Former US President Trump stated he would discuss alleged past election interference with China, noting it's 'not a one-way street.' This comes as US Senator Rubio is set to meet Chinese Foreign Minister Yi in the Philippines, following Trump's recent accusation of China compromising over 200 million US voter records.
Louise Haigh, who resigned as Transport Secretary in November 2024 after a fraud conviction from her twenties emerged, has been brought back into government by Andy Burnham. She will serve as First Secretary of State and head the Cabinet Office, cementing her senior role after supporting Burnham's political rise.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio attended the ASEAN summit in Southeast Asia, reaffirming U.S. support for freedom of navigation in the South China Sea amid rising tensions with China and global threats from Middle East conflicts and Myanmar's civil war, impacting energy supplies and regional stability.
Former Ukrainian Prime Minister Nikolay Azarov stated that escalating strikes inside Russia will lead to further destruction of Ukraine's economy and industry. He questioned the US stance, citing conflicting messages from figures like Marco Rubio and Donald Trump regarding peace and support for such strikes.
President Donald Trump has dismissed the last two commissioners of the Election Assistance Commission (EAC), an independent federal agency overseeing election security. The move, criticized by Democrats and election officials as "irresponsible and dangerous," occurred months before the 2026 midterm elections, potentially disrupting election administration.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with US Senator Marco Rubio, emphasizing the importance of stable bilateral ties for both nations and the global community. Wang called for concrete actions, increased cooperation, and risk management to improve the relationship.
Chinese official Wang told US Senator Rubio on Tuesday that constructive and strategically stable ties are in the interests of both countries and the international community, urging action to remove interference and overcome obstacles for a correct path forward.
Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are developing distinct approaches to President Trump's national security agenda, potentially signaling a 2028 presidential rivalry. While publicly deferential, their differing views on the Middle East, particularly Iran and Israel, suggest underlying policy divergences.
Eastern European nations grapple with the increasing possibility of US withdrawal from collective defense under a second Trump presidency. Discussions range from appeasing Trump to preparing for US absence, fueled by rhetoric and actions perceived as undermining NATO and allies like Ukraine.
The U.S. has pledged $150 million in aid and deployed search and rescue teams to Venezuela following a severe natural disaster. This response marks a significant shift from previous administrations' approaches, particularly the handling of the Myanmar earthquake in 2025.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a framework deal between Lebanon and Israel after US-mediated talks in Washington, DC. The deal is considered a "first step" with significant work ahead, aiming to restore Lebanon's sovereignty, disarm Hezbollah, and allow Israel to return to its borders. Hezbollah was not party to the talks.
A cargo ship was struck by an unknown projectile in the Gulf of Oman, prompting the UN maritime agency to pause its evacuation of stranded seafarers. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is concluding a Mideast tour amid ongoing Israel-Lebanon talks and disputes over Hormuz transit fees.
California's proposed billionaire tax, a one-time 5% levy on residents worth over $1bn, is certified for the November ballot despite Governor Newsom's opposition. Backed by SEIU-UHW for social programs, it faces strong opposition from tech billionaires and some unions, who argue it's short-sighted and could drive wealth out of the state.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that Washington will discuss Arab nations' demands for compensation from Iran for past strikes during future negotiations with Tehran. The issue was raised at a meeting of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf in Manama.
A US State Department official stated that US policy on Taiwan remains unchanged, reaffirming commitments to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. This stance aligns with the Six Assurances, including not consulting Beijing on arms sales to Taiwan.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated in Manama that the creation of an investment fund for Iran and the transfer of frozen assets to Tehran were not discussed at talks with the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, despite a previous memorandum outlining such a fund.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Arab nations, including Oman, have "zero support" for implementing tolls on the Strait of Hormuz. Rubio reiterated Washington's rejection of such a system, emphasizing it is "not doable."
Speaking in Bahrain, Rubio affirmed Washington's pursuit of an enduring peace with Iran that safeguards Gulf allies' security. He addressed concerns over Iran's past actions, the Strait of Hormuz, and the potential use of a $300 billion reconstruction fund, reassuring allies that fees for international waterways would not be part of any deal.
Two powerful earthquakes, magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, struck Venezuela's northern coast, reducing buildings to rubble and leaving thousands feared dead. The Simón Bolívar international airport and coastal cities like La Guaira sustained severe damage. International rescue teams are being deployed.
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei rejected US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's attempt to redefine a June 17 MOU, insisting on a complete cessation of hostilities across the Middle East. Tehran views US statements as insincere, highlighting past distrust and a 60-day negotiation period for a final settlement.
The US is conducting a large-scale humanitarian operation in Venezuela after devastating earthquakes killed 164 people, testing Washington's evolving relationship with Caracas following the removal of Nicolas Maduro.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared the Strait of Hormuz an international waterway, asserting that any attempt by Iran to charge vessels for passage is unacceptable and would lead to global chaos.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated at a meeting in Bahrain that Washington hopes to engage in constructive dialogue and reach agreements with Iran, aiming for a positive outcome with the assistance of Persian Gulf countries.
The US has imposed sanctions on Cuba's state-owned mining company GeoMinera and other economic entities, including financial and logistics firms linked to GAESA. Cuba's Foreign Minister condemned the move as 'dishonest and mendacious.'
