US Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Track Iran Nuclear Efforts

Senator Bob Menendez at the Capitol Hill in Washington (Reuters)
Senator Bob Menendez at the Capitol Hill in Washington (Reuters)
TT

US Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Track Iran Nuclear Efforts

Senator Bob Menendez at the Capitol Hill in Washington (Reuters)
Senator Bob Menendez at the Capitol Hill in Washington (Reuters)

Democratic and Republican lawmakers have introduced a bill requiring the US administration to assess Iranian threats and develop a clear strategy to deal with them.

The "Iran Nuclear Weapons Capability Monitoring Act of 2022" was presented by Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Menendez and Senator Lindsey Graham.

The act calls for establishing a task force to monitor Iran's nuclear weapons and missile capabilities and urges the Biden administration to coordinate intelligence cooperation with regional allies like Israel.

The bipartisan legislation requires that the Secretary of State submit an annual diplomatic strategy for engaging with partners and allies of the United States regarding Iran's nuclear weapons and missile activities.

The bill highlights the growing congressional opposition to the Biden administration's efforts to return to the nuclear deal with Tehran, including top Democratic members.

Menendez said there is no reason why the US Congress should not receive the most up-to-date information about Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile activities or the administration's diplomatic efforts to address the threats they posed.

Republican Senator Graham said that no matter what happens with the Iran nuclear negotiations, "we must monitor the Iranian nuclear program like a hawk."



Building Fire Kills 8, Injures Others in Southern India

 People watch as fire officials conduct rescue operations at a building following a fire in Hyderabad, India, Sunday, May 18, 2025. (AP)
People watch as fire officials conduct rescue operations at a building following a fire in Hyderabad, India, Sunday, May 18, 2025. (AP)
TT

Building Fire Kills 8, Injures Others in Southern India

 People watch as fire officials conduct rescue operations at a building following a fire in Hyderabad, India, Sunday, May 18, 2025. (AP)
People watch as fire officials conduct rescue operations at a building following a fire in Hyderabad, India, Sunday, May 18, 2025. (AP)

At least eight people were killed and several injured in a fire that broke out at a building near the historic Charminar monument in southern Hyderabad city, Press Trust of India news agency reported Sunday.

Several people were found unconscious and rushed to various hospitals, according to local media. They said the building housed a jewelry store at ground level and residential space above.

“The accident happened due to a short circuit and many people have died,” federal minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader G Kishan Reddy told reporters at the site of the accident.

More details were awaited.

Prime minister Narendra Modi announced financial compensation for the victims’ families and said in a post on X that he was “deeply anguished by the loss of lives.”

Fires are common in India, where building laws and safety norms are often flouted by builders and residents.