Latest news with #U.S.DepartmentofState
The Hindu
a day ago
- Business
- The Hindu
U.S. sanctions hit Indian companies over Iran oil trade
The United States has imposed sanctions on at least half a dozen Indian companies accused of trading in Iranian petroleum and petrochemicals as part of broader action targeting 20 entities worldwide. The U.S. Department of State announced the sanctions on Wednesday (July 30, 2025), alleging the Indian firms knowingly engaged in 'significant transactions' for the purchase and marketing of Iranian petroleum products, violating American sanctions on Iran. The sanctioned Indian companies include some of the country's major petrochemical traders. Alchemical Solutions Private Limited faces the largest allegations, accused of importing Iranian petrochemical products worth over USD 84 million between January and December 2024. Global Industrial Chemicals Limited is alleged to have purchased Iranian petrochemicals, including methanol, valued at over $51 million between July 2024 and January 2025. Jupiter Dye Chem Private Limited reportedly imported Iranian products, including toluene worth over $49 million, during the same period. Ramniklal S Gosalia and Company is accused of purchasing Iranian petrochemicals worth over $22 million, including methanol and toluene. Persistent Petrochem Private Limited allegedly imported approximately $14 million worth of Iranian petrochemicals, particularly methanol, between October and December 2024. Kanchan Polymers is said to have purchased over $1.3 million worth of Iranian polyethene products. Under the sanctions, all assets of these companies in the United States or controlled by U.S. persons are now frozen. American individuals and companies are prohibited from conducting business with the sanctioned entities. The action also blocks any entity that is 50% or more owned by the sanctioned companies. The sanctions come as the U.S. continues its 'maximum pressure' campaign against Iran, targeting what it calls the country's 'shadow fleet' of vessels and intermediary companies that help transport Iranian oil and petrochemicals globally. US officials say Iran uses revenue from oil and petrochemical exports to fund what Washington describes as 'destabilising activities' in the Middle East and support for terrorist groups. India has historically maintained trade relationships with Iran, though it has reduced Iranian oil imports significantly since 2019 following previous US sanctions. The sanctioned companies can petition for removal from the U.S. Treasury's Specially Designated Nationals list. The U.S. government says the 'ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behaviour.' Companies wishing to contest their designation can submit petitions to the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control, according to a fact sheet shared by the US Department of State. The sanctions also targeted companies in Turkey, the UAE, China, and Indonesia as part of what US officials describe as a global network facilitating Iranian oil and petrochemical trade.
Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
Map Shows Countries That Are Part of US Visa Waiver Program
United States Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said Monday that Argentina was likely to rejoin the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), allowing visa-free travel to the U.S. Noem said that part of the reason for the move was a rise in Argentinian tourism to the U.S. in the past year, along with low visa overstays. Adding a country to the VWP takes time and requires it to meet strict security requirements, but getting on the list means a far easier process for nationals visiting the U.S., including avoiding a new $250 "visa integrity fee" being introduced by the Trump administration. The VWP allows visitors to the U.S., including those traveling for business, to spend up to 90 days in the country without needing to apply for a visitor visa, with some caveats. There are currently 41 nations on the list, with Chile the only other South American country as of July 2025. Nationals from these countries have to apply for a what is known as an ESTA, through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, ahead of traveling, and must be approved by the U.S. Department of State through this. An ESTA currently costs $21 per application, but this will rise to $40 from October 1, 2025, following the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. While that cost may affect some travelers, it will still be less than for those from other countries applying for a B visitor visa, which costs $185. That will soon have the $250 visa integrity fee added on top. For VWP applicants, there are certain criteria that must be met. The State Department will not approve ESTAs for those who: Have traveled to or been present in Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen since March 1, 2011Have traveled to or been present in Cuba since January 12, 2021Are also nationals of Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria. The VWP is also not applicable to those coming to the U.S. to study for credit, for employment, to work as foreign press or other media, or to live as a permanent resident. All of these require different immigration pathways. As for Argentina-which was part of the VWP until 2002 when economic instability and concerns around illegal immigration were raised during the Bush administration-it will have to comply with the American rules in order to rejoin. According to the State Department, a country has to share enhanced law enforcement and security-related data with the U.S., issue e-passports, have a low visitor-visa refusal rate, timely reporting of passport issues, and be able to prove it maintains high counter-terrorism, law enforcement, and border controls. In the Department of Homeland Security's press release on the intention to get Argentina back on the VWP, Noem said Argentina now had the lowest visa overstay rate in Latin America. U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, in a press release: "Argentina now has the lowest visa overstay rate in all of Latin America and 25 percent more Argentines traveled to the U.S. in the first four months of this year compared to last year-the biggest jump of any of the top 20 international arrivals. That is why we are now taking steps to allow Argentina back into the Visa Waiver Program. "This statement of intent I signed alongside Minister Werthein and Minister Bullrich highlights our strong partnership with Argentina and our mutual desire to promote lawful travel while deterring threats. This kind of diplomatic leadership, spearheaded by President Trump, will help increase the safety of both countries." Republican Florida Representative Maria Salazar, on X: "This marks a powerful step toward restoring trust, deepening U.S.-Argentina ties, and bringing Argentina back onto the world stage. Under [Javier Milei], Argentina is emerging as a regional model of economic freedom, transparency, and strong democratic values." Argentina will have to be vetted further by the U.S. government before it can rejoin the VWP. Related Articles Green-Card Changes Threaten Pastors' Ability To Remain in USTrump Admin Reveals Planned Changes to US Citizenship Test, H-1B VisasTrump Admin Identifies Gang Immigration 'Loophole'US Denies Visas to Venezuelan Little League Baseball Team 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Yemen Online
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yemen Online
U.S. Increases Reward for Information on Yemen-Based Al-Qaeda Leader
The U.S. Department of State has raised its reward offer to $10 million for information leading to the identification or location of Sa'ad bin Atef al-Awlaki, the current leader of Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), as part of its Rewards for Justice program. Al-Awlaki, who assumed leadership of AQAP in 2024, has publicly called for attacks against the United States and its allies. He is also accused of orchestrating kidnappings of American citizens and leading militant operations in Yemen's Shabwah province during his previous role as an AQAP emir. The State Department emphasized that the increased reward reflects the heightened threat posed by al-Awlaki's leadership and aims to disrupt AQAP's operational capabilities. Additional rewards of $5 million and $4 million are also being offered for information on senior AQAP figures Ibrahim al-Banna and Ibrahim Ahmed Mahmoud al-Qosi, respectively. Information can be submitted confidentially via secure messaging platforms such as Signal, Telegram, or WhatsApp, or through a Tor-based tipline maintained by the Rewards for Justice program. This move comes amid growing concerns over AQAP's resurgence and its potential coordination with other armed groups in Yemen. U.S. officials reaffirmed their commitment to counterterrorism efforts and the protection of American citizens worldwide.
