US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick reportedly discussed the issue with ASML executives, amid ongoing efforts to tighten export controls on advanced semiconductor technology.

ASML denied the claims, saying it has never shipped an EUV machine or EUV-related equipment to China and remains fully compliant with export regulations.

The development highlights continued tensions over semiconductor exports as Washington seeks to limit China’s access to cutting-edge chipmaking technology, a key battleground in the global AI race.

The post US raises concerns with ASML on possible China access to top chip tool first appeared on Finblog.

Speaking after recent negotiations, Trump said the commitment is clearly written into the memorandum of understanding currently being finalized.

“The only thing that really matters to me is Iran will never have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said, adding that the agreement states it “loud and clear.”

The comments come as the US and Iran continue working toward a broader agreement that would formally end months of conflict. Negotiators are expected to spend the next 60 days discussing technical issues, including Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, sanctions relief, and the implementation of the broader peace framework.

While Trump described the nuclear commitment as a major breakthrough, many of the agreement’s details have yet to be finalized. European governments and international observers continue to watch the negotiations closely, particularly regarding inspection mechanisms and how Iran’s nuclear program will be monitored over the long term.

Markets have welcomed signs of diplomatic progress, with easing geopolitical tensions helping reduce pressure on oil prices and improving investor sentiment. However, analysts note that confidence will depend on whether both sides successfully translate the preliminary agreement into a comprehensive and enforceable deal.

For investors, the focus is now shifting from the headline announcement to how the agreement will be implemented. The handling of sanctions, nuclear oversight, and regional stability could all influence energy markets and global risk sentiment in the months ahead.

Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content and materials featured on this page are for educational purposes only.

The post Trump Says Iran Has Fully Agreed to Give Up Nuclear Weapons first appeared on Finblog.

According to the US Department of Energy, the SPR declined to 340.3 million barrels, following a series of drawdowns aimed at easing supply shortages and stabilizing energy markets during the Iran conflict.

The decline comes as markets begin to adjust to a preliminary US-Iran peace agreement, which is expected to eventually reopen the Strait of Hormuz and restore oil exports from the region. That optimism has helped push crude prices sharply lower in recent days, although analysts caution that a full recovery in global oil flows could still take months.

The reserve has played a key role in offsetting supply disruptions throughout the conflict. However, its historically low level is now raising fresh questions about US energy security should another major supply shock occur.

Several key points stand out:

• SPR inventories have fallen to 340.3 million barrels
• The reserve is now at its lowest level in more than four decades
• Emergency releases helped stabilize oil markets during the Iran conflict
• Future replenishment is expected once market conditions normalize

For investors, the focus is now shifting from emergency supply releases to how quickly global production and shipping can recover. If the US-Iran agreement holds and oil flows continue improving, pressure on the Strategic Petroleum Reserve could gradually ease.

Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content and materials featured on this page are for educational purposes only.

The post US Strategic Oil Reserve Falls to Lowest Level Since 1983 first appeared on Finblog.

According to Trump, the proposed deal would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical energy route that normally handles about 20% of global oil shipments, and could mark the most significant diplomatic development since the conflict began earlier this year.

“We just made a great settlement of the war with Iran,” Trump told reporters, adding that the agreement could be signed “very soon, maybe over the weekend.”

Markets welcomed the comments. US stocks moved higher while oil prices fell as investors bet that a deal could reduce geopolitical risks and ease concerns about global energy supplies.

However, Iran quickly pushed back on suggestions that an agreement was finalized.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said large portions of the proposed text had been agreed upon, but stressed that Tehran’s decision-making bodies were still reviewing the proposal.

“We have not reached a final conclusion on this matter,” Baghaei said, adding that Iran would not compromise on its core demands.

Several key issues reportedly remain under discussion, including:

• The future status of the Strait of Hormuz
• Sanctions relief
• Access to frozen Iranian assets
• Nuclear-related restrictions

Trump has repeatedly stated that any agreement must guarantee that Iran cannot develop or acquire nuclear weapons. Iran continues to deny that it is pursuing a nuclear weapons program.

