President Trump rejected Tehran's latest peace proposal, describing it as totally unacceptable and declaring any ceasefire between the US and Iran to be on massive life support. Separately, Trump announced he will raise US arms sales to Taiwan in an upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping — a move that could further complicate already fragile trade relations. Trump also floated a federal gas tax suspension while delaying an executive order to lift tariffs on beef imports, adding to a busy and unresolved geopolitical and trade agenda.
Deteriorating US-Iran relations keep a risk premium baked into oil prices — energy stocks may catch a bid while travel, airlines, and consumer discretionary names face headwinds from elevated fuel costs. Raising Taiwan arms sales in talks with Xi introduces fresh friction into US-China relations at a moment when markets were cautiously optimistic about trade de-escalation, threatening any rally in China-exposed equities and tech supply chains. A federal gas tax suspension, if it materializes, would be a modest short-term consumer stimulus but could pressure energy sector margins.
Week of May 19: Trump-Xi meeting — watch for any statement on Taiwan arms sales and trade. Ongoing: US-Iran nuclear negotiation updates through diplomatic back-channels. June OPEC+ meeting: oil production decisions that will respond to the geopolitical environment.
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