Hormuz, Lebanon, and AI are driving today’s world news

The Strait of Hormuz is turning into a choke point again, Israel is widening its Lebanon strikes, and Big Tech is reshuffling for AI. Here are the latest world news moves you need to know today. ^[22][9][12]

Hormuz pressure rises: Iran says ships need authorization from a new maritime authority, with tolls reportedly reaching $2 million per passage. That could keep global shipping and energy markets on edge. According to Democracy Now! and The Hindu. ^[22][23]

Lebanon under fire: AP, NPR and BBC all report Israel’s attacks in Lebanon are threatening the fragile Iran ceasefire, even as Netanyahu authorizes direct talks with Lebanon. Big question: can diplomacy catch up to the bombs? ^[2][9][11]

AI reshuffle in Silicon Valley: Meta is cutting about 8,000 jobs and moving 7,000 more workers into AI efforts, while SpaceX, OpenAI and Anthropic are all eyeing giant IPOs. The AI race is now a labor story too. ^[22][16][12]

China-Taiwan tensions are flaring again: Livemint reports Beijing blocked a Pentagon official’s visit until Washington decides on a $14 billion arms package for Taiwan. Small move, big signal. ^[24]