OpenAI’s once-rapid fundraising pace has slowed as major backers like Nvidia and Microsoft reassess their commitments amid growing financial strain. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang announced a new $30 billion investment but cautioned it could be the company’s last before OpenAI goes public. The AI firm, led by Sam Altman, has raised over $168 billion but remains unprofitable and burdened by roughly $100 billion in debt. Analysts warn that the scale of OpenAI’s infrastructure spending and uncertain revenue model pose significant risks.

Nvidia’s and Microsoft’s shares have both fallen following strong earnings reports, reflecting investor unease about their exposure to OpenAI and the broader AI sector. Experts cited parallels to the dot-com bubble, noting inflated valuations and circular investment patterns, such as OpenAI’s commitments to buy Nvidia chips and cloud services from Microsoft. Financial analysts estimate OpenAI would need to generate $200 billion in annual revenue by 2030 to justify its projections, while lawsuits and operational costs continue to mount.

Observers suggest that while a potential OpenAI failure would not cripple Nvidia or Microsoft, it could ripple through the tech ecosystem, affecting partners like Disney and fueling concerns of an AI investment bubble.

The Washington Post has reported that Russia is allegedly providing Iran with intelligence on the locations of US ships, aircraft, and radar systems in the Middle East. The information, reportedly shared by informed sources, is said to be aiding Tehran in carrying out attacks against US forces. While Moscow has condemned the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, it has otherwise maintained a largely silent stance in the conflict, despite being a close ally of Tehran.

According to the report, Russia’s actions amount to indirect involvement in the war, even though it has not taken part directly. The same sources indicated that China is not offering similar support to Iran. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Iran has not requested weapons from Russia and that Moscow’s position toward Tehran remains unchanged.

Moscow has not issued any official comment on the allegations of intelligence sharing, leaving uncertainty over the extent of its involvement in the conflict.

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has said that the ongoing war in the Middle East is a direct result of the weakening of international law. Speaking at the University of Zurich in Switzerland, she argued that major powers have undermined the global order by taking unilateral actions. Kallas specifically pointed to Russia while also criticizing China and the United States for contributing to this erosion.

She stated that the current chaos across the Middle East reflects the consequences of the decline in respect for international law. According to Kallas, Russia’s aggression in Ukraine has encouraged other nations to act with a sense of impunity, further destabilizing international norms.

The remarks come amid reports of widespread damage in Iran and escalating regional conflict, underscoring the broader implications of weakened global governance structures.

The Lloyd’s Market Association (LMA), representing insurers in London’s maritime market, has welcomed a U.S. initiative to ensure safe passage for vessels not under sanctions through the Strait of Hormuz. The association emphasized that maintaining secure sea routes is vital for global trade and economic stability. According to Neil Roberts, head of LMA’s Marine and Aviation division, around 1,000 ships are currently positioned in the Gulf and nearby waters, about half of which are oil and gas tankers.

Roberts explained that most ships remain anchored due to normal security concerns among owners and captains, though insurance coverage for these vessels remains active. Since Sunday, about 40 ships have crossed the Strait of Hormuz. Data from maritime analytics firm Kpler, released Wednesday, indicated that vessel traffic through the strait has dropped by roughly 90 percent compared to the previous week.

The slowdown in maritime movement underscores heightened regional risks, with potential implications for global energy supply and trade stability if the situation persists.

Netflix, Inc. announced its acquisition of InterPositive, a filmmaking technology company founded by Ben Affleck that develops AI-powered tools designed specifically for filmmakers. The acquisition brings InterPositive’s entire team into Netflix, with Affleck joining as Senior Advisor. Both companies share a mission to use emerging technology to protect and expand creative choice, aligning with Netflix’s long-standing belief that innovation should serve storytellers and the creative process.

Affleck founded InterPositive in 2022 after observing limitations in early AI production models. He and a small team of engineers, researchers, and creatives built proprietary datasets and models focused on filmmaking techniques rather than performances. Their tools are designed to preserve artistic judgment and creative intent while addressing real-world production challenges such as missing shots or lighting inconsistencies. Netflix executives Elizabeth Stone and Bela Bajaria emphasized that the partnership reflects a shared commitment to empowering creators rather than replacing them.

