Top Headlines
1. Pakistani sources say the U.S. and Iran are close to reaching a ceasefire memorandum of understanding
2. Trump says the Iran conflict is likely to end, with both sides nearing an agreement
3. U.S. says operations against Iran are “progressing well” as blockade and negotiations proceed simultaneously
4. Iran has not yet responded to the U.S. view on Tehran’s 14-point proposal
5. Lebanese Prime Minister: Lebanon is not seeking normalization with Israel
6. Iran warns vessels not to transit the Strait of Hormuz without authorization
7. Goolsbee: The Iran war looks more like an inflation shock
8. Musalem: Inflation risks are beginning to outweigh employment risks
9. U.S. ADP private payrolls rose by 109,000 in April
Detailed Headlines
Pakistani Sources Say the U.S. and Iran Are Close to Reaching a Ceasefire Memorandum of Understanding
According to U.S.-side sources, a Pakistani source said on May 6 that the United States and Iran are close to reaching a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the war. On the same day, reports citing two U.S. officials and two other informed sources said the Trump administration believes it is close to finalizing a one-page memorandum with Iran. The document is intended to end the conflict and establish a framework for more detailed nuclear negotiations.
Trump Says the Iran Conflict Is Likely to End, with Both Sides Nearing an Agreement
On May 6 local time, U.S. President Trump said in an interview that the conflict with Iran is very likely to end and that the two sides are approaching an agreement, although uncertainties remain. Trump said the agreement could include Iran transferring its highly enriched uranium to the United States, and noted that it is unlikely that Witkoff and Kushner would participate in the negotiations. Trump also warned that if talks fail, the United States could resume more intense military strikes against Iran.
U.S. Says Operations Against Iran Are “Progressing Well” as Blockade and Negotiations Proceed Simultaneously
Speaking on May 6 local time, Trump described the Iran conflict as a “small-scale conflict” and said the U.S. side was “making very good progress.” He added that Iran “wants a deal and wants negotiations.”
Trump stated that the United States would never allow Iran to obtain nuclear weapons and would continue pushing for an agreement “acceptable to the United States.” On the military front, he described the blockade imposed on Iran as “extremely strong,” saying Iran is “virtually unable to move anything in or out.” He also claimed that the U.S. has “complete control of the situation.” Trump warned that if Iran refuses to accept a deal, it will ultimately be forced to accept the terms.
Iran Has Not Yet Responded to the U.S. View on Tehran’s 14-Point Proposal
Iran’s state broadcaster reported on May 6 that Foreign Ministry spokesman Baghaei stressed Iran has not yet conveyed its response to Pakistan, the mediator, regarding the U.S. position on Iran’s 14-point proposal. Baghaei rejected claims and speculation circulated by some media outlets. He said Iran and the United States are exchanging messages through Pakistan and are currently reviewing the exchanged texts. Earlier, in an interview with the Iranian Students News Agency, Baghaei said Iran is reviewing the proposals and plans submitted by the United States and will communicate Tehran’s position to Pakistan after completing its assessment.
Lebanese Prime Minister: Lebanon Is Not Seeking Normalization with Israel
According to Lebanon’s National News Agency on May 6, Prime Minister Salam stated that Lebanon is not seeking normalization with Israel but is committed to achieving peace. He noted that it is still too early to discuss a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and that any high-level contact with Israel would require thorough preparation.
Salam also said consolidating the ceasefire would serve as the basis for a possible new round of Lebanon-Israel talks in the United States in the future. He added that Lebanon’s minimum demand is for Israel to provide a timetable for troop withdrawal, while Lebanon will continue promoting a unified weapons control plan.
Iran Warns Vessels Not to Transit the Strait of Hormuz Without Authorization
According to reports, vessels attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday received verbal warnings from the naval forces of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, stating that the waterway remains under blockade. A Greek shipowner waiting to pass through the strait received an audio recording in English warning all vessels in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman that any ship approaching the strait without authorization or without following designated routes “will become a target.”
Iranian state television reported that around 1,500 vessels are currently preparing to transit the Strait of Hormuz, adding that ships will not be allowed to complete their voyage without authorization from the IRGC Navy.
Goolsbee: The Iran War Looks More Like an Inflation Shock
Chicago Fed President Goolsbee said on Wednesday that the conflict with Iran increasingly resembles an inflationary shock to the economy. While the impact on employment and economic growth has not yet become obvious, concerns over supply chain disruptions and persistently rising prices are intensifying.
Speaking after attending the Milken Institute conference in Los Angeles, Goolsbee said this is not yet a stagflationary shock — one that simultaneously weakens the labor market and drives inflation higher, forcing the Federal Reserve to determine which policy objective faces the greater threat. “This is simply an inflation shock,” he said, adding that the longer the situation persists, the more concerned he becomes.
Musalem: Inflation Risks Are Beginning to Outweigh Employment Risks
St. Louis Fed President Musalem said there is tremendous uncertainty surrounding the U.S. economic and monetary policy outlook, but he believes inflation risks are increasingly outweighing employment risks.
Musalem said on Wednesday that inflation remains clearly above the Fed’s 2% target. “We face risks on both employment and inflation,” he said. “In my view, the risks are tilting more toward inflation than employment.” He added that the Fed’s benchmark policy rate is currently at a neutral level that neither stimulates nor restrains the economy, or possibly slightly accommodative. He noted that there are plausible scenarios in which policymakers may need to keep rates unchanged for some time, though he also sees situations that could require either rate cuts or further hikes.
U.S. ADP Private Payrolls Rose by 109,000 in April
The U.S. ADP employment report, often referred to as the “small nonfarm payrolls” report, showed that private-sector employment increased by 109,000 in April, the largest gain since January 2025. The figure exceeded the market expectation of 99,000, while the March reading was revised down to 61,000.
ADP Chief Economist Nela Richardson said both small and large businesses are continuing to hire, while medium-sized firms are showing weakness. Large companies benefit from greater resource flexibility, while small businesses are more agile — both of which are key advantages in a complex labor market environment.
Today’s Focus
14:45 (UTC+8) France March Trade Balance
15:00 (UTC+8) Switzerland April Unemployment Rate
15:00 (UTC+8) ECB Vice President Luis de Guindos Speaks
22:00 (UTC+8) U.S. March Construction Spending MoM
22:20 (UTC+8) BOE MPC Member Catherine Mann Speaks on Monetary Policy
01:00 (UTC+8) ECB Executive Board Member Schnabel Speaks
01:00 (UTC+8) Minneapolis Fed President Kashkari Speaks
02:05 (UTC+8) Cleveland Fed President Hammack Speaks
03:30 (UTC+8) New York Fed President Williams Speaks