Key clauses of Lebanon ceasefire agreement
The ceasefire agreement with Lebanon includes mutual recognition of sovereignty and preserves the IDF’s freedom of action for self-defense.
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US State Department
News and updates about US State Department
Iran-backed group
US offers $10 million bounty for Kata’ib Hezbollah chief
The US Rewards for Justice program is offering up to $10 million for information leading to Ahmad al-Hamidawi, leader of the Iran-backed terrorist group Kata’ib Hezbollah.
Rubio to join direct Israel-Lebanon talks at State Department
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will take part in direct talks between Israel and Lebanon on Tuesday at the State Department.
Iranian-linked militias attack US diplomats in Iraq
Iranian-linked militias launch two attacks on US diplomats and facilities in Iraq, the State Department says.
US refuses to condemn Israel’s new death penalty for terrorists
State Department spokesperson affirms US respect for Israel’s sovereign right to set its own penalties for terrorism, after the Knesset approves Death Penalty for Terrorists Bill.
State Department:
'Exercise increased caution worldwide'
US State Department issues worldwide alert, urging Americans, especially in Middle East, to exercise increased caution as Iran-backed groups may target US interests globally.
US offers $10 million in exchange for info on key IRGC figures
The US Department of State's Rewards For Justice program offering $10 million for anyone with info on key IRGC figures.
Including Khamenei
US offers $10M reward for information on Iranian leaders
The US is offering up to $10 million for information on key Iranian leaders, including new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.
US declares:
'Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist organization'
The US designates the Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist organization, citing violence against civilians and alleged ties to Iran.
State Department:
'Immediately leave Israel, other Middle East countries'
The US State Department urges Americans to immediately leave 13 Middle Eastern countries, including Israel, due to rising safety risks amid continued US and Israeli strikes against Iran.
Looming Iran strike
US evacuates embassy families, suggests citizens leave Israel
State Department authorizes the departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members of US government personnel due to safety risks.
Trump targets foreign funding of universities
The US administration is expected to step up oversight of foreign funding to limit its influence on curricula and campus activity.
'Key humanitarian step'
US State Dept Welcomes reopening of Rafah Crossing
US State Department cites Gaza committee announcement, quoting officials who say the Rafah Crossing reopening will ease movement and humanitarian needs.
US freezes all visa applications from 75 countries
State Department announces that beginning next week, consular officers will be instructed to refuse all visa applications from 75 nations.
Second day in a row
US again urges citizens: Leave Iran immediately
US once again urges citizens to leave Iran immediately as protests escalate, travel disruptions grow, and the regime restricts communications and flights.
As protests escalate
US urges citizens to leave Iran immediately
US warns citizens to leave Iran immediately as protests intensify, internet is restricted, flights are canceled, and land borders become the safest exit routes amid rising risks of detention.
US slams Houthis over detention of embassy staff in Yemen
US condemns Houthis’ unlawful detention of embassy staff in Yemen, calling it intimidation and demanding their immediate, unconditional release.
State Dept:
'Rubio, Sa’ar discussed Gaza plan, regional security'
State Department says Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s meeting with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar in Washington focused on Gaza, Syria, and Lebanon, stresses importance of US-Israel collaboration.
US approves sale of helicopter parts, training to Saudi Arabia
The US approves a potential $1B sale to Saudi Arabia for helicopter support, spares, and training services, covering the Royal Saudi Land Forces Aviation Corps’ fleet.
US State Department pauses visas for Afghanistan citizens
US State Department 'taking all necessary steps' to protect US security and citizens, statement adds.
US State Dept.:
'Iran is collapsing under regime’s corruption'
The US State Department warns that Iran’s regime is fueling regional instability while neglecting urgent domestic crises, including severe water shortages in Tehran.
US officials:
'IDF may have committed hundreds of rights violations'
A classified US report allegedly finds “many hundreds” of potential IDF rights violations in Gaza. The findings will take years to review, say officials.
