Free trade agreement era may be over: Rubio

IANS | October 7, 2026 8:45 AM

Washington, Oct 7 (IANS) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said the era of free trade agreements is unlikely to return “for the foreseeable future”, signalling that Washington sees bilateral and reciprocal trade arrangements as a more viable path for expanding economic ties.

US senator seeks $140,000 H-1B wage threshold

IANS | October 7, 2026 8:18 AM

Washington, Oct 7 (IANS) A Republican US senator has introduced legislation that would effectively raise a key H-1B salary threshold from $60,000 to nearly $140,000, arguing that the current level is outdated and allows some companies to avoid requirements designed to protect American workers.

US open to expanding security role in Iceland

IANS | October 7, 2026 8:07 AM

Washington, Oct 7 (IANS) The United States is open to expanding security cooperation with Iceland as Washington sharpens its focus on the Arctic amid threats to undersea cables, shipping lanes and the wider High North, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.

Trump says call with Putin scheduled ‘very soon’

IANS | October 7, 2026 8:02 AM

Washington, Oct 7 (IANS) US President Donald Trump said that he has a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin scheduled “very soon” and indicated that Washington could have more to say as after what he described as “very deep discussions.”

Ukraine NATO membership not on table: Rubio

IANS | October 7, 2026 7:57 AM

Washington, Oct 7 (IANS) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Ukraine’s membership in NATO is “not on the table” at present, as the United States concentrates on trying to bring the war with Russia to an end.