Global Issues Archives - U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Türkiye https://tr.usembassy.gov/category/global-issues/ Thu, 31 Jul 2025 12:50:23 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Sanctioning Facilitators of Iran’s Petroleum and Petrochemical Trade https://tr.usembassy.gov/sanctioning-facilitators-of-irans-petroleum-and-petrochemical-trade/ Thu, 31 Jul 2025 12:50:21 +0000 https://tr.usembassy.gov/?p=25937 The post Sanctioning Facilitators of Iran’s Petroleum and Petrochemical Trade appeared first on U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Türkiye.

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Sanctioning Facilitators of Iran’s Petroleum and Petrochemical Trade

Press Statement

Tammy Bruce, Department Spokesperson

July 30, 2025

Today, the United States is taking decisive action to disrupt the Iranian regime’s ability to fund its destabilizing activities, including its nuclear program, support for terrorist groups, and oppression of its own people.

The Department of State is imposing sanctions on 20 entities for their involvement in the trade of Iranian petroleum, petroleum products, or petrochemical products and is identifying 10 vessels as blocked property.  These actions target a terminal operator, vessel management companies, and wholesale buyers that have collectively facilitated the export and purchase of millions of barrels of Iranian crude oil, petroleum products, and petrochemical products.

The Department is designating multiple vessel management companies whose tankers have engaged in illicit shipments and other deceptive shipping practices, endangering global trade flows.  The Department is also designating a China-based operator of a crude oil and petroleum products terminal that has repeatedly accepted Iranian-origin crude oil, including from U.S.-designated tankers.  Additionally, multiple companies in India, the United Arab Emirates, Türkiye, and Indonesia are being designated for their significant sales and purchases of Iranian-origin petrochemical products.  As President Trump has said, any country or person who chooses to purchase Iranian oil or petrochemicals exposes themselves to the risk of U.S. sanctions and will not be allowed to conduct business with the United States.

Concurrently, the Department of the Treasury is designating over 115 targets in the vast shipping empire and sanctions evasion network of regime insider Hossein Shamkhani, the son of the Supreme Leader’s political advisor Ali Shamkhani.

The United States will continue to impose maximum pressure on the Iranian regime, in support of National Security Presidential Memorandum 2, until Iran accepts a deal that advances regional peace and stability and in which Iran forgoes all aspirations of a nuclear weapon.  Today’s actions underscore our resolve to target those who enable Iran’s illicit oil and petrochemical trade and to cut off the regime’s means of funding its destabilizing activities.

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Outcomes of the United States and Ukraine Expert Groups On the Black Sea https://tr.usembassy.gov/outcomes-of-the-united-states-and-ukraine-expert-groups-on-the-black-sea/ Wed, 26 Mar 2025 12:35:22 +0000 https://tr.usembassy.gov/?p=24836 The post Outcomes of the United States and Ukraine Expert Groups On the Black Sea appeared first on U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Türkiye.

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Outcomes of the United States and Ukraine Expert Groups On the Black Sea

The White House

March 25, 2025

Outcomes of the United States and Ukraine Expert Groups On the Black Seain Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

March 23-25, 2025

In line with presidential-level discussions between President Donald J. Trump and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the United States facilitated bilateral technical-level talks with the Ukrainian delegation March 23-25 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Following those discussions:

  • The United States and Ukraine have agreed to ensure safe navigation, eliminate the use of force, and prevent the use of commercial vessels for military purposes in the Black Sea.
  • The United States and Ukraine agreed that the United States remains committed to helping achieve the exchange of prisoners of war, the release of civilian detainees, and the return of forcibly transferred Ukrainian children.
  • The United States and Ukraine agreed to develop measures for implementing President Trump’s and President Zelenskyy’s agreement to ban strikes against energy facilities of Russia and Ukraine.
  • The United States and Ukraine welcome the good offices of third countries with a view toward supporting the implementation of the energy and maritime agreements.
  • The United States and Ukraine will continue working toward achieving a durable and lasting peace.

The United States reiterated to both sides President Donald J. Trump’s imperative that the killing on both sides of the Russia-Ukraine conflict must stop, as the necessary step toward achieving an enduring peace settlement. To that end, the United States will continue facilitating negotiations between both sides to achieve a peaceful resolution, in line with the agreements made in Riyadh.

The United States expresses gratitude to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for his leadership and hospitality in once again facilitating these important discussions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

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Time for Peace Between Armenia and Azerbaijan https://tr.usembassy.gov/time-for-peace-between-armenia-and-azerbaijan/ Mon, 17 Mar 2025 10:46:11 +0000 https://tr.usembassy.gov/?p=24762 The post Time for Peace Between Armenia and Azerbaijan appeared first on U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Türkiye.

