[{"_1":2,"_121":-5,"_122":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,85,97,109],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":56,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6294053,"mediaKeyId","2522284-2a1315a85b144c1f19760882091928b9","parentId",2522284,"title","State Department says no announcement yet on Iraq waiver for Iranian gas; administration reviewing sanctions waivers","audioSeconds",76,"startMs",2354000,"endMs",2430000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2522284-2a1315a85b144c1f19760882091928b9&start=2354&end=2430","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2522284-2a1315a85b144c1f19760882091928b9/thumbnail_2354000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6294053/State-Department-says-no-announcement-yet-on-Iraq-waiver-for-Iranian-gas-administration-reviewing-sanctions-waivers","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6294053-96730da2c732ccf7638856c0792be197/orig.mp4?Expires=1771041708&Signature=KVomts39x~yeqIg36pSuQlxQJXdQJ-LAHvHQYv6Ewf2-9fJffmQyc5rdFJAIoGe0w0H5AryY5Kcn5eQrOeqogQ1mM57R9IYFe0XEQnX~dsN0kkUWA1CXDwdkrQkNS0eaEnKQb0vLwNmqOwfUCzBbsEPlkTYIUSY6W6KvBqE8CqlD8yDXaolVGFJz9mqw7h43Yq7oK5AMDYvBcSuSBccpHkeee8U~efJdEuhcD0J7SttUfWS0-OIfpbzFqyNbYIOFnnvnTxYGhulOD16KVcICoxUMk7vK19V0rwefEscpmJGUdax5DgyPAw-q08H1f3urRBbTq~f16Lkx2rqmYf~Kxw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-03-06T21:24:06Z","article","Tammy Bruce told reporters that the Iraqi waiver that allows Iranian gas imports expires on March 8 and that \"we have at this point ... nothing to announce\" regarding renewal of that waiver. She said the administration is reviewing all existing sanctions waivers that provide Iran any degree of economic or financial relief under the framework of National Security Presidential Memorandum Number 2.

\"We are urging the Iraqi government to eliminate its dependence on Iranian sources of energy as soon as possible and welcome the Iraqi prime minister's commitment to achieve energy independence,\" Bruce said.

When asked specifically whether the waiver would be renewed for 120 days, Bruce said she had no announcement to make at the briefing and that decisions were under review. She also said the administration is reviewing all waivers that provide Iran economic relief.

Why it matters: The waiver affects Iraq's energy supply arrangements and has implications for U.S. sanctions policy toward Iran. Reporters sought clarity on whether the administration would extend the waiver; Bruce said no decision had been announced and pointed to a broader departmental review of waivers.

Bruce also said the secretary has been engaged with regional leaders on conflicts in Africa, including urging immediate ceasefires and support for processes led by Angola and Nairobi to resolve fighting in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Department of State Press Briefing - March 6, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Tammy Bruce said the administration has no announcement yet about renewing the Iraq sanctions waiver that allows Iranian gas imports and that the government is reviewing existing waivers under a national security memorandum.","taxTitle","US Department of State","taxId",9719,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":42,"_43":77,"_45":78,"_47":79,"_49":80,"_51":81,"_53":82,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":83,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":84,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":56,"_72":56,"_73":56},6294058,"State Department raises hostage and wrongful detainee flag; spokesman thanks Pakistan for extradition in Abbey Gate attack case",136000,212000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2522284-2a1315a85b144c1f19760882091928b9&start=136&end=212","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2522284-2a1315a85b144c1f19760882091928b9/thumbnail_136000.jpg","/articles/6294058/State-Department-raises-hostage-and-wrongful-detainee-flag-spokesman-thanks-Pakistan-for-extradition-in-Abbey-Gate-attack-case","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6294058-9f0fddd5a7616b1bcdbf084a4a73d348/orig.mp4?Expires=1771041708&Signature=FpSE5bX7NJlXq9LGJxsX4BSbQB800tzE9AkzhDo-pOg87y1E5U53w1K-UGcDFvNlt6QHrKaWAKFN2dCszYBvqgMOCfrEzHShACgaHefp9vdzBLcf~Ia1s-pq91xzc3IIMURt90OOQN4GGWV8sVeh6gw6X~xY4DZq5mJriAi4daxAtOuhM2kcsDkVZoP~D9Krs~NQiZ4rMKmouPzE27jpoH875bbK2xnU3KWNL8H2ttx7UCu6RN~KxVh-4TkvXG~rjmEgk~f9YxxFEOPpX09Zl-5EHoIAnxSeu~6ur9eDrxbFIbiNJGhuFEpapWxjWlmv5TwF6SKoY-T~s6ao0DuFGw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Tammy Bruce announced that the State Department hosted a ceremony raising the hostage and wrongful detainee flag, which she said symbolizes the United States' commitment to Americans unjustly held overseas. She said the flag will fly in front of the State Department through March 9, the second U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day.

