Donald Trump has warned Tehran that the “clock is ticking” and threatened consequences if its leaders do not act quickly.
“For Iran, the Clock is Ticking, and they better get moving, FAST, or there won’t be anything left of them. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE!,” the US president wrote in a Truth Social post.
Trump warned that if Tehran failed to reach a peace agreement with the US, it would face “a very bad time”.
“If they don’t, they’re going to have a bad time. A very bad time. They had better make a deal,” Trump told French media. He also shared an AI-generated graphic of him and a US Navy admiral in front of stormy waters, and the line: “It was calm before the storm.”
It comes after Trump spoke to Benjamin Netanyahu about Iran on Sunday as the Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu held a security meeting with his cabinet, Israeli media reports.
Trump’s warning follows a drone strike sparked a fire at an electrical generator at the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi.
No injuries were reported, radiological safety levels were unaffected and the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation confirmed the plant’s essential systems are operating normally.
Oil prices touch two-week high
Oil prices extended gains after a nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates came under attack and as US president Donald Trump is expected to discuss military options on Iran.
Brent crude futures climbed $2.03, or 1.86 per cent, to $111.29 a barrel, after touching $112 earlier, the highest since 5 May.
US West Texas Intermediate crude was at $107.73 a barrel, up $2.31, or 2.19 per cent, following a rise to $108.70, its highest level since 30 April.
“The longer the conflict with Iran persists, the greater the risk of protracted oil price scarring, which could keep interest rates higher for longer,” Prestige Economics’ Jason Schenker said in a note.
“This could also present persistent downside risks to growth.”
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar18 May 2026 04:21
Trump takes call with Netanyahu as they consider resuming military action
Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu spoke in a phone call, amid reports that the US and Israel are considering resuming military action in Iran.
It comes on the same day Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu held a security meeting with his cabinet, according to Israeli media reports.
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar18 May 2026 04:12
Iran war briefing:
- Donald Trump has warned Iran that the “clock is ticking” and threatened consequences if its leaders do not act quickly.”TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE!,” the US president wrote in a Truth Social post
- A member of Iran’s Expediency Council has warned the US to lift its blockade on Iranian ports before the “Sea of Oman becomes your graveyard”
- A drone strike caused a fire at a nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates, while Saudi Arabia reported intercepting three drones
- Brent crude futures climbed $2.03, or 1.86 per cent, to $111.29 a barrel, after touching $112 earlier, the highest since 5 May
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar18 May 2026 04:09