CHINA STATE PLANNER said effective 24:00 on June 18 domestic gasoline and diesel (standard) prices will be cut by 515 yuan/ton and 495 yuan/ton respectively, marking a second consecutive reduction in refined fuel prices. After the adjustment most regions will see diesel retail at 7.7–7.9 yuan/liter and 92-octane gasoline at 7.8–7.9 yuan/liter. The cut reduces private car owners' fuel costs.

China A‑share Sci‑Tech Innovation 50 Index rose more than 4% in afternoon trade; Cambricon gained over 14%, Huahong Hongli advanced over 10%, and Shengke Communication and Jinghe Integration each rose about 8%.

On June 18, Iran’s foreign minister Araghchi held a phone call with Kuwait’s foreign minister to discuss the Iran–US memorandum of understanding, regional developments and bilateral ties. Araghchi outlined the MOU’s content and latest progress, said Iran attaches high priority to a neighborly policy and hopes the MOU can help restore regional peace and stability, and called for dialogue with Gulf littoral states to strengthen cooperation and remove misunderstandings. The two exchanged views on several key bilateral issues and agreed to continue diplomatic consultations to advance implementation.