scott bessent

A political clash has ignited online between US Treasury Secretary scott bessent and Senator Bernie Sanders regarding the inclusion of Chinese scientists in a crucial AI safety forum. Sanders advocates for international cooperation to address AI's existential threat, while Bessent criticizes the move, asserting American AI leadership and warning against foreign influence on US regulation.

US Treasury Secretary scott bessent announced the US will not renew a waiver allowing the purchase of Russian oil currently at sea. He also stated that another waiver for Iranian oil is "totally off the table." This decision comes after a recent extension of the waiver for Russian oil, which was intended to stabilize global energy markets.

US President Donald Trump shared a modified map renaming the Strait of Hormuz as the "Strait of Trump," following claims that a naval blockade against Iran could last for months. This development occurs as Iran rejects US claims about economic damage and criticizes the blockade strategy, with its parliament speaker calling the advice "junk."

The US Treasury has seized $344 million in cryptocurrency assets linked to Iran, aiming to disrupt Tehran's funding capabilities. This action, targeting digital assets alongside traditional evasion methods, comes amid heightened tensions and energy supply concerns in the Middle East.

The United States has stepped up efforts to restrict Iranian oil exports, a major source of revenue for Tehran. Late last month, the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control imposed sanctions on Hengli, targeting one of the most prominent and well-connected companies in China’s large crude-processing sector.

The White House is reportedly considering easing restrictions on AI firm Anthropic, a shift from its previous 'supply chain risk' label. This comes after President Trump's positive remarks and a meeting with Anthropic's CEO.

AI firm Anthropic received a significant boost from the Trump administration, with Treasury Secretary scott bessent hailing its new Mythos model as crucial for America's AI lead over China. This praise follows a Pentagon dispute and a court win for Anthropic.

President Trump has signaled a potential shift in the US government's stance towards Anthropic, suggesting its AI models could still be utilized despite earlier national security concerns. Following discussions at the White House and a meeting with senior officials, the company's new Mythos model is reportedly easing tensions, potentially paving the way for renewed government engagement.

The US has tightened its grip on Iran's oil revenue by sanctioning a major Chinese refinery and numerous shipping entities involved in transporting Iranian crude. This move targets a "shadow network" and escalates pressure amid regional tensions. China has criticized the sanctions, urging an end to their political use and warning of harm to legitimate trade.

Gold price prediction today: Gold prices are expected to continue seeing volatility in the near-term, says Praveen Singh, Head Currencies and Commodities, Mirae Asset ShareKhan.

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated that Nvidia's H200 AI chips have not yet been sold to China, attributing the delay to Beijing's efforts to boost its domestic industry. Despite earlier Trump administration approval, China's central government is reportedly blocking purchases to encourage investment in homegrown alternatives, such as those from Huawei.

Trump is attempting to rebuild his tariff regime using alternative legal avenues after the court ruled that his earlier reliance on emergency powers to impose duties was unconstitutional.

The US Treasury Department has issued a new license extending a waiver for global buyers to purchase Russian oil shipments already at sea until May 16. This decision reverses earlier statements and aims to manage energy market volatility, despite criticism from lawmakers who argue it supports economies engaged in conflicts.

The Iran conflict has entered a Cold War-like phase with financial sanctions and naval interdictions, leading to a tense stalemate. Higher energy prices are expected to persist, while the risk of escalation remains. President Trump is reportedly weighing new strikes against intensifying sanctions, aiming to force Iran into nuclear program negotiations.

Despite a positive meeting, China is strategically expanding economic leverage against the US. New regulations target companies shifting supply chains and restrict foreign tech in state data centers. Beijing is building pressure tools, moving beyond trade, as both nations navigate a complex geopolitical landscape and competition for critical resources.

Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei met with White House officials to discuss AI safety and cybersecurity, signaling a thaw in recent tensions. The meeting focused on potential collaboration and responsible AI development, despite past government concerns labeling the company a national security risk. This engagement suggests a move towards renewed ties between Anthropic and the US government.

Anthropic's powerful AI model, Claude Mythos, capable of finding software vulnerabilities, has prompted a global financial sector scramble. Banks, regulators, and central bankers are urgently assessing risks and accelerating cybersecurity investments. Project Glasswing offers controlled access for defensive security work, highlighting the evolving threat landscape.

The US will not extend waivers allowing the sale of Russian and Iranian oil already at sea, impacting countries like India that secured supplies during the temporary relief. This move signals a return to tighter enforcement of sanctions, forcing nations to restrategize their energy procurement amidst global supply disruptions.

Barclays CEO CS Venkatakrishnan issued a stark warning about Anthropic's Mythos AI, deeming it a serious threat to the global banking system. He anticipates increasingly powerful AI models will emerge with distressing frequency, necessitating rapid adaptation and robust safeguards from financial institutions worldwide.

Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem has issued a stark warning. Powerful new artificial intelligence systems like Anthropic's Mythos pose significant cybersecurity risks. Governments and regulators must act swiftly. These AI models can expose and exploit system vulnerabilities at unprecedented speed. The financial system needs to prepare for this evolving threat. International discussions are underway to manage these ongoing challenges.

The White House denied formally requesting a ceasefire extension with Iran, despite ongoing diplomatic engagements. While cautiously optimistic about a deal, the US has made its "red lines" clear. Meanwhile, Pakistan's army chief visited Tehran with a potential new framework for talks, following previous negotiations that stalled over key issues like Iran's nuclear program.

The US government is preparing to grant federal agencies access to Anthropic's powerful AI model, Mythos, despite concerns about its potential misuse for cybersecurity threats. Officials are establishing safeguards to allow agencies like the Department of Defense and Treasury to leverage the tool for identifying software vulnerabilities, while also acknowledging the dual-edged nature of such advanced AI.

JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon revealed that AI, while promising long-term security, is currently exacerbating cybersecurity threats. The bank is testing Anthropic's AI model, Mythos, which has already identified thousands of software vulnerabilities. This development has also raised alarms with the US Treasury, highlighting the dual nature of AI in both exposing and potentially exploiting weaknesses.

The UAE has requested a US financial safety net amid concerns that an Iran war could severely damage its economy and investor confidence. Talks included a currency-swap line proposal, as the UAE fears needing to use other currencies for transactions if dollar shortages arise.

Global financial leaders are raising concerns about new AI models from US tech firms, fearing they could exploit cyber vulnerabilities in the banking sector. The rapid advancement of AI, exemplified by Anthropic's Claude Mythos, presents a significant challenge, prompting urgent calls for robust governance frameworks to prevent misuse and safeguard economies.