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
Saudi coalition in Yemen condemns separatists’ declaration of self-rule The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen rejected the Southern Transitional Council's declaration of self-rule in the strategic port city of Aden. Saudi Arabia
Israel bombs Iran-backed forces near Syrian capital The attack, launched from over Lebanese airspace, killed both fighters and civilians. Israel
Israel’s Black Flag protest gathers momentum Around 2,000 people gathered at Rabin Square in Tel Aviv on April 26 in a Black Flag demonstration against the unity deal between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Blue and White leader Benny Gantz, and in defense of the country’s democracy. Israel
Iraqi soldiers search for IS along Tigris River Iraqi army soldiers look for IS fighters in Samarra, where IS has been active during the coronavirus lockdown in the country. Iraq
Intel: Egypt’s medical aid to US fails to stem outrage over American prisoners Secretary of State Mike Pompeo spoke with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry by phone on Thursday to discuss “continued collaboration on key regional issues and bilateral COVID-19 assistance." Egypt
Istanbul’s coronavirus outbreak is ‘under control,’ claims health minister Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca compared Turkey's largest city to Wuhan, where the virus first emerged in China. Turkey
Intel: Biden vows to back Armenian genocide resolution as president Former Vice President Joe Biden marked Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day on Friday with a pledge to back a resolution recognizing the Ottoman Empire’s massacre of more than 1 million mostly Christian Armenians as a genocide. Turkey
Egypt, Algeria relax coronavirus restrictions for Ramadan Egypt and Algeria are allowing greater civilian movement for the Islamic holy month, as are the United Arab Emirates and Iraq. Egypt
Netanyahu looks to boost image with COVID-19 talks with world leaders Advancing the WHO videoconference, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu participated in another videoconference with six other world leaders on fighting the coronavirus. Israel
Four new coronavirus cases in refugee camp in Lebanon The four infected individuals are relatives of the first refugee woman who tested positive for the coronavirus in a Palestinian refugee camp this week. Lebanon
Saudi-led coalition in Yemen extends unilateral truce by one month The Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthi rebels in Yemen has announced it's extending a cease-fire another month to allow for UN-brokered negotiations as well as efforts to control the novel coronavirus outbreak. Yemen
Dubai relaxes its coronavirus lockdown for Ramadan Dubai will relax its strict coronavirus lockdown to allow movement without permission for much of the day during the Muslim holy month. United Arab Emirates
