Anthropic has blocked access to its most advanced AI models, Fable 5 and Mythos 5, for non‑US citizens at the request of the US government, a move that sent shockwaves through European capitals and intensified calls for a more autonomous tech policy in Brussels and national governments.
The announcement came amid a major diplomatic breakthrough: the United States and Iran confirmed they have reached an agreement to end hostilities, with a signing set for June 19 in Switzerland. The accord foresees reopening the Strait of Hormuz and a cessation of strikes and counterstrikes, while the complex nuclear file is slated for later negotiations.
Markets rallied on the diplomatic progress. Stocks in Japan and mainland China jumped roughly 2.5%–3%, European equities climbed about 1%, and US futures pointed to a roughly 1% gain at the open. Energy prices plunged on the easing of geopolitical risk, with Brent crude down about 5% to near $83 a barrel.
In China’s tech sector, Tencent‑backed Shanghai Enflame Technology Co. won approval for an IPO on the STAR Market. The AI‑chip designer — counted among China’s “four AI chip dragons” — plans to raise about 6 billion yuan by selling roughly 10%–15% of its equity, earmarking proceeds for AI cloud chip development and supporting software ecosystems.
The twin developments — tighter US controls on sensitive AI models and a thaw in Middle East tensions — set up a complex policy and market backdrop: investors cheered lower energy risk and re‑risking, while regulators and policymakers in Europe pressed for strategies to safeguard access to advanced technology and to reduce strategic dependencies.
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