Description
Added on the 09/02/2023 20:06:38 - Copyright : AFPTV - First images
The United States calls for Iran to free a Panama-flagged oil tanker seized in the Strait of Hormuz, the second vessel Tehran's forces have taken control of in a week. "Iran's harassment of vessels and interference with navigational rights in regional and international waters are contrary to international law and disruptive to regional stability and security," says State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel during a press briefing. SOUNDBITE
The United States announces sanctions against four Nicaraguan officials who support President Daniel Ortega, including the president's daughter, accusing the regime of undermining democracy and abusing human rights. SOUNDBITE
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry says the release of five Americans who had been held by Iran was accelerated by the kind of diplomacy that also made the landmark nuclear accord possible. Rough Cut (no reporter narration).
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has asked China's foreign minister and other counterparts to use their influence to dissuade Iran from striking Israel, the State Department says. Blinken spoke by telephone to his Chinese, Turkish, Saudi and European counterparts "to make clear that escalation is not in anyone's interest and that countries should urge Iran not to escalate," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller tells reporters. SOUNDBITE
The United States plays down Kenya's announcement it was putting on hold a police mission to Haiti, saying a transition deal will bring a new government as sought by Nairobi. "I would be concerned of course about any delay, but we don't think that there will need to be a delay," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller tells reporters. SOUNDBITE
U.S. President Barack Obama attends an outdoor arrival ceremony in heavy rain, as the first sitting U.S. president to visit Laos. Rough Cut (no reporter narration).