united states

U.S. State Department: Lebanon and Israel Agree to Continue Direct Negotiations

The U.S. Department of State released a statement on Tuesday following a trilateral meeting on April 14, 2026, stressing that all sides agreed to continue direct negotiations at a mutually agreed time and venue. The meeting marked the first major high-level engagement between the governments of Israel and Lebanon since 1993, with the ...

Antoun Sehnaoui and Morgan Ortagus Commemorate the 'Days of Remembrance' at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum

Businessman Antoun Sehnaoui posted photos on his social media accounts showing him alongside Morgan Ortagus. He accompanied them with the following statement: “Today is Holocaust Remembrance Day. Morgan and I had the honor of attending the Days of Remembrance ceremonies at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, where both of ...

Rubio Calls Israel-Lebanon Talks a 'Historic Opportunity' for Lasting Peace

At the opening of direct talks between Israeli and Lebanese Ambassadors at the U.S. State Department, Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the negotiations as a pivotal moment that could ensure stability and peace for residents of Lebanon and Israel.  “We are very honored to be joined by partners with whom the United States seeks strong ...

After Islamabad

Whatever different people may think about the Trump Administration's approach to Iran, 21 hours of talks led by the American vice president demonstrated a seriousness of diplomatic purpose.  However, it was never likely that the wide gap between the goals of Washington and those of Tehran would be bridged in a day.  Eight American presidents ...

U.S. Oil Benchmark Jumps 8%, Surpasses $100 After Failed U.S.-Iran Talks

The US oil benchmark rebounded above $100 a barrel on Monday after peace talks between the United States and Iran failed to make a breakthrough, and with US President Donald Trump ordering a blockade of Iranian ports. Shortly after trading began, a barrel of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for May delivery rose around eight percent to $104.50, ...

Iran Executes Over 1,639 People in 2025: Report

Iranian authorities executed at least 1,639 people in 2025, the highest number since 1989, two NGOs said Monday, warning it risked using capital punishment even more extensively after protests in January and the war against Israel and the US. The number of executions represented an increase of 68 percent on the 975 people Iran put to death in ...

U.S. Vice President JD Vance: ‘We Were Unable to Reach an Agreement’ With Iran

On Sunday morning, U.S. Vice President JD Vance held a press conference following 21 hours of negotiations with Iranian officials in Islamabad, Pakistan, announcing that “we were unable to reach an agreement.” He emphasized that “Iran decided not to accept our terms” as U.S. negotiators sought to adhere to the agenda and demands it set ...

Hezbollah-Linked Cell Foiled in Damascus Plot Targeting Religious Figure

Syrian authorities said Saturday they foiled a planned attack in Damascus, arresting a five-member cell allegedly linked to Hezbollah that was preparing to target a religious figure near a church in the capital. In a statement, the Syrian Interior Ministry said its Counter-Terrorism Department, in coordination with security forces in the ...

Senior U.S. Official to TIB: “Serious Consequences” if Lebanon Fails to Disarm Hezbollah

A senior U.S. official told This is Beirut that Washington has urged Israel to move toward a diplomatic track with Lebanon, adding that Israel has agreed and discussions could be convened as early as next week. The official said the United States expects the Lebanese government to take concrete steps to address and ultimately disarm Hezbollah, ...

Operation Roaring Lion: Iran's Missile Program Takes a Hit

According to the Israel Defense Forces, the Israeli Air Force carried out more than 8,500 sorties over Iran as part of a sustained aerial campaign during Operation Roaring Lion. In total, the Air Force deployed over 18,000 munitions, conducting approximately 10, 800 individual strikes. These attacks targeted a broad network of Iranian military ...

Senior U.S. Official to TIB: 'Next Week's Talks in Washington... A Critical Moment For Lebanese Government to Assert Control'

A senior U.S. official confirmed to This is Beirut that “next week’s talks in Washington will be a critical moment for the Lebanese government to assert control, take responsibility, and move toward the disarmament of Hezbollah,” refering to upcoming direct, civilian negotiations between Israel and Lebanon. The official ...

Israeli Minister Calls Iran Ceasefire a ‘Mistake,’ Questions Its Durability

Israel’s Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli has criticized the ceasefire with Iran as a “mistake,” casting doubt on its durability while defending Israel’s military gains in the conflict. Chikli, a member of the ruling Likud party, said, “I think it was a mistake to go to a ceasefire at this time,” arguing that adversaries like ...