Trump briefed on military and covert options for Iran, Pentagon adopts Musk's Grok AI, EY's 2026 geopolitical outlook

US President Trump briefed on military and covert options for Iran amid ongoing protests, with sources indicating a range of responses, including long-range missile strikes and cyber operations, are being considered. (BBC News - Danielle Kaye)

Qatar and the US have formed the Pax Silica alliance to enhance security and cooperation in AI and semiconductor supply chains, promoting mutual economic and technological interests. (Economy Middle East )

EY's 2026 geopolitical outlook predicts rising state interventionism, trade pressures, and competition for scarce resources, forcing businesses to adapt to a world where policy, not price, determines competitiveness. (EY )

US Pentagon used a disguised plane with hidden missiles to attack a vessel, killing 11, sparking concerns of a potential war crime, according to New York Times report citing officials briefed on the matter. (ΤΟ ΒΗΜΑ - kkoutselaki)

The US imposes a 25% tariff on countries trading with Iran, effective immediately, to increase economic pressure on the Iranian regime amid ongoing protests and tensions. (The Washington Times stories: News - Jeff Mordock and Vaughn Cockayne)

Free Press Journal: US imposes 25% tariff on Iranian trade, effective immediately, as announced by President Trump in latest economic measure against the country.

The Sunday Guardian: US imposes 25% tariff on countries trading with Iran, effective immediately, in latest move to increase economic pressure on the Iranian regime, according to a new directive issued by the Trump administration.

The Pentagon adopts Elon Musk's Grok AI chatbot despite controversy, aiming to enhance operations and data analysis, amid criticism over potential biases and reliability concerns. (The Washington Times stories: News - Konstantin Toropin and David Klepper)

Boston Herald: The US Pentagon has adopted Elon Musk's AI chatbot Grok, amid global criticism, to enhance its operations and decision-making capabilities.

NDTV News: Elon Musk's AI chatbot Grok to integrate with Pentagon's network, enhancing military data analysis and AI technology capabilities within the US defense system.

Janes predicts 2026 global security threats, including ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, increased hybrid warfare, and rising tensions in the High North, Middle East, and Asia. (Janes )

The World Economic Forum reports 87% of respondents saw increased AI-related vulnerabilities in 2025, posing threats to digital ecosystems amidst rising geopolitical tensions and fragile supply chains, necessitating integrated risk management approaches. (Daily Times - Zuha shahzad)

SecurityBrief Asia: The World Economic Forum's Global Cybersecurity Outlook warns of increased cyber risk due to AI deployment, geopolitical division, and fragile supply chains, straining traditional security frameworks and requiring integrated risk management approaches.

Greenland reaffirms rejection of US annexation, strengthens NATO defense ties, emphasizing sovereignty and security cooperation. (La Jornada )

BCG warns that global risks have hit an all-time high, citing trade and economic uncertainty, and advises companies to establish dedicated geopolitics teams to mitigate threats. (City AM - Maria Ward-Brennan)

The US has granted Mexico permission to export oil to Cuba, marking a significant shift in policy and potentially easing the island nation's energy crisis. (Devdiscourse )

Former SEC official weighs in on potential US seizure of Venezuela's $60 billion Bitcoin reserves, sparking concerns over cryptocurrency regulation and international asset control. (CryptoRank )

China reaffirms commitment to safeguarding its interests amidst US-imposed tariffs on nations trading with Iran, potentially escalating global trade tensions. (Πρώτο Θέμα: RSS )

German opposition leader Friedrich Merz predicts an EU-India trade pact could be finalized by January, easing global supply chain tensions and bolstering economic ties between the regions. (Arabian Post - The Arabian Post Network)

China's obesity crisis triggers price war among pharmaceutical companies, with global giants slashing prices up to 80% to compete in the growing market. (News - South China Morning Post - Julie Zhang)

Asian shares surge, with Tokyo reaching a record high, as markets track Wall Street's latest gains and fresh record highs, indicating a strong global economic trend. (CityNews Halifax )

China's stock market hits 10-year high with record turnover, signaling a significant surge in investor confidence and market activity, driven by economic growth and policy support. (Business Recorder )

Goldman Sachs forecasts an 11% return for global markets in the next 12 months, citing positive economic trends and market growth prospects in its latest outlook. (Funds Society )

The US Justice Department has launched an investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, potentially linked to former President Trump's criticism of interest rate policies. (BBC News )

UK considers new laws to regulate deepfakes, expanding beyond current rules that only prohibit sharing, to address creation and distribution concerns. (BBC News )

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni announces re-election bid, facing criticism and opposition amidst concerns over governance and human rights in the country. (BBC News Hausa )

UK lawmakers propose ban on crypto donations to prevent foreign interference and anonymous influence in elections, enhancing electoral transparency and security. (Arabian Post - The Arabian Post Network)

France's greenhouse gas emissions reduction slowed for the second consecutive year, falling short of the country's climate targets and prompting concerns about meeting global warming commitments. (The Local France )

Wildfires in Patagonia, Argentina, have evacuated 3,000 tourists, scorching 15,000 hectares of land, amid concerns over environmental damage and wildlife impact, despite efforts by hundreds of firefighters and volunteers to contain the spreading flames. (Buenos Aires Times )

Buenos Aires Times: Wildfires in Patagonia, Argentina, have ravaged over 5,500 hectares of forest, sparking concerns about environmental damage and wildlife impact in the region.

Buenos Aires Times: Argentina's Patagonia wildfires engulf 15,000 hectares, with hundreds of firefighters and volunteers battling to contain the spreading flames amidst challenging conditions.