US to host G20 foreign ministers in Atlanta

IANS | May 19, 2026 7:07 AM

Washington, May 19 (IANS) The United States will host the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, on October 30-31, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Monday, as Washington steps up preparations for a series of high-profile global summits later this year.

Trump pauses Iran strike amid diplomatic push by Gulf nations

IANS | May 19, 2026 6:59 AM

Washington, May 19 (IANS) US President Donald Trump said that he postponed a planned military strike on Iran after urgent appeals from Gulf leaders seeking more time for diplomacy, signalling a possible opening in high-stakes negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.

Vance links US factory revival to China challenge

IANS | May 19, 2026 6:53 AM

Washington, May 19 (IANS) US Vice President JD Vance said the Trump administration was rebuilding American manufacturing after decades of industrial decline, arguing that Washington had finally begun prioritising domestic workers and reducing dependence on overseas production hubs such as China.

US sanctions 11 Cuban officials, agencies

IANS | May 19, 2026 6:47 AM

Washington, May 19 (IANS) The Trump administration imposed fresh sanctions on 11 Cuban officials and three government organisations, intensifying pressure on Havana over what Secretary of State Marco Rubio described as repression, security threats and support for foreign intelligence and military operations.

US races to contain Ebola outbreak

IANS | May 19, 2026 6:43 AM

Washington, May 19 (IANS) The United States announced a sweeping diplomatic, humanitarian and public health response to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda, mobilising emergency funding, tightening travel restrictions and coordinating with international partners to contain the deadly disease before it spreads further.

PM Modi to attend 3rd India-Nordic Summit in Norway today

IANS | May 19, 2026 6:38 AM

Oslo, May 19 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the 3rd India-Nordic Summit in Oslo on Tuesday, aimed at strengthening India’s strategic partnership with Nordic nations in areas such as technology, renewable energy, defence, sustainability, and trade.

US eases Russian oil sanctions for 30 days

IANS | May 18, 2026 11:53 PM

Washington, May 18 (IANS) The United States has issued a temporary 30-day general licence allowing transactions involving Russian oil currently stranded at sea, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said, describing the move as necessary to help “the most vulnerable countries” access energy supplies amid market uncertainty.

Arcadia mayor's case sparks alarm over hidden Chinese influence networks in US

IANS | May 18, 2026 9:46 PM

Brussels, May 18 (IANS) The resignation of Eileen Wang, mayor of Arcadia city in California, after she agreed to plead guilty to secretly acting as an agent of the Chinese government, revealed a troubling reality – Beijing's influence networks are not confined to Washington or the halls of Congress.