The latest developments come after months of conflict that have disrupted energy markets and pushed oil prices sharply higher. Despite a ceasefire announced earlier this year, fighting has continued intermittently, with both sides accusing each other of violations.

The prospect of a deal is also important for financial markets. A reopening of the Strait of Hormuz could help stabilize oil prices, reduce inflation pressures, and ease concerns about global supply chains.

Still, investors appear cautious.

The gap between Trump’s optimism and Iran’s more measured response suggests that negotiations may be entering their final stage, but significant hurdles remain before any formal agreement is signed.

For now, markets are watching one question closely: Will the latest diplomatic push finally produce a deal, or will another round of uncertainty follow?

Related: Trump Says US-Iran Peace Deal Is ‘Largely Negotiated’: What to know

The post Trump Says Iran Deal Could Be Signed Soon, But Tehran Says No Final Decision Has Been Made first appeared on Finblog.

According to Trump, final details are still being discussed and the framework would include reopening the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy routes.

Trump also said he spoke with Benjamin Netanyahu and described the conversation positively.

Hormuz Remains the Biggest Market Focus

The situation around Hormuz remains critical because the route previously handled roughly one-fifth of global oil and LNG shipments before disruptions began. Trump stated that the current blockade would remain in place until an agreement with Iran is formally signed.

The proposed framework reportedly includes:

• Reopening the Strait of Hormuz
• Steps toward ending the conflict
• A negotiation period for broader peace talks
• Discussions around sanctions and energy flows

Reports also suggest negotiations may unfold in phases rather than through one immediate final agreement.

Iran Signals Progress but Disputes Remain

Iranian officials confirmed negotiations are moving forward but pushed back on some details. Tehran reportedly views the proposal as a framework agreement, with additional negotiations expected over the next 30 to 60 days, especially regarding:

• The Strait of Hormuz
• Nuclear discussions
• Sanctions
• Regional security issues

Iranian media also challenged suggestions that control over Hormuz would shift, calling some interpretations inconsistent with reality.

Markets Watch Oil More Than Politics

For investors, the biggest issue remains energy. Markets have spent months balancing:

AI optimism
Higher inflation
Oil shocks
Geopolitical risk

A reopening of Hormuz could ease pressure on: Oil prices, Shipping costs, Inflation expectations

But uncertainty remains because several major disputes are still unresolved. The market narrative may now be shifting. Not from war to peace yet. But from military escalation toward negotiation risk.

Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content and materials featured on this page are for educational purposes only.

Related: US Rejects Iran’s Latest Peace Proposal as White House Situation Room Meeting Looms

The post Trump Says US-Iran Peace Deal Is ‘Largely Negotiated’: What to know first appeared on Finblog.

The development comes ahead of a planned White House Situation Room meeting where Donald Trump is expected to discuss possible military response options with national security officials.

The rejection adds pressure to negotiations that have already struggled to make progress on several major issues.

Talks Remain Stuck on Key Disputes

The US and Iran have continued discussions involving:

• Tehran’s nuclear program
• Sanctions relief
• The Strait of Hormuz
• Regional security concerns

However, both sides remain divided, and previous US comments reportedly described Iran’s latest proposal as insufficient.

That raises the risk that diplomacy could slow further just as markets were hoping for signs of stabilization.

Oil Markets Move Back Into Focus

The biggest concern for investors remains energy. The Middle East conflict has already pushed oil prices higher this year, and another deterioration in relations could renew fears around supply disruptions.

Markets are closely watching: Oil prices, Shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, Inflation risks, Global market volatility

Energy remains one of the strongest-performing sectors of 2026, partly because of these geopolitical pressures.

