US President Donald Trump has announced Task Force Iron Gate to restrict the movement of weapons, dual-use technologies and sanctioned materials into and out of Iran. The initiative will operate alongside a US naval blockade that CENTCOM says has prevented Iran from exporting more than $25 billion in crude oil.
Dollar index steadies at 102.20 after jumping about 0.7% Friday * Fed hike bets rekindled after receding amid AI stock selloff * NZ ballot too close to call, leader will not be known for weeks TOKYO
US President Donald Trump has said renewed military action against Iran is highly unlikely if Tehran agrees to a strong nuclear deal and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. He also claimed Washington had identified 38 Iranian bridges for potential destruction, while Iranian officials rejected the prospect of changing Tehran's position.
Oil prices fell at Monday's open after US President Donald Trump said he was highly unlikely to order fresh attacks on Iran as long as talks to end the conflict progress, even as both countries reported that shipping had been hit in or near the Strait of
Bank of England chief economist Huw Pill indicated that interest rates could remain steady or decline if economic growth stalls. Recent financial market predictions suggest potential for at least two interest rate increases within the next year. Economic growth has shown surprising strength, yet households are beginning to tighten their spending due to rising energy costs. While GDP growth is projected at 1.
Democratic lawmakers have vowed investigations into Elon Musk, White House chief of staff Stephen Miller and companies after taking control of Congress in January. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries also backed impeaching Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth over his handling of the Iran war, setting up a confrontation with the Trump administration.
Gold prices edged higher on Monday as softer oil prices eased inflation concerns, though gains were capped by expectations that the Federal Reserve will keep US interest rates higher
US Attorney General Todd Blanche has vowed to defend President Donald Trump and his administration officials if Democrats pursue investigations after taking control of Congress. His remarks followed Democratic Representative Robert Garcia's call for Trump allies to seek legal counsel. Garcia accused Blanche of prioritising the president over congressional oversight.
Benchmark stock indexes rose in Japan and Australia after a gauge of US semiconductor shares jumped 4.2% on Friday as speculation about possible tighter Democratic party regulation of the artificial intelligence industry eased. The MSCI Asia Pacific Index of equities gained 0.5%.
Nvidia has launched an independent probe into CEO Jensen Huang after reports that he had an affair with a Chinese executive suspected by US intelligence of working for Beijing. Huang admitted to being unfaithful and apologised. The investigation will examine potential national security risks and possible exposure of company secrets.
