The US Pentagon announced a $400m conditional loan to Australian firm Sunrise Energy Metals to build the world's first primary scandium mine in Fifield, New South Wales, aiming to counter Chinese market dominance in critical minerals.
US Pentagon munitions stocks have dropped to dangerously low levels, primarily due to the war with Iran, with THAAD and Patriot missile supplies heavily depleted, according to CNN sources.
US Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth requested additional funding for the Iran war, which has cost $37.5 billion, as the US military conducted its 11th consecutive night of strikes on Iran. This comes amid reports of explosions in Tehran, a controversial US-backed deal for Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah, and a new US nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia.
Egypt has inaugurated its new State Strategic Command headquarters, dubbed 'Octagon,' which spans 22,000 acres, making it the world's largest defense headquarters, surpassing the US Pentagon. President El Sisi officially opened the complex, designed to centralize Egypt's military leadership and operations.
China has voiced strong disapproval of the US decision to blacklist several major Chinese technology and automotive companies, citing unfair treatment on the global stage. Beijing has warned of resolute retaliation if these measures are not withdrawn.
The US Pentagon has declared its news office a classified area, barring journalists from entry. This move follows previous restrictions and a legal challenge, with officials citing the need to protect sensitive information.
Google has signed a deal with the US Pentagon to provide its AI models for classified work, joining OpenAI and xAI in similar agreements. The Pentagon signed agreements worth up to $200 million each with major AI labs in 2025. Over 600 Google employees signed an open letter to CEO Sundar Pichai opposing the deal, expressing fears the technology could be used in inhumane ways. The contract includes language stating AI should not be used for domestic mass surveillance or autonomous weapons without human oversight.
