Latest Department of State News & Updates

Washington, June 3 (IANS) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the United States is intensifying efforts to counter China’s expanding influence across Latin America, arguing that decades of American neglect allowed Beijing to establish a significant presence in sectors ranging from ports and telecommunications to critical minerals and infrastructure.Testifying before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State and Related Programs, Rubio described China…

Washington, May 28 (IANS) Amid growing tensions in the South China Sea and rising concerns over Beijing’s regional assertiveness, two bipartisan US senators have introduced legislation aimed at strengthening diplomatic coordination and crisis management with Indo-Pacific allies and partners. US Senators Tammy Duckworth and John Curtis introduced two bills designed to improve coordination between the Departments of State and War and enhance preparedness for potential flashpoints involving the P…

Washington, March 5 (IANS) The United States has begun charter flights to evacuate American citizens from the Middle East, as Washington ramps up efforts to help thousands return home amid rising tensions in the region.A Department of State charter flight carrying American citizens departed the Middle East for the United States on Wednesday as part of the ongoing evacuation effort.“Today, a Department of State charter flight of American citizens departed the Middle East en route to the United …

Washington, Feb 25 (IANS) The United States imposed sanctions on a Russian exploit broker and several associated entities accused of acquiring and selling stolen American cyber tools, in what officials described as the first action under a new law aimed at protecting US intellectual property.The measures target Russian national Sergey Sergeyevich Zelenyuk and his company, Operation Zero. The action coincides with a separate criminal case against Australian national Peter Williams, who pleaded gu…

Washington, Jan 15 (IANS) A US funding bill for the fiscal year 2026 proposes to withhold a portion of American assistance to Pakistan, according to the text of legislation introduced in the House of Representatives. The bill says that of the funds made available for Pakistan, $33 million “shall be withheld from obligation” until the Secretary of State reports to Congress that Dr Shakil Afridi “has been released from prison and cleared of all charges relating to the assistance provided to …