Trade : Vance seeks Iran "reset" as Trump keeps military threat on the table (PRIV)
(D. Ravi Kanth, Geneva)
United States Vice-President J. D. Vance on 19 May signaled Washington's intention to "reset" its belligerent relations with Iran through "aggressive negotiations" on the crucial issue of stopping Tehran from building a nuclear weapon, while suggesting that a military confrontation is a second option for the Trump administration.

UN : Hormuz crisis derails recovery, exposes global economy to new shocks (PRIV)
(Kanaga Raja, Penang)
The global economy entered 2026 on a stronger footing, buoyed by robust trade, rising industrial output in developing economies and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven investment.

UN : Regional growth at risk as conflict-driven energy shocks deepen (PRIV)
(Kanaga Raja, Penang)
Regional growth prospects for 2026 are increasingly being shaped by energy shocks arising from the conflict in the Middle East, according to UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD).