President Donald Trump warned that the “clock is ticking” for Iran as stalled negotiations and fresh drone attacks in the Gulf raised fears of renewed conflict in the Middle East.
Trump said on Truth Social that Tehran must move “FAST” toward a deal or face harsher consequences. According to Axios, Trump later said Iran would be “hit much harder” if it failed to present a stronger proposal to suspend its nuclear programme.
The US President Donald Trump warned Iran "the clock is ticking," urging Tehran to get moving, or “there won't be anything left of them" amid a deadlock in peace talks, per US media outlets including CNN and CNBC.
— Global Times (@globaltimesnews) May 18, 2026
A Chinese expert said that even if there are signs of… pic.twitter.com/aCakbP6QQi
Iran responded Monday by saying it was not intimidated by American threats but remained engaged in negotiations. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said Tehran had submitted concerns over a new U.S. proposal while insisting Iran would not surrender its nuclear enrichment rights.
The tensions escalated after the United Arab Emirates reported a drone strike near its Barakah nuclear plant and Saudi Arabia said it intercepted drones from Iraqi airspace. Oil prices surged above $110 per barrel as disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz continued to pressure global energy supplies.
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