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
Syria’s stock market stops trades of Rami Makhlouf’s telecom company The company, owned by President Bashar al-Assad's embattled cousin, has been suspended from the exchange indefinitely. Syria
Turkey issues warrants for over 100 accused of Gulen ties The Turkish prosecutor's office ordered the arrest of 118 people suspected of ties to the outlawed Gulen movement. Turkey
Qatar makes massive LNG ship order The purchase by Qatar Petroleum from three South Korean companies comes as oil prices continue to rise from the lows earlier in the year. Qatar
Libya’s warring parties agree to resume cease-fire talks, UN says The United Nations Support Mission in Libya said the rival governments would resume talks over securing a lasting truce in the war-torn country. Libya
Intel: US returns acquitted Iranian scientist, no apparent prisoner swap The United States has returned an acquitted Iranian scientist to his home country after holding him for months in an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility. Iran
Kurdish authorities in Iraq lift lockdown following protests The reimposed lockdown came amid an increase in COVID-19 cases, but people protested the lack of work opportunities due to the restrictions. Iraqi-Kurdistan
Intel: SDF commander reports progress on Kurdish reconciliation talks in Syria Mazlum Kobani, commander of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, announced Friday that the first stage of reconciliation talks with rival Kurdish National Council has “gone well” and that “the second phase has begun.” Syria
Saudi-led coalition says it downs two Houthi drones A coalition spokesperson said the Houthis launched two drones in the direction of residential areas in Saudi Arabia. Originals
US woman convicted of providing material support to Islamic State Alison Marie Sheppard, 35, of Florida purchased 10 mobile phones and arranged to ship them to undercover officers posing as IS supporters. United States
With children infected by coronavirus, Israel fears second wave Israelis have returned to an almost normal routine in recent days, only to discover the pandemic is far from over. Israel
Iraq returns to lockdown after surge in coronavirus cases Iraq registered more than 400 COVID-19 cases today, breaking the previously highest number from only a few days ago. Iraq
Iran admits at least 200 protesters killed in November crackdown Iran's interior minister has acknowledged that "sad things happened" during the unrest last year. Iran
