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: US renews waiver for Iraq to import Iranian electricity after Kadhimi forms government The Donald Trump administration on Wednesday announced that the United States will renew a sanctions waiver for Iraq to continue importing Iranian electricity shortly after Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi managed to form a new government following months of political gridlock. Iraq
Rights group criticizes arrests in Palestinian territories Amnesty International said Palestinian authorities arrested five people in March and April without proper cause. Palestine
Jailed musician dies after nearly yearlong hunger strike in Turkey Grup Yorum's Ibrahim Gokcek died two days after suspending his “death fast." Turkey
Israel demands UN expand peacekeeping mission in Lebanon Ahead of the renewal for the UNIFIL mandate this summer, and with tensions at the border increasing, Israel wants rules in place so that UN peacekeepers can be more effective. Israel
Iraq’s parliament approves government of new PM Kadhimi A new Iraqi government has been finally formed after months of deadlock and a political crisis that hit the country’s stability and economy. Iraq
Intel: Trump administration to return acquitted scientist to Iran, paving way for potential prisoner swap The United States is expected to deport an Iranian professor acquitted of sanctions evasion. United States
Turkish soccer to welcome back players — but not fans Turkey's professional soccer teams will begin playing in empty stadiums in June, the Turkish Football Federation president said Wednesday. Turkey
Israel announces major settlement construction project Israel officially plans to build new settlement housing units in the West Bank as the country builds momentum for annexation with some US support. Palestine
Intel: Biden vows to reopen Palestinian delegation in Washington Presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency on Tuesday that he would move to reopen the Palestinian delegation in Washington, which President Donald Trump closed in 2018. Palestine
Qatar coup rumors leave trail to regional rivals An apparently doctored video made the rounds on Twitter Monday suggesting a coup was under way in Qatar. Saudi Arabia
Qatar Airways to cut jobs The Gulf airline continues to fly to destinations worldwide while other regional carriers have stopped nearly all of their flights. Qatar
Yemen’s Houthis announce first coronavirus case While 21 previous cases had been reported in areas controlled by the internationally recognized government, the real figure in the war-wracked country is likely far higher. Yemen
