The Latest Breaking News from US State Department

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken begins Middle East trip by urging ‘calm’ between Israel and Palestine

Blinken blasted the recent loss of civilian life in violent attacks as ‘deeply disturbing’

Evening Standard · Jan 30, 2023

U.S. says Finland, Sweden are ready to join NATO alliance

The U.S. State Department on Monday said Finland and Sweden are ready to join the NATO alliance, after Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said Sweden should not expect Turkey's support for its membership after a protest near the Turkish embassy in Stockholm at the weekend including the burning of a copy…

Reuters · Jan 23, 2023

John Williams Ntwali, rare Rwandan journalist critical of govt, dies

John Williams Ntwali, one of Rwanda's few journalists who published stories critical of the government, has died, his newspaper The Chronicles reported.

Reuters · Jan 20, 2023

Other Arab States May Join U.S.-Backed Negev Forum

State Department Counselor Derek Chollet told reporters that Washington was attempting to develop programs and initiatives .

Zenger · Jan 11, 2023

US State Department to Revive Palestinian-Israeli Talks

Israel and the countries that signed the Abraham Accords discussed enhancing cooperation in areas, such as security and information sharing, during the Negev Forum Working Group meetings in Abu Dhabi, according to a US official. The Negev Forum Working Groups Meeting began in the presence of about 150 representatives of…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Jan 11, 2023

Judge halts extradition of El Chapo's son to U.S.

The order comes a day after the younger Guzmán was arrested.

Axios · Jan 7, 2023

US Asserts Iran Presents One of its Most Complex Challenges

US administration described Iran as "one of the most complex challenges," stressing that military cooperation between Tehran and Moscow had become a significant obstacle to a possible return to the 2015 nuclear deal. Special Envoy for Iran Robert Malley is currently focusing heavily on supporting the rights of the Iranian…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Jan 6, 2023

Mexico authorities arrest El Chapo's son, sparking deadly riots in Sinaloa state

The U.S. State Department said Ovidio Guzmán was a"high-ranking member" of the Sinaloa Cartel that his jailed father previously led.

Axios · Jan 6, 2023

Drug lord, trafficker, killer of wedding singers: How the ‘New Mouse’ followed in the bloody footsteps of his father El Chapo

Ovidio Guzman’s arrest was hailed as a major blow to Mexico’s all-powerful Sinaloa Cartel. The son of the notorious El Chapo may now face extradition to the US, writes Bevan Hurley

The Independent UK · Jan 5, 2023

LA County public defender remains jailed in Venezuela after 8 months

LOS ANGELES — When Eyvin Hernandez stopped calling while vacationing in Colombia in late March, his younger brother thought the worst had happened.

Los Angeles Times · Dec 30, 2022