Donald TrumpClark

Trump rejects Iran ceasefire extension; claims US control of Strait of Hormuz as tensions escalate and oil prices rise

Tensions between the U.S. and Iran escalated as President Trump rejected extending a ceasefire agreement, asserting U.S. control over the Strait of Hormuz. Oil prices surged, with Brent crude surpassing $91 a barrel, amid fears of prolonged conflict and stalled diplomatic efforts.

Bloomberg.com Bloomberg.com+2 sources18 August 2026 · 03:36 UTC
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Tensions between the U.S. and Iran have reached a boiling point as President Trump declared he would not extend a ceasefire agreement, stating, “They’re not going to make the kind of a deal that I feel is necessary.” This rejection has led to a significant rise in oil prices, with Brent crude surpassing $91 a barrel and West Texas Intermediate nearing $85, reflecting market concerns over the potential for prolonged conflict.

Trump has also emphasized U.S. control over the Strait of Hormuz, declaring, “We control it. We control it with the blockade.” This statement comes amid reports that the diplomatic situation is deteriorating, with Clark noting that the memorandum of understanding is now “a dead letter” and that U.S. diplomacy is effectively stalled.

The situation escalated further after Iran announced a more aggressive military posture, prompting Trump to assert that Iran should “put up the white flag of surrender.” He reiterated his administration's commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, stating, “The number one Goal is, and always will be, that Iran cannot have, in any way, shape, or form, a Nuclear Weapon.” As tensions rise, the implications for regional stability and global oil markets remain uncertain.

Trump's comments reflect a hardline stance, as he indicated that if Oman interferes, “we’ll bomb the shit out of them.” He dismissed any connection between his strategy on Iran and the upcoming midterm elections, asserting, “Midterms have nothing to do with my thinking.”

Key Insight
“Oil prices climbed as Brent crude rose above $91 a barrel, reflecting market reactions to the ongoing conflict. Trump emphasized that Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons, reiterating his stance during a recent Oval Office briefing.”
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CuriousCats studied:
1
Bloomberg.comBloomberg.com
“Oil climbed for a third day as prospects for a near-term resolution of the US-Iran war receded, with President Donald Trump saying he’s not interested in extending an expiring agreement with Tehran.”
Bloomberg.com →
2
Al JazeeraAl Jazeera
“Trump has doubled down on his aspiration to make the Strait of Hormuz a “territory of the United States”, saying: “We control it. We control it with the blockade.””
Al Jazeera →
3
The Straits TimesThe Straits Times
“US President Donald Trump said on Aug 17 that Iran would not make the deal he thinks is needed to end a war with the US and should surrender as talks between the countries remained stalled.”
The Straits Times →
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