Trump Takes Iran Hard Line as Hormuz Tensions Set New Normal

By Jennifer A. Dlouhy and Patrick Sykes

Aug 18, 2026 (Bloomberg) –US President Donald Trump insisted Tuesday that there were no talks ongoing with Iran, leaving the simmering conflict in the Middle East and control of the Strait of Hormuz stuck in limbo.

The memorandum of understanding that the US and Iran signed in June in an effort to buy time to negotiate a lasting peace deal — as repeatedly violated as it had been during that 60-day window — has expired. There are no plans to extend it.

“There are no talks or conversations going on, or scheduled, with the Islamic