US President Donald Trump met with his national security team on May 18 to discuss military options against Iran, despite having previously postponed attacks. The meeting included key officials and focused on future military plans and diplomatic efforts.
A source revealed that the US is considering military options against Cuba, ranging from airstrikes to a full-scale invasion, as sanctions and military successes in Venezuela and Iran failed to yield desired results. The CIA director's visit to Cuba and discussions of potentially kidnapping Raul Castro are noted.
Oil prices rose over 2% on Monday, with Brent crude at $111.5 and WTI at $108.0, driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, including an attack on a UAE nuclear plant and potential US military action against Iran. Efforts to de-escalate the conflict have faltered, keeping oil prices above $100.
US President Trump is under pressure regarding the Iran conflict, with the Pentagon drafting plans for renewed military action if diplomacy fails. Options include intensified bombing and Special Operations deployment, while Iran signals readiness for hostilities. The Strait of Hormuz remains a key concern.
Oil prices retreated from four-year highs after reports the US military was preparing options for potential action against Iran. Brent crude fell 3.2% to $114.22 after earlier surging to $126, while WTI slipped 1.4% to $105.38. Both contracts are up around 60% since the US and Israeli-led war against Iran began on Feb. 28. Goldman Sachs estimates exports through the Strait of Hormuz have fallen to just 4% of normal levels, with traders warning prices could spike to $140-$150 if disruptions persist.
Brent crude falls 1.2% after rising to $126.41 a barrel, highest since March 2022 on report US is considering military options against IranThe eurozone grew by 0.1% in the first quarter, while inflation jumped to 3% in April driven by a near-11% surge in energy prices.The EU also expanded by 0.1% between January and March, according to a flash estimate published by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. In the fourth quarter of 2025, GDP increased by 0.2% in both areas.It will be interesting to see if the official trade data confirm the resilience of exporters in coming months.The outlook for the export sector is very important for China’s economy, as domestic demand has been weak. Continue reading...
The eurozone economy grew by 0.1% in the first quarter, while inflation accelerated to 3% in April, driven by an 11% spike in energy costs. Regional markets face mounting pressure from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and rising geopolitical instability.
Bank of England expected to keep rates at 3.75% amid Iran war fallout, while oil prices jump 7% to highest since March 2022. China's factory output rises for second month as exporters ship early ahead of potential cost increases. Germany posts 0.3% Q1 growth, defying expectations. Whitbread cuts 3,800 jobs (12% of UK/Ireland workforce) after tax rises and activist investor pressure. Air France-KLM scales back capacity forecasts as jet fuel costs soar.
Whitbread is cutting 3,800 jobs in the UK and Ireland, representing 12% of its workforce, as it transitions to a pure hotel business. The move follows increased tax burdens from the 2025 budget and pressure from activist investors.
US Central Command has prepared plans for a 'short and powerful' wave of strikes on Iran targeting key infrastructure, according to an Axios report. President Trump is set to be briefed on Thursday by CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper, with options including taking control of parts of the Strait of Hormuz or a special forces operation to secure Iran's highly enriched uranium stockpile. Trump currently views the naval blockade as his primary leverage but remains open to military action if Iran does not yield.
While extending a fragile ceasefire with Iran, the US is simultaneously deploying significant naval and ground forces to the Middle East. This dual approach suggests President Trump is preserving military options, including potential limited ground action, should diplomatic talks fail to secure new terms on Iran's nuclear program and regional security.
South Korea is considering various options including diplomatic, humanitarian and military roles to contribute to international efforts securing freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, a senior foreign ministry official said Tuesday. President Lee Jae Myung committed to making substantive contributions at a multilateral summit led by Britain and France, though specific roles have not yet been detailed.
