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
First series of Fight Island UFC events wraps up in Abu Dhabi Several fighters of Middle Eastern heritage competed in the event without fans in the Emirati city on Sunday. United Arab Emirates
Algeria reimposes domestic travel restrictions amid surge in COVID-19 cases Following the Algerian government easing several restrictions in June, the country has registered several hundred cases a day in July. Algeria
First confirmed COVID-19 case detected in northwest Syria The first case of the coronavirus in Idlib follows a veto at the UN Security Council today of a resolution that would have allowed aid to reach the embattled area via Turkey. Syria
Intel: US CENTCOM commander meets with head of Syria’s Kurdish forces The head of Syria’s Kurdish-led militias said he met today with the top commander of US forces in the Middle East, Gen. Frank McKenzie, in northeast Syria. Syria
Palestinian shot and killed by Israeli military after alleged attack Israeli and Palestinian officials disagree on the circumstances behind the death of a 29-year-old Palestinian in a West Bank village Thursday. Palestine
Intel: CENTCOM commander says Soleimani strike won’t deter Iran forever The top commander of US military forces in the Middle East says he believes the assassination of Iranian Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani has only temporarily deterred Iran from pursuing its goal of pushing US troops out of the region. Iraq
Sudan reopens airport to flights from Egypt, UAE, Turkey The reopening follows the easing of virus-related restrictions and a modest decline in daily COVID-19 cases. Sudan
Intel: Turkey lashes out at new US support for Cyprus Turkey is lashing out at the United States as Washington moves closer to providing Cyprus with military aid as the disputed island nation develops closer energy ties with Israel. Turkey
Intel: US lawmakers tussle over key condition on restoring Palestinian aid Democrats and Republicans clashed today over a newly proposed restriction on Palestinian assistance in this year’s foreign aid spending bill — the latest chapter in the struggle to resume economic support for the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Palestine
What would President Kanye West's Middle East policy be? Rapper Kanye West has yet to develop a foreign policy platform for his announced presidential candidacy, but his past lyrics, tweets and travels may reveal some of his views. Iraq
Second fireworks explosion in a week kills police in Turkey Thursday's blast followed a massive fireworks explosion at the same factory last week in the northwest. Turkey
Emirates resumes more international flights as restrictions ease The addition of flights to Los Angeles, Dar es Salaam and other destinations follows the resumption of tourism to Dubai. United Arab Emirates
