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
Russia to negotiate with Syria on more military bases: Interfax Russia, which currently has two permanent military facilities in Syria, will reportedly hold talks with Damascus over obtaining more. Syria
Intel: Pompeo discusses Syria with Jordan’s foreign minister Secretary of State Mike Pompeo discussed Syria today on a phone call with Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi. Jordan
Netanyahu says Palestinians must ‘consent’ to Israeli security control The Israeli prime minister also discussed Palestinian citizenship and his critics on the right in an interview with Israel Hayom. Palestine
Intel: EU renews sanctions on Syrian regime The European Union renewed its sanctions against the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad for another year. Syria
Report: Russia building new military base in northeast Syria The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the news coincides with tensions between Kurdish and Russian forces over the M4 highway. Syria
Iran’s parliament taps hard-line former IRGC commander as speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the former national police chief and former mayor of the capital, Tehran, was selected as parliament speaker. Iran
Libya says oil blockade has cost $5 billion in lost revenue The Tripoli-based National Oil Corporation said the closure of oil facilities in January has led to billions in losses. Libya
More refugees in Lebanon test positive for COVID-19 The news of infections in the Syrian refugee community follows a handful of cases among Palestinian refugees last month. Lebanon
Iran arrests 'separatists' in southwest Khuzestan province Arab opposition groups are active in Iran's diverse and oil-rich area of Khuzestan, and a recent protest took place in the province against the lack of drinking water. Iran
Egypt registers highest number of coronavirus cases in single day Egyptian health officials reported 910 new cases Wednesday, bringing the total number of registered coronavirus infections in the country to more than 19,000. Egypt
Intel: Trump administration pursues new Saudi arms deal despite investigation The Donald Trump administration is doubling down with a new arms deal for Saudi Arabia despite an investigation into last year’s $8 billion emergency weapons sale to Riyadh, a key Senate Democrat revealed in a CNN op-ed Wednesday. Saudi Arabia
Intel: Trump administration defended Iran nuclear waivers as 'restrictions,' then ended them The Donald Trump administration ended sanctions waivers on Iranian nuclear facilities today — a mere two months after characterizing them as “restrictions” on Iran’s nuclear program. Russia
