US trade gap widens; India deficit narrows

IANS | May 6, 2026 8:53 AM

Washington, May 6 (IANS) The United States trade deficit widened in March as imports outpaced exports, even as the American goods gap with India narrowed compared to the same period last year, according to official data.

US presses Iraq for action against Iran-backed militias amid rising attacks

IANS | May 6, 2026 8:17 AM

Washington, May 6 (IANS) The United States has pressed Iraq’s leadership to take “concrete actions” against Iran-backed militias, with a senior State Department official warning that Washington wants “action, not words” amid growing concern over attacks on American facilities in the region.

Rubio warns Iran of ‘total defeat’

IANS | May 6, 2026 8:00 AM

Washington, May 6 (IANS) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Iran it faced “economic collapse” and “total defeat” unless it abandoned efforts to control the Strait of Hormuz and agreed to a diplomatic solution over its nuclear programme.

US shuts Peshawar consulate amid security push

IANS | May 6, 2026 7:48 AM

Washington, May 6 (IANS) The United States announced the phased closure of its Consulate General in Peshawar, saying diplomatic engagement with Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province will now be handled by its embassy in Islamabad.

Trump Administration urged to reverse Russia oil waiver

IANS | May 6, 2026 7:12 AM

Washington, May 6 (IANS) A group of US senators has accused the Trump administration of handing Russian President Vladimir Putin a financial windfall by pausing sanctions on Russian oil exports during a global energy crisis.

Rubio defends Trump’s war authority

IANS | May 6, 2026 6:49 AM

Washington, May 6 (IANS) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended President Donald Trump’s authority to conduct military operations against Iran without congressional approval, calling the War Powers Act “100 per cent unconstitutional”.