The collaboration aims to extend access to responsible, filmmaker-centered AI tools across Netflix’s creative community, reinforcing the company’s focus on innovation that enhances, rather than diminishes, human creativity.

OpenAI has introduced ChatGPT for Excel in beta, an add-in that embeds ChatGPT directly into spreadsheets to help users build, update, and analyze models using natural language. Powered by the GPT‑5.4 model, the tool enables teams to automate financial modeling, scenario analysis, and data reconciliation within Excel workbooks. The beta version is available to ChatGPT Business, Enterprise, Edu, Teachers, Pro, and Plus users in the U.S., Canada, and Australia, with Google Sheets support coming soon.

Alongside the Excel integration, OpenAI announced new financial data connections for ChatGPT, including integrations with FactSet, Dow Jones Factiva, LSEG, Daloopa, S&P Global, Moody’s, MSCI, Third Bridge, and MT Newswire. These additions allow users to access trusted market and company data directly within ChatGPT, streamlining research, valuation, and due diligence workflows. GPT‑5.4, optimized for finance, shows improved performance on internal benchmarks for financial reasoning and modeling tasks.

OpenAI emphasized enterprise-grade security and governance features in ChatGPT Enterprise, including encryption, role-based access control, and compliance tools. The company is collaborating with financial institutions to apply these capabilities across research, underwriting, auditing, and client engagement.

Russia has accused the United States and Israel of deliberately pushing Arab countries toward war. According to a statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry, Washington and Tel Aviv have created conditions that could compel Iran to retaliate against certain Arab states. The ministry expressed deep regret over the resulting loss of life and property damage.

The statement further alleged that the US and Israel are attempting to involve Arab nations in conflict for the benefit of others. Russia emphasized that halting attacks on Iran is the only way to prevent further destabilization in the region. However, the ministry noted that there are currently no signs of the conflict easing.

The report also referenced related developments, including Iran’s denial of attacks on Azerbaijan and concerns from Gulf countries and the European Union about potential civil unrest in Iran, alongside market reactions in South Korea.

Germany and Belgium have declined to participate in the ongoing joint military offensive by the United States and Israel against Iran. Both countries expressed concern over escalating tensions and called for a diplomatic resolution to the crisis. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius told lawmakers in Berlin on Wednesday that Germany would not take part in the conflict, emphasizing that the country is not a party to the war and will work to prevent further violence.

Pistorius warned that launching military operations without a reliable post-war plan risks prolonging instability, noting that history shows wars are easier to start than to end. He also acknowledged that the US-Israel assault targets a government seeking Israel’s destruction. In Brussels, Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken delivered a similar message to parliament, confirming that Belgium would not join the current campaign.

The statements from Berlin and Brussels highlight divisions among Western allies over the military approach toward Iran and underscore calls for restraint and diplomatic engagement.

Energy economist Ed Hirs has warned that global oil prices could soar to 150 dollars per barrel due to ongoing military operations by the United States and Israel against Iran. Speaking to Al Jazeera, the University of Houston lecturer said that if even half of the oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz are disrupted, prices could reach that level. He cautioned that such a scenario could occur if the US Navy fails to ensure the safety of tankers navigating the strait.

Hirs noted that the impact is already visible in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) market, where prices rose by more than 40 percent on the first day of the attacks. Between Monday and Tuesday, natural gas prices in several European countries nearly doubled. Diesel prices have also increased sharply, prompting gas-dependent nations to stockpile petroleum, which is affecting future energy orders in some US states.

He further warned that the New England region of the United States could face significant challenges, potentially increasing domestic pressure on the Donald Trump administration ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.

Vatican Secretary for Relations with States Cardinal Pietro Parolin has voiced deep concern over the growing acceptance of 'preventive war' amid ongoing global conflicts. In an interview published on March 4, 2026, he warned that if nations claim the right to launch preventive wars based solely on their own standards and without any supranational legal framework, the entire world could face catastrophic consequences.