Gaza peace plan:
Ambassador Steven Fagin to oversee implementation for State Dept
US Ambassador to Yemen, Steven Fagin, will lead the Civil-Military Coordination Center, advancing Trump’s Gaza peace plan.
'Another corrupt ruling'
US slams ICJ ruling favoring UNRWA despite Hamas ties
US condemns an ICJ ruling ordering Israel to allow Gaza aid via UNRWA, calling it corrupt and politicized: “Nothing more than a partisan political tool.”
US State Department:
Hamas is planning to violate ceasefire, attack Gaza residents
United States has informed the guarantor nations of the Gaza peace agreement of credible reports indicating an imminent ceasefire violation by Hamas against the residents of Gaza.
US designates 4 Iran-aligned militias as terrorist organizations
The State Department listed Harakat al-Nujaba, Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada, Harakat Ansar Allah al-Awfiya, and Kata’ib al-Imam Ali as FTOs, citing Iranian support and threats to US forces.
Secretary of State Rubio to visit Israel and UK
Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit Israel and the UK to reaffirm support for Israeli security and discuss global challenges.
Report:
US blocks Palestinian Arab visas amid statehood push
The New York Times reports that the US has suspended most visas for Palestinian Arab passport holders, citing national security.
Trump administration backs France envoy's antisemitism criticism
Diplomatic row between the US and France escalates after the Trump administration doubles down on Ambassador Charles Kushner's criticism of France's response to rising antisemitism.
State Department fires press officer after debates over Israel
Dismissal of Shahed Ghoreishi follows internal disputes over Gaza policy language, with critics citing pressure for stricter pro-Israel messaging inside the department
Cases against US and Israel
Trump admin. sanctions four more ICC officials
According to the State Department, two ICC judges and two deputy prosecutors were sanctioned for efforts to investigate and prosecute US and Israeli nationals.
US suspends visitor visas for Gazans
US State Department announces pause on visit visas to allow for 'full and thorough' review, report says.
keeps Israel secure
US backs E1 housing plan linking Jerusalem and Maaleh Adumim
In a reversal of past US policy, the State Department backed the E1 project connecting Maale Adumim to Jerusalem, calling it essential to Israel’s stability and regional peace.
State Department:
'US focused on hostages, not speculating on Gaza capture'
US State Dept. spokesperson Tammy Bruce declines to comment on reports of Israeli plans to capture Gaza, saying the US remains focused on freeing hostages and ensuring Hamas never regains control.
US imposes sanctions on PLO, PA officials over terror support
The US has imposed visa bans on PLO and PA officials, citing violations of peace accords, international legal actions against Israel, and ongoing support for terrorism.
State Department increases bounty for Al-Qaeda chief
The US increases its reward for information on AQAP leader Sa’ad bin Atef al-Awlaki to $10 million.
Steve Witkoff to head to Middle East hoping to finalize deal
State Department announces that the US Special Envoy will head to the region and that Israel and Hamas have agreed on a humanitarian corridor in Gaza.
State Department to US citizens: 'Do not travel to Iran!'
State Department’s Hostage Affairs office cautions Americans over heightened detention risk, highlights plight of former hostage Emad Shargi in new awareness campaign.
Diplomatic halt
US Embassies in Israel close due to security
State Department announces the closure of US Embassy branches in Israel from Wednesday to Friday due to the security situation and in compliance with local guidance.
Amid heightened tensions
US restricts employees in Israel from leaving major cities
The US Embassy issued a warning ordering government employees to avoid leaving Tel Aviv, Be'er Sheva, and Jerusalem.
Report:
State Dept. orders crisis drills for missions in range of Iran
According to The Washington Post, the US State Department has ordered embassies within striking distance of Iranian assets across the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Northern Africa to convene emergency action committees.
