U.S. Department of State
Coverage of U.S. Department of State in the Nexus archive.
- Local firefighter describes Venezuela devastation: ‘This is Surfside in so many different locations’
Venezuela's earthquakes have caused unprecedented destruction, with rescuers including Miami-Dade firefighters working around the clock. A Venezuelan security guard was rescued after eight days trapped under rubble, though many victims remain buried. Firefighter Maggie Castro compared the devastation to the Surfside collapse, highlighting the emotional and physical toll on responders.
- American rescue teams pull infant alive from rubble in Venezuela days after devastating twin earthquakes
American search-and-rescue teams rescued an infant from rubble in Venezuela following twin earthquakes. The U.S. Department of State and White House highlighted the rescue as part of broader international efforts, with 1,430 reported deaths and over 68,000 people missing. U.S. Urban Search and Rescue teams deployed specialized equipment and personnel to assist in the disaster response.
- South Florida search and rescue teams set to deploy to aid Venezuela after devastating earthquakes
South Florida search and rescue teams are deploying to Venezuela to assist after two major earthquakes caused widespread destruction, with over 920 confirmed deaths and more than 51,000 people missing. The U.S. Department of State activated Miami-Dade Fire Rescue's Task Force 1, which will join global efforts led by the UN and U.S. Southern Command to locate survivors and provide aid.
- Israel, Lebanon sign framework peace deal after US-mediated talks
Israel and Lebanon signed a framework peace deal in Washington following US-mediated talks to end their conflict. The trilateral agreement was signed by Lebanese Ambassador Nada Moawad, Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the State Department.
- Trump supports ‘Six Assurances’ to Taiwan but no timeline for arms sale, US diplomat says
US Assistant Secretary of State Michael DeSombre reaffirmed Washington's commitment to Taiwan's 'Six Assurances' despite President Trump's previous dismissal of the policy. However, no timeline was provided for the delayed $14 billion arms package to Taiwan.
- Rubio says Gulf talks were 'frank' as US seeks regional backing
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described 'frank' and 'constructive' discussions with Gulf leaders in Bahrain, Kuwait, and the UAE regarding the US-Iran agreement and security in the Strait of Hormuz. He emphasized alignment with regional allies and sought their input on key issues.
- US slaps new sanctions on Cuban companies key to island’s crumbling economy
The U.S. imposed new sanctions on five Cuban state companies, including those linked to Grupo de Administración Empresarial S.A. (GAESA), a conglomerate controlled by Cuba’s Revolutionary Armed Forces. The sanctions aim to deter foreign investment and exacerbate Cuba’s economic crisis by targeting entities critical to the island’s logistics, imports, and financial systems.
- US slaps new sanctions on Cuban companies key to island's crumbling economy
The U.S. imposed new sanctions on five Cuban state companies, including those linked to Grupo de Administración Empresarial S.A. (GAESA), which controls nearly 40% of Cuba's GDP. The sanctions aim to deter foreign investment and worsen Cuba's economic crisis, with targeted entities involved in logistics, finance, and state resource management.
- US slaps new sanctions on Cuban companies key to island's crumbling economy
The U.S. imposed new sanctions on five Cuban state companies, including those linked to GAESA, a business conglomerate controlled by Cuba’s Revolutionary Armed Forces. The sanctions aim to deter foreign investment and exacerbate Cuba’s economic crisis, with targeted entities critical to the island’s logistics and financial systems.
- US military kills three 'narco-terrorists' in latest lethal strike on vessel in the Eastern Pacific
The U.S. military conducted a lethal strike in the Eastern Pacific against a vessel linked to drug trafficking, killing three individuals described as 'narco-terrorists'. The operation, part of a campaign launched by the Trump administration, involved Joint Task Force Southern Spear and targeted a vessel operating along known narcotics-trafficking routes. SOUTHCOM released video footage of the strike but did not confirm survivors.
- Trump says US military eliminated 'infamous' Tren de Aragua leader in lethal strike
President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. Southern Command executed a lethal strike against Niño Guerrero, leader of Tren de Aragua, a U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization. Trump attributed the action to his administration's efforts to combat the group and claimed coordination with Venezuela.
- Trump says US military eliminated 'infamous' Tren de Aragua leader in lethal strike
President Donald Trump announced the U.S. Southern Command conducted a lethal strike to eliminate Niño Guerrero, the leader of Tren de Aragua, a U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization. Trump attributed the action to fulfilling his campaign promise to combat the group and stated coordination with Venezuela ensured Tren de Aragua no longer has safe haven.
