Shaun Tandon
@shauntandon
State Dept Correspondent @AFP. Prez of Correspondents’ Association on side. Covered Japan, India, Middle East, Wisconsin -- and music! Competitive nut eater.
In Iran, a presidential inspector has told reporters that Pezeshkian's three-car convoy to Tabriz was sold watered-down gasoline en route. So apparently, they ended up having to take a taxi to reach the destination. If true, level of governance seems to be dropping to new lows
"It is horrifying that over 800 Palestinians have been killed while seeking aid. The Israeli Government’s denial of essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable. Israel must comply with its obligations under international humanitarian law." 2/2
From statement urging end to Gaza war by UK with 24 countries including Canada, France, Japan and Australia (not US:): "We condemn the drip feeding of aid and the inhumane killing of civilians, including children, seeking to meet their most basic needs of water and food" 1/2
From statement urging end to Gaza war by UK with 24 countries including Canada, France, Japan and Australia (not US:): "We condemn the drip feeding of aid and the inhumane killing of civilians, including children, seeking to meet their most basic needs of water and food" 1/2
Lula on Rubio revoking US visa of Brazilian judge prosecuting Bolsonaro: “The interference by one country in another's justice system is unacceptable and violates the basic principles of respect and sovereignty among nations.”
Minha solidariedade e apoio aos ministros do Supremo Tribunal Federal atingidos por mais uma medida arbitrária e completamente sem fundamento do governo dos Estados Unidos. A interferência de um país no sistema de Justiça de outro é inaceitável e fere os princípios básicos do…
Rubio says he's revoking US visa of Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes hours after judge ordered former president Bolsonaro to stay off social media and wear ankle bracelet in probe of January 6-like coup plot. April profile of Moraes: newyorker.com/magazine/2025/…
AI is a fantastic tool that helps us tell our stories in several languages faster, build graphics or explainers that help understand what occurred, or identify the affected areas, but AI is not an end goal, I think. The essence remains human. So far.
.@StateDeptspox says Netanyahu statement on church "appropriate start" and says of Rubio's reaction to strike on church, "Everyone is appalled."
#BREAKING Israel says 'deeply regrets' Gaza church strike, calls deaths 'a tragedy'
Rubio says "specific steps" agreed to end Syria violence (without elaboration)
We have engaged all the parties involved in the clashes in Syria. We have agreed on specific steps that will bring this troubling and horrifying situation to an end tonight. This will require all parties to deliver on the commitments they have made and this is what we fully…
Both Rubio and State spox say that there was a "misunderstanding" between Israel and Syria over communal clashes in southern Syria. Quite a misunderstanding - Israel bombed Syria's army headquarters in Damascus.
Rubio says US "very concerned" as Israel strikes Syria. Comment comes day after US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, longtime backer of settlers, demanded Israel "aggressively" probe and seek accountability after settlers beat to death US citizen in West Bank.
Asked by @RepYoungKim if US looking to close consulate in Busan, Deputy Secretary of State Rigas says there is "no proposal to close any facilities overseas." (Facilities, not staffing.)
US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that Ukraine should not target Moscow, after the Kremlin charged that a new US plan to supply weapons to Kyiv along with sanctions threats against Russia would delay peace efforts @shauntandon u.afp.com/SYgs
.@SenJackyRosen to Waltz on maintaining salary since Rubio took over as NSA: "You've made assertations that if confirmed you would root out waste and unnecessary overhead at the UN." Waltz: "I was not fired; the President never said that." Said was still "an advisor"
Among Trump tariffs, rate on Malaysia hiked one point -- announced same day as Rubio's trip to KL for ASEAN on first Asia trip of his tenure
More tariff letters published on Trump's Truth Social, addressed to South Africa (30%), Malaysia (25%), Laos (40%), Myanmar (40%), Kazakhstan (25%). All from Aug 1. Most of these differ slightly from rates set out in reciprocal tariff announcement in April, but not too far off.
Dalai Lama message at 90 sadly seems from earlier era: “While it is important to work for material development, it is vital to focus on achieving peace of mind through cultivating a good heart and by being compassionate, not just toward near and dear ones, but toward everyone.”
Calling himself a "simple Buddhist monk" who usually didn't celebrate birthdays, the Dalai Lama marked his 90th on Sunday: u.afp.com/Sfdr
Russia becomes first country officially to recognize Taliban government. Let’s see if China follows. Only Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and UAE recognized 1996-2001 Taliban rule and none have done so this time.
#BREAKING Russia officially recognises Taliban government in Afghanistan; Afghan FM calls move 'brave'
At India's urging, Quad (US/Japan/India/Australia) foreign ministers including Rubio in statement condemn Kashmir attack and "call for the perpetrators, organizers and financiers of this reprehensible act to be brought to justice without any delay," without naming Pakistan.
As USAID ends, State Dept official on Trump admin not funding PrEP, which helps prevent HIV infection: "No one is saying gay men in Africa shouldn't be on PReP -- that's wonderful -- but it doesn't mean the United States has to pay for every single thing around the world."
Trump administration, which regularly faults Europe on free expression, mum on Orban unsuccessfully trying to ban Budapest Pride parade. "Events happen all over the world... which the United States has no comment about," @StateDeptspox says.
US revoking visas for punk-rap duo Bob Vylan after "Death to the IDF" chant at Glastonburg. Both Bob Vylan and Kneecap played Coachella and have/had US dates scheduled later this year.
The @StateDept has revoked the US visas for the members of the Bob Vylan band in light of their hateful tirade at Glastonbury, including leading the crowd in death chants. Foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome visitors to our country.