Key Takeaways
- Anthropic is launching a major initiative to provide 10,000 free or discounted Claude subscription seats to scientists globally for one year to accelerate research in the life sciences.
- Iran’s Security Chief Mohsen Rezaei announced that Tehran is prepared to reopen the Strait of Hormuz via a designated central channel, provided the U.S. meets specific conditions, including an end to regional conflict.
- U.S. money-market fund assets have surged to a record $7.93 trillion, according to the latest data from the Investment Company Institute (ICI).
- Anthropic has partnered with the U.S. government to provide restricted access to its high-capability Mythos-class models for specialized biological and cybersecurity research.
- Iran has officially dismissed allegations of a plot to assassinate the son of Donald Trump, labeling the reports as "a lie" during a televised interview.
Anthropic Targets Scientific Breakthroughs with Claude Expansion
AI startup Anthropic announced a significant expansion of its "AI for Science" program, opening 10,000 Claude subscription seats to researchers worldwide. The initiative aims to integrate AI into the life sciences ecosystem, offering verified principal investigators and their teams access to the Claude Team plan at no cost or at deeply discounted rates for a 12-month period.
In a move to balance innovation with national security, Anthropic has also reached an agreement with the U.S. government regarding its Mythos-class models. These advanced systems, which the company previously warned were "too powerful" for general public release due to their ability to identify vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure, will now be accessible to vetted partners for life sciences and cybersecurity research.
Geopolitical Tensions: Iran Outlines Terms for Hormuz Transit
Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, stated in an interview with Al Manar TV that Iran is preparing a list of conditions for the United States to facilitate the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The strategic waterway has seen significantly restricted traffic following months of regional conflict and a U.S. naval blockade.
Rezaei noted that Iran has already agreed to a maritime corridor with Oman, which utilizes both Omani and Iranian territorial waters. Under the proposed terms, ships would be permitted to transit through a designated central channel if Washington agrees to "correct its behavior," a demand that includes ending the current war in the region and lifting economic pressure on Tehran.
Financial Markets: Money-Market Assets Hit New Peaks
The Investment Company Institute (ICI) reported that total U.S. money-market fund assets rose to $7.93 trillion for the week ending August 26, 2026. This growth reflects a continued investor preference for liquid, low-risk instruments amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and fluctuating market conditions.
The data shows that government funds saw the largest inflows, increasing by over $20 billion in recent weeks, while prime funds experienced more modest gains. This flight to safety underscores the market's cautious stance as diplomatic efforts between the U.S., Qatar, and Iran continue to stall.
Iran Denies Assassination Plot Allegations
During his interview, Rezaei also addressed recent reports concerning an Iranian plot to target the family of Donald Trump. He characterized allegations of a plan to assassinate the former President's son as "a lie" intended to escalate tensions. This denial follows claims from Israeli officials and various media outlets suggesting that Iran had increased its targeting of high-profile Western figures and their families.
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.