Direct Translations
International oil prices plunge 6%! Trump's words shock the market; Iran conflict may be about to take a major turn
Image : International oil prices fell about 6% on Wednesday (20 May). (Associated Press)
International oil prices fell about 6% on Wednesday (20 May 2026) after U.S. President Donald Trump stated that negotiations between the US and Iran had entered the final stage. However, due to ongoing supply disruptions in the Middle East, investors remain cautious about the outcome of the peace negotiations.
Brent crude futures closed down $6.26, or 5.63%, at $105.02 per barrel.
U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures fell $5.89, or 5.66%, to $98.26 per barrel.
Trump stated that negotiations with Iran have entered the final stage, but he also warned of further attacks unless Iran agrees to a deal.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said that Iran is ready to cooperate with other littoral states to develop a safe shipping agreement, but did not provide further details.
Despite signs of progress, some market participants and analysts remain wary of the outcome of the negotiations and the global supply tensions. They believe that even if the U.S. and Iran reach an agreement, the supply shortage could persist.
John Kilduff, a partner at Again Capital, said, "We must be cautious about these statements now, but the market has reacted quickly, beginning to reflect the hope that the situation can be resolved."
Citi analysts said on Tuesday that they expect Brent crude to rise to $120 a barrel in the short term, noting that the market is underestimating the risk of prolonged supply disruptions. Wood Mackenzie estimated that if the Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed until the end of the year, oil prices could even approach $200 a barrel.
US-Iran talks enter final stage; Trump doesn't rule out further military action, "All Preparations Completed"
Image : U.S. President Trump stated on the 20th that US-Iran talks have entered the final stage, and if Tehran does not agree to a peace agreement, the U.S. may take further military action. (Associated Press)
U.S. President Trump stated on the 20th that U.S.-Iran talks have entered the "final stage," and if Tehran does not agree to a peace agreement, the U.S. may take further military action; however, he also hinted that Washington is willing to wait for the "right answer."
Reuters reported that Trump, during a media interview at Joint Base Andrews on the 20th, stated that the situation in the Middle East is "at a critical point" and could escalate rapidly.
Trump's suspension of Operation Epic Fury against Iran in an effort to broker a ceasefire has lasted six weeks, but negotiations to end the war have made limited progress.
Trump told reporters on the 20th, "Believe me, if we don't get the right answers, things will move very quickly. We're fully prepared." When asked how much time he would give diplomatic channels, Trump said, "Maybe a few days, but maybe very quickly."
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that if the United States launches another attack, it will expand the war beyond the Middle East. On the 18th, Iran announced the formal establishment of the Persian Gulf Straits Authority (PGSA), attempting to strengthen control over the Strait of Hormuz.
On 20 May, Trump reiterated that he would never allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons, stating, "We're in the final stages on the Iran issue. Let's wait and see. Either we reach an agreement, or we'll take some ugly measures, but hopefully that won't happen."
He added, "Ideally, I'd like to see fewer deaths, not a large number of casualties. We can achieve either."
Meanwhile, Turkish authorities confirmed that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had spoken with Trump by phone. Erdogan welcomed the extension of the ceasefire and believed a "reasonable solution" could be found.
Iranian Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated on social media on 20 May that "obvious and covert actions by the enemy" indicated that the United States was preparing for a new wave of attacks.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Tehran remained willing to negotiate, but added in a social media post, "Forcing Iran to surrender through threats is nothing but a fantasy."
Trump: Public discontent in Iran boils over; Turmoil will be "Unprecedented"
Reporter : Wang Ziyi / https://www.ntdtv.com/gb/2026/05/20/a104098467.html
Let's turn our attention back to the Middle East situation. Today, President Trump pointed out that the U.S.-Iran ceasefire negotiations have entered the final stage, and the key point now is whether Iran will accept the agreement. Although he hopes to minimize casualties, he will order a new wave of strikes if forced to. Iran, on the other hand, stated that it has used the ceasefire period to rebuild its military capabilities and threatened to spread the war beyond the Middle East.
Earlier, the U.S. military instructed Marines to board the Iranian-flagged commercial oil tanker "Skysea" in the Gulf of Oman for a search.
The Central Command issued a statement indicating that the "Skysea" was suspected of violating the US blockade order and attempting to enter an Iranian port. Subsequently, after the US military searched the vessel and instructed the crew to change course, the "Skysea" was released.
Currently, a total of 91 merchant ships have turned back under U.S. military orders.
The U.S.-Iran ceasefire has entered its sixth week. President Trump earlier stated that the ceasefire negotiations have entered the "final stage," but he also reiterated his warning that he would resume military strikes if Iran does not reach an agreement.
Trump: "The only question is, will we send troops to completely crush Iran, or will Iran be willing to sign an agreement? We'll wait and see."
He mentioned that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu will do as he says regarding military action against Iran.
Trump: "He will do whatever I tell him to do. He's a great guy to me. He's a really good guy."
President Trump stated that he is not in a hurry to end the conflict and repeatedly emphasized his desire for as few casualties as possible.
Trump: "I'm not in a hurry. I prefer to keep the casualties to a very small number rather than a large number of casualties." "Iran is currently filled with intense anger because the people are living in extremely difficult conditions. Unprecedented turmoil is brewing there, and we are waiting to see what happens."
Iran's chief negotiator and parliamentary speaker, Ghalibaf, stated earlier that the U.S. actions indicated a new round of war was imminent. He also claimed that the military had used the ceasefire period to rebuild its combat capabilities and restore its strength.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps threatened that if the U.S. launches another attack, it will spread the war beyond the Middle East.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bagheei told Brazilian media that negotiations between Tehran and Washington "are continuing through mediators from Pakistan."
However, reports indicate that Iran's new proposal to the US this week reiterated terms that President Trump had previously explicitly rejected. These include demands for control of the Strait of Hormuz, war reparations, the lifting of sanctions, the unfreezing of frozen assets, and the withdrawal of US troops.
Since the outbreak of the war, Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz, using it to impose tolls on passage. The US has repeatedly reiterated that this is unacceptable.
However, earlier, two Chinese supertankers carrying approximately 4 million barrels of oil left the strait.
Meanwhile, the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs also pointed out that a South Korean oil tanker was cooperating with Iranian forces to transit the strait.
Faced with shipping disruptions, a land-based logistics network bypassing the Strait of Hormuz and traversing the Arabian Desert is rapidly taking shape. The Wall Street Journal reported that producers and exporters are establishing a transcontinental logistics network between the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea, using rail and truck transport.
No comments:
Post a Comment