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
Elon Musk tweets that aliens built Egypt's pyramids The conspiracy theory that aliens built the marvels is unfortunately common. Egypt
US expands sanctions on Iran metals trade, citing ballistic missile program US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo expands metals-related sanctions on Iran, naming 22 materials used in connection with Iran’s nuclear, military or ballistic missile programs. United States
Iranian supermarket opens in Venezuelan capital Iran and Venezuela maintain strong economic ties despite US sanctions on both countries. United States
UN experts urge Turkey to use Hagia Sophia as 'intercultural space' Experts from the United Nations called on the Turkish government to use the contested landmark as a place of interfaith dialogue. Turkey
Iraq’s government says families of nearly 560 killed in protests to be compensated The Interior Ministry also announced the arrest of three members of the Iraqi security forces it said were responsible for two protester deaths overnight Sunday. Iraq
Kuwait to allow international travel again, but not from everywhere Kuwait will allow citizens and residents to travel to and from the country starting Saturday, but people from India, Iran and some other nations will still not be allowed to enter. Kuwait
Iraqis face record-breaking heat, electricity cuts Protests against the government and frequent power outages are continuing amid Iraq's highest temperatures on record. Iraq
Bahrain to allow private employers to hire foreigners after four-month suspension Beginning Aug. 9, employers in the private sector can resume hiring workers from abroad. Bahrain
Turkey, Italy talk economic ties in videoconference The latest sign of friendship between Turkey and Italy comes amid otherwise tense Turkey-Europe relations, largely due to Turkey's plan to drill in Greek and Cypriot waters. Turkey
Libya’s ground fighting leads to surge in civilian casualties: UN Between April and June, more than 100 civilians were killed and over 250 were injured due to an escalation in ground fighting and by explosive remnants and airstrikes. Originals
Yazidi activist Nadia Murad to appear on 'The Daily Show' Murad's appearance on the popular US talk and news satire show could showcase her efforts to combat sexual violence and trafficking to a new and big audience. Iraq
‘I still wake up at night’: Syrian men and transgender rape survivors struggle in Lebanon LGBT survivors of sexual violence told Human Rights Watch that accessing services for their physical and psychological trauma is a challenge in Lebanon. Syria
