Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth labeled AI firm Anthropic a “supply chain risk to national security” after days of public conflict with the company. The Pentagon cited concerns about reliance on commercial AI providers in defense-related systems and announced a formal review of Anthropic under its vendor risk guidelines. Anthropic stated it maintains internal safety and compliance programs and said it is not aware of any confirmed compromise of defense systems linked to its technology. Lawmakers have requested briefings and called for clear standards on designating AI vendors as security risks.

U.S. and Israeli forces have launched coordinated strikes on targets in Iran, prompting Iranian retaliatory attacks on American bases in the region, as President Donald Trump confirms “major combat operations.” Regional governments report heightened security alerts, and international organizations monitor the rapidly evolving situation amid concerns over a wider Middle East conflict. The scale of damage, casualties and long-term objectives of the operations remains unclear, while diplomatic channels stay active and markets react to possible disruption of key energy routes.