Oil prices surged to their highest level since 2022 after Axios reported US Central Command prepared strike plans against Iran; the Bank of England held rates but warned Middle East conflict could fuel inflation.
According to sources, Anthropic has received multiple preemptive offers to raise approximately $50 billion at a valuation of $850B-$900B, potentially its final private round before a potential IPO.
Fintech giant Stripe unveiled Link at its annual conference — a digital wallet that integrates with autonomous AI agents, allowing them to securely shop and pay on behalf of users.
Brent crude surged past $126 a barrel — the highest since 2022 — after reports the US military is preparing new strike options against Iran. The ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz continues to disrupt global energy supplies.
Apple reports Q1 2026 revenue of $111 billion, up 17% year-over-year, with China sales surging 28%. Cook calls iPhone 17 the ‘most popular launch in Apple’s history’ as he prepares to hand over the CEO role to John Ternus in September.
China has implemented a unilateral zero-tariff policy for 53 African nations, excluding Eswatini, which maintains ties with Taiwan. It is the first major economy to offer such treatment to the entire continent.
The UK government has raised its terrorism threat level from ‘substantial’ to ‘severe’, meaning an attack is highly likely. The decision follows a double stabbing targeting two Jewish men in north London’s Golders Green area.
The Israeli navy intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza in international waters near Crete, detaining 175 activists and drawing widespread international condemnation.
A US-based think tank report reveals that the United States has lost up to $2.8 billion worth of aerial equipment in the conflict with Iran, highlighting the heavy material cost of the military operation.
Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon have killed at least 16 people despite an active ceasefire, raising serious questions about the agreement’s enforcement and the region’s stability.