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Business
- Newsweek
Map Shows Countries That Are Part of US Visa Waiver Program
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. United States Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said Monday that Argentina was likely to rejoin the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), allowing visa-free travel to the U.S. Noem said that part of the reason for the move was a rise in Argentinian tourism to the U.S. in the past year, along with low visa overstays. Why It Matters Adding a country to the VWP takes time and requires it to meet strict security requirements, but getting on the list means a far easier process for nationals visiting the U.S., including avoiding a new $250 "visa integrity fee" being introduced by the Trump administration. What To Know The VWP allows visitors to the U.S., including those traveling for business, to spend up to 90 days in the country without needing to apply for a visitor visa, with some caveats. There are currently 41 nations on the list, with Chile the only other South American country as of July 2025. Nationals from these countries have to apply for a what is known as an ESTA, through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, ahead of traveling, and must be approved by the U.S. Department of State through this. An ESTA currently costs $21 per application, but this will rise to $40 from October 1, 2025, following the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. While that cost may affect some travelers, it will still be less than for those from other countries applying for a B visitor visa, which costs $185. That will soon have the $250 visa integrity fee added on top. For VWP applicants, there are certain criteria that must be met. The State Department will not approve ESTAs for those who: Have traveled to or been present in Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen since March 1, 2011 Have traveled to or been present in Cuba since January 12, 2021 Are also nationals of Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria. The VWP is also not applicable to those coming to the U.S. to study for credit, for employment, to work as foreign press or other media, or to live as a permanent resident. All of these require different immigration pathways. US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem (L) and Argentina's Security Minister Patricia Bullrich shake hands after signing a bilateral agreement at the Casa Rosada government palace in Buenos Aires on July 28, 2025. US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem (L) and Argentina's Security Minister Patricia Bullrich shake hands after signing a bilateral agreement at the Casa Rosada government palace in Buenos Aires on July 28, 2025. ALEX BRANDON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images As for Argentina—which was part of the VWP until 2002 when economic instability and concerns around illegal immigration were raised during the Bush administration—it will have to comply with the American rules in order to rejoin. According to the State Department, a country has to share enhanced law enforcement and security-related data with the U.S., issue e-passports, have a low visitor-visa refusal rate, timely reporting of passport issues, and be able to prove it maintains high counter-terrorism, law enforcement, and border controls. In the Department of Homeland Security's press release on the intention to get Argentina back on the VWP, Noem said Argentina now had the lowest visa overstay rate in Latin America. What People Are Saying U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, in a press release: "Argentina now has the lowest visa overstay rate in all of Latin America and 25 percent more Argentines traveled to the U.S. in the first four months of this year compared to last year—the biggest jump of any of the top 20 international arrivals. That is why we are now taking steps to allow Argentina back into the Visa Waiver Program. "This statement of intent I signed alongside Minister Werthein and Minister Bullrich highlights our strong partnership with Argentina and our mutual desire to promote lawful travel while deterring threats. This kind of diplomatic leadership, spearheaded by President Trump, will help increase the safety of both countries." Republican Florida Representative Maria Salazar, on X: "This marks a powerful step toward restoring trust, deepening U.S.-Argentina ties, and bringing Argentina back onto the world stage. Under [Javier Milei], Argentina is emerging as a regional model of economic freedom, transparency, and strong democratic values." What's Next Argentina will have to be vetted further by the U.S. government before it can rejoin the VWP.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
ATA meets incoming US Consul General
Jayanth Challa, president of the American Telugu Association (ATA), met Laura Williams, the incoming U.S. Consul General of the US Consulate Hyderabad, in the USA, and discussed issues related to students' concerns and enhancing business-to-business connections between the US and Telugu communities. Ms. Williams, who is currently with the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., will succeed Jennifer Larson, the current Consul General of Hyderabad, whose term is soon coming to an end. In a separate lunch meeting with Ms. Williams and two former U.S. diplomats, Kathy Hadda and Vinai Thummalapally, Mr. Challa discussed the possibility of providing orientation sessions for students preparing to leave for universities in the U.S.
