State department

US and UK differ on Gaza policy, Ministers admit Gaza op. might not bring back hostages

Germany halts military exports to Israel • US Embassy in UAE urges US nat'ls to avoid locations affiliated with Judaism, Israel • IDF kills Hezbollah terrorist

IDF soldiers operating in the Gaza Strip, August 1, 2025.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with US President Donald Trump at the White House, in Washington DC, US, July 8, 2025

State Department to dismiss human rights criticism of Israel, Russia, El Salvador – report

IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi speaks via video during a meeting of the United Nations Security Council, at the UN headquarters in New York City, US, June 20, 2025

Sanctions against PA officials could prevent traveling to UNSC meeting in September, expert says

 Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas holds a leadership meeting in Ramallah, in the West Bank, April 23, 2025

US to sanction Palestinian Authority, PLO members, State Dept. confirms


State Dept. designates Pakistani group behind April's Pahalgam massacre as terrorists

The Resistance Front (TRF) will now be recognized by the US as a front and proxy group for Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and added to LeT's designation as an FTO and SDGT.

 Indian security force personnel stand guard on the banks of Dal Lake, following a suspected militant attack near south Kashmir's Pahalgam, in Srinagar April 25, 2025.

Trump administration tells US diplomats abroad not to opine on foreign elections

In the directive released by the State Dept., it was made clear that the United States "will pursue partnerships with countries wherever our strategic interests align."

 Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump and and Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) react during a campaign event at Dorton Arena, in Raleigh, North Carolina, U.S. November 4, 2024.

US did not support recent Israeli strikes on Syria, State Dept says

Bruce declined to say whether Washington supports Israel carrying out such military operations when it deems necessary.

 State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce speaks during her first press briefing at the State Department in Washington, US, March 6, 2025.

US, Thailand advance nuclear cooperation as 123 Agreement takes effect

The agreement outlines conditions for the peaceful use of nuclear energy and affirms both countries’ commitment to nuclear nonproliferation.

 A Thai flag is seen in front of the city skyline from the top of Wat Saket Buddhist temple in Bangkok on July 8, 2025.

US State Department to fire over 1,300 employees as Trump admin. aims to shrink federal gov't

As part of the Trump administration’s efforts to shrink the federal government, at least 1,107 civil servants and 246 foreign service officers have had their positions terminated, CNN reported.

 US Secretary of State Marco Rubio takes part in a media briefing during the 58th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers' meeting and related meetings at the Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on July 10, 2025.

Rubio impersonator uses AI to contact US gov't officials, attempts to steal information

At least five individuals outside the State Department were targeted, including three foreign ministers, a US governor, and a member of Congress.

 US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reacts as he testifies at a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on US President Donald Trump's State Department budget request for the Department of State, on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, US, May 20, 2025.

State Department approves $30 million for funding of Gaza Humanitarian Foundation

"This support is simply the latest iteration of President Trump's and Secretary Rubio's pursuit of peace in the region," State Department deputy spokesperson Tommy Pigott said.

 A Palestinian man carries aid supplies, in Beit Lahiya, in the northern Gaza Strip, June 16, 2025; illustrative.

US advises citizens not to travel to Israel, UK encourages citizens to register with embassy

The US told its nonessential embassy staff and family members of embassy workers that they can voluntarily leave when they so choose.

 View of the US Embassy Branch Office in Tel Aviv, May 7, 2024.

US draws back efforts as mediator in Ukraine-Russia War peace talks

State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said that America's methodology for the talks "will change in that we will not be the mediators."

Ukrainian police officers seen in the frontline town of Pokrovsk in Donetsk, Ukraine, April 12, 2025

Syria's foreign minister expected to meet with State Dept. officials in New York

This is the first meeting for the US and Shibani that is taking place on US territory. It comes after Syria's response to conditions set by the US for possible partial sanctions relief.

 Syria's Minister of Foreign Affairs Asaad Hasan al-Shaibani attends a panel discussion, "New Dawn for Damascus: Prospects for Syria's Transition", during the Munich Security Conference (MSC) in Munich, Germany, February 15, 2025.

Trump admin. to reorganize State Department, cut redundant programs, Rubio says

“This approach will empower the Department from the ground up, from the bureaus to the embassies,” Rubio said.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio attends a cabinet meeting at the White House in Washington, DC, April 10, 2025