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Oil soars to $111 after Trump threatens 'there won't be anything left of Iran'

2 sources · 18 May 2026
2 agreed · 2 partial · 0 conflicts

Oil prices soared on Monday (18), with Brent crude hitting $111.31 — a 1.9% increase — after US President Donald Trump posted a new threat against Iran on Truth Social. "For Iran, the Clock is Ticking, and they better get moving, FAST, or there won't be anything left of them," Trump wrote on Sunday (17), about two and a half months after the start of military conflict against Tehran.

Press quotes (3)
G1

"O petróleo Brent, a referência internacional, subiu 1,9% e atingiu US$ 111,31 por barril"

Exame

"Para o Irã, o tempo está se esgotando, e é melhor eles se mexerem, rápido, ou não restará nada deles"

Exame

"cerca de dois meses e meio após o início da ofensiva contra Teerã"

The conflict began on February 28, 2026, with a joint US-Israel military operation that killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, his daughter and grandson, as well as high-ranking regime officials. The war resulted in an effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of the world's oil exports pass in peacetime, keeping markets on alert about global energy supply.

Press quotes (2)
Npr

"Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in Israeli strikes carried out with U.S. support. Iranian state media confirmed Khamenei's death. State outlets also said his daughter and grandchild were killed."

Euronews

"The war has led to an effective blockade of the critical Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of the world's oil exports pass in peacetime"

US WTI oil also posted a 2.3% gain, trading at $107.83 per barrel. The Brent value represents a surge compared to late February, when the commodity was trading at about $70 per barrel before the war began. Direct negotiations between representatives of both countries remain suspended since a meeting held in Pakistan in mid-April.

Press quotes (3)
G1

"Nos EUA, o petróleo de referência saltou 2,3%, cotado a US$ 107,83 por barril"

G1

"quando a commodity era negociada a cerca de US$ 70 o barril"

Exame

"As negociações diretas entre representantes dos dois países seguem interrompidas desde um encontro realizado no Paquistão, em meados de abril"

The price escalation reflects investor fears after Trump posted the threat following a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Tensions worsened over the weekend after a drone attack against a nuclear plant in the United Arab Emirates, with no injuries but causing a fire near the facilities.

Press quotes (2)
G1

"após Trump publicar em uma rede social, após ligação com o primeiro-ministro israelense, Benjamin Netanyahu"

Exame

"um drone caiu próximo à usina nuclear de Barakah, nos Emirados Árabes Unidos, provocando um incêndio"

1. What we know (2)

Trump posted threat to Iran on Truth Social on May 17 stating 'there won't be anything left of them' if they don't act quickly

2 sources Exame G1

The Strait of Hormuz remains with disrupted flow, affecting about 20% of global oil exports

2 sources Exame G1
2. Where coverage thins out (2)

Covered by only some sources, or where the accounts diverge.

Covered by only some sources (2)

Drone attack hit electrical generator outside perimeter of Barakah nuclear plant in UAE

Reported by: Exame
Did not cover: G1

Summit between Trump and Xi Jinping in Beijing discussed reopening of Strait of Hormuz with Chinese help

Reported by: G1
Did not cover: Exame
3. What we don't know yet (3)
  • What is the current capacity of other major oil producers to compensate for lost Iranian supply?

    Why it's still unknown: Sources focused on the impact of the Strait of Hormuz blockade but did not detail other countries' spare production capacity

    Did not cover: Exame G1
  • What specific demands are the US making of Iran for a permanent ceasefire?

    Why it's still unknown: Trump mentioned Iran must 'quickly agree to American demands' but sources did not specify what those demands are

    Did not cover: Exame G1
  • What is the scope of the Iranian response promised in case of new military escalation?

    Why it's still unknown: Iranian Armed Forces spokesman promised 'unprecedented scenarios' but did not specify what military capabilities Iran still possesses

    Did not cover: G1

All sources

2