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Time for Peace Between Armenia and Azerbaijan

Press Statement

Marco Rubio, Secretary of State

March 14, 2025

The United States commends Armenia and Azerbaijan for concluding negotiations on a historic peace treaty.  This is an opportunity for both countries to turn the page on a decades old conflict in line with President Trump’s vision for a more peaceful world.  Now is the time to commit to peace, sign and ratify the treaty, and usher in a new era of prosperity for the people of the South Caucasus.

 

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Agreement between the Syrian Interim Authorities and the Syrian Democratic Forces https://tr.usembassy.gov/agreement-between-the-syrian-interim-authorities-and-the-syrian-democratic-forces/ Wed, 12 Mar 2025 07:34:31 +0000 https://tr.usembassy.gov/?p=24755 The post Agreement between the Syrian Interim Authorities and the Syrian Democratic Forces appeared first on U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Türkiye.

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Agreement between the Syrian Interim Authorities and the Syrian Democratic Forces

Press Statement

Marco Rubio, Secretary of State

March 11, 2025

The United States welcomes the recently announced agreement between the Syrian interim authorities and the Syrian Democratic Forces to integrate the northeast into a unified Syria.  The United States reaffirms its support for a political transition that demonstrates credible, non-sectarian governance as the best path to avoid further conflict. We will continue to watch the decisions made by the interim authorities, noting with concern the recent deadly violence against minorities.

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Joint Statement on Syria https://tr.usembassy.gov/joint-statement-on-syria/ Mon, 16 Dec 2024 10:40:08 +0000 https://tr.usembassy.gov/?p=24268 The post Joint Statement on Syria appeared first on U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Türkiye.

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Joint Statement on Syria

Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

December 14, 2024

The text of the following statement was released by the governments of the United States of America, the Arab Contact Group on Syria, Bahrain, France, Germany, Qatar, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and the UN Special Envoy for Syria on the margins of the Aqaba Joint Contact Group ministerial meeting on Syria.

Begin Text.

The Arab Contact group on Syria met with Ministers and Representatives of the Kingdom of Bahrain, the French Republic, the Federal Republic of Germany, the State of Qatar, the Republic of Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, United States of America, the European Union and the UN Special Envoy for Syria, to discuss recent developments in Syria.

The participants:

Affirmed the full support to the Syrian people at this critical point in their history to build a more hopeful, secure and peaceful future.

Expressed commitment to principles that they believe are in the best interests of the Syrian people, the region, and the world in this critical period.  They believe the transitional political process must be Syrian-led and Syrian-owned; produce an inclusive, non-sectarian and representative government formed through a transparent process based on the principles of the United Nations Security Council resolution 2254; emphasize their support for the UN Special Envoy mandate; and request the UN Secretary General to scale up the UN’s presence on the ground.

Affirmed the full support for Syria’s unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Stressed on the respect for human rights, including for women and minorities; preserve state institutions that serve the interests of, and provide critical services to, the Syrian people; exist in harmony with its neighbors; provide unfettered access for humanitarian aid and freedom of movement for IDPs and returnees; protect all foreign diplomatic facilities and personnel; secure and safely destroy chemical weapons stockpiles; and facilitate access to regime prisons and facilities for accountability and to determine the fate of missing Syrians and foreign nationals.

 

Stressed that the period ahead will serve as a critical test of these above-mentioned principles.  Further, they emphasized the importance of adhering to these principles which will be fundamental in determining their approach going forward.

Underscored that Syria finally has the chance to end decades of isolation. They are committed to supporting and working with the Syrian people as they embark on this unprecedented transition.

Stressed the importance of combating terrorism and extremism, including preventing the reemergence of all terrorist groups. Further, demanded that Syrian territory does not pose a threat to any country, or a shelter to terrorists.

Affirmed their demand to all parties to cease hostilities in Syria.

Demanded respect of the sovereignty of Syria and its unity, and territorial integrity, in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter by all.


End Text.

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Secretary Blinken’s Call with Foreign Minister Fidan https://tr.usembassy.gov/secretary-blinkens-call-with-foreign-minister-fidan-12092024/ Mon, 09 Dec 2024 18:00:00 +0000 https://tr.usembassy.gov/?p=24170 The post Secretary Blinken’s Call with Foreign Minister Fidan appeared first on U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Türkiye.