- US and Iran are close to a deal to end their war, officials say
The United States and Iran are nearing an agreement to end their war, with terms including the removal of Iran’s nuclear material and phased lifting of sanctions. A fragile ceasefire has been in place since April 7, and the deal aims to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and release frozen Iranian assets.
- US and Iran are close to a deal to end their war, officials say
The United States and Iran are nearing a deal to end their war, with terms including the removal of Iran's nuclear material and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. A fragile ceasefire has been in place since April 7, and the agreement could involve lifting sanctions and unfreezing Iranian assets.
- Allies condemn Iran's 'lethal plotting' in US, Europe, Australia
The United States, Australia, European allies, and other countries condemned Iran-backed groups for plotting to kill Iranian dissidents, journalists, and Jewish communities in a joint statement. The U.S. Department of State emphasized unity in protecting nations against these threats and demanded Iran halt such actions.
- Trump administration to offer 'premium' expedited visa interviews for $750
The Trump administration will introduce a 'premium' expedited visa interview service for $750, allowing applicants to schedule interviews within 10 days at select U.S. embassies and consulates. The program, part of broader visa screening changes, aims to reduce wait times but does not guarantee visa approval. It runs from July 1 to December 31 and may be extended based on demand.
- Trump administration will offer expedited visa interviews at select embassies for $750
The Trump administration's State Department will offer a premium expedited visa service for an additional $750 fee, on top of the standard $185 processing fee, for business and tourist visa applicants.
- Trump expands Cuba sanctions beyond US companies in major crackdown on foreign enablers
The Trump administration expanded U.S. sanctions on Cuba to target foreign companies and banks dealing with military-linked entities like Grupo de Administración Empresarial S.A. (GAESA), aiming to close loopholes allowing foreign support of the Cuban regime. Critics argue the move could exacerbate humanitarian issues.
- Will China and the United States Pursue Strategic Stability?
Michael Swaine's 2024 analysis on preventing U.S.-China war is revisited amid recent talks between President Trump and President Xi. The article explores whether U.S. military involvement in Iran alters the risk of conflict with China.
- Trump expands Turkey ambassador's diplomatic role, adding Iraq, Syria amid Middle East tensions
President Donald Trump has appointed U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack as Special Presidential Envoy to Syria and Iraq, expanding his role amid efforts to advance regional peace. The move occurs as the administration navigates tensions with Iran and addresses instability in northern Iraq.
- Trump expands Turkey ambassador's diplomatic role, adding Iraq, Syria amid Middle East tensions
President Donald Trump has expanded the role of U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack, appointing him as Special Presidential Envoy to Syria and Iraq to advance regional peace efforts. The move coincides with ongoing U.S.-Iran negotiations and heightened tensions in northern Iraq, where Iran's Revolutionary Guards have launched attacks against separatist groups.
- Trump administration cracks down on Brazil's biggest drug gangs with ‘global terror’ designation
The Trump administration designated Brazil's First Command of the Capital (PCC) and Red Command (CV) as Specially Designated Global Terrorists and intends to classify them as Foreign Terrorist Organizations effective June 5, 2026. The move follows pressure from Brazilian Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro, who argued the gangs pose transnational threats through drug trafficking and violence. The U.S. stated the action aims to disrupt illicit networks and protect national security.
- Trump administration cracks down on Brazil's biggest drug gangs with ‘global terror’ designation
The Trump administration designated Brazil's First Command of the Capital (PCC) and Red Command (CV) as foreign terrorist organizations, citing their combined 50,000+ members and violent activities. The move followed a request by Brazilian Senator Flávio Bolsonaro and faces opposition from President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's government.
- Several U.S. airports to begin enhanced Ebola screenings
The U.S. State Department announced enhanced Ebola screenings at four airports for passengers who visited Congo, South Sudan, or Uganda in the last 21 days. The measure aims to prevent the spread of the virus.
- Tell us: have you been affected by the new US green card rules?
The US has changed its green card rules, requiring applicants to adjust their immigration status from outside the country via the State Department and USCIS. This marks a significant shift in Trump administration immigration policy after a 60-year unchanged process.
- Three women found dead in popular American tourist hot spot as local police search for clues
Three women aged 30-35 with tattoos found partially undressed in separate areas of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, have sparked police investigations into a potential serial killer or cartel link. The deaths occurred amid heightened violence in Jalisco following the killing of cartel leader Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes (El Mencho), which triggered clashes and travel alerts for tourists.
