The U.S. State Department intends to close five diplomatic missions, including consulates in Japan and Canada (sources)

The U.S. State Department has informed Congress that it intends to close five diplomatic missions, according to anonymous sources cited by Reuters. The targeted missions include the embassy in St. George's (Grenada) and the consulates in Nagoya (Japan), Medan (Indonesia), Douala (Cameroon), and Winnipeg (Canada).

These closures are rare and are not related to specific geopolitical events. Previously, the Trump administration prepared to close nearly 12 missions as part of a strategy to streamline diplomatic bureaucracy.

Critics, including Democrats and former officials, warn that reducing the U.S. diplomatic presence could undermine American influence globally, leaving room for adversaries like China and Russia. The State Department has not confirmed the closures but emphasized its commitment to maintaining an effective diplomatic footprint.