Global markets face Iran tensions, tech regulation tightens with China blocking Meta deal and Musk-Altman trial underway, while energy costs surge amid Middle East conflict

China orders Meta to unwind its $2 billion acquisition of AI startup Manus, marking Beijing's most aggressive move yet to prevent AI talent from leaving for the US and signaling potential chilling effects on future foreign tech partnerships in China.

Elon Musk's lawsuit against OpenAI and Sam Altman begins in federal court in Oakland, with Musk seeking over $150 billion in damages and accusing Altman of fraudulently abandoning the company's non-profit mission, while OpenAI claims Musk is motivated by jealousy.

US jet fuel supplies drop to three-year lows as Middle East turmoil disrupts global oil markets, with industry analysts warning that fuel price surges could lead to canceled flight routes and higher ticket prices for travelers.

Budget airlines request $2.5 billion from Trump administration to offset soaring jet fuel costs that have spiked since US-Israeli military actions against Iran began, signaling broader economic stress on the aviation sector.

Iran's foreign minister meets with Putin in Moscow amid stalled US-Iran talks, with Tehran proposing separate negotiation tracks for the Strait of Hormuz and nuclear issues as Trump expresses dissatisfaction with Iran's reopening plan.

Microsoft and OpenAI loosen their exclusive partnership, with Microsoft continuing to license OpenAI's technology but no longer maintaining exclusive licensing rights, reducing potential antitrust concerns over their $50 billion Amazon deal.

UK government vastly underestimated AI datacenters' climate impact on carbon emissions, with revised figures raising concerns that energy-intensive datacenters could significantly worsen the climate emergency.

US Justice Department drops criminal investigation against Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, removing obstacle for Kevin Warsh's confirmation as Trump's pick to replace Powell, with Republican Senator Tillis clearing the path for the nomination.

Supreme Court appears divided over whether to block thousands of lawsuits against Roundup manufacturer over cancer claims, with the decision potentially affecting one of the largest product liability litigation waves in US history.

Mali's defense minister killed in coordinated attacks by al-Qaeda-linked militants, exposing limits of Russian backing for the ruling junta as insurgents continue striking significant blows across the conflict-ridden West African nation.