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
Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan resume talks on Nile River dam This is the first set of talks since Ethiopia's controversial July announcement that it had completed the first stage of filling of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Egypt
Iran strikes Kurdish Iranian group in Iraqi territory Iran sometimes targets the positions of the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan and other Kurdish Iranian groups based across the border in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Iraq
Intel: Israeli court orders Netanyahu's son to stop tweeting personal details of protest leaders The son of Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was ordered by an Israeli court on Sunday to stop harassing those leading protests against his father’s administration. Israel
Lebanon's foreign minister resigns, citing lack of reforms Nassif Hitti is the highest ranking official to step down during the country's worsening economic crisis. Lebanon
Intel: Libya’s Hifter threatens to meet Turkey’s forces ‘with bullets’ Eastern Libya’s Gen. Khalifa Hifter vowed to fight Turkey’s forces as Libya’s Government of National Accord is poised to press its counteroffensive against the key coastal city of Sirte with Ankara’s military support. Originals
Iran registers 'alarming' rise in infections as people 'trivialize' rules A majority of the country's provinces are reporting an "alarming" number of new cases, according to Iran's Health Ministry. Iran
Israel facing tensions on northern, southern borders The IDF is now worried not only about escalating tensions on the Syrian and Lebanese borders but also about growing tensions along the border with the Gaza Strip. Israel
Iran and UAE discuss cooperation on COVID-19 Iran and the United Arab Emirates have worked together on the virus before despite them being on opposite sides of Middle Eastern conflicts. Iran
Report: Iranian authorities ignore prisons' pleas for help in fighting COVID-19 Amnesty International obtained letters from prisons in Iran to the Health Ministry about a lack of adequate supplies in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. Iran
Iraq’s prime minister says early elections to be held in June 2021 Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi said parliamentary elections will be held June 6, 2021. Iraq
Turkey holds joint military drills with Azerbaijan amid Armenia conflict Azerbaijan and Armenia, long at odds, have been fighting in the strategic Tavush-Tovuz border area; Turkey has threatened to intervene on the side of Azerbaijan. Turkey
Iran, Ukraine hold 'constructive' talks over downed passenger plane Ukraine's foreign minister said the talks were productive, but the two sides have not yet agreed on compensation for the plane's downing. Iran
