U.S. Department of State:¨"The Week at State: March 13, 2026 - March 19, 2026"

 

March 13 – March 19 To all American citizens in the Middle East: your safety and security is our number one priority. Here’s what happened at State this week.  The Department continued to provide assistance to American citizens in the Middle East. The United States led a historic counternarcotics resolution at the United Nations and supported Bolivia’s capture of drug trafficker Sebastián Marset. We expanded the visa bond program to combat illegal overstay rates and save U.S. taxpayers up to $800 million every year. Providing an Update on Operation Epic Fury President Trump speaks to the press on Air Force One on Operation Epic Fury. (White House) On March 17, President Trump provided an update on Operation Epic Fury, noting that U.S. forces are making significant progress degrading Iran’s missile capabilities and its ability to threaten Americans and our partners. On March 19, the State Department announced a partnership with El Al Airlines to arrange non-stop flights, designated exclusively for American citizens, from Tel Aviv to the United States. These flights have already allowed more than 2,000 American citizens to return to the United States from Israel. Since February 28, more than 70,000 Americans have left the Middle East and returned to the United States. We have provided security guidance and travel assistance to more than 50,000 U.S. citizens and chartered over 60 flights from the region. Americans in the Middle East who need assistance can call the U.S. Department of State, 24/7, at +1-202-501-4444. Leading Efforts to Counter Narcotics and Capture Sebastián Marset On March 13, at the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs in Vienna, the United States led the adoption of a historic resolution on supply chain integrity to stop criminals from exploiting global commerce to move deadly drugs.  The U.S. also supported Bolivia’s successful operation to capture drug trafficker Sebastián Enrique Marset Cabrera. This cooperation reflects deepening regional coordination to disrupt transnational criminal networks and make our hemisphere safer. The Shield of the Americas is making our region safer and stronger. Deputy Secretary of State Landau congratulated the Bolivian government, stating, “Getting this criminal off the streets is good for Bolivia, the U.S., the region, and the world.” Preventing Illegal Visa Overstays The Trump Administration is taking decisive action to prevent visa overstays, saving American taxpayers up to $800 million annually.  From April 2, nationals from 50 countries with business and tourist visas must provide a $15,000 bond. These bonds will be returned to visitors who leave the United States in compliance with their visa terms.

News You May Have Missed President Trump met with Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi and underscored mutual interests in the Middle East. We signed bilateral health cooperation Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with Honduras, Senegal, and Angola. Under Secretary of State Helberg welcomed Sweden to the Pax Silica, the Department of State’s flagship effort on AI and supply chain security. Note to Our Readers  We welcome feedback at EmailTeam@state.gov  Was this forwarded to you? Subscribe to The Week at State for weekly updates on important work, activities, and news straight from the State Department.

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