US defends sanctions on Iran, Myanmar at Congress

IANS | February 5, 2026 11:15 AM

Washington, Feb 5 (IANS) The United States has defended its sanctions-led foreign policy toward Iran and Myanmar, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent telling lawmakers that economic pressure remains a central pillar of Washington’s national security and global financial stability strategy.

Democrats blast US SBA ban on green card owners

IANS | February 5, 2026 11:04 AM

Washington, Feb 5 (IANS) Top Democrats have criticised a new Small Business Administration policy that blocks businesses owned by legal permanent residents from getting SBA loans.

AI emerges as new financial stability test for US: Bessent

IANS | February 5, 2026 10:44 AM

Washington, Feb 5 (IANS) Artificial intelligence is becoming a new focus for US financial regulators. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Congress that AI can strengthen markets, but it also poses risks that require close monitoring.

US lawmaker slams Texas Governor over H-1B visa freeze

IANS | February 5, 2026 10:33 AM

Washington, Feb 5 (IANS) A prominent American lawmaker has criticised Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s order freezing new H-1B visa petitions at public universities and state agencies, calling it harmful to the state’s workforce and economy.

US shuts down 200 illegal online pharmacies

IANS | February 5, 2026 10:27 AM

Washington, Feb 5 (IANS) US drug agents have shut down more than 200 illegal online pharmacy websites linked to an India-based criminal network blamed for deadly overdoses in the United States.

New START expiry raises global nuclear risks: US Senate

IANS | February 5, 2026 10:22 AM

Washington, Feb 5 (IANS) The imminent expiry of the New START nuclear arms control treaty has triggered sharp warnings in the US Senate about a more dangerous, unconstrained era of nuclear competition involving the United States, Russia, and China, with lawmakers and experts cautioning that the fallout could extend well beyond the three powers.

US builds global bloc on strategic minerals

IANS | February 5, 2026 8:54 AM

Washington, Feb 5 (IANS) Warning that critical mineral supply chains have become tools of political coercion, the United States (US) convened 54 countries and the European Commission to overhaul the global market for strategic minerals and rare earths.

US says India key to Pax Silica, critical minerals

IANS | February 5, 2026 8:36 AM

Washington, Feb 5 (IANS) India will play a central role in the United States’ Pax Silica framework and its broader critical minerals strategy, a senior US official said, adding that Washington is seeking deeper cooperation with Indo-Pacific partners to secure and diversify global mineral supply chains.