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
Intel: Trump congratulates Iraq’s new Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi President Donald Trump has congratulated Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi on his confirmation by Iraq’s Council of Representatives. Iraq
UN calls on Israel to release Palestinian children from jails amid coronavirus Three UN officials urge Israeli authorities to free detained Palestinian children to protect them from COVID-19. Palestine
Intel: Biden adviser says Iran deal supporters, detractors both wrong on sanctions' effectiveness A longtime foreign policy adviser to former Vice President Joe Biden argued on Monday that President Donald Trump’s withdrawal from the nuclear deal has proven both the accord’s supporters and detractors wrong “about a critical thing.” United States
Iraq arrests pro-Iran militiamen accused of killing protester Iraq's new prime minister, Mustafa Kadhimi, ordered the raid after protests resumed in the southern province of Basra. Iraq
Jordan reopens stock market after two months, value falls Jordan's stock market resumed trading after a two-month shutdown amid the coronavirus crisis, but stocks continued to fall. Jordan
Intel: WHO suspends Yemen staff activity over 'credible threats' in Houthi-held territory The World Health Organization has suspended its staff activity in certain areas throughout Houthi-controlled territory. Yemen
Iraqi Security forces target armed groups that attacked protesters Iraq's new government is taking a series of decisions to rein in Iran-backed militias. Iraq
Amnesty: Syria, Russia responsible for war crimes in Idlib Between May 2019 and February 2020, the UK-based rights group recorded 18 attacks on hospitals and schools carried out by Russian and Syrian forces. Syria
Coronavirus offers Israel opportunity to strengthen ties with Gulf states Despite recent condemnation by Gulf states of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plans to annex parts of the West Bank this summer, there are signs that Israeli-Gulf ties might benefit from shared concern over COVID-19. Saudi Arabia
Poll: Most Israeli Jews support annexing parts of West Bank The poll for April from the Israel Democracy Institute found differing opinions between the left and right and Jewish and Arab Israelis. Palestine
Intel: Amid US funding gap, UN Palestinian refugee agency seeks $93M in coronavirus aid As the coronavirus continues its spread through the impoverished West Bank and Gaza Strip, the United Nations refugee agency for Palestinians is seeking emergency funding to help with what it calls the worst financial crisis in the organization’s 70-year history. Palestine
Turkey charges 7 over ex-Nissan boss’s escape to Lebanon Former Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn has been living in Lebanon since escaping house arrest in Japan in late December. Lebanon
