World
America First: Secretary Rubio’s Strategy for Strengthening U.S. Leadership in the Western Hemisphere
Published
2 years agoon
WASHINGTON, DC (FNN) – American leadership is back in the Western Hemisphere, and we’re ready to stand with our regional partners. Putting America First means prioritizing relationships within our own hemisphere to ensure stability, security, and prosperity.
As part of this renewed focus, my first international trip as Secretary of State will take me to Panama, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic—nations that stand to benefit from stronger ties with the United States. For too long, American foreign policy has overlooked our closest neighbors while focusing on distant regions. That changes now.
A New Era of Regional Diplomacy
President Trump’s bold foreign policy begins at home, securing our borders and working with regional allies to control illegal migration. Diplomacy plays a key role in this effort. We must collaborate with nations across the Western Hemisphere to prevent further migrant flows and ensure the repatriation of those in the U.S. unlawfully. These discussions may be challenging, but they are absolutely necessary.
Beyond migration, our engagement will create economic opportunities that benefit both the U.S. and our regional allies. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities of America’s reliance on global supply chains. By relocating critical industries closer to home, we can boost economic growth in our hemisphere while securing our own economic future.
A Stronger Hemisphere for a Stronger America
Our goal is to create a cycle of prosperity: stronger U.S. partnerships lead to more jobs and growth in the region, reducing incentives for illegal immigration. This economic stability provides governments with the resources to fight crime and invest in their own development, making them less susceptible to foreign influence.
Countries like China have sought to expand their influence in our region, making empty promises that fail to deliver real results. By strengthening our alliances, we can ensure that our neighbors build their futures alongside the United States, not under the influence of adversarial powers.
Confronting the Challenges of Mass Migration and Security Threats
Mass migration has created widespread instability. Drug cartels—now officially recognized as foreign terrorist organizations—have fueled violence and the fentanyl crisis across our communities. Additionally, illegitimate regimes in Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela are exploiting this chaos, while China exerts economic and diplomatic pressure, including at the Panama Canal.
Our approach is based on real, shared interests—not vague ideals or utopian promises. The U.S. will extend its hand to nations committed to genuine partnership, confident that together, we can achieve lasting stability and prosperity.
Building a More Secure and Prosperous Future
By reinforcing trade, security, and diplomatic cooperation, the U.S. and its regional partners will achieve mutual benefits. My mission as Secretary of State is clear: to make our alliances stronger, our borders more secure, and our economic future more resilient.
It is an extraordinary privilege to serve in this role, and I look forward to keeping you informed on the vital work being done by our incredible State Department team. America’s leadership in the Western Hemisphere is back—stronger than ever.
World
Ecuador Honors Marco Rubio With National Order of Merit Grand Cross
Published
1 day agoon
September 10, 2026
President Daniel Noboa recognizes U.S. secretary of state during Quito visit focused on security, counternarcotics cooperation and stronger U.S.-Ecuador relations
QUITO, Ecuador (FNN) — Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa awarded U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio the National Order of Merit in the degree of Grand Cross on Wednesday, recognizing Rubio’s role in strengthening relations between the United States and Ecuador.
The Sept. 9 ceremony took place at the Carondelet presidential palace in Quito during Rubio’s South American diplomatic tour. Official State Department photography confirms Noboa presented the decoration to Rubio during the ceremony.
The honor came as Rubio and Noboa emphasized deeper cooperation on regional security, transnational organized crime, drug trafficking and economic prosperity.
ECUADOR RECOGNIZES RUBIO’S ROLE IN BILATERAL RELATIONS
An executive decree read during the ceremony cited Rubio’s “distinguished services” and commitment to strengthening ties between Ecuador and the United States.
The decree highlighted bilateral cooperation against transnational organized crime, narcotics trafficking and illicit financial networks.
Noboa praised Rubio’s diplomatic engagement in Latin America and said the relationship between the two countries extends beyond government-to-government cooperation.
Ecuadorian media also reported that the award recognized Rubio’s contributions to bilateral relations and cooperation on security.
RUBIO: U.S.-ECUADOR RELATIONS HAVE IMPROVED
Accepting the decoration, Rubio called it a “great honor” and emphasized what he described as significant improvements in relations between the two countries.
Rubio focused particularly on two priorities: security and prosperity.
He said governments must provide security to create conditions for economic opportunity and pledged continued cooperation from President Donald Trump’s administration.
The Quito meeting was Rubio’s third meeting with Noboa, according to Rubio’s remarks.
SECURITY COOPERATION TAKES CENTER STAGE
The ceremony came during a broader visit focused heavily on counternarcotics and security cooperation.
Rubio announced that the Trump administration would seek approximately $45 million from Congress for security assistance to Ecuador, along with an additional $10 million targeting illegal gold mining, gang recruitment and illicit finance, according to Reuters.
The United States also designated Ecuadorian criminal organization Los Tiguerones as a foreign terrorist organization during Rubio’s visit.
Ecuador has become an increasingly important U.S. partner in regional counternarcotics operations under Noboa. The country has struggled with escalating violence involving criminal organizations competing over drug-trafficking routes and access to ports.
NOBOA PRAISES RUBIO’S LATIN AMERICAN ENGAGEMENT
Noboa used the ceremony to emphasize Rubio’s connection to Latin America and his work on regional security.
