US lawmakers split over Iran war as hearing probes justification

IANS | March 20, 2026 7:30 AM

Washington, March 20 (IANS) As US intelligence officials laid out a stark assessment of rising global threats, a congressional hearing revealed a deeper fracture in Washington — over whether the war with Iran was driven by evidence or political judgment.

Trump, Takaichi put warmth on display as talks turn to Iran, energy, and trade

IANS | March 20, 2026 7:05 AM

Washington, March 20 (IANS) US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi of Japan wrapped a day of White House meetings with a carefully staged display of warmth, personal praise, and allied purpose, using a bilateral visit shadowed by war in the Middle East to underline the strategic weight of the US-Japan relationship.

Trump’s Pearl Harbor jibe jars Japan PM

IANS | March 20, 2026 7:01 AM

Washington, March 20 (IANS) President Donald Trump’s attempt to defend secrecy over US strikes on Iran by invoking Pearl Harbor appeared to unsettle Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during their White House meeting, creating an awkward moment in an otherwise warm display of alliance politics.

US bill backs OPT for foreign students

IANS | March 20, 2026 6:40 AM

Washington, March 20 (IANS) US lawmakers introduced a bipartisan bill to protect a key work programme for international students, aiming to retain foreign graduates, including thousands from India, amid rising global competition for skilled talent.

H-1B debate intensifies in US Congress

IANS | March 20, 2026 6:35 AM

Washington, March 20 (IANS) The H-1B visa programme, a key route for Indian professionals to work in the United States, came under fresh scrutiny in Congress this week as lawmakers debated reforms to support economic growth and address labour shortages in an ageing workforce.

Japanese PM Takaichi backs Trump on Iran

IANS | March 20, 2026 6:24 AM

Washington, March 20 (IANS) Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told US President Donald Trump at the White House that she believed “it is only you, Donald, who can achieve peace across the world”, offering strong public backing as the two leaders discussed Iran, energy security, and turmoil in the Middle East.

Only Trump can bring peace: Japanese PM Takaichi​

IANS | March 19, 2026 10:17 PM

Washington, March 19 (IANS) Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told President Donald Trump on Thursday that she believed he alone could deliver peace in a world facing a severe security crisis, as the two leaders met at the White House against the backdrop of tensions in the Middle East and growing fears over the global economy.​

War can't erase Iran's nuclear know-how: IAEA Chief

IANS | March 19, 2026 10:03 PM

Washington, March 19 (IANS) Military action has badly damaged Iran’s nuclear programme, but it cannot wipe out the knowledge, materials, and industrial capacity that could allow Tehran to rebuild, International Atomic Energy Agency Director-General Rafael Grossi said in an interview on Thursday.​

Pakistani grooming gangs target Sikh girls in UK, sparking concerns: Report

IANS | March 19, 2026 9:45 PM

London, March 19 (IANS) A deeply concerning claim circulating on social media alleges that Pakistani “grooming gangs” operating in the United Kingdom are targetting Sikh girls, luring them into their networks and encouraging religion conversion through financial incentives or emotional coercion.

India's BRICS Presidency faces diplomatic test amid Middle East tensions: Report

IANS | March 19, 2026 9:37 PM

New Delhi, March 19 (IANS) India's 2026 BRICS presidency is expected to test New Delhi’s diplomacy even more than its highly successful presidency of the G20 as BRICS members - including Iran, the UAE and Saudi Arabia - navigate divergent positions amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East. The question, a report highlighted on Thursday, is how India would be able to forge consensus language acceptable to all sides.