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
Saudi Arabia quarantines cash to prevent further coronavirus spread Saudi Arabia will isolate coins and banknotes for up to 20 days in sealed containers. Saudi Arabia
Intel: Senate Democrats warn Netanyahu against West Bank annexation Nineteen Senate Democrats warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his coalition partner Benny Gantz against Israeli plans to annex settlements in the West Bank and the entire Jordan Valley in a letter Thursday. Palestine
Health care system collapses as COVID-19 races across Yemen As the United Nations appeals for $2 billion in emergency funding for Yemen, aid organizations on the ground warn community transmission of the coronavirus is taking place throughout the war-torn country. Yemen
Egypt ready to resume talks with Ethiopia, Sudan over Nile dam After a tense dispute at the UN Security Council earlier this month, Cairo says it's now ready to go back to the negotiating table. Egypt
Intel: Palestinian Authority to suspend cooperation with CIA over US support for Israeli annexation The secretary-general of the Palestinian Liberation Organization, Saeb Erekat, says his government has suspended its contacts with the CIA over the Trump administration’s support for Israel’s plan to annex parts of the West Bank. Palestine
More than 10,000 health care workers in Iran infected with coronavirus, official says More than 100 health care workers have died from the virus in Iran, the epicenter of the pandemic in the Middle East. Iran
Intel: Trump’s UN ambassador accuses Iran of violating arms embargo The US ambassador to the United Nations accused Iran of violating an international arms embargo as part of President Donald Trump’s push to persuade the Security Council to extend the restrictions, which are set to expire in October as the first sunset provision under the nuclear deal. United States
Intel: Biden condemns pro-Palestinian boycott movement Former Vice President Joe Biden condemned the pro-Palestinian boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement in a new policy page posted on his campaign website. Palestine
Intel: Russia, China holding UN ‘hostage’ on Syrian aid deliveries, US envoy says Continued Russian and Chinese obstruction at the UN Security Council imperils the millions who depend on humanitarian aid in Syria, said US Ambassador to the United Nations Kelly Craft. Syria
Global oil prices at highest since March following OPEC cuts Oil prices have fallen significantly this year as a result of the coronavirus and the Saudi-Russia price war, but Brent crude has now risen past $36. Saudi Arabia
Israeli court limits Jerusalem Day celebrations over coronavirus The High Court court ordered that the traditional — and provocative — Jerusalem Day Flag March be replaced with a human chain and a smaller celebration by the Western Wall. Palestine
Report: Etihad Airways faces debt restructuring or possible legal action The owners of the Emirati airline's debt submitted a restructuring proposal and are waiting to hear back. United Arab Emirates
