Global Tensions Escalate: Anthropic Secures $30B as US-Israel Pact Targets Iranian Oil and Caribbean Costs Surge

AI Sector - Anthropic has successfully closed a $30 billion funding round, intensifying competition in the generative AI space [2][11] - Elon Musk criticized Anthropic, labeling it "misanthropic and evil," highlighting ideological divides between major AI players [3][11] Geopolitical Developments - The US and Israel have agreed to pressure Iran to cut oil sales to China, aiming to weaken Iran's economy and increase leverage over Beijing [4][11] - US military operations near Venezuela have incurred costs nearing $3 billion, consuming about 20% of the US Navy's surface fleet at a daily cost of $20 million [5][11] Economic Outlook - Goldman Sachs has upgraded its forecast for China's current-account surplus, following strong fourth-quarter data indicating resilience in China's export sector [6][11] - Beijing aims to modernize its tea industry, targeting a total industrial chain value of 1.5 trillion yuan ($216 billion) by 2030 as part of a broader state-led initiative [7] Domestic Challenges - TSA officers are preparing to work without pay due to a funding impasse in the Department of Homeland Security, which could disrupt US air travel and logistics [9][11]