US Government

UPDATE 1: Iran says it needs clarification, talks between powers on Wednesday.

US Democratic candidates finishes his Middle East, and warns Iran away from getting nuclear capability.

US candidate confirms plans to withdraw troops if he wins race to White House.

Iran defiant ahead of meeting of world powers to be attended by US in shift of policy.

Nations to strike deal on the status of US troops in Iraq before the end of Bush presidency.

Iran dismisses speculation that it risks being attacked over controversial nuclear drive.

Iran fires more missiles in the Gulf, US pledges to defend allies against aggression.

Talks continue on withdrawal of US forces from Iraq despite row over exit date.

US and British naval forces finish their exercises in the Gulf as tensions rise.

Fifth Fleet carrying out exercises to protect maritime infrastructure after Iran threat to shut down waterway.

Barack Obama foreign adviser says nuclear-armed Iran is biggest danger facing world.

US gov't refuses to comment on report it approved $400mn for secret Iran operations.

Sheikh Mohammed spends night at presidential retreat in Maryland mountains.

Crude steady after US government data showed surprise increase in domestic crude stocks.

Bush and Iraqi President Jalal Talabani to try forge deal on US military presence in Iraq.

Advancing crude costs likely to hit $200 by end of year despite supply boost measures, survey finds.

US president asks British PM to not set 'definitive timetable' for withdrawal of troops from Iraq.

PM Al-Maliki says talks at stalemate due to US demands that encroach on Iraqi sovereignty.

Bush to urge Italy to take a tougher stand over Iran's nuclear programme, expand Afghanistan role.

President Ahmadinejad defiant in face of further economic sanctions by the US and EU.

Draft communique of US-EU summit reveal pair prepared to take further action against Tehran.

Christmas will come very early this year for more than 130 million Americans, who during the next month or so, will wake up to a US$600 cheque in the mail courtesy of the US Government.

Deputy PM says other options running out, while Olmert threatens Gaza military assault.

Illinois senator becomes first black man to lead major US party into race for White House.

US Treasury Secretary Paulson says decline in dollar only small factor behind oil prices.

US Treasury Secretary Paulson says Gulf leaders told him abandoning peg not answer to rising costs.

Appointment of Jewish woman as ambassador reflects 'climate of tolerance'.

Tehran accuses 'US-based counter-revolutionary group' for attack.

Price of crude hits new lifetime high above $130 a barrel, predicted to go higher.

CEO and non-executive director issued with subpoenas in US and questioned.

US president George W. Bush says he will take tough stance and back Jewish state against 'terror and evil.'

Crude resumes bullish charge after brief dip on US inventory builds and weaker demand outlook.

US president flies to Israel on first stop of tour with hopes of pushing ahead with flagging peace process.

Persian state trying to build regional influence and drive US from the Middle East, gov't claims.

Saudi's deputy interior minister slates media for making such a big deal about detention.

Ex-US president's journey to stricken region produced 'nothing concrete'.

Former US president says Hamas would recognise Israel's right to live in peace.

US developer's lawsuit against Dubai-owned firm brought to attention of US president.

Tehran and Washington conducting back-channel discussions on nuclear programme - paper.

Anti-war Democrats accuses White House of plotting to saddle next president with Iraq dilemma.

State Department pulls non-essential personnel following wave of attacks in impoverished Arab state.

Concerns rise that terrorists may be employing US, European members.

US foreign policy unlikely to change with new president, leading analyst says.

Robert Gates meets with ruler Sultan Qaboos, Iran and Middle East peace expected to be high on agenda.

Crude hits $102 in early trading as weakening dollar and souring consumer sentiment in the US spur buying.

Record high oil prices and regional stability high on agenda during US vice president's visit, aide says.

Emirate writes letter to US Treasury pledging not to use sovereign wealth funds for political ends.

US vice president to hold talks with military and political figures as war enters sixth year.

Al-Maqtari never charged with crime, but subjected to numerous methods of torture.

Speculative traders, geopolitical tensions and flailing US dollar push oil through $110 to new record.

Rush by funds into commodities and political tensions drivers of rally, analysts say.

US vice president aims to get peace talks on track and rally support for policy on Iran.

Washington will seek to push crude prices down for political reasons ahead of November vote, oil exec says.

New York senator narrowly escapes elimination from democratic party race.

Iranian president on two-day visit billed as 'major step' in strengthening relations between neighbours.

Resolution will be put to vote on Monday; West looks to win over those with reservations.

Treasury warns Emirates to prevent its banking system from Iranian abuse.

Treasury meets with Abu Dhabi and Singapore to discuss investment protocol.

Iran says sanctions will not hit economy as West pushes for new UN resolution.

Alan Greenspan says longer growth stalls more likely economy will start to contract.

Tehran dismisses new intelligence suggesting weapons development, says IAEA.

Gulf states agree to reactivate some elements of controversial 1975 border agreement.

Concerns over escalating row between Venezuela and the US weighs on investor sentiment, pushes prices higher.

US president rebuffing election-year pressures on Iraq in final State of the Union speech.

Presidents Bush and Sarkozy both recognise that nothing promotes peace more than economic prosperity.

If you thought that faxing the coastguard before taking to the sea in Dubai was excessive, be thankful you're not in the US.

The IT skills shortage in the US has forced its government to change the rules on immigration. Hundreds of thousands more visas will be issued for expatriate IT experts.