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
Emirates temporarily halts bookings to New Zealand The Dubai-based carrier's decision follows a stoppage it placed on flights from Pakistan as countries struggle to resume flights during the pandemic. United Arab Emirates
UN report blames civilian deaths in northwest Syria on government and rebel groups The report by the United Nations' Syria commission details numerous possible war crimes in recent months by both pro-government forces and the rebel group HTS. Syria
UK to resume issuing Saudi Arabia arms export licenses Licensing had been suspended last year after a British court ruled that the government violated British law by selling arms without examining whether the weapons may be used to harm noncombatants. Originals
Russian FM says Hifter's forces ready for cease-fire in Libya Sergey Lavrov said the Tripoli government wants to keep fighting as the war rages on with heavy foreign involvement from Russia, Turkey, Egypt and others. Libya
Turkish diplomat criticizes West Bank annexation in Jordan Turkey's ambassador to Jordan is the latest Middle Eastern and international politician to criticize Israel's plans to annex parts of the Palestinian territory. Palestine
Russia, China veto UN vote to extend aid to Syria’s opposition-held northwest Russia previously made clear its intent to veto the proposal, despite last-minute hopes the Kremlin might abstain. Syria
UN expert calls US killing of Soleimani 'unlawful' The UN special rapporteur on extrajudicial executions called the US strike an “arbitrary killing” that threatens to undermine norms of military conflict between countries. Iraq
Intel: AIPAC rebukes Democrats again for bill to keep US aid out of annexation The American Israel Public Affairs Committee issued its third rebuke of Democratic lawmakers in as many weeks over their repeated attempts to keep Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from annexing significant portions of the West Bank. Israel
Iran cuts oil production and storage is nearly full amid pandemic, US sanctions Reuters reported that Iran's onshore storage facilities are nearly full while production is at its lowest point since the Iran-Iraq war. United States
Germany, France, Egypt and Jordan issue statement against West Bank annexation The countries wrote that they oppose Israel's planned incorporation of parts of the Palestinian territory. The plans have hit roadblocks in Israel this month. Israel
Dubai welcomes back tourists The Emirati city wants visitors to come back as the country emerges from its coronavirus closures. Originals
US soldier accused of planning neo-Nazi attack on unit in Turkey pleads not guilty The soldier allegedly sought to help recruit local jihadists in Turkey carry out an attack on a US military facility. Turkey
