WorldIran Security Shake-up; China Attempts to Close AI Gap With US

Iran has promoted a hard-line former commander to become its top security official, reshaping the country’s highest defense decision-making body. Tehran previously said it was “very close” to an agreement with Oman on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran ruled out direct talks with the United States, while President Trump said Washington was “semi-negotiating” and could wait for economic pain to soften Tehran’s position. Stocks remained near record highs after weak US jobs data reduced expectations for Federal Reserve interest-rate hikes.