The Memo: On Iran, Trump’s critics see tough talk as a mask for frustration

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The Hill's Headlines (PM) - August 18, 2026

The Hill's Headlines (PM) - August 18, 2026

President Trump is talking tough on Iran — but his critics say it’s evidence of frustration rather than strength almost six months on from the start of the conflict.

On Tuesday, Trump sought to evince a confidence that the U.S. has the upper hand. He implied Tehran will bend to his will in the end and that oil prices and global commerce won’t be overly affected in the interim. 

“There are no talks or conversations going on, or scheduled, with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Naval Blockade remains in full force and effect. The Hormuz Strait is open and operating. All water mines have been removed or detonated,” he wrote in a morning social media post.

There was less calmness apparent Monday when Trump addressed negotiations between Iran and Oman in comments to Trey Yingst of Fox News.

“If Oman gets in the way, we’ll bomb the s‑‑‑ out of them,” Trump said. 

Separately on Monday, Trump reiterated his earlier claim that he would consider claiming the vital Strait of Hormuz as U.S. territory. 

“We control it with the blockade, and I like the idea of declaring it a territory,” he said in the Oval Office. 

The suggestion of making the shipping channel a U.S. territory elicits eye rolls from most foreign policy experts, who argue that it’s not clear how this would be achieved or what practical difference it would make.

Iran’s de facto control over the important strait has roiled global markets, sent oil prices up, and........

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