World Events Summary: 1st-7th May 2018

Iran Deal: Trump finally made the much-anticipated announcement pulling the U.S. out of the Iran nuclear deal. There will be a lag of months before any sanctions are imposed, presumably allowing for further talks. Macron, Merkel and May have all been ignored. The EU has tried to create a process to shield European companies in Iran, but it is uncertain. President Rouhani has been weakened – perhaps fatally.

Lebanon/Syria/Israel: the first Lebanese elections in nine years saw Hizbollah gain – raising regional tensions. Speculation focused on whether, in a potential future military confrontation between Hizbollah and Israel, the Lebanese military would be untouched. The Israeli Energy minister threatened the end of Assad and his Syrian regime if it continues to allow the Iranian military to operate out of its territory. 

Korea: diplomatic maneuvering before the Trump summit (in 3-4 weeks) has heated up. South Korea has suggested that the North and Japan should talk. Kim Jong-Un met with president Xi again, in China. The leaders of South Korea, Japan and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang were due to meet in Japan on Wednesday. North Korea is, reportedly, preparing American detainees for release – around the time of the Trump talks.