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Time:2026-06-19T05:21:00Z

The landmark US-Iran deal has reopened the Strait of Hormuz, allowing stranded oil tankers to transit after months of conflict. Hong Kong is advancing as a financial and automotive hub with new yuan bond futures, corporate treasury initiatives, and a major smart-car expo. Apple faces rising iPhone prices due to AI-driven chip costs while Trump announces a US chip-making partnership with Intel. NPR assesses the lingering economic toll of the Iran war three months after hostilities.

US-Iran deal reopens Strait of Hormuz to oil tankers

US-Iran deal reopens Strait of Hormuz to oil tankersA tentative US-Iran agreement has ended months of conflict and reopened the Strait of Hormuz, where at least six oil tankers have now begun transiting. Maritime data confirms stranded ships are moving through the critical waterway. Photos show daily life resuming in Tehran and the shift in naval posture in the Gulf. The deal marks a major de-escalation after a costly war that disrupted global energy supplies.

Sources:
U.S.-Iran deal in photos: ships in the Strait of Hormuz, daily life in Tehran (CNBC)
Stranded ships have begun transiting the Strait of Hormuz, maritime data company says (AP News)
At least 6 oil tankers sail through Hormuz following US-Iran deal (Nikkei Asia)

Hong Kong plans yuan bond futures and treasury reforms

Hong Kong plans yuan bond futures and treasury reformsHong Kong is set to launch offshore yuan bond futures in August, a move to strengthen its role as a global hub for yuan internationalization. Property sales have become more measured as an interest rate increase looms. Meanwhile, a new corporate treasury centre initiative aims to attract multinationals to base regional treasury operations in the city.

Sources:
Hong Kong property sales more measured as interest rate increase looms (SCMP)
Why Hong Kong’s new corporate treasury centre plan could be a winning formula (SCMP)
Hong Kong sets August debut for long-awaited offshore yuan bond futuresBeijing to strengthen the city’s status as a global hub for offshore yuan as it moves to internationalise the currency. (SCMP)

Chinese carmakers use Hong Kong to test global markets

Chinese carmakers use Hong Kong to test global marketsChinese auto manufacturers unveiled 14 smart vehicles at the International Automotive and Supply Chain Expo in Hong Kong, using the city as a proving ground for global expansion. Geely showcased its Caocao concept car at the event. China Daily reports that Chinese cars are transitioning from quality improvement to global acclaim.

Sources:
Hong Kong emerging as the proving ground for China’s global smart-car ambitionsChinese carmakers unveiled 14 smart vehicles in Hong Kong as they use the city to gauge overseas demand and refine global expansion plans. (SCMP)
Geely’s Caocao concept car at the 2026 International Automotive and Supply Chain Expo (Hong Kong). China is hoping Hong Kong can open the door to global markets. Photo: May Tse (SCMP)
Chinese cars: From quality to triumph (China Daily)

Apple to raise iPhone prices, partners with Intel in US chip deal

Apple to raise iPhone prices, partners with Intel in US chip dealTim Cook confirmed iPhone prices will rise as an AI boom drives up chip costs. In a related development, Trump announced a deal for Apple to design and manufacture chips in the US in partnership with Intel. The move is seen as a push to reshore semiconductor production amid rising geopolitical tensions.

Sources:
Tim Cook says iPhone prices will rise. Trump says Apple will make US chips with Intel (CNN)
Apple to raise prices as AI boom pushes up chip costs (BBC)
Trump announces Apple-Intel deal to design and make chips in US (Business Today)

NPR assesses lingering costs of the US-Iran war

NPR assesses lingering costs of the US-Iran warMore than three months after the US and Israel launched their war on Iran, NPR examines the conflict's lasting economic impact worldwide. Iran's control of the Strait of Hormuz during the conflict inflicted significant global pain. While a tentative deal is now in place, questions remain about the long-term stability of the key waterway and the broader costs of the war.

Sources:
Here's how much the Iran war cost -- and how its effects will linger (NPR)
June 17, 2026 •More than three months after the U.S. and Israel launched their war on Iran, the costs and aftereffects are felt around the world. (NPR)
June 17, 2026 •Iran's control of the Strait of Hormuz inflicted global pain during the months-long conflict with the U.S. and Israel. A tentative deal is in place, but questions remain about the key waterway. (NPR)