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
Report: Israel’s El Al airline could be owned by state again El Al is facing major difficulties during the current economic and health crises and is seeking government help as Israel's borders remain closed. Israel
US watchdog group: Turkey’s actions in Syria endanger religious diversity The partial withdrawal of US troops from northeast Syria in October created a vacuum for religious repression, a bipartisan US agency says. Syria
Dubai-based airline Emirates cuts jobs again Emirates has resumed regular passenger flights, but the carrier had to reduce the size of its workforce concurrent with its reduced operations, a spokesperson said. United Arab Emirates
In Israel, German foreign minister expresses concern over annexation plan On a short visit to Israel, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas expressed concern over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s annexation plan and called upon the government to return to the two-state solution. Israel
Kurdistan Region parliament in Iraq closes after COVID-19 cases Some members and staff were found to have COVID-19 after tests as the virus spreads quickly throughout the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. Iraqi-Kurdistan
Four injured in US military transport plane crash at Iraq’s Camp Taji An Air Force C-130 Hercules struck a wall, damaging the aircraft and causing a fire onboard. Iraq
Iraq sees slight drop in new COVID-19 cases after days with more than 1,000 The spread of the virus continues at an alarming rate in Iraq, particularly in Baghdad and Sulaimaniyah. Iraq
Bahrain releases human rights activist Nabeel Rajab from prison Rajab's release came just days before the four-year anniversary of his arrest. Bahrain
Palestinians say they were not informed of second virus aid flight from UAE to Israel The second-ever direct flight from the United Arab Emirates to Israel took place today, but Palestinians say they were not informed of the aid delivery. United Arab Emirates
Libya says armed group forces production halt at major oil field Libya's state-run oil company says the Sharara oil field had just resumed operations before it was stormed by gunmen. Libya
Report: Iran builds fake aircraft carrier for drills The Associated Press obtained photos of the mock warship at a time of heightened US-Iran tensions. United States
Qatar to begin phased reopening Coronavirus cases continue to rise in the Gulf country even as restrictions are eased. Originals
