JD Vance credits wife Usha Vance for role in his return to Christianity

IANS | June 22, 2026 8:48 AM

Washington, June 22 (IANS) US Vice President JD Vance has credited his Indian American wife, Usha Vance, with helping shape his return to Christianity, saying her support in their interfaith marriage and her influence on his understanding of love, family and commitment played a crucial role in his spiritual journey.

Trump administration sees Iran talks as path to broader Middle East reset

IANS | June 22, 2026 8:13 AM

Washington, June 22 (IANS) The Trump administration is presenting its new diplomacy with Iran as more than an effort to end a four-month conflict, arguing that the talks could open the door to a broader transformation of the Middle East and revive ambitions for a regional realignment that has remained elusive since President Donald Trump's first term.

Hormuz concerns cloud Trump’s Iran deal

IANS | June 22, 2026 7:50 AM

Washington, June 22 (IANS) Concerns over the future of the Strait of Hormuz emerged as one of the most contentious issues surrounding President Donald Trump's new agreement with Iran, with lawmakers, former officials and energy experts warning that Tehran could gain lasting leverage over one of the world's most important maritime chokepoints.

Trump faces backlash over Iran agreement

IANS | June 22, 2026 7:42 AM

Washington, June 22 (IANS) US President Donald Trump's memorandum of understanding with Iran came under sustained bipartisan criticism, with lawmakers, former officials and policy experts questioning whether Tehran had gained more from the agreement than Washington.

US clears $428 million India defence support deals

IANS | June 22, 2026 7:40 AM

Washington, June 22 (IANS) The United States has approved two proposed defence support packages for India worth a combined $428.2 million, covering long-term sustainment for M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers and follow-on support for AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, according to notifications published by the Pentagon.

Vance leads Iran talks amid growing political scrutiny

IANS | June 22, 2026 7:20 AM

Washington, June 22 (IANS) Vice President JD Vance has emerged as the public face of President Donald Trump's high-stakes diplomacy with Iran, taking charge of negotiations that could reshape the Middle East while also carrying the political risks of a deal that is already drawing criticism from both Republicans and Democrats.

Trump to lead America's 250th anniversary celebrations

IANS | June 22, 2026 6:45 AM

Washington, June 22 (IANS) US President Donald Trump will headline the launch of America's year-long 250th anniversary celebrations next week, leading a massive patriotic gathering on the majestic National Mall that will feature military flyovers, cultural exhibitions, state pavilions and a programme designed to showcase the nation's history, innovation and identity ahead of its semiquincentennial in 2026.

US-Iran talks in Switzerland stretch into night as progress reported on nuclear, Hormuz, Lebanon issues

IANS | June 22, 2026 6:34 AM

Burgenstock (Switzerland), June 22 (IANS) Negotiations between the United States and Iran continued late into the night in Switzerland on Sunday, with US officials saying discussions remained active and expressing confidence that talks launched by Vice President JD Vance had produced early progress on Iran’s nuclear programme, the Strait of Hormuz and the fragile ceasefire in Lebanon.

Jamieson Greer heads to India as US, India push trade deal

IANS | June 22, 2026 6:22 AM

Washington, June 22 (IANS) US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer will travel to India this week for talks with Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and other senior Indian officials as Washington and New Delhi seek to advance negotiations on a bilateral trade agreement that both sides say is nearing completion.