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Friday, 7 August 2026
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Marco Rubio

Also known as: Secretary of State Marco Rubio · US Secretary of State Marco Rubio · Secretary Rubio

US Secretary of State involved in negotiations with Iran over reopening the Strait of Hormuz in August 2026.

2026-04-262026-08-07
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In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

  1. April 2026

  2. Joy Online

    … A number of top administration officials are in attendance, including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. …

    Trump evacuated after ‘gunshots’ fired at White House Correspondents Dinner
World & Region

US revokes Brazil ambassador's visa amid escalating tensions

The News

The US has revoked the visa of Brazil's ambassador to Washington in a reciprocal action after Brazil denied visas to two US State Department officials last month, with Brazil's government claiming the officials sought to meddle in its elections. The cancellation marks the latest escalation in diplomatic tensions between the two countries, which have also involved US tariffs on Brazil and terrorist designations of Brazilian gangs.

6 August 2026 · Joy Online →

Yesterday

  1. US revokes Brazil ambassador's visa amid escalating tensions

    The US has revoked the visa of Brazil's ambassador to Washington in a reciprocal action after Brazil denied visas to two US State Department officials last month, with Brazil's government claiming the officials sought to meddle in its elections. The cancellation marks the latest escalation in diplomatic tensions between the two countries, which have also involved US tariffs on Brazil and terrorist designations of Brazilian gangs.

    6 August 2026 · Joy Online →

Wednesday 5 August

  1. Oil prices fall amid hopes for Strait of Hormuz reopening

    Oil prices fell to a three-week low as US officials announced progress in talks with Iran on reopening the Strait of Hormuz waterway. Brent crude dropped nearly 5% to under $80 a barrel, with US West Texas Intermediate also falling more than 5% to $76, both reaching their lowest levels since 13 July.

    5 August 2026 · Joy Online →

Tuesday 4 August

  1. Oil prices fall as US officials signal Iran strait deal

    Oil prices fell to a three-week low after US officials announced progress in talks with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with Brent crude dropping nearly 5% to under $80 a barrel. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said talks had progressed and a deal could be agreed as soon as this week.

    4 August 2026 · Joy Online →

Sunday 2 August

  1. Trump suspends fresh Iran attack pending quick nuclear deal

    President Trump said the U.S. will hold off on attacking Iran if a deal can be reached quickly to end Iran's nuclear programme and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, following requests from Iran and other Middle Eastern countries.

    2 August 2026 · Joy Online →

Thursday 30 July

  1. Trump administration releases $600m frozen vaccine funds for Gavi

    The Trump administration unfroze $600 million in congressionally appropriated funds for Gavi, a global alliance helping the world's poorest countries purchase vaccines, after Washington withheld the money over concerns raised by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The State Department said the decision followed Gavi's commitment to transition away from mercury-containing vaccines and expand access to mercury-free alternatives.

    30 July 2026 · Joy Online →

Thursday 23 July

  1. Houthis attack Saudi tankers; US launches Iran strikes

    Yemen's Iranian-backed Houthis attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, saying they violated a blockade of Saudi ports, while the US carried out its 12th consecutive night of strikes on Iran. Oil prices surged to $100 per barrel following the escalation.

    23 July 2026 · Joy Online →

Wednesday 22 July

  1. US and Saudi Arabia sign nuclear cooperation agreement

    The US and Saudi Arabia have signed a "peaceful nuclear co-operation agreement" that will allow the Gulf kingdom to develop a civilian nuclear programme and provide American companies access to the Saudi nuclear energy program. The deal reportedly could allow Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium in the future, which experts say would be a first for the US and carries risks of nuclear proliferation in the region.

    22 July 2026 · Joy Online →

  2. Trump threatens Iran strikes over Hormuz shipping attacks

    President Trump threatened that the US would destroy Iranian bridges or power plants, including targets near Tehran, if attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz continue. The threat follows US strikes on Iran for the 11th consecutive night, with Iranian air defences activated and explosions reported in several cities including Tabriz, Chabahar, Konarak, and Bushehr.

    22 July 2026 · Joy Online →

Tuesday 21 July

  1. US military identifies two soldiers killed in Iranian strikes

    The U.S. Department of Defence identified two American service members killed during Iranian strikes in Jordan over the weekend: 19-year-old Army Private Isabella Gonzales of Texas and 25-year-old First Lieutenant Tyler James Feehan of Hawaii. Both were supporting Operation Inherent Resolve, the U.S.-led mission against the Islamic State.

