The Latest Breaking News from State Department

Religious freedom in India ‘significantly worsened’: US panel

For third straight year, US commission recommends adding India to religious freedom blacklist over alleged abuses.

Al Jazeera · Apr 25, 2022

US commission: Cite Afghanistan for religious persecution

A U.S. advisory body says that Afghanistan should join a list of the world's worst violators of religious freedom

The Independent UK · Apr 25, 2022

On Ukraine visit, Blinken, Austin pledge return of U.S. diplomats, more security aid

Washington's top diplomat and its defense chief used the first official U.S. visit to Ukraine since Russia invaded in February to announce a gradual return of U.S. diplomats including a new ambassador and over $300 million in new military aid to Kyiv.

Reuters · Apr 25, 2022

US, Cuba hold highest-level talks in four years

The United States and Cuba have held their highest-level diplomatic talks in four years after a severe disruption in ties during the Trump administration

The Independent UK · Apr 21, 2022

U.S. says China continues to 'parrot' some Russian security concepts

The U.S. State Department said on Thursday that China continues to "parrot" some of Russia's security ideas amid the war in Ukraine, including the Kremlin's concept of "indivisible security."

Reuters · Apr 21, 2022

U.S. understands Ukrainian forces still holding ground in Mariupol - State Department

The United States understands that Ukrainian forces still hold ground in Mariupol and Russian President Vladimir Putin's claim to have liberated the city is disinformation, the U.S. State Department said on Thursday.

Reuters · Apr 21, 2022

Senior U.S. officials to arrive in Solomon Islands for talks on Thursday - State Department

A White House delegation led by Indo-Pacific Coordinator Kurt Campbell is due to arrive in the Solomon Islands for talks later on Thursday, the U.S. State Department said, amid concerns about a security pact between the Pacific Island country and China.

Reuters · Apr 21, 2022

US Says Iran Must Address its Concerns for Sanctions Relief Beyond Nuclear Deal

The United States said on Thursday if Iran wanted sanctions relief beyond that of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal - an apparent reference to removing Iran's Revolutionary Guards from a US terrorism list - it must address US concerns beyond the pact. "We are not negotiating in public, but if…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Apr 21, 2022

Mystery remains around Brittney Griner’s case in Russia

As extraordinary as her circumstances are, the details surrounding Griner’s case remain mostly unknown as a crucial court date approaches next month. Russian prosecutors have offered little clarity and the U.S. government has made only measured statements.

Chicago Sun-Times · Apr 21, 2022

Democrats Warn Biden Administration Against Lifting Iran Sanctions

Democratic lawmakers are increasingly growing their opposition to the ongoing negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program after an apparent reluctance to publicly criticize the US administration during the negotiations that began more than a year ago. US Senator Joe Manchin detailed his concerns with the ongoing negotiations between the…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Apr 21, 2022