OpenAI announced on 3 Nov that former U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll will serve as senior counselor for national security modernization. Driscoll, who left the Army post in August 2026 after reported clashes with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, will advise public and private partners on applying advanced AI to defence and cybersecurity and work with allies to adopt the technology responsibly. In the role he will engage government officials, industry leaders and academic institutions to promote OpenAI’s concept of “democratic AI.” The company previously agreed in February 2026 to run its own AI models inside the Defence Department’s classified network.
Pete Hegseth
3 stories since 29 October 2026, newest first
4 November 2026
3 November 2026
The United States carried out limited air strikes on Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz on 3 Nov, targeting a surface‑to‑air missile launcher. President Donald Trump had posted on 2 Nov that a peace agreement with Iran might be reached that day, a claim that coincided with oil prices dropping more than seven percent. Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said indirect talks were under way, while the United States is set to host Ukraine and Russia delegations in Abu Dhabi on 10‑11 Nov to discuss a post‑war settlement. Senior US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will lead the talks, and President Vladimir Putin has agreed to a new round of trilateral discussions, though Kyiv and Moscow remain far apart on any deal.
29 October 2026
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth removed Army Lieutenant General Brett Sylvia as head of strategy, plans and policy on the Joint Chiefs of Staff on 28 Oct, with no replacement named. Officials told the Straits Times and Al-Monitor the move followed accusations of leaking classified information, which Sylvia has not publicly answered. Sylvia's predecessor, Joseph McGee, was also pushed out. Separately, U.S. officials have told some Middle Eastern partners to prepare for possible renewed military action against Iran after the 3 Nov midterm elections, and a third aircraft carrier and thousands of troops are heading to the region.