Author: Loisa Lane

Iran’s parliament has completed committee review of a proposed bill to establish management of the Strait of Hormuz, imposing fees on commercial vessels. The legislation would restrict access to ships from nations deemed hostile, while requiring authorisation for vessels from non-hostile countries. The bill awaits full parliamentary debate.

Jay Clayton is positioned for the role of AI czar, with discussions ongoing about his potential continuation as director of national intelligence. President Trump plans to announce this decision shortly, following a White House meeting on AI safety standards with industry leaders.

A federal judge has reinstated Roger Rogoff as the U.S. attorney for Seattle, blocking President Trump’s attempt to dismiss him. U.S. District Judge Stanley Bastian ruled that the president cannot unilaterally remove an attorney appointed by a district court. The Justice Department plans to appeal.

The Senate confirmed Keith Sonderling as the new head of the Department of Labor in a 47 to 41 party-line vote, following his tenure as acting secretary since April. Sonderling’s nomination was endorsed by the president after the departure of Lori Chavez-DeRemer amid scrutiny over her management.

President Trump has announced plans for South Korea to invest in a natural gas pipeline project linking Alaska’s North Slope to a liquefied natural gas export terminal. The project, advocated by Senator Dan Sullivan, aims to lower energy costs and is part of broader South Korean investments in US infrastructure.

A Republican-backed stock trading bill failed in the Senate with a 53 to 47 party-line vote, lacking the 60 votes needed to advance. Democrats opposed the measure, citing insufficient restrictions and highlighting a photo ID voting requirement as an obstructive element.

The US military completed its troop withdrawal from Iraq, prompting mixed reactions in Iraq on the final day of US-led coalition withdrawal.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signed a memo instructing military academies, including West Point and the Naval Academy, to cease granting tenure to civilian faculty. He stated this aims to enhance educational focus on warfighter preparation and reduce perceived ideological biases in the curriculum.

President Trump and major AI company leaders have established voluntary safety standards for artificial intelligence technology, following a White House meeting. The accord includes commitments to robust internal controls and audits, alongside plans for a 10-person oversight committee and potential future legislation to solidify these measures.

During a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, former Special Counsel Jack Smith denied attending a February 2024 NBA game in Atlanta, despite Senator Eric Schmitt suggesting text messages indicated otherwise. Smith acknowledged attending a women’s college basketball game in Maryland around the same time, highlighting a potential mix-up by Schmitt.