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
Alleged Israeli strikes target northern, eastern Syria Iranian militia targets were bombed near Aleppo and in the Deir ez-Zor countryside. Israel
Intel: J Street launches push to include Palestinian rights in Democratic Party platform The left-leaning lobby group J street endorsed a letter today featuring 32 foreign policy professionals urging the Democratic National Committee to make Palestinian rights part of its 2020 platform. Palestine
Egypt says IS militants killed in Sinai following attack Egypt said Sunday that it killed the IS militants in a gunfight in Sinai following an IS-claimed attack there last week. Egypt
Some Lebanese restaurants reopen with restrictions in place Not all Lebanese restaurants could afford to reopen after the government allowed them to operate at a limited capacity today. Originals
Death of Egyptian director whose video mocked Sisi prompts calls for investigation Filmmaker Shady Habash, who was arrested after directing a controversial music video, died at the age of 24 in a Cairo prison. Egypt
Islamic State carries out attacks across Iraq, including near Baghdad The Islamic State hits Iraqi security forces across the country May 2 and 3, including ones relatively close to the capital. Iraq
Israel’s top court weighs Netanyahu-led unity government The High Court of Justice heard arguments Monday over a coalition unity deal that would put an end to a year of political deadlock in Israel. Israel
Iran begins reopening mosques despite coronavirus concerns Mosques across 132 "low-risk" cities reopened in Iran under strict guidelines meant to ensure social distancing. Iran
Islamic State claims responsibility for army attack in Egypt’s Sinai The attack in Egypt's northern Sinai region left as many as 10 soldiers dead. Egypt
Intel: US praises Germany for expanding Hezbollah terrorist designation Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and pro-Israel lawmakers welcomed Germany’s decision this week to designate the entirety of Hezbollah, the Lebanese Shiite militia-cum-political party, as a terrorist organization. Lebanon
US sanctions Iranian-Iraqi businessman, mining company linked to IRGC The sanctions freeze any US-held assets belonging to Amir Dianat and Taif Mining Services. Iran
Sudan outlaws female genital mutilation Sudan's criminalization of the practice done to a majority of young girls won praise and may reflect some change in attitudes. North Africa