Crypto and Risk Assets Face Pressure

Risk sentiment has also weakened. Short-term market analysis points toward a more defensive environment, supported by:

• Stronger US dollar levels
• Higher Treasury yields
• Rising geopolitical uncertainty

Crypto markets remain especially sensitive because recent price moves have been tied closely to liquidity conditions and risk appetite.

If tensions rise further, investors may continue reducing exposure to higher-risk assets. Markets have spent much of the year balancing:

AI optimism
Strong earnings
Energy shocks
Geopolitical risks

The latest US-Iran development brings attention back to the last two. For now, investors are waiting for one thing: Whether diplomacy returns, or whether markets need to price a longer period of Middle East uncertainty.

Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content and materials featured on this page are for educational purposes only

Related: Trump and Xi Wrap Up “Successful” China Summit, But Major Trade Questions Remain

The post US Rejects Iran’s Latest Peace Proposal as White House Situation Room Meeting Looms first appeared on Finblog.

Trump left China saying “fantastic trade deals” had been reached and claimed the visit would be “great for both countries.” However, many of the biggest announcements still lack confirmation from Beijing.

Boeing Deal Emerges as Biggest Potential Win

One of the clearest outcomes involved Boeing. Trump said China agreed to purchase 200 aircraft, with discussions potentially expanding to another 750 planes. Boeing reportedly confirmed the arrangement.

If completed, it would become Boeing’s first major Chinese order in nearly a decade, marking a major comeback after years of trade tensions. Trump also said China would buy billions of dollars of US soybeans, aiming to support American farmers.

So far, Chinese officials have not confirmed those purchases publicly.

Tech CEOs Take Center Stage

Trade was important, but technology may have been the real story. The delegation included major names such as: Elon Musk, Jensen Huang

Their presence sparked speculation that AI chips, semiconductors, and technology access were larger topics than initially expected.

This matters because:

• Tesla depends heavily on China through its Shanghai operations
• Nvidia wants broader access to the Chinese market again

Trump later confirmed that AI discussions included possible “guardrails”, though details remained limited.

Tariffs Surprisingly Stayed Out of the Spotlight

Perhaps the biggest surprise: Trump said tariffs were not discussed.

Instead, both sides reportedly agreed to establish a new trade management framework, allowing communication without reopening direct tariff negotiations.

Questions still remain around the earlier tariff truce and rare-earth export arrangements that helped stabilize relations last year.

Taiwan Remains the Sensitive Issue

While trade dominated headlines, Taiwan remained one of the most delicate topics.

According to Chinese statements, Xi warned that Taiwan remains the most important issue in US-China relations and suggested mishandling it could increase tensions. That warning comes as semiconductors, AI, and advanced technology become increasingly tied to geopolitics.

Iran and Hormuz Enter the Conversation

The summit also touched on the Middle East. Trump said Xi expressed willingness to help support reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route disrupted by the Iran conflict.

China later called for:

• A lasting ceasefire
• Reopening shipping routes
• Greater stability in global energy markets

The issue matters deeply for Beijing, as rising oil prices continue to pressure China’s economy.

The summit delivered:

Strong diplomatic symbolism
High-level business engagement
Potential aviation agreements

But it did not yet deliver a major trade breakthrough. For now, markets got optimism instead of certainty.

The next key moment may come in September, after Trump invited Xi to Washington for another summit that could decide whether these talks become real deals or remain promises.

Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content and materials featured on this page are for educational purposes only.

The post Trump and Xi Wrap Up “Successful” China Summit, But Major Trade Questions Remain first appeared on Finblog.

The truce, which was set to expire, will now continue until Iran presents a “unified proposal” to end the war, according to Trump.

What Trump said

In a social media post, Trump made it clear this is not a full de-escalation.

“I have directed our Military to continue the Blockade… and will extend the Ceasefire until such time as their proposal is submitted,” he said.

That means:

• No immediate US attack
• Blockade remains fully active
• Military stays ready for action

The decision reportedly came after requests from Pakistani mediators, who are trying to keep negotiations alive.

