RUBIO TO NBC: HOPE TO GET A POSITIVE RESPONSE ON JIMMY LAI

According to the Associated Press, the Trump administration said that foreigners holding World Cup tickets will not need to pay a large deposit to enter the United States.

Energy: 1. BP acquires 40% stake in Uzbekistan's oil and gas blocks. 2. EU ministers say the EU is discussing taxing war-related profits of energy companies. 3. OPEC lowers its 2026 global oil demand growth forecast from 1.38 million barrels per day to 1.17 million barrels per day. 4. French Finance Minister: There are currently no plans for a new round of oil inventory releases, but the issue may be on the agenda in the coming weeks. 5. India invests 375 billion rupees to promote coal-to-syngas conversion. 6. US Energy Information Administration: US imports from Venezuela rose to their highest level since at least September 2024 in the latest week. 7. Cuban officials say the country's diesel and fuel oil supplies are exhausted. 8. US House of Representatives passes bill allowing year-round sales of E15 gasoline. 9. IEA: Oil prices could surge further as global oil inventories decline at a record pace. Precious Metals and Mining: 1. Yahua Group: The company has completed export formalities for lithium concentrate from Zimbabwe and shipments have commenced. 2. Nexa Resources' zinc smelter in Peru has suspended operations due to an accident. 3. Gold mining company Agnico Eagle has pledged to invest $10.2 billion in Ontario, Canada by 2030. 4. Profit-taking has caused Indian gold prices to break through a record high discount of $200 per ounce. Iran Situation: 1. US Vice President Vance: We are actively pursuing diplomatic efforts to ensure that Iran does not possess nuclear weapons. 2. Iranian Revolutionary Guard: The readiness of our combat personnel in areas such as the Strait of Hormuz demonstrates that if we wish, no force can confront us. 3. A Japanese-operated oil tanker transited the Strait of Hormuz. Other: 1. The Philippines issued a presidential executive order imposing price controls on imported rice. 2. Anec: Brazil plans to export 4,760,473 tons of soybeans in the week of May 10-16.