- Rubio pushes back on India's concerns over US visa curbs, says policy must be 'America First' under Trump
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended Trump's 'America First' immigration reforms during a meeting with Indian officials, asserting the policy is globally applied and not targeted at India. Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar expressed concerns about potential impacts on legal migration and business-technology cooperation.
- New details of Iran peace deal emerge as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says 'significant progress' has been made
New details of an Iran peace deal have emerged, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating that significant progress has been made. The announcement highlights ongoing diplomatic efforts involving Iran and the United States.
- Rubio says ‘significant progress’ made in US-Iran negotiations
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that 'significant progress' has been made in US-Iran negotiations. The statement highlights improved diplomatic engagement between the two nations.
- Weaponizing passports won’t help American kids
The U.S. Department of State plans to revoke passports from Americans with unpaid child support, a policy critics argue disproportionately impacts fathers and represents an outdated approach to child support enforcement.
- Trump administration orders green card applicants to leave the US, apply from their home countries
The Trump administration's USCIS announced a major policy shift requiring green card applicants currently in the U.S. to leave the country and apply through consular processing from their home countries, with only extraordinary circumstances eligible for adjustment of status. The policy applies to noncitizens on temporary visas such as student, tourist, or work visas, regardless of family ties to U.S. citizens. Critics argue the policy will cause humanitarian concerns and processing delays for those with U.S. citizen spouses and children.
- Trump administration orders green card applicants to leave the US, apply from their home countries
The Trump administration's USCIS announced a major policy shift requiring green card applicants already in the U.S. to leave the country and apply through consular processing from their home countries, with only extraordinary circumstances exempted. The policy affects noncitizens on temporary visas including students, tourists, and temporary workers, and the administration argues it reflects the original intent of immigration law, though critics raise concerns about humanitarian impacts and separation of families with U.S. citizen members.
- Rubio claims Cuba refused $100M US humanitarian aid offer
The Cuban government turned down a $100 million humanitarian aid offer from the U.S. The aid was intended to help Cuba grapple with the fallout of a devastating hurricane, a weakened economy and a prolonged fuel shortage. The U.S. provided $6 million in humanitarian aid to the island's population instead.
- Italy tells Rubio that Europe needs America and vice versa
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss the mutual need between Europe and America. Tajani emphasized that Europe needs the United States and vice versa. The meeting highlights the importance of transatlantic relations.
- Rubio to visit Italy, Vatican amid troop drawdown call, tension with Trump, Pope Leo: reports
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to visit Italy and the Vatican to address strained relations between President Trump, Pope Leo, and Italian PM Giorgia Meloni. The visit occurs amid U.S. troop reductions in Europe and Trump's criticism of Italy and Spain for not supporting U.S. military efforts. Pope Leo has also clashed with Trump over foreign policy and immigration.
- Rubio to visit Italy, Vatican amid troop drawdown call, tension with Trump, Pope Leo: reports
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to visit the Vatican and Italy to address strained relations following public conflicts between President Trump, Pope Leo, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The trip occurs amid a 5,000-troop drawdown from Germany and Trump's criticism of Italy's NATO contributions, with tensions escalating over Iran and tariffs.
- Fist-pumping Secretary of State Marco Rubio stuns rowdy partygoers as he seizes control of DJ DECKS
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio surprised partygoers by taking control of DJ decks, showcasing a lively and unexpected moment. His energetic fist-pumping gesture captivated the crowd at the event.
- Iran’s killer drones increase slaughter in Sudan amid world’s forgotten war
Iran is accused of supplying attack drones to Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) in Sudan's civil war, leading to civilian casualties. The conflict, now in its fourth year, has killed up to 400,000 people and displaced 11 million. An Iranian woman in the U.S. was arrested for brokering a $70 million drone deal to Sudan, while both SAF and rebel Rapid Support Forces (RSF) increasingly use drones against civilians.
- Ex-federal official worried U.S. "may not come out on top" if Iran war becomes "battle of endurance"
A former U.S. federal official warns the country 'may not come out on top' if a potential war with Iran escalates into a prolonged 'battle of endurance.' The current ceasefire with Iran remains in place, but stalled negotiations have led to energy supply tensions, price surges, and heightened recession risks.
- Trump’s cyber ambassador nominee advances to full Senate vote
Adam Cassady, Donald Trump's nominee for the State Department's Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy, advanced to a full Senate vote after a 17-5 approval in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The vote marks a key step in confirming Cassady's role in shaping U.S. cyber and digital policy.