Elizabeth Hagedorn

Washington, D.C., United States

State Department Correspondent at Al-Monitor

State Department Correspondent at @AlMonitor. 📩 = [email protected]

Articles

US Embassy to help Americans evacuate from Israel

1 week ago | al-monitor.com | Elizabeth Hagedorn

WASHINGTON — The US Embassy in Israel will facilitate departures via evacuation flights and cruise ships for American citizens seeking to leave the country amid the escalating conflict with Iran, Ambassador Mike Huckabee said Wednesday.
Trump calls Khamenei 'easy target,' says 'we' control Iran's skies

1 week ago | al-monitor.com | Elizabeth Hagedorn

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Tuesday issued a direct warning to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, labeling him an “easy target” should Tehran retaliate against US interests in the region. “We know exactly where the so-called 'Supreme Leader' is hiding,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post. “He is an easy target, but is safe there — We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now. But we don’t want missiles shot at civilians, or American soldiers.
US to evacuate personnel from Iraq following Iran threats

2 weeks ago | al-monitor.com | Elizabeth Hagedorn

WASHINGTON — The United States is evacuating diplomatic personnel from Iraq, a State Department official told Al-Monitor, amid threats from Iran to strike US bases in the region. "President Trump is committed to keeping Americans safe, both at home and abroad. In keeping with that commitment, we are constantly assessing the appropriate personnel posture at all our embassies. Based on our latest analysis, we decided to reduce the footprint of our mission in Iraq," the State Department official said.
US believes Syria’s Sharaa at risk of assassination, Trump envoy says

2 weeks ago | al-monitor.com | Elizabeth Hagedorn

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s point person for Syria says the administration is concerned that Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa’s efforts to promote inclusive governance and engage with the West could make him a target for assassination by disaffected militants. “We need to coordinate a protection system around [Sharaa],” Ambassador Tom Barrack told Al-Monitor in an interview.
US vetoes UN resolution demanding Gaza ceasefire

3 weeks ago | al-monitor.com | Elizabeth Hagedorn

WASHINGTON — The United States on Wednesday vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the release of hostages and the unrestricted flow of aid.
US defends Gaza aid plan as hungry crowds overrun food hub

1 month ago | al-monitor.com | Elizabeth Hagedorn

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration defended a controversial Israeli-backed group whose aid distribution hub in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday was overrun by throngs of hungry Palestinians. Chaotic scenes unfolded at a distribution center run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) in southern Gaza’s Tel al-Sultan neighborhood. Video shows desperate Palestinians climbing over sandbags and tearing down fences as Israeli troops outside the compound fired warning shots to disperse the crowds.
US grants Syria initial sanctions relief

1 month ago | al-monitor.com | Elizabeth Hagedorn

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration on Friday announced immediate sanctions relief for Syria, a move that comes less than two weeks after President Donald Trump said he would be taking steps to normalize relations with the country's new government. The details of the partial sanctions relief were first reported by Al-Monitor.
US set to unveil sweeping Syria sanctions relief

1 month ago | al-monitor.com | Elizabeth Hagedorn

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration is preparing to issue broad sanctions relief for Syria in the coming days. The administration plans to announce a general license, known as GL 25, that will cover the Syrian central bank, reconstruction and other economic activity, according to a US official who spoke on condition of anonymity. Also expected is a waiver of the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act for either an indefinite or time-bound period.
Rubio warns Syria’s government could collapse in weeks, triggering civil war

1 month ago | al-monitor.com | Elizabeth Hagedorn

WASHINGTON — Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned on Tuesday that without robust US engagement, Syria’s government may collapse within weeks, potentially triggering a civil war of “epic proportions."Rubio spoke a week after President Donald Trump met with Syrian Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa and announced he would be lifting sanctions on Syria in a major reversal of US policy.
Trump to meet Syria's Sharaa in Saudi Arabia

1 month ago | al-monitor.com | Elizabeth Hagedorn

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — President Donald Trump will meet with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa during his trip to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, a White House official confirmed to Al-Monitor. The surprise meeting comes five months after a coalition of rebel groups led by Sharaa toppled Syria’s longtime dictator, Bashar al-Assad, and installed an interim government.