Trump rules out talks with Iran, maintains maritime blockade
US President Donald Trump said there are no ongoing or planned negotiations with Iran and confirmed the maritime blockade remains in effect.
On Tuesday, August 18, 2026, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced it would suspend all trade and financial exchanges with Iran following accusations that Iran fired two ballistic missiles toward the UAE. The UAE said the missiles were intercepted and fell within its territorial waters. Iran denied the missile accusations, calling them "baseless."
Meanwhile, Israeli forces conducted an airstrike in Gaza City, killing six people and wounding a dozen others, including a child. The strike targeted Hamas commanders who allegedly planned terror attacks against Israeli troops in Gaza. Palestinian officials said six were killed, including a child, and a large number were wounded in the attack.
Israeli officials claimed the strike was precise and aimed at preventing terror attacks. The incident came shortly after US President Donald Trump's envoy, Jared Kushner, met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Hamas denied Israel's claims and reaffirmed its intention to disarm, though disagreements remain over the disposition of the disarmed arms.
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- Iran says no talks underway with US dailytimes.com.pk
- Middle East: No talks or conversations with Iran, Trump says dw.com
