US Politics
Iran-US war latest: Trump warns Tehran ‘clock is ticking’ as drone strikes UAE nuclear plant
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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.”
Trump’s warning follows a drone strike that 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.
Meanwhile, Mohsen Rezaei, a military adviser to Iran’s supreme leader, warned: “Our armed forces’ fingers are on the trigger, while diplomacy is also continuing.”
Iran allows Malaysian energy giant’s ship to sail through Strait of Hormuz
A support vessel owned by Malaysian firm Vantris Energy, formerly Sapura Energy, has successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz, LSEG shipping data showed on Friday.
This marks the fourth Malaysian-linked ship to navigate the crucial waterway since the US-Iran conflict began in late February, severely impacting global energy supplies.
The Sapura 1200 was one of seven vessels for which the Malaysian government sought Iranian permission to clear the strait, largely restricted since the conflict’s outbreak, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar18 May 2026 05:40
Israel preparing for possible resumption of attacks on Iran
Israel is coordinating with the US about a possible resumption of attacks, said two people familiar with the situation, including an Israeli military officer.
Speaking to his cabinet yesterday, Benjamin Netanyahu said “our eyes are also open” when it comes to Iran, and “we are prepared for any scenario”.
On Iranian state TV, presenters on at least two channels appeared armed during live programs.
One of them, Hossein Hosseini, received basic firearms training from a masked member of the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard. Hosseini mimed firing a shot at the flag of the UAE.
On another channel, Mobina Nasiri said a weapon had been sent to her from a gathering in Tehran’s Vanak Square. “From this platform, I declare that I am ready to sacrifice my life for this country,” she said.
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar18 May 2026 05:20
How Iran could fight a shadow war with US for months
Iran has enough missile capability to continue fighting should Donald Trump choose to resume the war, US and Nato intelligence has assessed – and experts say it has several more cards up its sleeve.
The US president has repeatedly claimed that American forces have comprehensively destroyed Iran’s military, including its missile capabilities and navy, during six weeks of conflict before a ceasefire was agreed.
Intelligence agencies have warned that Iran still has access to most of its missiles and underground facilities, sources told The Independent, casting doubt over President Trump’s dubious claims that Iran has been “decimated” by the war.
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar18 May 2026 05:00
Top Iranian official warns US to end siege of Iranian ports
A member of Iran’s Expediency Council has warned the US to lift its blockade of Iranian ports “before the Sea of Oman becomes your graveyard”.
Mohsen Rezaei said the US blockade was an “act of war” and said confronting it was Iran’s right.
“The longer they prolong the naval blockade of Iran, the greater the damage to countries around the world will be,” he said.
“It is America that must prove itself now,” he said. “Our armed forces have their finger on the trigger – and at the same time, diplomacy continues.”
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar18 May 2026 04:42
Recap: Brics ministers fail to issue joint statement over Middle East conflict
A two-day meeting of foreign ministers from the Brics nations concluded in New Delhi without a joint statement because of “differing views among some members” on the situation in the Middle East, host India said.
The differences highlighted the challenge of maintaining unity within the bloc as it seeks to expand its influence.
The Indian statement said members expressed “their respective national positions and shared a range of perspectives” on issues including sovereignty, maritime security and the protection of civilian infrastructure and civilian lives in the Middle East.
It also included a footnote saying that “a member had reservations” about parts of sections dealing with Gaza and security in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
Brics includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Ethiopia, Egypt, Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia.
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar18 May 2026 04:41
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:
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar18 May 2026 04:09