U.S.–Iran Talks Near Resumption as Europe Faces Looming Energy Crisis

Daily News

Summary:

The U.S. and Iran may hold another round of face-to-face talks this weekend; Europe’s aviation fuel supply may last only six weeks...

Key Highlights

1. The U.S. and Iran may hold another round of face-to-face talks this weekend

2. The White House reveals the process behind the Israel–Lebanon ceasefire

3. The U.S. military expands its blockade on Iranian shipping materials

4. Williams: Now is not the time to provide forward guidance on interest rates

5. Europe’s aviation fuel may last only six weeks

Details

U.S. and Iran May Resume Face-to-Face Talks This Weekend

U.S. President Donald Trump said on the 16th, during a media interview on the South Lawn of the White House, that the United States may hold another round of face-to-face talks with Iran this weekend. He added that if a peace agreement is reached, he would consider traveling to Pakistan to sign it.

Trump stated that he hopes a permanent ceasefire agreement can be reached before the current two-week temporary truce expires, without the need for an extension. “We are very close to a deal,” he said, adding that if negotiations are successful, an announcement will be made soon. He also claimed that the agreement would bring the United States free oil and access to the Strait of Hormuz.

He reiterated that Iran must not possess nuclear weapons and said that Iran has agreed to hand over its enriched uranium. If the agreement is signed in Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital, he may travel there. Earlier that day, Trump announced via social media that Israel and Lebanon had agreed to a 10-day ceasefire. He also said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun are likely to meet at the White House within “the next week or two.”

White House Details Process Behind Israel–Lebanon Ceasefire

The White House on Thursday outlined the timeline of developments over the past two days leading to the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. According to officials, the process began on Tuesday when Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors to the United States. The Lebanese side acknowledged during the meeting that Hezbollah is a shared concern.

On Wednesday evening, Trump spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, who agreed to a ceasefire with certain conditions, though the White House did not disclose details. Trump then instructed Rubio to call Lebanese President Aoun. During a late-night call on Wednesday, Rubio secured Lebanon’s agreement to the ceasefire.

On Thursday morning, Trump spoke separately with Aoun and Netanyahu, finalizing the agreement. The White House stated that the State Department worked in parallel with relevant governments to draft a memorandum of understanding. A six-point statement outlining the ceasefire terms was released and confirmed to have been accepted by both Israel and Lebanon.

U.S. Expands Blockade on Iranian Shipping Materials

The U.S. military announced that it has expanded its blockade on Iranian shipping to include weapons, ammunition, crude oil, refined petroleum products, steel, and aluminum.

U.S. Defense Secretary Hegseth stated at a press conference that if Iran makes the wrong choice and refuses to reach an agreement, the U.S. military stands ready to resume combat operations at any time.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Cain said the military is prepared to act immediately, and the blockade applies to all vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports. Enforcement will take place in both Iranian territorial waters and international waters. He added that the U.S. will track any vessels attempting to support Iran, including those transporting Iranian oil via “dark fleet” operations. So far, 13 ships have reportedly turned back under the blockade.

Williams: Not the Time to Provide Forward Guidance on Rates

New York Fed President John Williams said in a speech on Thursday that current monetary policy is moderately restrictive. If inflation continues to move toward target, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) is still expected to cut rates.

He emphasized that rate cuts remain part of the longer-term outlook, provided inflation shows signs of easing, ensuring that policy remains only moderately restrictive. However, now is not the time to provide forward guidance, as elevated uncertainty should prompt policymakers to avoid strong signals about the future path of interest rates.

Developments in the Middle East are driving a sharp rise in energy prices, which is already pushing up overall inflation. The trajectory of inflation will depend on the duration of the Iran conflict. A quick resolution could ease inflationary pressures, while a prolonged war could trigger broader supply shocks.

Inflation in the U.S. is projected to range between 2.75% and 3% by the end of this year, before falling back to the Federal Reserve’s 2% target by 2027. Economic growth is expected to be between 2% and 2.5% this year, with the unemployment rate remaining between 4.25% and 4.5%.

Current monetary policy is well-positioned to address the risk of persistent supply shocks stemming from the Middle East conflict. However, the conflict could simultaneously push up inflation and suppress economic activity, creating a dual challenge.

The labor market is showing mixed signals. Hard data suggests employment conditions remain broadly stable, while soft data—such as the New York Fed’s Survey of Consumer Expectations—indicates a gradual weakening trend, increasing uncertainty in assessing overall economic health.

Europe’s Aviation Fuel May Last Only Six Weeks

The International Energy Agency (IEA) warned on Thursday that Europe’s aviation fuel supply may last only six weeks, posing serious risks to the region’s economy.

In response to media inquiries, the IEA stated that some European countries could begin facing jet fuel shortages within the next six weeks, depending on how much fuel they can import from global markets to offset the loss of Middle Eastern supply.

Before the Iran conflict escalated, the Middle East accounted for 75% of Europe’s net imports of aviation fuel. IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol had previously warned that tightening oil supply would intensify the energy crisis in April, pushing up inflation and weighing on economic growth, particularly in emerging markets. Many countries may soon resort to energy rationing.

Today’s Focus

20:00 (UTC+8) Speech by Bank of England Chief Economist Huw Pill

23:30 (UTC+8) Speech by San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly

00:15 (UTC+8) Speech by Richmond Fed President Thomas Barkin

02:00 (UTC+8) Speech by Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller

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