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US Senate passes war powers resolution to end Iran hostilities, joining House in historic rebuke of Trump

The Republican-led U.S. Senate voted 50-48 to approve a House-passed war powers resolution directing President Trump to cease military action against Iran, marking the first time both chambers have passed such a measure. Four Republicans—Susan Collins, Rand Paul, Bill Cassidy, and Lisa Murkowski—joined Democrats in favor, while Democrat John Fetterman voted against. The concurrent resolution, passed under the 1973 War Powers Act, does not require the president's signature and its enforceability is disputed. The vote reflects growing bipartisan concern over the conflict that began on February 28 and comes amid ongoing peace negotiations and public opposition to the war.

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The Republican-led U.S. Senate voted 50-48 to approve a House-passed war powers resolution directing President Trump to cease military action against Iran, marking the first time both chambers have passed such a measure. Four Republicans—Susan Collins, Rand Paul, Bill Cassidy, and Lisa Murkowski—joined Democrats in favor, while Democrat John Fetterman voted against. The concurrent resolution, passed under the 1973 War Powers Act, does not require the president's signature and its enforceability is disputed. The vote reflects growing bipartisan concern over the conflict that began on February 28 and comes amid ongoing peace negotiations and public opposition to the war.

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Kremlin says nuclear deterrence is the only guarantee against global war as arms control treaty expires

Background: Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov previously declared nuclear weapons as the cornerstone of Russia's national security and signaled openness to EU talks. Today, at a foreign policy forum in Moscow, Peskov stated that nuclear deterrence is the only thing preventing a global war, as the New START treaty has expired with no replacement in sight. He warned that new non-nuclear weapons may eventually match nuclear destructive power, and reiterated Russia's position that any new arms control deal must include US allies Britain and France if China is included. The statement comes amid ongoing arms control discussions involving the US, China, Britain, and France.

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Background: Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov previously declared nuclear weapons as the cornerstone of Russia's national security and signaled openness to EU talks. Today, at a foreign policy forum in Moscow, Peskov stated that nuclear deterrence is the only thing preventing a global war, as the New START treaty has expired with no replacement in sight. He warned that new non-nuclear weapons may eventually match nuclear destructive power, and reiterated Russia's position that any new arms control deal must include US allies Britain and France if China is included. The statement comes amid ongoing arms control discussions involving the US, China, Britain, and France.

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Iran hails framework deal as 'US defeat' as Trump threatens to halt talks over Hormuz tolls

Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf described the US-Iran framework deal as a 'declaration of US defeat' at the PUIC summit in Baku. US President Donald Trump threatened to end negotiations if reports of Iran imposing tolls on ships in the Strait of Hormuz prove true, and stated that released Iranian funds must be used exclusively for US food exports, a condition Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson rejected. Iran and Oman issued a joint statement on jointly managing the strait, with Omani officials stressing no intention to impose charges. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington would not accept any fees on the strait. A fresh dispute emerged over nuclear inspections: IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said inspection teams could visit Iranian sites within days, but Iran's deputy foreign minister denied any agreement on access to facilities or nuclear materials. Pakistan announced the resumption of expert-level talks next week involving Iran, the US, Pakistan, and Qatar. A direct communication channel between Tehran and Washington was established. Iran insists an end to the Israel-Hezbollah war in Lebanon is a key condition for a final agreement, while Israel rejects that reading.

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Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf described the US-Iran framework deal as a 'declaration of US defeat' at the PUIC summit in Baku. US President Donald Trump threatened to end negotiations if reports of Iran imposing tolls on ships in the Strait of Hormuz prove true, and stated that released Iranian funds must be used exclusively for US food exports, a condition Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson rejected. Iran and Oman issued a joint statement on jointly managing the strait, with Omani officials stressing no intention to impose charges. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington would not accept any fees on the strait. A fresh dispute emerged over nuclear inspections: IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said inspection teams could visit Iranian sites within days, but Iran's deputy foreign minister denied any agreement on access to facilities or nuclear materials. Pakistan announced the resumption of expert-level talks next week involving Iran, the US, Pakistan, and Qatar. A direct communication channel between Tehran and Washington was established. Iran insists an end to the Israel-Hezbollah war in Lebanon is a key condition for a final agreement, while Israel rejects that reading.

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IAEA chief insists on inspections of Iran's nuclear sites under US-Iran framework deal

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi stated that the recent US-Iran memorandum of understanding explicitly gives the IAEA responsibility for supervising Iran's nuclear commitments, including inspections. He emphasized that intentions alone are insufficient and a strong verification system is needed. Grossi noted that technical discussions with Iranian authorities have begun and the agency hopes to be in Iran soon. He highlighted that Iran possesses over 400 kg of highly enriched uranium and stressed the urgency of gaining access to verify the material. The 60-day timeframe for initial steps should not be confused with full implementation, which will take longer. This development comes amid contradictory statements from Washington and Tehran over the scope of inspections, with Iran linking access to sanctions relief.

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IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi stated that the recent US-Iran memorandum of understanding explicitly gives the IAEA responsibility for supervising Iran's nuclear commitments, including inspections. He emphasized that intentions alone are insufficient and a strong verification system is needed. Grossi noted that technical discussions with Iranian authorities have begun and the agency hopes to be in Iran soon. He highlighted that Iran possesses over 400 kg of highly enriched uranium and stressed the urgency of gaining access to verify the material. The 60-day timeframe for initial steps should not be confused with full implementation, which will take longer. This development comes amid contradictory statements from Washington and Tehran over the scope of inspections, with Iran linking access to sanctions relief.

