White House rebuts claims of shifting Iran war aims

IANS | March 13, 2026 7:46 AM

Washington, March 13 (IANS) The White House pushed back against reports that the Trump administration has shifted its goals in the war with Iran, as it released a compilation of remarks by President Donald Trump and senior officials outlining what it said have been the campaign's consistent objectives.

China's influence in US universities faces Congressional scrutiny

IANS | March 13, 2026 7:29 AM

Washington, March 13 (IANS) US lawmakers warned that China may be exploiting American universities to gain access to sensitive research and technology, as a Senate hearing examined billions of dollars in foreign funding and academic partnerships involving US campuses.

Melania urges women to be courageous, take risks

IANS | March 13, 2026 7:21 AM

Washington, March 13 (IANS) First Lady Melania Trump urged women across the United States to pursue ambition with confidence and courage, telling a White House gathering marking Women’s History Month that women play a decisive role in shaping the nation’s future.

US Democrats step up attack on Trump’s Iran war

IANS | March 13, 2026 7:15 AM

Washington, March 13 (IANS) Senate Democrats stepped up their attack on President Donald Trump’s war in Iran, calling the conflict illegal, costly, and constitutionally unsound, while pressing for public testimony from top administration officials.

US tanker crashes in Iraq during Iran war

IANS | March 13, 2026 6:46 AM

Washington, March 13 (IANS) A US Air Force aerial refuelling aircraft crashed in western Iraq during operations linked to the war with Iran, the US military said, as rescue teams searched the area and officials worked to determine whether there were casualties.

At White House, Women’s History Month mixes tribute, politics

IANS | March 13, 2026 6:42 AM

Washington, March 13 (IANS) The White House marked Women’s History Month with a ceremony celebrating the role of women in American society. The event brought together female officials, working mothers, entrepreneurs, athletes, and law-enforcement officers.

After India, US allows other nations to buy Russian oil at sea

IANS | March 13, 2026 6:34 AM

Washington, March 13 (IANS) The United States has temporarily allowed countries to purchase Russian oil stranded at sea, a move that comes days after Washington granted a similar waiver to India as it seeks to stabilise global energy markets amid rising geopolitical tensions.

US mulls shipping waiver amid oil shock

Lalit K Jha | March 13, 2026 6:29 AM

Washington, March 13 (IANS) Facing a sharp rise in fuel prices and disruptions in global shipping routes, the White House is considering a temporary waiver of the century-old Jones Act to allow more vessels to deliver energy and agricultural supplies to US ports.

Iran is 'nation of terror and hate', says Trump

IANS | March 13, 2026 6:25 AM

Washington, March 13 (IANS) US President Donald Trump sharply criticised Iran, calling it “a nation of terror and hate” and saying it was “paying a big price right now” as tensions with Tehran continue to dominate US national security discussions.