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
Jordanian government employees return to work Most civil servants had not worked since March due to anti-virus measures. Jordan
Intel: Congress advances trans-Sahara security bill as Pentagon mulls Africa troop drawdown The Senate Foreign Relations Committee last week unanimously advanced long-stalled legislation to formally institutionalize a counterterrorism partnership with numerous North African and Sahel states. North Africa
Syrian government lifts nightly curfew despite uptick in coronavirus cases The Syrian Ministry of Health has registered 121 coronavirus cases and a death toll of four in areas under regime control. Syria
Iraq registers jump in COVID-19 cases during Eid al-Fitr holiday The Iraqi authorities said there were 163 confirmed coronavirus cases on Monday, which was greater than the number in a single day that prompted lockdowns in Baghdad last week. Iraq
Iran reopens holy shrines amid easing of coronavirus restrictions Closed since mid-March, the religious sites are opening their doors with social distancing measures in place. Iran
Netanyahu appears at Jerusalem courthouse as corruption trial begins Facing a panel of three judges, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is the first incumbent leader of Israel to stand trial. Israel
Two Islamic State leaders killed in joint coalition-SDF raid in Syria The raid comes amid a string of SDF operations against suspected IS members over the past week. Syria
Intel: Pompeo warns against Libya weapons flows in PM call As Libya's United Nations-backed government reclaimed parts of the capital today, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo discussed an end to the fighting with the embattled prime minister. Libya
Intel: Congress advances key Israel military aid bill Congress is zeroing in on final passage of a 2-year-old military aid bill for Israel. Israel
Libya's GNA takes back more of southern Tripoli from Hifter The Government of National Accord says it captured a string of towns from military strongman Khalifa Hifter this week. Libya
Khashoggi's son says family forgives killers Those sentenced to death in Jamal Khashoggi's killing can now be reprieved, but criticisms remain of Saudi Arabia's involvement in the murder and its response. Saudi Arabia
Palestinian Authority rejects COVID-19 aid flown from UAE to Israel The Palestinian government said it was not coordinated with regarding the medical supplies. United Arab Emirates
