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.
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US NATIONAL NEWS
U.S. Expands Sanctions Targeting Iran’s Financial Networks and Regime Financiers
Published
1 month 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
1 month 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.
World
CARICOM Leaders Unveil Regional Measures to Combat Rising Cost of Living
Published
1 month agoon
July 10, 2026
GROS ISLET, Saint Lucia (FNN NEWS) — Caribbean leaders agreed on a series of regional and national measures aimed at easing the rising cost of living during the 51st Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), held July 5–8 in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia.
Meeting under the theme “CARICOM: From Resilience to Renewal in a Changing World,” Heads of Government focused on policies designed to reduce the financial burden on households as geopolitical tensions continue to drive up global prices for fuel, transportation and essential goods.
People-First Agenda
Speaking at the closing news conference, CARICOM Chairman and Saint Lucia Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre said leaders centered their discussions on improving the daily lives of Caribbean citizens.
“Our discussions over the past four days were guided by one central objective—ensuring that CARICOM delivers results that people can see and feel in their everyday lives,” Pierre said.
He said member states agreed to strengthen regional cooperation to:
- Protect consumers
- Improve affordability
- Provide additional relief for vulnerable households
- Address rising prices across the Caribbean Community
Pierre acknowledged that every CARICOM nation is experiencing higher living costs, largely fueled by global increases in energy prices.
“There is one factor we have no control over, which is the price of fuel,” he said.
Saint Lucia has responded by removing the value-added tax (VAT) on selected essential goods.
Regional Solutions to Lower Costs
CARICOM leaders outlined several initiatives intended to reduce costs across the region, including:
- Reducing taxes on imported fuel
- Lowering freight and shipping costs
- Expanding renewable energy investments
- Reducing intra-regional cargo transportation expenses
- Accelerating the launch of a regional ferry service
Leaders said improving transportation and energy infrastructure is critical to making goods and services more affordable throughout the Caribbean.
Barbados Expands Financial Relief
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley highlighted several national initiatives already underway, including:
- A cost-of-living allowance for pensioners
- A 30% increase in welfare payments
- Consumer price comparison technology allowing shoppers to compare prices among retailers
Mottley also identified the proposed regional ferry service as one of CARICOM’s most significant economic initiatives.
The ferry system would reduce shipping costs by improving cargo movement among Caribbean nations while strengthening regional trade.
Officials plan to use a Trinidad and Tobago ferry as a proof of concept while private-sector operators acquire additional vessels. Regulatory work is expected to be completed within three months, while procurement of permanent vessels could take up to one year.
Mottley also announced efforts to establish agreements covering:
- Mutual recognition of licenses
- Insurance standards
- Port infrastructure improvements
- Cross-border movement of cargo vehicles
Healthcare Collaboration to Reduce Costs
Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar proposed expanding regional healthcare cooperation as another way to reduce living expenses.
She offered CARICOM members access to Trinidad and Tobago’s:
- National prosthetic center
- Specialized children’s hospital
- Medical professionals and specialists
“If we partner together, we can bring down the cost of living,” Persad-Bissessar said.
Renewable Energy a Long-Term Priority
Outgoing CARICOM Chairman Dr. Terrance Drew, Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis, emphasized that energy remains one of the region’s greatest economic challenges.
He called for accelerated investments in:
- Solar energy
- Wind power
- Geothermal energy
- Wave energy
Drew said greater energy independence would help stabilize electricity costs, strengthen Caribbean economies and provide long-term relief for consumers.
“Renewable energy can really help transform the Caribbean and help us manage the cost of living for all of our people,” he said.
Looking Ahead
CARICOM leaders concluded the summit by reaffirming their commitment to expanding regional cooperation to improve affordability, strengthen consumer protections and increase economic resilience across the Caribbean.
Officials said the planned ferry network, renewable energy investments and coordinated economic policies are expected to play key roles in reducing costs for Caribbean families while promoting long-term regional growth.
