Tuesday 18 August 2026 07:30 UTC
Hormuz Ship Strike Deepens Pressure as Iran Talks Continue
In the 24 hours ending 18 August at 07:30 UTC, another cargo vessel was struck in the Strait of Hormuz. The engine room was damaged, and one crew member was injured. Oman’s coast guard assisted the remaining crew. Iran also seized a UAE-owned tanker.
Iran said a shipping agreement with Oman was close. The plan could reopen Hormuz without fees for an unspecified period. However, Iran warned of wider escalation if diplomacy with Washington fails.
Donald Trump, the US president, claimed the United States controls Hormuz and keeps it open. His energy secretary said regional oil flows had not fully recovered. Trump also threatened military action if Oman blocked negotiations with Iran.
Trump confirmed secret contact with senior Iranian military officials. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and foreign ministry denied any such talks. Trump said he was in no hurry to reach a peace agreement.
Trump’s approval rating fell to a presidency-low 33%. Disapproval reached 64%, while 80% expected prolonged US involvement in the Iran conflict.
Four airstrikes hit the runway at Abu al-Duhur Air Base in northwestern Syria. Syrian accounts blamed Israel. Israeli strikes also hit Khan Younis in Gaza.
Ukraine released images showing major damage at Russia’s Kamenskiy Kombinat rocket fuel plant. At least six workshops were damaged or destroyed in the weekend drone attack.
US and Ukrainian intelligence cooperation has returned to a high level. American intelligence supports Ukrainian targeting against Russian forces and energy sites. Ukraine also continues to share intelligence with Washington.
Moldovan police investigated an explosion near Talmaza, close to Ukraine’s border. Authorities said a Russian cruise missile likely caused the blast after entering Moldovan airspace.
Several students were injured in an explosion outside a private school in Kabul. The blast happened in the city’s Dasht-e-Barchi neighbourhood.
The United States awarded Raytheon a $22.9 billion contract to increase Tomahawk missile production. The program aims to rebuild depleted stocks and speed deliveries.
US emergency oil stocks fell by 5.3 million barrels to 293.4 million barrels. This was their lowest level since 1982.
The US 30-year Treasury yield reached 5.29%, its highest since 2007. Rising debt, persistent inflation and heavy borrowing weakened demand for long-term bonds.
Nvidia plans to invest $100 billion in an OpenAI data centre in Ohio. Shein is seeking a Hong Kong listing at a $25 billion to $28 billion valuation.