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Trump’s Iran Threat Sends Oil Up, Markets Down, Gas Soars

5/18/2026

29 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump's Twitter threat to Iran caused Brent crude to jump about 2% to $111 a barrel and pushed the S&P 500 down more than 0.6%.
Drone strikes sparked a fire near the United Arab Emirates' Barakah nuclear power plant, prompting authorities to issue regional escalation alerts.
Gasoline remained at $4.51 a gallon, a level that is over 50% higher than before the war began.

History

Historical Context

In October 1973 OAPEC, led by Saudi Arabia, embargoed the United States and other Israel allies, pushing crude from $3 to nearly $12 per barrel—a 300 % rise by early 1974. The shock revealed energy volatility’s market impact, spurring diversification and strategic reserves. Today President Trump’s Twitter threat to Iran and the Barakah nuclear-drone incident have pushed Brent above $111, recalling the 1973 surge.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump's Twitter threat to Iran caused Brent crude to jump about 2% to $111 a barrel and pushed the S&P 500 down more than 0.6%.
Drone strikes sparked a fire near the United Arab Emirates' Barakah nuclear power plant, prompting authorities to issue regional escalation alerts.
Gasoline remained at $4.51 a gallon, a level that is over 50% higher than before the war began.

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