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Last Update October 18, 2026 at 10:08 PM EDT

President Donald Trump warned that aggressive action against Moscow could push Russia into a closer alliance with Iran, potentially jeopardizing Ukraine peace talks. Meanwhile, Iran’s foreign minister issued a direct challenge to Washington, daring the US to launch another attack and warning Tehran has “unfinished jobs too.”

WHAT TO KNOW

• Iran is pushing a seven-day peace plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz as President Donald Trump and CENTCOM insist the key oil route remains open to all ships except Iran.
• Egypt is backing Saudi Arabia against the Iran-aligned Houthis as Trump pauses U.S. strikes and Tehran faces pressure over its nuclear program, maritime attacks and control of global oil shipping.
• Trump has put off Iran strikes amid the midterm elections, but the warfare on oil shipping and pricing remain a potential point of post-election retaliation, experts anticipate.
• President Donald Trump defended his Russia strategy while warning that immediate action against Moscow could derail peace talks and drive Moscow into a closer alliance with Tehran.
• Iran’s foreign minister issued a defiant response to President Donald Trump, challenging the United States to launch another attack and warning that Tehran was prepared to retaliate.
• Yemen’s armed forces launched a 24-hour offensive under “Operation Dawn of Yemen”, carrying out more than 1,000 targeted strikes that killed hundreds of Houthis, the military said.
• Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei accused French President Emmanuel Macron of hypocrisy over his response to protests in France.

Iran dares Trump to attack again, warns US of ‘unfinished jobs’ as tensions soar

Iran’s foreign minister issued a defiant response to President Donald Trump on Sunday, challenging the United States to launch another attack and warning that Tehran was prepared to retaliate.

“Last time you wanted to ‘finish the job,’ Iran emerged even stronger,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a post on X.

“Want to try your luck again? Be our guest. But be careful; we have unfinished jobs too,” he warned.

Araghchi also accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of pushing the United States toward another war to avoid prosecution.

“Netanyahu is driving America into another war to stay out of jail, whatever the consequences for Israel—let alone POTUS,” he said.

Araghchi’s remarks came after Trump warned that the United States could “soon finish the job” against Iran unless Tehran changes course and gave Netanyahu his “complete and total endorsement” for reelection Sunday.

Netanyahu also vowed Sunday to bring down the Islamic Republic, saying he had instructed Israel’s security agencies to pursue that goal.

Posted by Emma Bussey Share

6 hour(s) ago

Trump reveals why he waited to endorse Netanyahu ahead of high-stakes election

President Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu / Win McNamee / Getty Image

President Donald Trump said Sunday he had always planned to endorse Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu but held off to avoid making the endorsement too early.

“I was always going to do that. I just didn’t want to do it too soon,” Trump told Axios.

Trump also said the two leaders have a “good relationship” and would “continue to do well” together if Netanyahu wins reelection.

“It is important that Israel has a person they can count on,” Trump said.

Asked whether he could work with another Israeli leader, Trump said: “Maybe I will, maybe I won’t. Who wants to take the chance?”

Israel’s Oct. 27 elections are nine days away, with Trump’s endorsement potentially providing a boost to Netanyahu’s reelection bid.

Posted by Emma Bussey Share

8 hour(s) ago

Oil prices fall after Trump waives sanctions, tariffs on Russia

Oil Tanker / Russia / Ramon Espinosa / AP Photo

Oil prices fell in early Asian trading Monday after President Donald Trump waived sanctions and tariffs on Russia, a move that could increase Russian fuel exports, Reuters reported.

Brent crude futures fell $1.06, or 0.96%, to $108.80 per barrel by 2214 GMT after closing Friday at their highest level since May 19. Meanwhile, U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures fell 23 cents, or 0.23%, to $101.18 per barrel.

Posted by Emma Bussey