# Asian markets trade lower on Monday amid concerns over US President Donald Trump's warning to Iran.

*business · news · 2026-05-18 · NDTV Profit*

## Key points

- Trump issued a new ultimatum to Iran, warning 'the Clock is Ticking' without specifying demands.
- A nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates was attacked, escalating regional tensions.
- Brent crude oil futures surged to $110.70 a barrel, highest since May 5, amid supply fears.
- Efforts to end the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran have stalled, raising geopolitical uncertainty.

Asia Markets Today | May 18: Asian markets traded lower on Monday amid concerns over US President Donald Trump's warning to Iran renewed concerns of oil supply in the Middle East. Investors weighed renewed geopolitical tensions after Trump warned Iran to "get moving, FAST," raising fears of further escalation in the Middle East and potential disruptions to global oil supplies. In a post on Truth Social, Trump on Sunday said "the Clock is Ticking" for Iran and warned there "won't be anything left" if action was not taken soon, adding that "TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE!" He did not elaborate on the steps he wanted Iran to take or the consequences that could follow. Oil prices extended gains on Monday as efforts to end the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran appeared to have stalled, after a nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates came under attack and as U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to discuss military options on Iran. Brent crude futures climbed $1.44, or 1.32%, to $110.70 a barrel by 2337 GMT after touching the highest since May 5 earlier in the session. Japan's Nikkei 22 lost 0.2%, while the Topix added 0.1%. South Korea's Kospi and small-cap Kosdaq fell more than 2%. This copy is being updated. Kindly check back for more

**Countries:** United States, Iran, United Arab Emirates, Japan, South Korea

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