State Department News - Latest Updates & Headlines
US sanctions target Iran's UAV, ballistic missile programs
Washington, DC, April 2: The United States on Tuesday (local time) sanctioned six entities and two individuals based in Iran, the UAE, and China that have been involved in the procurement of key components on behalf of entities connected to Iran's UAV and ballistic missile programs.
US State Department declines to comment on USCIRF's recommendation to place India on CPC list
Washington, DC, April 1: US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce on Monday (local time) declined to comment on the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom's (USCIRF) annual report, which recommends placing India on the Country of Particular Concern (CPC) list.
US Dept of State welcomes release of citizen Faye Hall from Taliban's captivity
Washington DC, March 31: The US Department of State welcomed the release of American citizen Faye Hall, who was recently freed from Taliban captivity.
Trump administration to formally end USAID
Washington DC, March 29: US President Donald Trump's administration is moving to formally end the US Agency for International Development (USAID), notifying the remaining employees they will be terminated and the agency will be merged with the State Department, The Hill reported.
We expect Bangladesh to follow rules of Human Rights: US
Washington DC, March 25: The United States expects Bangladesh to follow the rules of human rights and be fair to their own citizens, the US State Department said on Monday, in relation to the
US slams China's military drills near Taiwan as brazen, irresponsible
Washington DC, March 19: A spokesperson from the United States Department of State heavily criticised China's recent military exercises near Taiwan, calling them as "brazen and irresponsible threats," while reaffirming the United States' long-standing support for Taipei (capital city), as reported by Taipei Times.
China opposes US State Dept's revised fact sheet, accuses it of misrepresentation
Beijing, February 21: Following the US State Department's revision of its China fact sheet, which now highlights economic concerns, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson expressed opposition and condemned the changes as a misrepresentation of facts, and accusing the US of attacking China's foreign policy.
Taiwan minister thanks US State Dept after fact sheet removes lines not supporting Taiwanese independence
Taipei, February 16: The Taiwanese government has welcomed US move of removing from the website of the US State Department that it does not support Taiwanese independence, Taipei Times reported.
Paul Kapur nominated to be second Indian-descent top diplomat for India
Washington, Feb 13: S. Paul Kapur, who worked previously on relations with India, has been nominated by the Trump administration to head the South Asia bureau at the State Department that conducts diplomatic ties with India and the region.
Hamas must release all hostages now: US Secretary of State
Washington, Feb 9: Reiterating US President Donald Trump's firm stance, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called for the immediate release of all Israeli hostages taken by Hamas, following the return of three captives.
Panama Canal Authority denies adjusting fees for US vessels, says it's ready for 'dialogue'
Panama City, February 6: Following the United States' announcement that Panama had agreed to waive fees for the US government vessels transiting the Panama Canal, the Panama Canal Authority issued a statement clarifying that no adjustments had been made to the existing tolls or rights for canal transit.
Panama waives fees for US government vessels
Washington DC, February 6: The US State Department on Wednesday announced that Panama has agreed to eliminate fees for US government vessels transiting the Panama Canal.
Trump appoints Rubio as acting director of USAID after humanitarian agency taken over by State Department
Washington, DC, February 4: US president Donald Trump appointed Secretary of State Marco Rubio as acting administrator of the US Agency for International Development (USAID), confirming the de-facto takeover of the humanitarian agency by the State Department.
US State Secy Marco Rubio heads to Central America, amid Trump's row over Panama Canal
Panama City, February 1: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Panama Saturday (local time) for his first trip since holding the job as US top diplomat.
US State Department says it is blocking all funding to woke programs
Washington DC, January 30: The US State Department on Wednesday (local time) said that the US is "blocking" all the funding to "woke programs" including support for gender development programs, sex education and pro-abortion programs as they do not "make America stronger, safer, or more prosperous."
Tahawwur Rana not yet on plane to India, US 'evaluating' options
Washington, Jan 28: The United States' State Department is “evaluating next steps” in regard to Tahawwur Rana's extradition to India that was upheld last week by the country's Supreme Court, clearing the way for him to finally face justice for his alleged role in the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks.
US State Dept evaluating next steps in Tahawwur Rana case
By Reena Bhardwaj, Washington DC, January 28: US State Department has said that it is currently evaluating the next steps with regard to Tahawwur Rana's extradition to India.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio raises concerns over Beijing's coercion of Taiwan
Washington DC, January 25: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has raised concerns over Beijing's coercion against Taiwan during a phone call with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, Focus Taiwan reported, citing the US Department of State.
Marco Rubio wants State Department to be at the 'centre' of US diplomacy
Washington, Jan 22: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday said in his first remarks after taking office that he wants the department to be "relevant" and at the "centre" of how America engages the world and not be relegated to a secondary position.
I return to highest calling in democracy of being private citizen: Blinken during farewell speech
Washington DC, January 18: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday spoke about the government transition on January 20 and expressed confidence in the department's continued dedication towards "American diplomacy."
US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller praises Trump team's involvement in ceasefire
Washington DC, January 16: US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller on Wednesday praised the "critical" role of President-elect Donald Trump's team in brokering a ceasefire and hostage agreement between Israel and Hamas.
Marco Rubio accuses China of lying, cheating its way to global power
Washington, Jan 15: Marco Rubio began his confirmation hearing for the job of US secretary of state Wednesday with a sharp denunciation of China's rise as a power by lying and cheating, and a robust defence of President-elect Donald Trump's world view anchored in America First priorities, arguing it does not amount to isolationism.
Biden administration to remove Cuba from US terrorism list
Washington DC, January 15: The Biden administration announced on Tuesday that it will remove Cuba from the US state sponsor of terrorism list, reversing a designation made by Donald Trump's administration in 2021.
Yunus government in Bangladesh set to acquit terrorist desperately wanted by US
Dhaka, Jan 7: In yet another controversial move to embolden radical elements in the country, the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government in Bangladesh has reportedly set in motion the process to acquit Syed Zia-ul Haque, a sacked Major of the Bangladesh Army who is linked to Al Qaeda and is desperately wanted by the United States.
Trump announces Fox News Anchor Tammy Bruce as US State Department spokesperson
Washington DC, January 4: US President-elect Donald Trump has announced Fox News Anchor Tammy Bruce as the next spokesperson of the US Department of State.
Donald Trump announces Morgan Ortagus as Deputy Special Presidential Envoy for Middle East Peace
Washington DC, January 4: US President-elect Donald Trump has announced Morgan Oratagus as America's Deputy Special Presidential Envoy for Middle East Peace to Steven Witkoff.