US rebukes Lebanon over complaint against envoy

IANS | October 14, 2026 7:51 AM

Washington, Oct 14 (IANS) The United States has sharply criticised the handling of a complaint against Lebanon's ambassador to Washington, Nada Hamadeh Moawad, accusing elements of Lebanon's judicial system of targeting a diplomat involved in US-led negotiations while failing to act against Hizbollah operatives.

US seeks Mexico probe into workers' rights

IANS | October 14, 2026 7:31 AM

Washington, Oct 14 (IANS) The United States has asked Mexico to investigate alleged violations of workers' rights at an automotive textile manufacturing facility, invoking a special enforcement mechanism under the North American trade agreement and taking steps to withhold final customs clearance of goods from the factory.

Vance announces Defense Production Act expansion of Texas refinery

IANS | October 14, 2026 7:20 AM

Washington, Oct 14 (IANS) US Vice President JD Vance said the Trump administration had used the Defense Production Act to expand an oil refinery in Tyler, Texas, as he campaigned for Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton three weeks before the midterm elections.

Canada, India intensify trade deal talks

IANS | October 14, 2026 6:56 AM

Ottawa, Oct 14 (IANS) Canada and India are intensifying negotiations for a comprehensive trade agreement following the fifth round of talks in Ottawa, with ministers from the two countries reviewing progress as they seek to conclude a deal before the end of the year.

US lawmakers push plan to counter China on minerals

IANS | October 14, 2026 6:34 AM

Washington, Oct 14 (IANS) A bipartisan group of American lawmakers is pressing for a coordinated national strategy to secure critical minerals, warning that China's dominance of global supply chains poses risks to US national security, technological competitiveness and economic stability.

US busts North Korean IT network, 14 charged

IANS | October 14, 2026 6:28 AM

Washington, Oct 14 (IANS) The United States has charged 14 people and arrested two in a sweeping crackdown on an alleged North Korean operation that infiltrated more than 70 American companies through fraudulent remote technology jobs, generating approximately $3 million believed to have been channelled to the sanctioned regime.