Parolin described the erosion of international law as 'truly worrying' and criticized the current global tendency to replace the rule of law with the law of force. He argued that the belief in achieving peace only through the destruction of enemies undermines the foundations of international order.

His remarks have brought renewed attention to the debate over the use of force versus adherence to international law in global politics, highlighting the Vatican’s concern about the moral and legal implications of unilateral military actions.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the United States has sunk an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean. According to Hegseth, the vessel was operating in international waters and was destroyed by a torpedo. He did not specify which Iranian ship was targeted in the operation.

Earlier, Sri Lanka’s navy reported that a ship named IRIS Dena had sunk in the Indian Ocean, with around 140 people reported missing. The US statement did not confirm whether this was the same vessel mentioned by Sri Lanka.

The incident adds to rising maritime tensions in the region, though no further details about the engagement or its aftermath were provided in the report.

The global economy faces renewed instability after fresh airstrikes by the United States and Israel in Iran triggered retaliatory attacks across the Middle East. The situation has disrupted earlier optimism that followed a brief pause in regional conflict, raising fears of prolonged tensions that could affect oil and gas production. Analysts warn that the conflict may not end quickly, and any disruption in energy supply could push inflation higher and slow global growth.

Experts note that Iran remains determined to retaliate despite attacks on its territory, and potential strikes on major producers such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia could severely impact global markets. Former IMF chief economist Kenneth Rogoff cautioned that the world is entering a highly uncertain period, drawing parallels to historical conflicts that escalated unexpectedly. About 30 percent of global oil and 17 percent of natural gas come from the Middle East, with a fifth of oil shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

Energy price volatility has already surfaced, with oil prices jumping over 10 percent in a single day. Economists warn that extended disruptions could raise production costs, threaten food security in vulnerable regions, and push Europe and East Asia—heavily dependent on imported energy—into deeper economic strain.

The cost of transporting oil from the Middle East to China has reached an all-time high, with supertanker charter rates surpassing 400,000 dollars, according to the London Stock Exchange Group. This rate is nearly double compared to last week, when the United States issued threats of an attack on Iran, BBC Bangla reported.

Iran has reportedly targeted ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway in the south of the country through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas supply is transported. The largest crude oil carriers, capable of carrying up to two million barrels, are now paying this record freight rate.

The sharp rise in transport costs underscores the growing instability in the Gulf region and its immediate impact on global energy logistics, as tensions around Iran continue to disrupt vital shipping routes.

Global energy markets saw sharp price increases after Iran launched attacks on U.S. and Israeli-linked facilities across the Middle East on Monday. The strikes targeted Saudi Aramco’s oil refinery and Qatar’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure, forcing both to halt production. Additional attacks on fuel tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for about 20% of global oil and gas shipments, further disrupted supply and drove prices higher.

Brent crude rose by 10% to over $82 per barrel before easing to $79, while U.S. crude climbed 7.6% to $72.20. Qatar Energy suspended LNG operations after the attack, pushing European gas prices up by about 45%. Stock markets worldwide fell amid uncertainty, with London’s FTSE 100 down nearly 1%, France’s CAC 40 down 1.6%, and Germany’s DAX down 1.7%. Airline shares also dropped as Middle Eastern airspace closures disrupted routes.

Analysts warned that prolonged conflict could further raise oil prices beyond $100 per barrel, potentially affecting inflation and interest rates. Gold prices rose 2.3% as investors sought safe assets.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte stated that the alliance will not directly engage in the ongoing conflict involving Iran. Speaking to Germany’s ARD television in Brussels, he praised the joint military actions by the United States and Israel, saying their operations have reduced Tehran’s ability to develop nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities. Rutte emphasized that NATO has no plans to become part of the war.

He added that while NATO itself will not participate, member states may take steps to support the US-Israel efforts. Rutte described these actions as significant in limiting Iran’s strategic weapons capacity. His remarks came amid heightened regional tensions following recent military operations targeting Iranian facilities.

The statement clarifies NATO’s position of non-involvement while acknowledging the alliance’s political support for its member nations’ initiatives against Iran’s weapons programs.