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
Pilgrims wear masks, socially distance during Hajj Saudi authorities instituted several health measures for this year's Islamic pilgrimage, and the number of attendees was greatly reduced. Originals
Intel: Turkish defense minister asks Congress to halt bill sanctioning Ankara Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar asked US lawmakers today to abandon legislation that would sanction Ankara over its purchase of the Russian S-400 missile defense system that the House passed last week. Turkey
Yemen’s southern separatists abandon self-rule to pursue power-sharing plan The news comes three months after the Southern Transitional Council announced self-rule in parts of southern Yemen. Saudi Arabia
Iran launches first underground missile during US-focused drill The launch follows an Iranian exercise targeting a mock US aircraft carrier yesterday. Iran
The latest reason Australia won’t take back citizens detained in Syria’s prisons for IS? Coronavirus Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne says COVID-19 has further complicated the possibilities of repatriating Australians captured during the war against the Islamic State in Syria. Syria
Saudi Arabia jails Yemeni blogger over video calling for LGBT rights A Saudi court sentenced Mohamad al-Bokari to 10 months in prison over a social media post encouraging gay rights. Saudi Arabia
Lebanese prime minister calls for 'caution' after reported Israel-Hezbollah clash Israel said it thwarted a Hezbollah incursion, but the Lebanese group denied this. A Hezbollah fighter was killed in an apparent Israeli airstrike in Syria last week. Lebanon
Turkey stops eastern Mediterranean drilling, wants talks with Greece The area in which Turkey planned to drill for gas is considered by Greece and Cyprus to be their waters. Turkey
Fuel tank explosion in Iran latest in string of mystery blasts No casualties were reported after six trucks carrying fuel reportedly caught fire Monday. Iran
Moody's credit rating downgrade puts Lebanon on par with Venezuela The major credit rating agency said Lebanon is likely to default on its debt due to a lack of reform and the collapse of the Lebanese pound. Lebanon
Australian-British academic jailed in Iran moved to dangerous desert prison Kylie Moore-Gilbert has been moved to the Qarchak prison after spending nearly two years in Tehran's notorious Evin detention center. Iran
