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
Bahrain eases coronavirus restrictions, allowing shops to reopen Beginning Thursday, shops and industrial businesses in the Gulf kingdom can resume business, though some restrictions remain in place. Bahrain
IRGC soldiers killed in Kurdish area of Iran Iranian media reported that unknown gunmen killed three IRGC soldiers in Iran's Kurdistan province. Iraq
Houthis fire ballistic missiles despite Yemen cease-fire, say Saudis A spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen has accused the Iran-aligned rebels of launching ballistic missiles in violation of a unilateral cease-fire. Saudi Arabia
US ambassador’s annexation comments please Israeli right Israel's political right is delighted by US Ambassador David Friedman's support for the nascent government's annexation plans. Palestine
Gaza rocket shakes calm on border with Israel After 40 days of calm and with ongoing contacts to arrange a prisoner-swap deal a rocket was fired from Gaza at Israel’s southern communities. Palestine
UAE rejects Pakistani claim it is exporting virus The UAE said it tests everyone leaving the country and bars infected individuals from traveling, but Pakistan says up to half of those repatriated on some flights had COVID-19. United Arab Emirates
Lebanon’s lockdown extended amid fears of ‘second wave’ of virus To keep the coronavirus from spreading, a curfew and other restrictions on movement in Lebanon will continue through at least May 24. Lebanon
Facebook says it closed accounts, pages with links to Iranian government Facebook said that it shut down hundreds of accounts and pages promoting Iranian propaganda in its monthly report. Russia
Intel: Egypt releases US political prisoner Egypt has released American political prisoner Reem Mohamed Desouky. Originals
Report: Private sectors in UAE, Egyptian, Saudi economies suffer dramatic losses IHS Markit, a global information provider, shows how the private sector has suffered major blows in the UAE, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia
Intel: White House refuses to detail secretive Saudi nuclear talks to government watchdog The Donald Trump administration refused to disclose details of its talks with Saudi Arabia about possible cooperation on a civil nuclear program, according to a Government Accountability Office report released on Monday. Saudi Arabia
Israel’s controversial cyber surveillance gets three-week extension A parliamentary subcommittee approved Israel's use of the phone-tracing technology through May 26. Israel
