International News 18 May 2026
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Donald Trump claimed that Xi Jinping agreed Iran should reopen the Strait of Hormuz
Donald Trump stated that Xi Jinping had agreed that Iran should reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global energy shipping route currently disrupted by tensions in the Middle East. The remarks were made while Trump was returning to Washington aboard Air Force One after concluding a two-day bilateral meeting with Xi in Beijing on Friday, May 16, 2026. Trump also noted that the United States is considering easing sanctions on Chinese oil companies involved in purchasing Iranian crude oil, with China remaining the largest buyer of Iran’s oil exports. When asked whether Xi had truly committed to pressuring Iran over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, Trump responded that he was not seeking assistance, adding that asking for help would imply the need to offer something in return.
Samsung Electronics faces the threat of a massive strike as the South Korean government prepares emergency arbitration measures
Samsung Electronics is facing escalating labor tensions as South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok stated on Sunday that the government is prepared to use all available measures including emergency arbitration to prevent a large-scale strike. At the same time, Kim urged both the company’s management and labor union to reach a compromise amid prolonged wage negotiations, according to a report by Yonhap News Agency. In an effort to ease tensions, Samsung Electronics and its union are scheduled to resume wage talks on Monday under the supervision of government mediators.
SpaceX accelerates its IPO debut, preparing for a Nasdaq listing with a valuation of US$1.75 trillion.
SpaceX, the aerospace company founded by Elon Musk, is reportedly accelerating its initial public offering (IPO) plans and is now targeting a Nasdaq listing as early as June 12, 2026. The move could mark one of the most highly anticipated stock market debuts in recent years, with sources indicating that the company has shifted its IPO timeline forward from the original target of late June. According to people familiar with the matter, SpaceX aims to release its prospectus as soon as next week, followed by a roadshow scheduled for June 4 and final share pricing around June 11, 2026. One source noted that the entire process is moving faster, citing an accelerated review by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).