State Department:
'Gaza aid criticism is the height of hypocrisy'
State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce hits back at UN and NGO criticism of the new US-backed Gaza aid effort, calling it "the height of hypocrisy."
Report:
Rubio to scrap State Department Office of Palestinian Affairs
US Secretary of State reportedly set to get rid of Biden-era office dedicated to elevating America's relations with the PA that was criticized for anti-Israel bias.
US:
'Violence against Syria’s Druze is unacceptable'
The US slams attacks on Syria’s Druze community, urging interim authorities to halt violence, punish perpetrators, and protect minorities.
US sanctions ships linked to fueling Houthi terrorism in Yemen
The US Treasury and State Departments announce sanctions against vessels supplying Houthis with fuel.
Paraguay labels full Hezbollah, Hamas and IRGC as terrorists
Paraguay broadens its terror designations to include the full political and military wings of Hezbollah and Hamas, and adds Iran’s IRGC. The move draws praise from Israel and the US.
Bacteria and toxins:
Serious report on North Korea's lethal weapons
New US State Department report reveals additional data on North Korea's biological weapons program, despite international law.
US official:
'Hezbollah has to be disarmed'
US envoy Morgan Ortagus emphasizes that Hezbollah and other armed groups in Lebanon must be disarmed urgently, stating disarmament should happen "as soon as possible" to ensure national security.
Watch:
Melania Trump gives Amit Soussana Women of Courage Award
First Lady Melania Trump awards former Israeli hostage Amit Soussana the International Women of Courage award for her bravery in being the first hostage to speak of the sexual assault she survived while being held captive.
State Department:
Trump committed to long-term resolution to Israel-Hamas conflict
State Department spokesman Tammy Bruce says Hamas is to blame for the deaths of Gazans in surprise Israeli strikes, notes Witkoff’s original bridge proposal remains an option should Hamas choose to accept it.
US State Department:
Up to $15 mil. for info on Houthi, Hezbollah money network
The US is offering rewards for information on Houthi financiers, their associates, or their financial networks and Hezbollah cash smuggling by airport employees, customs officers, or aviation officials, or related illicit activities or individuals.
State Department:
'Egyptian Gaza plan falls short of Trump’s expectations'
State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce comments on the Egyptian-led initiative for Gaza: It does not fulfill the requirements, the nature, of what President Trump was asking for.
Report:
State Dept. to use AI to crack down on Hamas-supporting students
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio launching an AI-driven “Catch and Revoke” program to cancel the visas of foreign nationals who express support for Hamas or other designated terrorist organizations.
Barak Ravid:
US unfreezes $95 million in aid for Lebanese army
'This is an important move as it signals an effort by the Trump administration to strengthen Lebanon’s military and its newly formed government,' US officials say.
State Department:
Witkoff to head to Middle East amid ceasefire deadlock
State Department spokesperson says that Trump’s Middle East envoy plans to return to the region in the coming days to work out a way to continue the ceasefire and hostage release deal.
US imposes sanctions on Iran's petroleum trade
State Department announces the imposition of sanctions on eight entities engaged in Iranian petroleum and petrochemical trade as part of Trump's maximum pressure campaign on Iran.
State Department:
Rubio's Israel visit to center on Phase II of hostage deal
US State Department issues official statement about Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to the Middle East from February 15-18, which will include a stop in Israel.
Speechwriter fired for nationalist ties appointed to State Dep't
Darren Beattie, speechwriter fired over white nationalist ties, appointed to high-level State Department role by Secretary Marco Rubio.
State Department:
'It is critical that the ceasefire implementation continues'
State Department welcomes release of IDF soldiers Liri Albag, Daniella Gilboa, Karina Ariev and Naama Levy, stresses importance of the implementation of the hostage deal between Israel and Hamas.
Live:
Secretary Rubio's Department of State Welcome Ceremony
Newly-confirmed Secretary of State Marco A. Rubio delivers remarks to employees upon arrival at the Department of State.
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