Persian Gulf peace talks collapse as deadline passes with no deal

Aug 18, 2026

Talks to end the Persian Gulf conflict have failed, pushing oil to a three-week high and threatening higher gas prices for drivers.

  • The 60-day window for a settlement closed with no deal and no sign one is coming.
  • Iran added new demands the U.S. had already publicly rejected.
  • A cargo ship was hit by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran warned other ships crossing will be attacked too.
  • Trump threatened to bomb Oman, a U.S. ally, for going soft on Iranian demands.
  • Iran-backed Houthi rebels appear to have taken the Yemeni port of Mocha near the Red Sea, widening the war.

Outlook: Oil is climbing and stocks are falling as the fighting spreads, so gas prices are likely to head back up.

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