Bangladesh Awami League leaders seek EU support to lift sanctions on party

IANS | June 9, 2026 9:40 AM

Dhaka, June 9 (IANS) As the crackdown on Awami League leaders continues to intensify across Bangladesh, a delegation of the party's former lawmakers and leaders met Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Billy Kelleher to seek global cooperation for lifting sanctions imposed on the party, local media reported.

China ship row puts Trump under pressure

IANS | June 9, 2026 8:32 AM

Washington, June 9 (IANS) Two senior Democratic senators have urged the Trump administration to restore proposed port fees on Chinese ships, arguing that the move is essential to rebuilding America's shrinking shipbuilding industry and reducing dependence on China in a sector increasingly viewed as critical to national security.

Chinese patents face US crackdown bill

IANS | June 9, 2026 7:38 AM

Washington, June 9 (IANS) A group of senior House lawmakers has introduced legislation aimed at preventing Chinese entities identified as national security threats from obtaining US patents, arguing that Beijing has used America's intellectual property system to advance its economic and technological ambitions.

Hakeem Jeffries attacks Trump on living costs, Iran war

IANS | June 9, 2026 7:15 AM

Washington, June 9 (IANS) US House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries launched a broad attack on President Donald Trump, accusing his administration of driving up living costs, mishandling healthcare and dragging the United States into what he described as a "reckless and costly war of choice in Iran".

Trump claims Iran ready for nuclear deal

IANS | June 9, 2026 7:08 AM

Washington, June 9 (IANS) US President Donald Trump said that Iran was willing to abandon its pursuit of nuclear weapons and sign an agreement with the United States, as he claimed American military operations had severely weakened Tehran's military capabilities.

UFC’s White House debut highlights growing influence in sports, culture and politics

IANS | June 9, 2026 7:03 AM

Washington, June 9 (IANS) As the Ultimate Fighting Championship prepares to stage the first-ever UFC event on the South Lawn of the White House, the State Department's decision to launch a sports diplomacy partnership with the mixed martial arts giant underscores how the organisation has evolved into a powerful force in sport, culture and politics.

White House vows appeal in H-1B fee case

IANS | June 9, 2026 6:34 AM

Washington, June 9 (IANS) The White House defended President Donald Trump's $100,000 H-1B visa fee and vowed to appeal after a federal judge struck down the policy, ruling that the administration exceeded its authority and imposed an unlawful tax.