Trump renewed threats against Iran and allowed new strikes. What the media is writing

After returning from China, US President Donald Trump held a meeting with a close circle of officials and renewed threats against Iran, hinting at a possible resumption of hostilities. At the same time, he admits the conclusion of a deal that would end the war between the two countries, which led to the loss of $25 billion by global companies. How the media reacts to the potential development of the conflict is in the Izvestia digest.

Axios: Trump threatens Iran with new strikes

In a telephone conversation with reporters, Trump said that "time is running out" for Iran and warned that if the Iranian regime does not offer a better deal, "it will be much worse for it." U.S. officials note that Trump wants to conclude a deal that will end the war, but Iran's rejection of many of its demands and its unwillingness to make significant concessions regarding its nuclear program have once again put a military option on the table.

Over the weekend, Pakistan was actively negotiating with Iranian leaders on an agreement to end the war. Trump said he still believes Iran wants to make a deal and said he is waiting for an updated Iranian proposal, which he hopes will be better than the last proposal made a few days ago. The US president declined to give a specific date for the start of negotiations with Iran.

CNN: Trump warned Iran after National Security group meeting

Trump met with senior members of his national security team to discuss next steps in the war with Iran. This happened the day before he renewed his threats against Iran and urged it to "act quickly." Trump is becoming increasingly disillusioned with Tehran's handling of diplomatic negotiations and remains unhappy with the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz and its impact on global oil prices.

During his visit to Beijing, Trump and his team postponed making a decision on further actions against Tehran. Several administration officials said they wanted to see how the talks between Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping would go before determining further steps. In recent days, Trump has seriously considered the possibility of resuming major hostilities in Iran as a way to force it to compromise to end the war, despite his preference for resolving the conflict through diplomacy.

Bloomberg: The US and Iran are far from an agreement

The United States and Iran are still far from an agreement to end the weeks-long war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while Trump again expressed dissatisfaction with Tehran's actions amid the sale of global bonds, which increased concerns about the economic consequences of the conflict. A wave of market turmoil followed a sharp drop in stocks and bonds on May 15 amid growing concerns that disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz would keep oil prices high.

In Israel, Netanyahu told his cabinet that he would talk to Trump after the US president's visit to China. A member of the Cabinet of Ministers on security issues, Zev Elkin, said that Israel is ready to resume strikes on Iran if Trump makes such a decision. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian noted that his country is committed to a diplomatic settlement of the conflict. Several energy-carrying vessels have successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz in recent weeks, and an Iranian official said the authorities are developing rules to allow passage for some vessels.

Associated Press: a drone struck a nuclear power plant in the UAE

A drone strike caused a fire on the outskirts of the only nuclear power plant (NPP) "Baraka" in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which the authorities called an "unprovoked terrorist act." There were no reports of casualties or radiation emissions. No one was charged, but the incident highlighted the risk of renewed war as the US and Iran made it clear they were ready to fight again.

The $20 billion Baraka NPP was built in the UAE with the assistance of South Korea and commissioned in 2020. It is the only nuclear power plant in the Arab world capable of providing a quarter of the UAE's energy needs. The nuclear regulator stated that the fire did not affect the safety of the plant and "all power units are operating normally." The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said the impact caused an electric generator to catch fire, and one of the reactors was powered by emergency diesel generators.

Risks are being inflicted: the United States and Israel are preparing for new attacks on Iran

How will a possible escalation of the conflict affect the global oil market and the situation in the Middle East

Reuters: The war in Iran has cost global companies $25 billion

The war between the United States and Israel with Iran has already cost companies around the world at least $25 billion, and this amount continues to grow. An analysis of corporate statements by companies listed on U.S., European, and Asian stock exchanges since the beginning of the conflict provides a sobering insight into the consequences. Businesses are struggling with a sharp rise in energy prices, disruption of supply chains and disruption of trade routes due to Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz.

Analysts say that as growth slows, pricing power will weaken and fixed costs will become more difficult to cover, jeopardizing profitability in the second quarter and in subsequent years. Sustained price increases are likely to spur inflation, which will negatively affect the already fragile consumer confidence. One fifth of the companies participating in the survey reported financial losses due to the war. Most of the companies were based in the UK and Europe, where energy prices were already high, and almost a third were in Asia, reflecting the deep dependence of these regions on Middle Eastern petroleum products.