The Latest Breaking News from State Department

North Africa’s Frozen Conflict

How the Biden Administration Can Resolve the Dispute Over Western Sahara

Foreign Affairs · May 12, 2022

Biden administration seeks Congress approval for small weapons deal to Turkey - sources

The Biden administration has informally reached out to the U.S. Congress to seek approval for a proposed sale of missiles and equipment upgrades to NATO ally Turkey, sources familiar with the matter said on Wednesday.

Reuters · May 11, 2022

Biden Seeks to Keep China in Focus by Welcoming ASEAN Leaders

President Joe Biden will host Southeast Asian leaders in Washington this week, seeking to show his administration remains focused on the Indo-Pacific and the long-term challenge of China despite the Ukraine crisis. A two-day summit with the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) begins with a White House dinner…

Asharq Al-Awsat · May 11, 2022

Accused Bucha attackers targeted in U.S. visa bans on Russian officers

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Sunday that new U.S. visa bans on more than 2,600 Russian and Belarusian military officials included personnel believed to have operated in Bucha, a town outside of Kyiv where Russian forces are accused of executing residents.

Reuters · May 8, 2022

U.S. diplomats return to embassy in Kyiv - State Dept official

The U.S. top diplomat to Ukraine Kristina Kvien and her team arrived in Kyiv on Sunday, a senior State Department official said, after Secretary of State Antony Blinken promised on a visit last month to re-open the U.S. embassy in the Ukrainian capital soon.

Reuters · May 8, 2022

Biden authorizes additional $150 million in military assistance to Ukraine

The president also called on Congress to pass his $33 billion request for humanitarian and military aid to Ukraine.

Axios · May 6, 2022

U.S. offers $15 million reward for information on Conti ransomware group

The United States on Friday offered a reward of up to $15 million for information on the Russia-based Conti ransomware group, which has been blamed for cyber extortion attacks worldwide, State Department spokesman Ned Price said.

Reuters · May 6, 2022

U.S. assesses North Korea could be ready to conduct a nuclear test this month

The United States assesses that North Korea is preparing its Punggye-ri nuclear test site and could be ready to conduct a test there as early as this month, State Department deputy spokesperson Jalina Porter said on Friday.

Reuters · May 6, 2022

US Prepares for a World Both With and Without Iran Nuclear Deal

The United States is now preparing equally for both a scenario where there is a mutual return to compliance with Iran on a nuclear deal, as well as one in which there is not an agreement, the State Department said on Wednesday. "Because a mutual return to compliance with the…

Asharq Al-Awsat · May 5, 2022

Mexican foreign minister tests negative for COVID after meeting U.S.'s Blinken

Mexico Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard will continue with plans to visit Central America and the Caribbean, he said on Wednesday, following a negative COVID-19 test after a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Reuters · May 5, 2022