(US) Weekend Papers Summary

THE FINANCIAL TIMES - - Apple is seeking permission from the Trump administration to purchase memory chips from a Chinese supplier that has been placed on the U.S. trade blacklist, arguing that soaring semiconductor prices and tightening supplies are increasing production costs for future iPhone models.

The request highlights the growing tension between Washington's technology restrictions on China and the commercial realities facing American manufacturers that remain deeply integrated into global semiconductor supply chains. - -The Trump administration has granted selected government agencies limited access to Anthropic 's new Mythos artificial intelligence model, signaling that Washington is broadening its use of advanced generative AI despite growing concerns over security, regulation and foreign competition.

The decision reflects the government's effort to integrate frontier AI into intelligence, defense and administrative functions while maintaining oversight of the technology. - -President Trump warned that any country imposing a digital services tax on American technology companies could face tariffs of up to 100%, sharply escalating trade tensions with Europe and other jurisdictions seeking to tax large digital platforms.

The threat expands the administration's use of tariffs beyond traditional trade disputes and raises the prospect of broader retaliation against countries targeting U.S. technology firms. - -IMF Chief Economist Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas warned that escalating retaliatory tariffs between the world's major economies risk triggering a cycle of tit-for-tat protectionism that would weaken global growth, disrupt investment and fragment international trade.

He urged governments to avoid using trade restrictions as political tools, arguing that prolonged uncertainty would discourage business investment and reduce long-term productivity. - -The United States launched airstrikes against Iranian military targets after Tehran attacked a commercial container ship transiting the Strait of Hormuz, marking another sharp escalation in the regional conflict.

The exchange underscores the continued vulnerability of one of the world's most important maritime trade routes and heightens concerns over global energy supplies and shipping security. - -The British government is divided over proposals to introduce a new "golden visa" program designed to attract wealthy foreign investors and entrepreneurs.

Supporters argue the scheme would generate investment and tax revenues, while critics warn it could inflate property prices, increase money-laundering risks and revive concerns associated with previous investor visa programs. - -Argentina is considering a "golden passport" initiative that would grant citizenship to wealthy foreign investors as part of a broader strategy to attract capital and help reduce the country's heavy debt burden.

Officials hope the program will encourage long-term investment, strengthen foreign-exchange reserves and improve confidence in Argentina's economic reforms. - -The owner of a searched car, identified as Liu Junhua, was linked to a vehicle involved in an incident where an aircraft struck Beijing's Citic Tower.

Witnesses saw police and officers searching the car, a Buick Enclave, at the Eastern Pioneer flying school in Beijing's Pinggu District.

The flight school is believed to have operated the plane that crashed.

Although Liu Junhua's name surfaced on social media, the connection to the crash remains unconfirmed.

The police cordoned off the area and searched entering bags, but no fatalities have been reported, and official media has not discussed the incident, reflecting strict censorship on the matter. - -The Baltic States are pressing the European Union to accelerate a complete ban on Russian oil imports, arguing that remaining purchases continue to finance Moscow's war effort despite existing sanctions.

The proposal would further tighten Europe's energy restrictions on Russia while increasing pressure on member states that still rely on limited Russian crude supplies. - - SpaceX bonds have fallen only days after the company's $25B debt offering, reflecting investor concerns over leverage following the financing package supporting the combined rocket and artificial intelligence businesses.

The decline suggests bond investors remain cautious about the company's rapidly expanding capital requirements despite continued optimism surrounding its long-term growth prospects. - - THE NEW YORK TIMES - -More than a local political victory, New York's Democratic primaries marked the arrival of Mayor Zohran Mamdani as one of the party's most influential figures.

Three progressive congressional candidates he endorsed defeated establishment-backed rivals, demonstrating his ability to shape races beyond City Hall.

The results also reflected growing Democratic grassroots support for candidates advocating more aggressive positions on housing, inequality and the Israel-Gaza conflict, reinforcing the leftward shift within parts of the party. - -Iranian officials continue to contradict President Trump's repeated claims that Washington and Tehran are on the verge of a historic agreement.

While Trump insists negotiations are progressing rapidly toward a comprehensive settlement, Iranian leaders maintain that major differences remain over sanctions relief, nuclear restrictions and regional security.

The conflicting messages have fueled uncertainty over whether diplomacy can survive after months of military confrontation and political brinkmanship. - -The Senate approved a bipartisan resolution seeking to reassert Congress's constitutional authority over military action against Iran, rebuking President Trump's unilateral use of force.

Although largely symbolic, the vote highlights growing concern among lawmakers in both parties that future military operations should require explicit congressional authorization, particularly as negotiations with Tehran remain fragile. - -The arti