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
‘Virtual mall’ in Bahrain opens for shoppers on lockdown The online hub will allows shoppers in Bahrain to purchase from more than 100 brands. Bahrain
Afrin truck bombing kills dozens in Syria The explosion during the holy month of Ramadan in the city controlled by Turkish-backed Syrian rebels killed at least 36 and wounded at least 40. Syria
Egypt extends its state of emergency for three more months amid coronavirus In his announcement, Egypt's president cited “dangerous” conditions in the health and security sectors. Egypt
Jordan allows daytime driving as it relaxes coronavirus lockdown Jordan is allowing people to drive their vehicles and many businesses to reopen for the first time in more than a month. Jordan
Intel: US watchdog calls on State Department to add Syria to list of religious freedom violators Secretary of State Mike Pompeo should designate Syria as one of the world’s worst religious freedom offenders and put Iraq, Turkey and Egypt on a special watch list, the US Commission on International Religious Freedom recommended in its annual report. Egypt
Iraq receives another short waiver to US sanctions on Iranian gas The United States granted Iraq 30 more days to continue importing Iranian gas in contrast with longer sanctions waivers in the past. Iraq
Intel: Pompeo links Iran satellite launch to erosion of nuclear deal Secretary of State Mike Pompeo discussed Iran’s recent launch of a military satellite into orbit last week during a phone call today with his French counterpart, Jean-Yves Le Drian. United States
Turkey to send medical supplies to US amid coronavirus outbreak Turkey is the latest country to send personal protective equipment to the United States. Turkey
Israeli court stops government anti-coronavirus phone spying Israel's domestic security agency cannot continue to access citizens' private phone data to track the coronavirus until laws are passed on the practice, the Supreme Court ruled Sunday. Israel
Arab League to meet over Israel’s West Bank annexation plan The pan-Arab organization will discuss controversial Israeli plans under a government unity deal to annex parts of the West Bank. Palestine
Lebanese protest dire economic conditions as coronavirus lockdown eases Protests have resumed in Lebanon, with many people lamenting hunger and economic strife as the country's financial crisis continues during the coronavirus lockdown. Lebanon
Intel: After US funding cuts, WHO likely to end most Yemen health services As Yemen stares down the prospect of a devastating COVID-19 crisis, the World Health Organization is likely going to suspend about 80% of the health care services in the war-torn country by the end of the week, UN humanitarian coordinator for Yemen Lise Grande said today. Yemen
