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🟡 Semafor Washington, DC: Don’t call it a war
In today’s edition: Vance downplays Iran hostilities, and a Republican’s call for congressional action on data centers.
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US presses Iran sanctions driving oil prices higher
The EU endorsed Washington’s sanctions push against Tehran, while efforts to block Iran’s oil exports and financial transactions appear to be bearing fruit.
Majid Asgaripour/WANA/Reuters
Russia, Ukraine eye diplomacy effort
Russia’s Vladimir Putin suggested that a settlement to end the war was possible, while Ukraine predicted a “new dynamic” in peace efforts.
Vladislav Culiomza/Reuters
Ukrainian ex-defense minister launches Palantir-backed military tech firm
The move risks angering Ukraine’s European supporters, as defense expertise is likely to be shared with US firms instead.
Reuters
Oil jumps after Iran strikes on US bases in the Middle East
Oil jumped by more than 5% to $95 a barrel, while Asian stocks slid over worries the latest attacks point to protracted hostilities.
Majid Asgaripour/WANA/Reuters
Berlin blames Russia for attempted drone attack
Three explosive-laden drones were found around a Leipzig airport last month.
Axel Schmidt/File Photo/Reuters
Ukraine’s drone expertise is in demand
Italy is bringing on Ukraine’s ousted defense minister and drone impresario to advise on strategy.
Valentyn Ogirenko/Reuters
Japan plots record $55 billion defense spend
Japan will seek to build more drones and missiles amid growing concerns over China’s military assertiveness.
China’s Xi pledges stronger Russia ties
Beijing flexed its diplomatic might at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Kyrgyzstan.
Trump threatens to ‘hit Iran hard’
Analysts were skeptical of the White House’s willingness to escalate the costly conflict.
US and Iran exchange fire for the first time in over a month
The US hit two rocket launchers, saying they were about to deploy mines into the Strait of Hormuz.
Nepal disaster highlights climate, geopolitical plight
Countries like Nepal are not large emitters but are disproportionately affected by climate change.
Iceland votes against talks to join EU
Concerns over sovereignty trumped arguments for European integration in the referendum.
Russia warns of ‘massive strikes’ on Ukrainian energy
Russia threatened Ukraine’s infrastructure on Sunday after weeks of Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil facilities, as both sides target the economic systems sustaining the war.
Pentagon can’t blacklist Anthropic, US judge rules
The ruling is a major victory for the AI firm in its legal wranglings with Washington.
Wheat hit a three-year high, amid trade route disruptions
Kyiv and Moscow have stepped up attacks on a key transit route for a large share of global grain exports.
Iran braces for unrest amid economic crisis
The threat of sanctions triggered panic buying for food and fuel this week, The Wall Street Journal reported.
Hackers use SpaceX’s Cursor AI agent in cyber break-ins
In the latest instance of cybercriminals circumventing AI firms’ safety guardrails, Russian-speaking hackers used Space X’s AI agent in multiple breaches.
Taiwan approves $7 billion drone budget
Taiwan’s legislature approved a plan to spend more than $7 billion on drones over the next six years, part of the island’s push to deter a potential attack from China.