Iran degraded but still dangerous: US intel tells lawmakers

IANS | March 19, 2026 6:38 AM

Washington, March 19 (IANS) Iran’s military and strategic capabilities have been significantly degraded by recent US-led operations, but the regime remains intact and continues to pose a serious threat to American interests and regional stability, US intelligence officials told lawmakers.

Kash Patel strikes back as Senators press FBI on threats

IANS | March 19, 2026 6:33 AM

Washington, March 19 (IANS) FBI Director Kash Patel pushed back against lawmakers here, defending the bureau’s aggressive counterterrorism and law enforcement posture as senators pressed him on surveillance, resources, and evolving threats.

US Fed keeps interest rates unchanged, flags oil shock risks

IANS | March 19, 2026 6:15 AM

Washington, March 19 (IANS) Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said the US central bank was keeping interest rates unchanged as it monitored the fallout from higher oil prices and broader uncertainty linked to the conflict in the Middle East.

Iran seeks Russia, China intel help: CIA chief​

IANS | March 18, 2026 11:16 PM

Washington, March 18 (IANS) Iran is seeking intelligence support from US adversaries, CIA Director John Ratcliffe told lawmakers on Wednesday, flagging a new dimension to the conflict as Tehran looks outward for strategic backing.​

UN Chief calls for probe in Pakistan airstrike on Afghan hospital

Arul Louis | March 18, 2026 11:10 PM

United Nations, March 18 (IANS) UN Secretary‑General Antonio Guterres “strongly condemns” the deadly Pakistani air strike on a hospital in Kabul and has called for an independent investigation into the incident, his Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said on Wednesday.

Post-Iran war, US Congressman seeks security for faith sites

IANS | March 18, 2026 9:29 PM

Washington, March 18 (IANS) An influential US lawmaker has stepped up calls to boost security funding for religious institutions, including those of the Hindus, as rising Middle East tensions and recent attacks heighten fears among faith communities across the country.

Balochistan: BLF targets 'death squads', kills three Pakistani army personnel

IANS | March 18, 2026 9:26 PM

Quetta, March 18 (IANS) The Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) has claimed responsibility for carrying out attacks in Kech district that killed three Pakistani personnel and critically injured four others. Additionally, the armed group targetted Pakistan-backed death squads in Washuk district, killing three operatives, local media reported on Wednesday.