    21 July 2026 · Joy Online →

Monday 20 July

  1. Trump says US strikes hit Iran hard in soldiers' honour

    President Trump said the latest US strikes hit Iran "very hard" in honour of three US soldiers killed in recent days—two in Jordan and one in Iraq. US Central Command launched strikes for the ninth consecutive night targeting Iranian military sites and communications networks.

    20 July 2026 · Joy Online →

Thursday 16 July

  1. US Acting AG Blanche apologizes to Congress over Epstein files release

    Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche faced bipartisan questioning on Capitol Hill during his confirmation hearing, where he apologized for "mistakes" in the Epstein files release and fielded questions about his personal relationship with President Donald Trump and his independence from the administration.

    16 July 2026 · Joy Online →

Wednesday 15 July

  1. US advocacy groups sue over Trump sanctions on ICC

    Two US-based advocacy groups are suing the Trump administration, arguing that sanctions imposed against the International Criminal Court and Palestinian human rights groups violate free speech rights by suppressing pro-Palestinian advocacy. The groups say the February 2025 executive order illegally "police the political expression of millions of Americans," while Washington defends the sanctions as necessary to protect American citizens and allies.

    15 July 2026 · Joy Online →

  2. Trump abandons Hormuz toll demand after one day

    President Trump announced a 20% toll on all vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to reimburse US security costs, but abandoned the proposal the next day in favour of trade and investment deals with Gulf allies. The shift reflects a president seeking ways to end a four-month conflict that remains unpopular and shows no sign of resolution despite a month-old ceasefire agreement.

    15 July 2026 · Joy Online →

Saturday 11 July

  1. US demands Iran pledge to halt Strait of Hormuz ship attacks

    The US is demanding Iran publicly declare the Strait of Hormuz open and pledge to stop firing on commercial ships as part of negotiations scheduled for Saturday, following this week's fighting that the White House says violated a June ceasefire agreement. According to US officials, Tehran has privately acknowledged the ship attacks were a mistake, attributing them to a rogue hardliner faction.

    11 July 2026 · Joy Online →

Wednesday 8 July

  1. Trump offers Ukraine licence to make Patriot air defence missiles

    US President Donald Trump offered Ukraine the right to produce Patriot interceptor missiles during a NATO summit in Ankara, saying they could be produced quickly once explained. Ukraine has requested licensed production as it faces increased Russian ballistic missile strikes, though the US has acknowledged limited supplies of the expensive systems.

    8 July 2026 · Joy Online →

Tuesday 7 July

  1. African nations resist Trump aid with new health spending conditions

    The Trump administration is offering hundreds of millions of dollars to African countries for healthcare and disease control, but the deals include conditions requiring recipient governments to increase their own health spending toward self-reliant systems. Kenya's landmark $2.5bn agreement, signed last December, faced court challenges from activists but received cabinet approval last month.

    7 July 2026 · Joy Online →

Sunday 5 July

  1. Trump sought FIFA review of US striker's red card suspension

    U.S. President Donald Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of a red card issued to U.S. striker Folarin Balogun. FIFA subsequently suspended Balogun's one-game ban for a probationary period of one year, allowing him to play in Monday's knockout game against Belgium.

    5 July 2026 · Joy Online →

  2. FIFA suspends Balogun's one-game ban for US World Cup tie

    Folarin Balogun is available to play for the United States in their World Cup last-16 tie against Belgium after FIFA suspended his one-game ban. The suspension will be held for a probationary period of one year, though it will be enforced if Balogun commits another infringement of similar nature and gravity.

    5 July 2026 · Joy Online →

Wednesday 24 June

  1. IAEA to resume Iran inspections under preliminary US peace deal

    The IAEA director general said the nuclear watchdog will carry out inspections in Iran under a preliminary peace agreement with the US, with details on dates, procedures, and places to be worked out soon. Iran's deputy foreign minister stated that access to its damaged nuclear facilities would only be addressed in a final deal with the US.

