International News 21 May 2026
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Supertankers Exit Strait of Hormuz Carrying 6 Million Barrels of Oil
Two supertankers were reported to have exited the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday (20/5/2026), while another vessel is still en route after being held in the Gulf for more than two months carrying roughly 6 million barrels of crude oil from the Middle East. Vessel tracking data from LSEG and Kpler indicated the movements, noting that the tankers are among several supertankers leaving the Gulf this month via a transit route that has reportedly been directed by Iran for commercial shipping use.
U.S. bond yields surged, putting pressure on global equity markets and weighing on gold prices.
Global equity markets weakened in Tuesday’s trading session as rising U.S. Treasury yields and growing concerns over inflationary pressure stemming from the Iran conflict weighed on investor sentiment. Meanwhile, oil prices moved lower following signs of progress in negotiations between the United States and Iran aimed at ending the war. U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Washington may still consider launching military action against Iran, despite previously delaying a planned strike that was reportedly only an hour away from execution. Trump also revealed that Tehran had submitted a new proposal to end the conflict with both the United States and Israel.
Vance Says US–Iran War Will Not Become Prolonged as Political Pressure on Trump Intensifies
U.S. Vice President JD Vance stated that the conflict with Iran would not escalate into an “endless war” during a press briefing at the White House on Tuesday (May 19, 2026). During the session, Vance defended President Donald Trump’s policy approach as political pressure intensified amid rising energy prices and growing public concerns over the possibility of a prolonged conflict. Temporarily stepping in for White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who is currently on maternity leave, Vance addressed reporters for nearly an hour. His delivery was notably calmer and more measured compared with Trump’s more confrontational communication style.