Bruce also said that Mohammed Sharifullah was detained in Pakistan in connection with the Abbey Gate terrorist attack that killed 13 U.S. service members and that he has been extradited to the United States to face prosecution. \"We extend our gratitude to the government of Pakistan for their partnership in bringing Mohammed Sharif Allah to justice,\" she said.

Why it matters: The flag‑raising and the extradition were presented as concrete actions demonstrating the administration's focus on bringing wrongfully detained Americans home and on holding accountable those responsible for attacks on U.S. personnel.

Bruce directed reporters seeking prosecutorial details to the Department of Justice. She framed both the flag event and the arrest as part of the administration's priority on the safety and security of the American people.","Tammy Bruce said the department raised the hostage and wrongful detainee flag and that Mohammed Sharifullah was detained in Pakistan and extradited to the United States to face charges in the Abbey Gate attack that killed 13 U.S. service members.",{"_33":86,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":87,"_41":88,"_43":89,"_45":90,"_47":91,"_49":92,"_51":93,"_53":94,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":95,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":96,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":56,"_72":56,"_73":56},6294063,"State Department says door remains open for Ukraine peace talks; cites Security Council statement backing end to conflict",244,1855000,2099000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2522284-2a1315a85b144c1f19760882091928b9&start=1855&end=2099","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2522284-2a1315a85b144c1f19760882091928b9/thumbnail_1855000.jpg","/articles/6294063/State-Department-says-door-remains-open-for-Ukraine-peace-talks-cites-Security-Council-statement-backing-end-to-conflict","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6294063-17b1a6e07d90b03f3a7f407e80c91c21/orig.mp4?Expires=1771041708&Signature=EjSWQLxmQ3XcXK6-izzlRICl9L8Lc35APP43gehpx3auFvww~7~vgPmLp~zd-CCGnEEqfpdRjMK82s3uzIKXBQzCQ4vdMnAj2gz9NUJU4BPAqQdKRDQMBPYhVWF1rUA95NNXTqfp-DQRpCu30sB3hVfPTdDsO3HieX66FDsyWUDXhRFit3QezZXyP26hkm2e73M0teXHATppTfdwthWgDwXA2kkvyFIErBPh5IswsjCOO6Ao-6RNxGf6LjNzb~9QplwBV9gCm6Q1vwnzuAJb75avSa4s5hQ7eSw-11pbNd8mGbWWYVMNdN0bRcnz2FWQwqLTKJ8LmmYPdNbTYPLk3Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Tammy Bruce, speaking for the U.S. Department of State, said the United States remains willing to engage in talks if President Zelensky or Ukrainian leaders demonstrate readiness for a negotiated settlement. She declined to discuss intelligence sharing or operational diplomatic details.

Bruce described the battlefield in Ukraine as a \"stalemate\" and said the secretary has called it a \"meat grinder,\" noting heavy casualties. She said a recent U.N. Security Council statement calling for an end to the conflict passed without opposition and that U.S. leadership played a role in that outcome.

\"We will not discuss issues of intelligence or diplomatic agreements or the sharing of information,\" Bruce said when asked whether a Ukrainian letter and apology met standards for restoring intelligence cooperation. She added that if Ukrainian leaders \"become ready for peace he can come back to the table.\"

Reporters also asked whether European peacekeepers were an option and about Russian responses. Bruce declined to comment on foreign ministers' statements and focused on U.S. actions and commitments under the secretary and president.

Why it matters: The briefing reiterated that the administration sees an open door for diplomatic steps toward peace but stressed that operational and intelligence matters are not being discussed publicly. The Security Council statement was presented as a diplomatic success for the U.S. effort to assemble international pressure for an end to hostilities.

Bruce said the secretary and president view an end to the violence as imperative and that American support for Ukraine to date has been substantial; she framed further engagement as conditional on Ukrainian readiness to negotiate.","Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said the administration remains open to Ukrainian engagement if \"ready for peace,\" cited a Security Council statement supporting an end to the Russia‑Ukraine conflict, and declined to comment on intelligence‑sharing specifics or operational diplomatic arrangements.",{"_33":98,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":99,"_41":100,"_43":101,"_45":102,"_47":103,"_49":104,"_51":105,"_53":106,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":107,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":108,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":56,"_72":56,"_73":56},6294068,"State Department reiterates condition that Hamas must be removed as part of any Gaza settlement; says aid must move in a safe framework",285,1185000,1470000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2522284-2a1315a85b144c1f19760882091928b9&start=1185&end=1470","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2522284-2a1315a85b144c1f19760882091928b9/thumbnail_1185000.jpg","/articles/6294068/State-Department-reiterates-condition-that-Hamas-must-be-removed-as-part-of-any-Gaza-settlement-says-aid-must-move-in-a-safe-framework","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6294068-1a52732698bb11a5f4b5367d5eacaf02/orig.mp4?Expires=1771041708&Signature=RQGAbhwiiVjvHAl~L1TV1dVuBrqur0Fpw8uRb3-SwqONKUJlzdm8o2kcTrd6Cxaz41xe0~gFesq120lpafHACWEHwR4wsG-Jx1bZHHZecwukUSDNITojse~-AYLleMXNgit4bSUBmYPuxtXJxPKm6DIm0eCG2MY-Eba9KipPNLoZ2q5Vy6m0meEQJor4FIa52HZX3Iw4s-Gp5fo0gzEoyg86Pc2L2MUAMqfSYtcF4KdRmGrrTPo7x-uBGXbn5edBTPbbhl9s85Nve-BrB5V94S9ZEQyAb68tS-c4eX5jPm1~S1cgYKFw6Aii~wjTz6jo8W0uaKVuoceAR5sfLQn65g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Tammy Bruce, spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, told reporters the administration's position on Gaza remains unchanged: the United States will not support arrangements that leave Hamas as an operational factor in the territory.

\"As long as Hamas exists in in that area with a gun, without a gun, as long as they are a factor in Gaza and exist, there is no way forward,\" Bruce said. She described Hamas as a group that must not remain in place for a settlement to succeed.

On humanitarian assistance, Bruce said aid delivery must occur \"in a safe framework\" and that unsafe shipments would be stopped. She rejected describing pauses in deliveries as an attempt to withhold aid for political leverage, saying the safety of civilians and aid workers governs the department's approach.

Reporters asked about an Egyptian plan that would have Gazans remain and rebuild with Arab funding and Palestinian leadership. Bruce said the plan, as presented, \"does not meet the expectations\" the administration has for resolving the conflict, while welcoming regional engagement and continued diplomatic conversations.

Bruce also addressed reports of recent diplomatic contacts with Hamas representatives, saying conversations conveying the United States position are not the same as negotiations and have not changed U.S. policy. \"If you have a conversation with someone it's sir it's not a negotiation ... it is the conveyance of the American position in a different way. Nothing was different, nothing was conveyed differently, there was no change of position,\" she said.

Why it matters: The commentariat and several reporters pressed the State Department on whether holding or pausing aid is acceptable as leverage. Bruce emphasized that safety and the release of hostages are central U.S. demands and that any framework must ensure aid can be delivered without endangering recipients or personnel. She reiterated the administration's prioritization of the release of hostages and of measures to prevent Hamas from retaining influence in Gaza.

Bruce also said regional diplomacy, including proposals from Egypt, is part of ongoing efforts but that the U.S. standards for any arrangement will be firm. She declined to provide operational details about diplomatic meetings or potential Saudi Arabia participation in talks, saying she could not comment on specific diplomatic arrangements.

