TechOpenAI Holds Back Astra Over Safety Risks as Iran Doubts US Deal Before Midterms

OpenAI is delaying a version of its Astra model while it develops stronger safeguards for AI development, citing heightened risks after recent rogue AI hacking incidents. Iranian officials have privately expressed pessimism about reaching a deal with Washington to end hostilities and reopen the Strait of Hormuz before the US midterm elections in November.