The Ecuadorian president said Rubio’s approach has helped strengthen relationships between the United States and countries throughout the region.
“We have achieved, working hand in hand with the United States, to provide more peace, health and also more liberties,” Noboa said through an interpreter, according to the ceremony transcript.
Noboa described the decoration as one of Ecuador’s highest honors. Independent reporting characterized the National Order of Merit in the Grand Cross degree as a major Ecuadorian national distinction awarded for extraordinary service.
RUBIO’S SOUTH AMERICAN DIPLOMATIC TOUR
Ecuador was part of a broader South American trip for Rubio.
He traveled to Ecuador after meeting Colombian President Abelardo De La Espriella, with security, counternarcotics cooperation and economic relations among the major subjects of the trip. Rubio was then scheduled to travel to Peru.
The Ecuador visit underscored the Trump administration’s effort to strengthen relationships with regional governments cooperating with Washington on narcotics trafficking, migration and security.
For Rubio and Noboa, the Grand Cross ceremony also provided a symbolic backdrop for an expanding bilateral relationship centered on security cooperation, combating organized crime and economic ties.
US NATIONAL NEWS
U.S. Expands Sanctions Targeting Iran’s Financial Networks and Regime Financiers
Published
2 months agoon
July 10, 2026
WASHINGTON (FNN NEWS) — The Trump administration announced a new round of sanctions Friday targeting individuals and businesses accused of helping finance Iran’s ruling elite and facilitating international financial transactions on behalf of the Iranian regime.
The sanctions, announced by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, target a global financial network that U.S. officials say supports Iran’s Supreme Leader and other senior regime officials.
Global Financial Network Targeted
According to the administration, the sanctions focus on Ali Ansari, a Dubai-based Iranian national accused of managing an extensive network of real estate and commercial holdings across multiple countries on behalf of Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Iran’s Supreme Leader, and other regime insiders.
U.S. officials said the network includes assets and business interests in:
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- Spain
- Cyprus
- United Arab Emirates
- Other international jurisdictions
The administration alleges the network has been used to help Iranian regime officials maintain access to international financial markets.
Currency Exchange Houses Sanctioned
The Treasury Department also imposed sanctions on three Iran-based currency exchange firms and their associated leadership:
- Mohammad Darbani and Partners
- Lavasani and Partners
- Mohsen Khandan and Partners
The sanctions also extend to the firms’ managing partners and affiliated front companies.
According to the administration, these entities allegedly enabled Iran to obtain foreign currency and conduct international financial transactions despite existing U.S. sanctions.
Administration Cites Maximum Pressure Campaign
The White House said the latest designations are part of President Donald Trump’s broader strategy to increase economic pressure on Iran.
Administration officials said they will continue targeting individuals, businesses and financial institutions—including foreign entities—that facilitate illicit Iranian commerce or assist the regime in evading U.S. sanctions.
The administration maintains that the sanctions are intended to pressure Iran to end what it describes as destabilizing activities in the region and to hold accountable those who enable corruption within the Iranian government.
Authorities Used for Sanctions
The sanctions were imposed under multiple executive authorities, including:
- Executive Order 13902, targeting Iran’s financial and petroleum sectors.
- Executive Order 13876, focusing on Iran’s Supreme Leader and affiliated individuals.
- Executive Order 13224, as amended by Executive Order 13886, which provides counterterrorism sanctions authority.
Treasury officials said the latest designations build upon previous actions by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) targeting Iran’s shadow banking system and currency exchange networks.
World
U.S., CARICOM IMPACS Sign Landmark Biometrics Data-Sharing Agreement to Strengthen Border Security
Published
2 months agoon
July 10, 2026
WASHINGTON (FNN NEWS) — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (CARICOM IMPACS) signed a Biometrics Data Sharing Partnership (BDSP) Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) on Friday, establishing a new framework for sharing biometric information to strengthen border security and immigration screening.
The agreement was signed July 10 at the Embassy of Saint Kitts and Nevis in Washington, D.C.
Strengthening National and Regional Security
According to DHS, the agreement enhances U.S. national security by enabling biometric information sharing between the United States and CARICOM member states that operate Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs.
Officials said the partnership will improve the ability of both the United States and participating Caribbean nations to identify potential security threats before individuals enter the United States.
The agreement is also intended to help prevent individuals from exploiting Citizenship by Investment programs to evade immigration or law enforcement screening, addressing what officials described as a critical gap in Western Hemisphere security.
Supporting Immigration Integrity
The memorandum also reflects Caribbean governments’ commitment to strengthening immigration integrity and aligning border security practices with U.S. standards.
DHS said the partnership reinforces regional cooperation on identity verification, information sharing and security screening while supporting lawful travel and international security efforts.
Senior Officials Attend Signing Ceremony
The signing ceremony brought together senior representatives from:
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security
- White House Homeland Security Council
- U.S. Department of State
- CARICOM IMPACS
Diplomatic representatives from the following Caribbean nations also participated:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
These countries currently operate Citizenship by Investment programs that provide foreign nationals a pathway to citizenship through qualifying investments.
Regional Security Cooperation Expands
The Biometrics Data Sharing Partnership represents one of the most significant security cooperation agreements between the United States and CARICOM member states in recent years.
Officials said the framework will strengthen information sharing, improve border security, support immigration integrity and enhance efforts to identify individuals who may pose security risks before they travel to the United States.
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