May 18th, 2026

US Tells Iran ‘Clock Is Ticking’, Stocks Fall as Brent Hits $110 | The Opening Trade 5/18/2026

US President Donald Trump expressed frustration with Iran and told it the “clock is ticking,” hours after drones targeted a nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates. Tehran “better get moving, FAST, or there won’t be anything left of them,” Trump said on Truth Social on Sunday. These were his most belligerent comments regarding the Iran war, which remains in a fragile ceasefire, since he returned to the US from China on Friday. Stocks fell as the stalemate between the US and Iran kept driving oil prices higher, while bonds found some stability after last week’s global selloff. The Opening Trade has everything you need to know as markets open across Europe. With analysis you won't find anywhere else, we break down the biggest stories of the day and speak to top guests who have skin in the game. Hosted by Anna Edwards and Guy Johnson.