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Secretary Blinken’s Call with Foreign Minister Fidan

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesperson

READOUT

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan about the latest developments in Syria. Secretary Blinken discussed the need for a peaceful transition of power through an inclusive, Syrian-led process in the spirit of UN Security Council Resolution 2254. Secretary Blinken emphasized the need to continue the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS (D-ISIS) mission in Syria and to ensure the protection of civilians, including members of vulnerable groups, and civilian infrastructure across the country. Secretary Blinken reiterated the need for all actors in Syria to respect human rights and uphold international humanitarian law. Secretary Blinken also expressed condolences for the Turkish soldiers who lost their lives in a helicopter crash today in Isparta, Türkiye.

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The Syrian People Finally Have a Reason for Hope https://tr.usembassy.gov/the-syrian-people-finally-have-a-reason-for-hope/ Sun, 08 Dec 2024 18:00:00 +0000 https://tr.usembassy.gov/?p=24156 The post The Syrian People Finally Have a Reason for Hope appeared first on U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Türkiye.

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The Syrian People Finally Have a Reason for Hope

Press Statement
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

After 14 years of conflict, the Syrian people finally have reason for hope. The Assad regime’s refusal since 2011 to engage in a credible political process and its reliance on the brutal support of Russia and Iran led inevitably to its own collapse. The United States strongly supports a peaceful transition of power to an accountable Syrian government through an inclusive Syrian-led process. During this transitional period, the Syrian people have every right to demand the preservation of state institutions, the resumption of key services, and the protection of vulnerable communities.

We will be closely monitoring developments as they unfold and engaging with our partners in the region. We will support international efforts to hold the Assad regime and its backers accountable for atrocities and abuses perpetrated against the Syrian people, including the use of chemical weapons and the unjust detention of civilians such as Austin Tice. We have taken note of statements made by rebel leaders in recent days, but as they take on greater responsibility, we will assess not just their words, but their actions. We again call on all actors to respect human rights, take all precautions to protect civilians, and to uphold international humanitarian law.

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Secretary Blinken’s Call with Foreign Minister Fidan on the Situation in Syria https://tr.usembassy.gov/secretary-blinkens-call-with-foreign-minister-fidan-on-the-situation-in-syria-2/ Sat, 07 Dec 2024 08:41:03 +0000 https://tr.usembassy.gov/?p=24133 The post Secretary Blinken’s Call with Foreign Minister Fidan on the Situation in Syria appeared first on U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Türkiye.

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Secretary Blinken's Call with Foreign Minister Fidan on the Situation in Syria, December 6

For Immediate Release

READOUT

December 6, 2024

Secretary Blinken’s Call with Foreign Minister Fidan on the Situation in Syria

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to discuss developments in Syria. Secretary Blinken emphasized the importance of protecting civilians, including members of minority groups, across Syria. The Secretary discussed the need for a political solution to the conflict, consistent with UN Security Council Resolution 2254. Secretary Blinken also extended his congratulations to Foreign Minister Fidan on the selection of Ambassador Feridun Sinirlioglu as the OSCE Secretary General and looks forward to continued cooperation in the region.

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Secretary Blinken’s Call with Foreign Minister Fidan on the Situation in Syria https://tr.usembassy.gov/secretary-blinkens-call-with-foreign-minister-fidan-on-the-situation-in-syria/ Sun, 01 Dec 2024 18:00:00 +0000 https://tr.usembassy.gov/?p=24107 The post Secretary Blinken’s Call with Foreign Minister Fidan on the Situation in Syria appeared first on U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Türkiye.

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Secretary Blinken’s Call with Foreign Minister Fidan on the Situation in Syria

DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesperson
December 1, 2024

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to discuss the rapidly developing situation in Syria.  Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Fidan discussed the need for de-escalation and the protection of civilian lives and infrastructure in Aleppo and elsewhere.  They also discussed ongoing humanitarian efforts in Gaza and the need to bring the war to an end and secure the release of all hostages.

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Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan https://tr.usembassy.gov/secretary-blinkens-meeting-with-turkish-foreign-minister-fidan-2/ Wed, 20 Nov 2024 09:03:58 +0000 https://tr.usembassy.gov/?p=24067 The post Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan appeared first on U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Türkiye.

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Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan

For Immediate Release

 READOUT

November 19, 2024

 

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met today with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Rio de Janeiro on the margins of the G20 conference. The Secretary and Foreign Minister discussed the need for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict in Lebanon that fully implements United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 and allows citizens on both sides of the border to return to their homes. They also discussed ongoing humanitarian efforts in Gaza and the need to bring the war to an end and secure the release of all hostages. They further discussed the importance of a dignified and durable peace in the South Caucasus.

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