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
Lebanese banks raise exchange rate to dollars as crisis worsens A member of the government's IMF negotiations team also resigned in opposition to the government's handling of the worst financial crisis in decades. Lebanon
Intel: Saudi-led coalition says it intercepted Iranian weapons bound for Yemen The Saudi-led coalition intercepted a boat carrying light weapons of Iranian origin bound for war-wracked Yemen, Saudi and US officials said today. Saudi Arabia
Interpol dismisses Iran's request for arrest warrant for Trump over Soleimani killing US terms 'propaganda' Tehran's request that Interpol issue a red notice for President Donald Trump and 35 other officials Iran alleges were involved in the general's killing. Iran
Intel: Trump’s Iran coordinator discusses arms embargo extension with UAE Brian Hook, the US policy coordinator for Iran, visited the United Arab Emirates this weekend as part of a Middle East tour intended to discuss Washington’s efforts to extend the conventional arms embargo on Tehran, which expires in October. Originals
Qatar to further ease coronavirus restrictions Qatar is registering fewer coronavirus cases than in previous weeks, and public spaces, mosques and offices can now start to reopen. Originals
Lebanon probes blast near ex-PM Hariri’s convoy The attack in the eastern Bekaa Valley came as Lebanon's anti-government protest movement ramped up. Lebanon
Iran slams US efforts to reimpose arms embargo, UN sanctions The remarks from the Iranian ambassador to the UN follow a US proposal to the UN to extend an arms embargo on Iran. United States
Intel: Congress pushes European Union to fully designate Hezbollah as terrorist group A bipartisan group of 30 US lawmakers sent a blanket letter to all European Union member states Thursday asking them to designate the entirety of Lebanon’s militia-cum-political party Hezbollah as a terrorist organization. Lebanon
Intel: Russian mercenaries enter key oil field, Libya oil company says A convoy of Russian mercenaries entered Libya’s Sharara oil field and met with the facility’s security forces yesterday, the country’s National Oil Corporation said. Libya
Syria risks another wave of migration, UN food agency warns The United Nations' World Food Program director told the AP more Syrians will flee the country unless the international community steps in with additional aid. Syria
Netanyahu announces anti-coronavirus cooperation between Israel, UAE Private companies from Israel and the United Arab Emirates plan to cooperate on developing technologies to battle COVID-19. United Arab Emirates
UN Security Council to meet on Egypt-Ethiopia dam dispute The meeting will discuss Egypt's and Sudan's objections to the Ethiopian dam. Egypt
