campaign against Iran. Iran
Etihad Airways reports massive decrease in passenger flights The number of passengers served and passenger flight revenues went down for the Abu Dhabi-based airline in the second quarter of 2020. Originals
In Beirut visit, France’s Macron promises reform in 'new political pact' The French president said he would meet with Lebanon's political elite to propose a series of reforms that would ensure aid does not go to waste. Lebanon
Journalists in Yemen attacked ‘from all quarters,’ UN rights chief says Since the beginning of April, the United Nations has documented an abduction, a killing and a number of physical attacks and threats against journalists operating in war-torn Yemen. Yemen
US to submit UN resolution to extend Iran arms embargo next week: Pompeo The arms embargo is set to expire in October as part of the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and major world powers. United States
Pentagon contradicts Trump’s claim on Beirut ‘attack’ US Defense Secretary Mark Esper contradicted Donald Trump's suggestion that the explosion in Beirut was an "attack," saying instead that it was likely caused by an accident. Lebanon
