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
Kuwait sees coronavirus jump as lockdown holds Kuwait has registered 947 coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours as the country continues its total lockdown. Kuwait
Israeli unity government sidelines pro-settler party Israel's impending unity government leaves out pro-settler Yamina, which accuses Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of using it before pushing it out of the new coalition. Israel
Intel: 331 lawmakers take International Criminal Court to task over Israel investigation Hundreds of US lawmakers have signed onto two letters to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urging him to continue his “vigorous support of Israel as it faces the growing possibility of investigations and prosecutions by the International Criminal Court” over potential war crimes in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Palestine
Hezbollah chief says Israel fighting 'imaginary battle' in Syria Hassan Nasrallah, leader of the Iran-aligned Lebanese Hezbollah, accuses Israel of targeting missile-manufacturing sites in Syria. Israel
Israel gives final go-ahead for cannabis exports Israeli Economy Minister Eli Cohen gives his final approval for the export of medical cannabis. Israel
Report: Yemen has more coronavirus cases than official numbers show Houthi authorities have not reported test results for many suspected coronavirus cases, news organizations say. Saudi Arabia
Israel’s top court cancels bonus plan for artists performing in settlements The High Court rules in favor of a petition that sought to end a policy of giving government bonuses to artists who performed in West bank settlements. Palestine
300 Israelis arrested for defying coronavirus ban on Jewish holiday Hundreds of people in Israel's ultra-Orthodox neighborhoods ignored a ban on large gatherings to celebrate a minor Jewish holiday known as Lag B’Omer. Israel
Dubai reopens public parks, hotel beaches Mosques, movie theaters, nightclubs and public beaches remain closed. United Arab Emirates
Emirates to resume international passenger flights The Dubai-based carrier will start flying to North America, Europe and Australia on May 21. United Arab Emirates
Israeli soldier kills Palestinian teen in West Bank clash Teenager Zaid Qaysia was killed during clashes between Israeli troops and Palestinian residents of the Al-Fawar refugee camp Wednesday morning. Palestine
Intel: How Turkey’s expulsion from F-35 program has hampered production A report by the US Government Accountability Office said Turkey’s expulsion from the F-35 program has complicated the Joint Strike Fighter’s already troubled production chain. Turkey
