Brief

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has ordered the restoration of international internet access, which has been largely unavailable to citizens for approximately 90 days. This decision follows a period of significant restrictions imposed due to protests and escalating regional conflicts. The exact timeline and method for reconnecting to the global web remain unclear, as authorities have also been developing a national intranet. AI

Israel is employing advanced artificial intelligence and digital surveillance tools in its military operations, particularly since the resumption of conflict in Lebanon. Tools like Habsora and Lavender, previously used in Gaza and Iran, are now automating strike recommendations on an industrial scale. This integration of AI into warfare raises significant ethical and operational concerns. AI

House Democrats are nearing a successful vote on a resolution to limit President Trump's war powers regarding Iran. This measure, which aims to be a symbolic rebuke of the conflict, is gaining support, with key Democrats expressing confidence in its passage. Representative Jared Golden, who previously voted against similar resolutions, now intends to vote yes, citing the expiration of the 60-day window under the War Powers Act. Some Republicans, like Representative Don Bacon, are also considering supporting the resolution despite President Trump's opposition. AI

The United States and Iran are nearing a 60-day agreement that would include a ceasefire, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and the lifting of some sanctions to allow Iran to sell oil freely. This deal aims to de-escalate the current conflict and ease pressure on global oil supplies. Negotiations will also commence on curbing Iran's nuclear program, though a lasting peace agreement addressing nuclear demands remains uncertain. AI

The United Nations conference on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) concluded without consensus, marking the third consecutive failure for the treaty review. Disagreements between the United States and Iran dominated the proceedings, with the US accusing Iran of disregarding its treaty obligations. Iran, in turn, criticized US and Israeli actions against its nuclear facilities as violations of international law. AI

Global oil prices saw a significant drop as the United States and Iran moved closer to a deal that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Despite the progress, US President Donald Trump indicated that Washington's blockade would persist until a final agreement is reached, a process that could take several days. Key differences, including Iran's nuclear program and asset freezes, remain unresolved, with Iranian state media suggesting the US is obstructing certain clauses. The conflict, which began in February with US and Israeli attacks on Iran, has disrupted global energy markets and led to millions of barrels of crude supply being shut in. AI

The conflict in the Middle East is creating a shortage of aluminium, a critical component for renewable energy technologies like solar panels and wind turbines. Iranian attacks on major aluminium production facilities in the Gulf region have significantly reduced output, leading to a surge in global aluminium prices. This supply crunch threatens to undermine Asia's efforts to expand its clean energy infrastructure, despite increasing demand driven by high fossil fuel costs. AI

The U.S. is reportedly offering generous terms to Iran to extend a ceasefire, including lifting sanctions and releasing frozen assets, in exchange for Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz. However, Iran is suspicious of these terms, viewing them as a potential ruse for a future attack rather than a genuine peace offering. This potential deal has also drawn criticism from some Republicans who fear it concedes too much leverage to Iran and could embolden its nuclear ambitions. AI

The UAE has been drawn into openly acknowledging defense ties with Israel, despite preferring discretion. This exposure occurred after US Ambassador to Israel, Mick Huckabee, confirmed the deployment of Israeli Iron Dome air defense batteries to the UAE to protect against Iranian attacks. Further complicating matters, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office revealed his secret visit to the UAE in late March to meet with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a meeting Netanyahu's office described as a "historic breakthrough." AI

President Trump held a meeting with his senior national security advisors to discuss the ongoing war with Iran. He is reportedly considering new strikes against Iran if diplomatic efforts fail. Mediation efforts are underway by Pakistan and Qatar, with negotiations described as difficult and progress slow. Trump's decision on whether to resume military action is pending, with a potential for a final major operation. AI

President Trump is facing criticism from some Republican colleagues regarding his emerging deal to end the conflict with Iran. Senators Ted Cruz, Lindsey Graham, and Roger Wicker have voiced concerns that the proposed terms might be too lenient, potentially allowing Iran to develop nuclear weapons and maintain regional influence. Trump, however, dismissed these objections as uninformed, asserting that the deal is not yet finalized and will be distinct from the Obama-era agreement. He emphasized the need for careful negotiation to avoid mistakes, while a US military blockade of Iranian ports will remain in effect until an agreement is signed. AI

