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, Etihad adding more flights after transit suspension lifted The United Arab Emirates ended its suspension of international transit flights on Wednesday. Originals
Iran experiencing second wave of coronavirus infections After reopening the country, the number of cases is back up again. Iran
Libya’s UN-backed government regains full control of Tripoli After capturing the city's airport, the Government of National Accord in Libya says it has regained full control of Tripoli. Libya
Turkey to reopen border crossings with Iran, Iraq By opening two border crossings with Iran and Iraq, Turkey is seeking to boost the economy, and many businesses resume operations in the country this week. Iraq
EU criticizes Turkish energy exploration in Mediterranean Turkey disputes the European Union's position that the waters where Turkey hopes to drill for hydrocarbon belong to Greece and Cyprus. Turkey
US, Russian troops square off in northeast Syria as Kremlin eyes wider footprint US-Russian standoff near Derik, Syria, blocks traffic for hours before Russians return to Qamishli. Syria
Middle East expresses support for George Floyd protests in US Displays of support for Black Lives Matter protests in the United States pop up in Israel, Turkey, Syria and Lebanon. Originals
Gunmen kill Yemeni journalist in Aden A Yemeni photographer has become the 16th journalist to be killed in Yemen since the start of the country’s civil war. Yemen
Emirati ambassador: West Bank annexation will make region ‘unstable’ The United Arab Emirates Ambassador to the United States Yousef Al-Otaiba discussed Israel's annexation plans on Al-Monitor's podcast following criticisms by another Emirati diplomat. Originals
Intel: Pompeo, French counterpart discuss Libya war Secretary of State Mike Pompeo discussed the situation in Libya today with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian, a State Department spokeswoman said in a statement. Libya
Intel: US offers no new funding at Yemen donor conference The emergency aid pledged for Yemen’s humanitarian response plan at a June 2 donor conference falls short of what is needed, with the United States not offering any new funding at this time. Yemen
Intel: House Middle East panel chairman questions Trump’s commitment to two-state solution The chairman of the House’s Middle East panel questioned the Donald Trump administration’s stated commitment to a two-state solution during a Zoom interview with the Israel Policy Forum today. Palestine
