US Women’s Economic Bill targets South Asia

IANS | May 13, 2026 7:20 AM

Washington, May 13 (IANS) US Congresswoman Julie Johnson has introduced legislation aimed at strengthening women’s economic security across South and Central Asia. The bill links the initiative directly to broader American foreign policy and regional stability goals.

'End of war in Ukraine getting very close’: Trump

IANS | May 13, 2026 6:58 AM

Washington, May 13 (IANS) US President Donald Trump said a settlement between Russia and Ukraine was “getting very close”, expressing optimism that the war could soon move towards an end after months of fighting and diplomatic efforts.

Diego Garcia row surfaces in US Senate hearing

IANS | May 13, 2026 6:50 AM

Washington, May 13 (IANS) The future of the strategically critical Diego Garcia military base surfaced unexpectedly during a heated Senate hearing, as Republican Senator John Kennedy warned against any move that could expand Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean through the Chagos Islands dispute.

Hegseth defends Iran war, China trip

IANS | May 13, 2026 6:31 AM

Washington, May 13 (IANS) US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth fiercely defended the Trump administration’s military campaign against Iran, clashed repeatedly with Democratic senators over the soaring costs of the conflict, and insisted the United States still “holds all the cards” despite continued disruption in the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump hails ties with Xi Jinping ahead of China trip

IANS | May 13, 2026 6:24 AM

Washington, May 13 (IANS) President Donald Trump said he expected a “great meeting” with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his upcoming visit to China, as he projected confidence in US-China ties despite mounting global tensions over Iran, trade and energy security.

US Democrats warn against wider Iran war

IANS | May 13, 2026 6:20 AM

Washington, May 13 (IANS) Democratic senators warned that the Trump administration risked dragging the United States into another prolonged Middle East conflict, as a tense Senate hearing exposed deep divisions over the ongoing war with Iran and its rising economic and military costs.

Trump says Iran ‘cannot have nuclear weapon’

IANS | May 13, 2026 6:16 AM

Washington, May 13 (IANS) US President Donald Trump said Iran’s military had been “wiped out” and warned Tehran would either agree to a deal or face further destruction, as he defended his administration’s handling of the conflict and argued that oil prices and inflation would eventually fall once the war ends.