After Iran, Afghanistan now designated ‘State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention’ by US; Rubio calls for release of Americans

The US State Department on Monday designated Afghanistan as a ‘State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention’, with Secretary of State Macro Rubio accusing the Taliban of deploying “despicable tactics”. “The Taliban continues to use terrorist tactics, kidnapping individuals for ransom or to seek policy concessions. These despicable tactics need to end,” Rubio said in a statement,…

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US orders non-essential government employees, families to leave Saudi Arabia, cites Iran missile threats, potential terrorism

The US State Department on Sunday ordered non-essential US diplomats and family members of government employees to leave Saudi Arabia amid the conflict in the Middle East. The order issued by the state department on March 8 cited “safety risks” and called for all non-emergency staff and their families to leave. “This amends the prior…

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US approves ’emergency’ weapons sale to Israel worth over $150 million amid war with Iran

The US State Department approved the “emergency” sale of 12,000 bomb casings to Israel on Friday as the countries engage Iran in an escalating Middle East war. The requested sale of 1,000-pound (450-kilogram) bomb casings, worth an estimated $151.8 million, was approved by the State Department’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, according to a press release….

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Americans in Middle East fume at government over lack of evacuation as conflict spreads; Was Trump’s Iran attack a hasty step?

The US State Department is urging Americans to leave the Middle East as the conflict in Iran widens, thereby plunging the region into a deeper military confrontation. The conflict, which began on 28 February after the United States and Israel launched strikes targeting key military and naval sites across Tehran, has now entered its fourth…

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Trump govt slaps sanctions on 15 entities including Indian firm after Oman meeting with Iran — Here’s why

The United States on Friday announced sanctions against 15 entities involved in Iran’s petroleum and petrochemical sectors, alleging that the revenue is used for “destabilizing activities” globally and citing unrest within the country. The move comes moments after Oman meeting with Iran ended. An Indian company and an Indian citizen have also been included in…

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