The US consulate in Dhahran—where Saudi oil giant Aramco is based—warned people to shelter as intelligence suggests an Iranian attack is imminent. Meanwhile, six US soldiers were killed in an Iranian missile strike on a Kuwait base, confirmed by the US defense secretary. Gas and oil prices soared as a threatened Iranian official warned to "set fire" to any ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz—a crucial global shipping chokepoint. The UK deployed "significant defensive capability" to Cyprus.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced France will allow temporary deployment of nuclear-armed jets to European allies and boost its nuclear arsenal. Eight countries could enjoy protection from France's nuclear umbrella—though Paris would retain sole decision-making power. The announcement comes as Europe grapples with the US-led Iran war and questions about American security commitments.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer told MPs the government "does not believe in regime change from the skies"—his strongest disagreement yet with Trump over the Iran war. Starmer's stance puts the UK at odds with the US president's stated objectives. European leaders have struggled to speak with one voice on Iran, even as they say they want to work better together.
Research shows Large Language Models can identify pseudonymous users with surprising accuracy by analyzing writing style, even when users attempt to hide their identity. Pseudonymity has never been perfect for preserving privacy—but as AI improves, it may soon be pointless. The findings raise serious concerns for privacy advocates and anyone who posts online under a pseudonym.
The FCC approved Charter's acquisition of Cox Communications, creating the largest internet service provider in the US. The regulator rejected protests because Charter and Cox don't compete directly in most areas—and said there's "no reason to worry" about higher internet prices. Consumer advocates warned the deal could reduce competition and raise costs for millions of customers.
Google is preparing to lock down Android app distribution with a new "developer verification" program—raising questions about the future of Android's open-source legacy. The move mirrors Apple's tight control over iOS, prompting concerns that Android is becoming "Google's very own walled garden." Questions remain about how the verification requirements will work and what it means for third-party app stores.