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US Air Force analysis warns China misreads US stealth strategy, risking miscalculation on Taiwan

A US Air Force analysis released this month argues that China has misinterpreted the foundation of American stealth capabilities, overemphasizing technology while underestimating the integration of stealth with operational tactics. The report, authored by Maj. Derek Ecklebe of the China Aerospace Studies Institute, warns that China's mirror-imaging of its own engine reliability issues onto US systems and its focus on technological countermeasures could lead to miscalculations, potentially emboldening action against Taiwan. The analysis highlights China's bifurcated strategy of investing in layered air defenses and domestic stealth aircraft, while cautioning that Chinese air defenses, though formidable, face significant physical and operational constraints.

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A US Air Force analysis released this month argues that China has misinterpreted the foundation of American stealth capabilities, overemphasizing technology while underestimating the integration of stealth with operational tactics. The report, authored by Maj. Derek Ecklebe of the China Aerospace Studies Institute, warns that China's mirror-imaging of its own engine reliability issues onto US systems and its focus on technological countermeasures could lead to miscalculations, potentially emboldening action against Taiwan. The analysis highlights China's bifurcated strategy of investing in layered air defenses and domestic stealth aircraft, while cautioning that Chinese air defenses, though formidable, face significant physical and operational constraints.

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NSA loses access to Anthropic's Mythos 5 AI model after US export controls

The Trump administration previously imposed export controls on Anthropic's Fable 5 and Mythos 5 AI models, citing national security concerns. In a new development, parts of the National Security Agency have lost access to Mythos 5, potentially disrupting red-teaming and cybersecurity work. Some NSA analysts were notified they would lose access, though the agency may still use earlier versions under prior arrangements. The access issues stem from the administration's decision to impose export controls on Anthropic, forcing the company to pull back Mythos 5 and Fable 5. Virginia Sen. Mark Warner said NSA Director Gen. Joshua Rudd told him Mythos 'broke into almost all of our classified systems, not in weeks, but in hours,' though The Economist later reported a U.S. official clarified this was part of a controlled red-teaming exercise. The NSA's red teams lost access because their authority came through Project Glasswing, which gave early access to Mythos Preview to about 150 organizations. The Five Eyes intelligence alliance warned that frontier AI models could sharply change the cyber threat landscape within months.

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The Trump administration previously imposed export controls on Anthropic's Fable 5 and Mythos 5 AI models, citing national security concerns. In a new development, parts of the National Security Agency have lost access to Mythos 5, potentially disrupting red-teaming and cybersecurity work. Some NSA analysts were notified they would lose access, though the agency may still use earlier versions under prior arrangements. The access issues stem from the administration's decision to impose export controls on Anthropic, forcing the company to pull back Mythos 5 and Fable 5. Virginia Sen. Mark Warner said NSA Director Gen. Joshua Rudd told him Mythos 'broke into almost all of our classified systems, not in weeks, but in hours,' though The Economist later reported a U.S. official clarified this was part of a controlled red-teaming exercise. The NSA's red teams lost access because their authority came through Project Glasswing, which gave early access to Mythos Preview to about 150 organizations. The Five Eyes intelligence alliance warned that frontier AI models could sharply change the cyber threat landscape within months.

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Pentagon budget request faces GOP skepticism over debt impact

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's pitch for a $350 billion supplemental defense budget faces pushback from House Republicans concerned about increasing the national debt. The administration seeks $1.5 trillion total defense spending, requiring near-unanimous GOP support, but lawmakers demand offsets and policy concessions. Hegseth's hourlong meeting with the Republican Study Committee highlighted concerns about pay-fors, with some members linking support to voting reforms and defunding Planned Parenthood. The House Appropriations Committee is expected to advance the $1.1 trillion base budget plan, while the full House could vote on the measure early next month.

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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's pitch for a $350 billion supplemental defense budget faces pushback from House Republicans concerned about increasing the national debt. The administration seeks $1.5 trillion total defense spending, requiring near-unanimous GOP support, but lawmakers demand offsets and policy concessions. Hegseth's hourlong meeting with the Republican Study Committee highlighted concerns about pay-fors, with some members linking support to voting reforms and defunding Planned Parenthood. The House Appropriations Committee is expected to advance the $1.1 trillion base budget plan, while the full House could vote on the measure early next month.

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AI chip stocks slide as investors reassess AI spending costs

Background: AI business faces high costs, weak returns, slowing infrastructure demand, and rising financing costs, leading to market sell-off and comparisons to dot-com bubble. Today: A broad selloff in technology stocks, led by chip makers like Micron Technology, signals investor unease about the high costs of AI infrastructure. Surveys show many executives lack full visibility into AI operating costs, and some companies are burning through AI budgets faster than expected. While demand for AI compute still outstrips supply, the market is experiencing a reality check on the sustainability of AI-related valuations.

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Background: AI business faces high costs, weak returns, slowing infrastructure demand, and rising financing costs, leading to market sell-off and comparisons to dot-com bubble. Today: A broad selloff in technology stocks, led by chip makers like Micron Technology, signals investor unease about the high costs of AI infrastructure. Surveys show many executives lack full visibility into AI operating costs, and some companies are burning through AI budgets faster than expected. While demand for AI compute still outstrips supply, the market is experiencing a reality check on the sustainability of AI-related valuations.