The United States is deeply concerned by reports of civilian massacres in late February in Burkina Faso, allegedly perpetrated by Burkinabe forces. We condemn these reprehensible attacks against civilians.

.Secretary Antony Blinken is in Riyadh to discuss efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza that secures the release of hostages as well as work to build lasting peace and security in the region. He'll also join @WEF's special meeting on global collaboration and a Gulf Cooperation Council meeting.

.Secretary Antony Blinken spoke with Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan to reiterate U.S. support for the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process. Building on the recent U.S.-EU Armenia high-level meeting, they discussed furthering our relationship and support for a strong and independent Armenia.

.Secretary Antony Blinken spoke with Azerbaijani President Aliyev to welcome the Armenia/Azerbaijan border delimitation deal, a very positive step toward peace. He noted our desire for an even stronger bilateral relationship and urged Azerbaijan to adhere to its human rights commitments.

We are deeply concerned by the passage of an amendment to existing anti-prostitution and homosexuality legislation in Iraq. This amendment threatens those most at risk in Iraqi society and weakens Iraq’s ability to diversify its economy and attract foreign investment.

The United States is imposing sanctions on 16 entities and 8 individuals, as well as identifying as blocked property 5 vessels and 1 aircraft, that have facilitated illicit trade and the sale of UAVs in support of Iran’s Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics.

In Beijing, Secretary Antony Blinken will meet with senior government officials for discussions on a range of issues, including the importance of continued progress to fulfill commitments made in California last fall.

I’m in China to make progress on issues that matter most to the American people, including curbing fentanyl trafficking. We will discuss work underway to fulfill commitments made by President Biden and President Xi last fall, as well as the areas where we have significant disagreements.

We are initiating discussions on an orderly and responsible withdrawal of U.S. forces from Niger. We will continue our support for the Nigerien people as they combat terrorism, develop the country’s economy, and transition to democratic rule.

The United States calls on the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces to cease attacks in El Fasher and negotiate an end to the war. Continued fighting will deepen the suffering of the Sudanese people and increase international pressure.

.Secretary Antony Blinken is in Shanghai – the first stop on his visit to the People’s Republic of China this week. His visit is part of our ongoing effort to make progress on key issues and address bilateral, regional, and global challenges.

Today, the United States sanctioned a total of seven individuals involved in the hostage-taking of U.S. nationals in West Africa. We will not hesitate to employ the tools at our disposal to bring home U.S. citizens held hostage abroad and to deter future hostage-takings.

Iran’s cyber actors threaten the security of the United States and our partners. Today, Treasury Department sanctioned two entities and four individuals involved in malicious cyber activity for or on behalf of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps's Cyber Electronic Command.

We welcome the release of Gubad Ibadoglu to house arrest on humanitarian grounds. We reiterate our call for his full, expeditious release and urge Azerbaijan’s government to release all others who are unjustly detained.

The Department is taking steps to impose visa restrictions for 13 individuals involved in the misuse of commercial spyware to target journalists, academics, human rights defenders, dissidents, perceived critics, and U.S. Government personnel around the world.

.Secretary Antony Blinken spoke with Bahraini Crown Prince and Prime Minister @BahrainCPNews about the situation in the Middle East and reinforced their shared commitment to preventing the spread of regional conflict.

.Secretary Antony Blinken delivers remarks on the release of the Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, followed by the Department Press Briefing. youtube.com/watch?v=8b1Omc… twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1…

The United States is committed to strengthening global nonproliferation by deterring and disrupting weapons of mass destruction networks wherever they occur. Today, the Department of State is sanctioning four entities that are proliferating dangerous missile technology.

The United States congratulates the people of the Solomon Islands on a successful election. We look forward to continuing our close collaboration.

Violence by extremist settlers against Palestinian civilians is unacceptable. We’re sanctioning Ben Zion Gopstein - the leader of Lehava - whose members engaged in destabilizing violence. Treasury Department is also sanctioning two entities for fundraising for violent extremists.