US foreign policy
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New US legislation introduced to tighten and extend Syria sanctions
The new legislation looks to extend Caesar Act sanctions until 2032 and would prohibit any US department or agency from recognizing or normalizing with any government in Syria led by al-Assad. Middle East -
US issues Iran sanctions on one-year anniversary on Mahsa Amini’s death
The United States is sanctioning more than two dozen individuals and entities connected to Iran’s “violent suppression” of protests in the wake of ... Middle East -
US diverting military aid from Egypt to Lebanon: Official
“This demonstrates the [Biden] administration’s unwavering commitment to supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF),” a US official told Al Arabiya English. Middle East -
US steps up efforts to resolve decadeslong dispute between Armenia, Azerbaijan
There are signs of potential easing of tension, but the road to a sustainable solution is still long and windy. World News -
US lawmaker calls for ending Huawei, SMIC exports after chip breakthrough
The US Commerce Department should end all technology exports to Huawei and China’s top semiconductor firm following the discovery of new chips in ... World News -
Biden picks former Obama administration official as next US ambassador to Israel
US President Joe Biden nominated a former Obama administration official as Washington’s next ambassador to Israel, the White House announced ... Middle East -
US approves $500 mln sale of F-16 IRST systems to Taiwan: Pentagon
The State Department has approved the $500 million sale of F-16 Infrared Search and Track (IRST) systems to Taiwan, the Pentagon said on Wednesday.The ... World News -
Two dozen US lawmakers scold Biden administration for Iran prisoner deal
A group of 26 Republican lawmakers slammed the Biden administration’s cash-for-prisoner deal with Iran on Friday, demanding an explanation for the ... Middle East -
US approves sale of hundreds of air-to-air missiles to Germany in 2.9 bln deal
The State Department approved the sale of more than 900 air-to-air missiles to Germany in a deal worth $2.90 billion, the Pentagon said on ... World News -
F-16s being sent to Gulf this weekend in response to Iran ship seizures: Pentagon
“Iran wants us gone [from Syria] so they can complete the Shia crescent to continue to move lethal aid that might threaten Israel and push that over to Lebanese Hezbollah,” a senior US military official said. Middle East -
Analysis: Joint military drills showcase US commitment to Middle East
“For all the talk of a reduced posture, CENTCOM’s training tempo with regional partners has remained steady, if not increased in both frequency and sophistication,” said Bilal Saab, Defense and Security Program Director at the Middle East Institute (MEI). Middle East -
US looks to assert control over seized weapons from Iran for second time this year
Conventional weapons, including long arms and anti-tank missiles, and related munitions were seized, all of which were determined to be primarily of either Iranian, Chinese or Russian origin. Middle East -
Biden administration failed to plan, respond properly in chaotic Afghanistan pullout
Officials declined to say why they had released the report just before a holiday weekend. World News -
US envoy for Iran on leave, officials say he was suspended
The US special envoy for Iran is on leave and has been replaced, a State Department official told Al Arabiya English on Thursday night.“Rob Malley is ... Middle East -
US lawmakers will press auto CEOs over China supply-chain links
Virginia governor Glenn Youngkin withdrew his state from consideration for a proposed plant earlier this year, calling the proposal a “Trojan horse allowing China to undermine efforts to strengthen the US auto industry.” World News -
Capitol Hill doors reopened to Turkey after Erdogan’s victory, new lobbyists
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s envoy to the US was being turned away by lawmakers for months despite seeking meetings on Capitol Hill. So, ... World News -
US military deploys F-22 fighter jets to Middle East due to Russia’s behavior
A senior US military general said that Russia was continuing to try to drag the US into a dogfight over the skies of Syria. Middle East -
US Secretary of State Blinken set to travel to China for talks in coming weeks
Secretary of State Antony Blinken plans to visit China in the coming weeks for talks with top officials, possibly including President Xi Jinping, ... World News -
US halts sharing information with Russia on nuclear weapons
Russia unilaterally stopped participating in the New START treaty in February. World News -
For Visa Waiver Program, Israel must not discriminate against Palestinian-Americans
“At this time, Israel does not meet all of the VWP eligibility requirements,” a State Department official told Al Arabiya English. Middle East