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
Fighting resumes at Islamic State prison in Syria Syria's Kurdish-led alliance had declared the prison secure yesterday. Syria
Lebanon signs new electricity deal with Jordan, Syria A previously announced agreement to export Egyptian gas to Lebanon has yet to come to fruition. Lebanon
UK appeals court says woman in Syria unlawfully stripped of citizenship The woman, who is living in the Al-Roj camp in northeast Syria, had sought repatriation to the United Kingdom. Syria
Palestinian-American died of heart attack after Israeli detention, autopsy finds A Palestinian autopsy found that Omar Abdalmajeed As'ad died from a “stress-induced sudden cardiac arrest due to external violence.” Palestine
Saudi investment fund starts gaming group The fund, which is headed by the crown prince, will work on developing video game competitions with two European companies. News Brief
Human Rights Watch staffer hacked with Pegasus spyware A digital forensic analysis determined phones belonging Lama Fakih, HRW’s crisis and conflict director, were hacked between April and August 2021. News Brief
Israel says maritime talks with Lebanon to resume next week The Israel Energy Ministry said talks would resume with its longtime foe over natural gas exploration in the eastern Mediterranean. News Brief
Saudi Arabia reports more non-oil exports, large amount of trade with China The kingdom is trying to reduce its dependence on oil. Gulf
Qatar helps Philippines purchase Chinese COVID-19 vaccines Qatar has also provided coronavirus vaccine doses to Afghan refugees. News Brief
Palestinian economic activity with Israel increases Relations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority warmed last year. Palestine
China praises 'innovation cooperation' with Israel on 30th anniversary of ties The United States is concerned about Israel's ties with China, especially aspects of technology cooperation. News Brief