    24 June 2026 · Joy Online →

  2. Oil prices fall on improved Strait of Hormuz transit prospects

    Oil prices fell more than 1% on Wednesday, extending weekly losses and trading near four-month lows, as signs emerged that stranded tankers in the Gulf are set to move through the Strait of Hormuz. Prices also came under pressure from Washington's 60-day sanctions waiver allowing Iran to sell oil and easing hostilities in Lebanon.

    24 June 2026 · Joy Online →

Tuesday 23 June

  1. UN to evacuate over 11,000 sailors stranded in Gulf

    The UN's International Maritime Organization plans a large-scale evacuation of more than 11,000 sailors stranded in the Gulf due to the US-Israel war against Iran, working with Iran, Oman, the US, and other regional partners. An interim deal was signed to end the conflict, but the US and Iran continue to dispute details of the Memorandum of Understanding, particularly regarding nuclear inspections and missile provisions.

    23 June 2026 · Joy Online →

Monday 22 June

  1. Kenya Health Minister found in contempt over Ebola centre

    Kenya's Health Minister Aden Duale has been found guilty of contempt of court for ignoring a High Court order to halt construction of a US-funded 50-bed Ebola quarantine facility at a military base in Nanyuki. The project has sparked protests in the town, during which three people died as police attempted to disperse demonstrators.

    22 June 2026 · Joy Online →

  2. Kenya health minister guilty of contempt over Ebola facility

    Kenya's Health Minister Aden Duale has been found guilty of contempt of court for ignoring a High Court order halting construction of a 50-bed US-funded Ebola quarantine centre at a military base in Nanyuki. The facility, intended for US citizens suspected of contracting Ebola, has sparked protests in which three people died.

    22 June 2026 · Joy Online →

Friday 19 June

  1. Israel, Hezbollah announce ceasefire amid continued strikes

    The US says Israel and Hezbollah have agreed a ceasefire following intense Israeli air strikes in southern Lebanon that killed 47 people, though Israeli forces said they would continue removing immediate threats and rescue officials reported at least 12 strikes in the city of Nabatieh since the ceasefire began.

    19 June 2026 · Joy Online →

Wednesday 17 June

  1. Trump pledges India visit as trade tensions ease

    US President Donald Trump promised to visit India during a bilateral meeting at the G7 summit in France, signalling a thawing of relations between the two countries following strain over tariffs and the killing of three Indian sailors by US military forces. The pair discussed efforts to reach a trade deal, with Trump calling Modi a "tough negotiator."

    17 June 2026 · Joy Online →

  2. Iran soccer team ordered to leave US after each World Cup match

    The Iranian national soccer team must depart the United States within hours of completing their remaining World Cup group stage matches in Los Angeles and Seattle. Iran's coach expressed frustration that the requirement prevents players from using standard post-match recovery time, though US officials say the policy follows established procedures for national security.

    17 June 2026 · Joy Online →

  3. Israeli nationalists breach Jerusalem site agreement, plan temple

    Right-wing Israeli politician Moshe Feiglin prayed and sang religious songs at the al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem with around 20 others, openly stating intentions to build a new Jewish temple on the site—actions that violate a sensitive agreement designed to maintain peace at one of the world's holiest places.

    17 June 2026 · Joy Online →

Tuesday 16 June

  1. Brazil convicts Bolsonaro's son of seeking US intervention

    Eduardo Bolsonaro, son of jailed former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, has been convicted by Brazil's highest court of lobbying US authorities to help his father during his coup trial by imposing tariffs or sanctions on Brazil. The 41-year-old, who relocated to the US in 2025, called the conviction "baseless and senseless" and claimed he lacked due process.

    16 June 2026 · Joy Online →

Monday 15 June

  1. Iran soccer team arrives in US for World Cup after peace deal

    Iran's national soccer team landed in Los Angeles on Sunday to compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the same day Washington and Tehran announced a peace agreement ending a four-month war. The squad had previously been exiled to Mexico after U.S.-Israeli military strikes on Iran raised uncertainty about Iran's participation.

    15 June 2026 · Joy Online →

Sunday 14 June

  1. Iran World Cup delegation wins four visa appeals, eleven still banned

    Four members of Iran's World Cup delegation have won appeals against US visa rejections, but 11 members of the party will not be allowed to travel to the US. Iran's team is based in Mexico after initially being denied visas for backroom staff members.

    14 June 2026 · Joy Online →

Marco Rubio — Ghanaian press coverage · Ghana Minute