Trump Rejects Iran Truce as War Escalates | Horizons Middle East & Africa 8/18/2026
The US-Iran truce collapses as President Trump rejects an extension and says he is in no hurry to end the war, while the US and Iran continue to assert control over the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude rises above $90 a barrel as the Hormuz blockade disrupts energy flows. US Treasury yields surge, with the 30-year yield reaching its highest level since 2007, triggering a selloff in US bonds and pulling Asian bonds lower. The dollar extends its decline as traders scale back expectations for tighter Federal Reserve policy, while Asian stocks end a four-day winning streak. In Gaza, Hamas demands an Israeli withdrawal before disarming, while the US and Israel agree that Hamas must disarm before an IDF withdrawal. Jared Kushner says the US will give Hamas an opportunity to comply, but Hamas says Israel must accept the roadmap. Netanyahu has rejected the Board of Peace roadmap, while renewed Israel-Hezbollah fighting in Lebanon and strikes in Gaza add to growing doubts over the region’s peace prospects.
In technology, Anthropic’s annualized revenue is reportedly on track to exceed $65 billion, Nvidia signs a $105 billion data-center deal with OpenAI, and Stein targets a valuation of up to $27 billion in a Hong Kong IPO. General Atlantic also steps up its IPO push. In commodities and Africa, BHP reports stronger profits as attention shifts toward copper, with plans to increase copper production by 50% over five years. Vitol expands its role as a key fuel supplier to Africa amid Hormuz disruptions, potentially raising costs for several African economies. We also cover Zambia’s presidential election, IMF talks with Senegal and Abu Dhabi Ports shares surging after an offer for L’IMAD. Guests includes Manpreet Gill, Standard Chartered CIO, AMEE, Mairav Zonszein, International Crisis Group Senior Israel Analyst and Brandon Craig, BHP CEO.
Chapters:
00:00:00 – Introduction
00:02:41 – US Bond Yields Surge
00:10:01 – US-Iran Peace Prospects Dim
00:13:44 – Manpreet Gill, Standard Chartered CIO, AMEE
00:19:34 – Abu Dhabi Ports Surge
00:28:27 – Mairav Zonszein, International Crisis Group Senior Israel Analyst
00:36:40 – Vitol Emerges as Key Africa Fuel Supplier
00:41:40 – Brandon Craig, BHP CEO
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