Speakers during this portion of the briefing included reporters from AFP, Al Arabiya and Al Quds who followed up on regional proposals and the practicalities of implementing any ceasefire or aid corridor.","Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said the U.S. position remains that Hamas cannot be allowed to remain a factor in Gaza and that humanitarian assistance must be delivered safely; she commented on an Egyptian plan and said the administration welcomes ideas but that existing U.S. conditions remain unchanged.",{"_33":110,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":111,"_41":112,"_43":113,"_45":114,"_47":115,"_49":116,"_51":117,"_53":118,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":119,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":120,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":56,"_72":56,"_73":56},6294071,"State Department begins 90‑day review of USAID awards; spokeswoman says some grants already cut",789,395000,1184000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2522284-2a1315a85b144c1f19760882091928b9&start=395&end=1184","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2522284-2a1315a85b144c1f19760882091928b9/thumbnail_395000.jpg","/articles/6294071/State-Department-begins-90day-review-of-USAID-awards-spokeswoman-says-some-grants-already-cut","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6294071-c836609ddd6d367694fbe900df6339e4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771041708&Signature=Dpcf3JG47JzbX6H09z0s5CGmrCLA4vyglkfw2~IreyugG6PHkbzRLwd7K3UIPZ30f2COZ0GsVDa~ZCtGWoa6zYl7PUxp0mbKCqyBdf8Cty9E1ht53uH~5EWwDRcphcxXXv66TJ1PwTjpNYYim8kTs7VWOrgEaibIQKjbBwl2-wDpiIaF8p3HPaxGXOU5GkmKGTNev425JSbmYUVLjlDFjz-0-B6CYNdzmZMUuzfT4oYn9CElSCzv8V4wo-caSaZTEQWQzGh8HRFjECJFXN3PzokLZ7b0zrzLxMpFTfp92N61vvUY9W6LwjcHK~U6ea3iaEixG0WyLijflN7R62y6Dg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Tammy Bruce, spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, told reporters that the department has placed parts of U.S. foreign‑assistance spending under a 90‑day review to assess whether taxpayer dollars are being used appropriately and to identify waste, fraud and abuse.

\"This began with a simple inquiry of USAID to look at their books, to look and inquire, and they refused,\" Bruce said, describing the start of the review. \"It was a pause, a 90 day pause, we shouldn't forget that, to look at the nature of how the taxpayer money has been spent and if it was being used in the proper way for the things that we've allotted it for.\"

The review follows an executive‑branch effort, Bruce said, to examine how federal foreign‑assistance funds are managed and whether they advance U.S. national interests. She acknowledged that some programs and awards have already been cut during the review process and said decisions are being made on a case‑by‑case basis.

\"If there were programs and if they've been cut the answer would be is that they did not serve either American interests or make [us] safer, more secure, or more prosperous,\" Bruce said. She added that the review does not mean the United States will stop foreign aid, but that the administration will assess how aid is delivered.

Reporters asked for specifics. Bruce declined to detail any potential referrals or law‑enforcement actions, saying she could not comment on litigation or investigations. When pressed about a State Department fact sheet that initially said the United States spent roughly $70 billion a year on foreign aid and was later changed online to $40 billion, Bruce acknowledged the error and said it had been corrected.

Bruce also reiterated that the department has a process to restore or exempt \"life‑saving\" programs and that organizations can apply for waivers or otherwise make their case to the department if funding was terminated. She said the secretary is directly involved in the assessment process.

Why it matters: The review affects a wide set of U.S. government grants and contracts administered by USAID and other State Department bureaus. Reporters raised concerns about the transparency of which awards have been cut and whether life‑saving programs have been affected. Bruce said the department would seek to provide accurate information but declined to promise immediate public release of a complete list of affected grants.

Bruce's remarks followed repeated questions from reporters including Matt Lee of The Associated Press and Rich Edson of Fox News about the size of the State Department/USAID account in the federal budget, the number and value of awards cut, and whether the department has evidence of illegal wrongdoing. Bruce declined to specify an account percentage and said she had been receiving notifications about numbers but could not provide day‑of specifics.

The department cited a 90‑day review that it is using to assess programs, with decisions made on a program‑by‑program basis. Bruce said some awards were terminated during the review but that there is a pathway for programs that are truly life‑saving to obtain waivers or reconsideration.

Bruce said the review is part of broader changes the administration is pursuing \"to deal with waste, fraud, and abuse\" and to ensure that each dollar \"advances our national interests.\"","Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said the State Department has paused parts of USAID spending for a 90‑day review to look for waste, fraud and abuse, that some awards have been terminated during the review and that a department fact sheet misstated annual foreign‑aid spending before being corrected.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

State Department says no announcement yet on Iraq waiver for Iranian gas; administration reviewing sanctions waivers

State Department raises hostage and wrongful detainee flag; spokesman thanks Pakistan for extradition in Abbey Gate attack case

State Department says door remains open for Ukraine peace talks; cites Security Council statement backing end to conflict

State Department reiterates condition that Hamas must be removed as part of any Gaza settlement; says aid must move in a safe framework

State Department begins 90‑day review of USAID awards; spokeswoman says some grants already cut