A sudden shift in stance

Just hours before the announcement, Trump had opposed extending the ceasefire, warning that Iran was running out of time.

This quick reversal suggests: Negotiations are fragile, and the US is balancing diplomacy with pressure.

At the same time, Iranian officials have criticized the US naval blockade, raising doubts about whether talks will move forward smoothly.

The situation now sits in a tense middle ground.

• War is paused, but not over
• Markets remain sensitive to headlines
• Any breakdown in talks could trigger escalation

The Strait of Hormuz and global oil flows remain at the center of the conflict, meaning energy markets and inflation risks are still in play.

This is not peace, it’s a delay. Trump is giving Iran time, but keeping pressure high with a continued blockade and military readiness.

The next move now depends on Tehran: Deliver a deal, or risk the conflict restarting.

The post Trump Extends Iran Ceasefire, but Keeps Blockade in Place first appeared on Finblog.

Tehran communicated its decision to Washington through Pakistan, with reports suggesting the move is final for now.

Why Iran pulled back

The main issue is pressure. Iranian officials say the US has violated the ceasefire repeatedly, pointing specifically to the naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, which they describe as an “act of war.”

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned: “Blockading Iranian ports is an act of war and thus a violation of the ceasefire.”

At the same time, Iran has made its position clear: No negotiations under threats.

Officials say talks could only resume if the US eases pressure, especially by lifting the blockade.

Talks now in doubt

The fallout is already visible.

• The US delegation’s trip to Islamabad has been put on hold
• Mediators in Pakistan are scrambling to keep talks alive
• No clear confirmation has come from Tehran about future participation

Even the first round of negotiations earlier this month ended without a breakthrough.

A growing standoff

Both sides are holding firm.

• The US insists the blockade will remain until a deal is reached
• Iran says the blockade must be lifted before talks can continue

That creates a deadlock, with each side demanding concessions first.

Diplomacy is stalling at a critical moment. The ceasefire has been extended, but without progress in talks, the risk of escalation is rising again.

For markets and global stability, the message is clear: This conflict is paused, not resolved.

Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content and materials featured on this page are for educational purposes only.

Related: Strait of Hormuz Reopens, Easing Global Energy Fears

The post Iran Rejects Next Round of Talks as Ceasefire Tensions Rise first appeared on Finblog.

New unemployment claims fell to 207,000 last week, beating expectations and signaling that layoffs remain low for now.

The data suggests stability on the surface, but the details tell a more cautious story.

• Continuing claims rose to 1.818 million, hinting that finding new jobs is getting harder
• Businesses are increasingly relying on temporary workers instead of permanent hires

This reflects a growing hesitation among employers as uncertainty rises.

Why companies are holding back

The main pressure is coming from the war-driven energy shock.Oil prices have surged more than 35% since late February, pushing up costs across the economy and hitting consumer confidence.

Economists warn that this could take time to fully show up in the labor market. As one analyst noted, layoffs often lag behind oil shocks, meaning the real impact may come later.

Manufacturing shows mixed signals

The industrial side of the economy is already feeling strain.

• Factory output dipped 0.1% in March
• Motor vehicle production dropped sharply
• But overall manufacturing still grew at a 3.0% annualized pace in Q1

This suggests a fragile recovery that could easily reverse if conditions worsen.

What the Fed is watching

For now, the labor market is giving the Federal Reserve room to wait. Policymakers are expected to hold interest rates steady while monitoring how inflation and growth evolve.

But expectations are shifting. Some economists now believe the Fed may need to cut rates later this year if labor conditions weaken.

The US economy is in a delicate balance. Jobs are holding up, but cracks are starting to appear beneath the surface.

If energy prices stay high and uncertainty continues, hiring could slow further and the labor market may begin to weaken in the months ahead.

Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content and materials featured on this page are for educational purposes only.

Related: The S&P 500 Surges to Record Highs in One of the Fastest Comebacks Ever

The post US Job Market Holds Steady, but War Risks Start to Build first appeared on Finblog.