The UK has controversially eased sanctions on Russian oil to prevent shortages of diesel and jet fuel. This decision comes as global oil supplies are strained by the ongoing conflict in Iran. The move has drawn criticism for potentially undermining support for Ukraine, with the EU not planning similar measures. AI

Oil prices have decreased significantly following indications of a potential U.S.-Iran deal to end their conflict. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical energy chokepoint, has been a major factor in recent price hikes and global economic strain. While a de-escalation could ease immediate pressures, experts caution that the full restoration of oil flows and market stability may take months or even years. AI

Former US President Donald Trump has reportedly negotiated a preliminary peace deal with Iran, a development that could undermine Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's long-standing strategy. Netanyahu's approach has centered on the idea that destroying Iran's Islamic Republic would pave the way for normalized relations with Arab nations and solidify Israel's regional dominance. However, Trump's announcement of a potential deal has drawn criticism from some Republican figures, who are framing it as appeasement and a threat to global security. AI

The British government is implementing measures to alleviate the cost-of-living crisis, including temporary discounts on various consumer goods and attractions. These initiatives aim to provide relief to households facing rising prices, partly due to geopolitical events impacting fuel costs. The government is also postponing fuel duty increases and offering tax breaks for truckers, funded by closing tax loopholes for overseas oil and gas operations. AI

Iran has reportedly used Binance to funnel billions of dollars to fund its military, despite the cryptocurrency exchange's prior guilty plea for violating sanctions. An individual identified as an "antisanction operator" allegedly conducted $850 million in transactions on Binance, with an additional $1.7 billion potentially moved by the same network. Binance's internal compliance reports flagged this activity, suggesting it was a money-laundering network to finance the Iranian regime, though the company denies facilitating transactions with sanctioned individuals. AI

California Governor Gavin Newsom is urging residents to avoid Chevron gas stations due to high prices, suggesting unbranded alternatives are cheaper and meet the same standards. Newsom's office claims Chevron is charging 60-80 cents more per gallon than unbranded options, contributing to the state's average gas price of $6.14. This dispute follows Chevron's signs blaming state climate policies for high costs, while Newsom's administration has previously enacted laws aimed at curbing oil company profits and stabilizing fuel prices. AI

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attended an investment conference in Hangzhou, China, witnessing the signing of several economic and trade agreements. He emphasized the need to convert previous Memoranda of Understanding into formal agreements and expressed a desire to enhance cooperation in agriculture and other key sectors. The visit also marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Pakistan and China, with both nations aiming to upgrade their relationship. AI

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed that any agreement to end the conflict with Iran should mandate that several additional countries join the Abraham Accords. During a conference call with leaders from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan, and others, Trump urged them to normalize relations with Israel. While some leaders expressed surprise, Trump indicated that his envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff would follow up on this initiative in the coming weeks. AI

The White House has reportedly delayed a significant executive order aimed at regulating artificial intelligence. This decision, framed as a move to maintain US competitiveness, comes shortly before the order was expected to be signed. The delay is seen by some as a potential setback for AI governance efforts. AI

The United States and Iran are reportedly nearing an agreement to end their ongoing war, with indirect talks progressing towards a memorandum of understanding. This potential deal, which includes discussions on the Strait of Hormuz but excludes nuclear issues, comes as global oil prices and debt markets show volatility. Despite diplomatic efforts, tensions remain high, with warnings of renewed strikes if an agreement is not reached, impacting summer travel and energy costs. AI

The United States and Iran are reportedly nearing a breakthrough in talks aimed at ending the ongoing war, with a draft deal potentially on the horizon. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed optimism about the progress, while Iranian officials indicated that a preliminary agreement might be close. Pakistani Field Marshal Asim Munir has been a key mediator in these discussions, facilitating talks between the two nations. AI