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
New report details damage to Iraqi economy during COVID-19 pandemic The report by the UN-affiliated International Organization for Migration shows how virus-related restrictions have led to revenue and job losses for small and medium-sized businesses in Iraq. Iraq
Intel: Congress pushes back against Pentagon plan to withdraw US forces from Egypt’s Sinai Congress is using a key defense bill to push back against Defense Secretary Mark Esper’s reported plans to withdraw US peacekeeping forces from Egypt’s Sinai. Egypt
After promising accountability, Iraq arrests suspect in protester's death The spokesman for the Defense Ministry said the suspect killed an anti-government protester in Baghdad. Iraq
Intel: Trump lines up behind Libya cease-fire proposed by Egypt’s Sisi President Donald Trump praised Egypt for its Libya cease-fire proposal during a conversation on Wednesday with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Egypt
European court rules against French conviction of BDS activists The European Court of Human Rights ruled that boycotts are protected forms of protest, saying France erred in convicting activists of incitement to discrimination for asking people stop buying Israeli products. Palestine
Egypt to allow foreign tourists at select resorts Egypt will open resorts in the Sinai Peninsula and the Red Sea to foreign travelers in July in an effort to boost tourism during the coronavirus pandemic. Egypt
Assad sacks prime minister amid deepening financial crisis Prime Minister Imad Khamis, who has held the position since 2016, will be temporarily replaced by the country's water minister. Syria
Will Netanyahu opt for partial annexation? Some reports say Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might opt for a phased annexation plan for the West Bank that, at least at first, would exclude the Jordan Valley. Palestine
Qatar’s World Cup organizers accused of not paying migrant workers Human rights organization Amnesty International said roughly 100 employees of a Qatari subcontractor went up to seven months without receiving salaries. Originals
Intel: China may pose greater challenge to US hegemony in Mideast than Russia The top US military commander for operations in the Middle East said that China’s economic influence in the Middle East may one day pose a greater challenge to US strategic interests than Russia in the region, even as the Kremlin seeks wider military presence in Syria and Libya. Originals
Libya’s warring parties participate in ‘productive’ cease-fire talks, UN says The UN Mission in Libya said the Government of National Accord and the Libyan National Army were involved in another round of truce talks. Originals
Intel: State Department official 'tried to bully' watchdog reviewing Saudi arms sale The independent watchdog ousted by President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that a high-ranking State Department official “tried to bully” him in part because of his review of last year’s emergency arms sale for Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Saudi Arabia
