08/17/2026
President Trump said Monday morning he would bomb Oman if it “gets in the way” of a conflict between the U.S. and Iran. The nations on either side of the Strait of Hormuz have been negotiating over reopening the waterway.
In a call with Fox News on the same day that the two-month memorandum of understanding between the countries expires, he also said he isn’t in a rush to end the war.
Trump’s envoy, Jared Kushner, met Monday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to try to move forward with development plans for the Gaza Strip.
Trump on Sunday abruptly ordered the Pentagon to “substantially reduce” a joint military exercise with South Korea, arguing it shows hostility toward North Korea. The decision brought criticism from Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), who called it “shortsighted and a mistake.”
The president has a series of policy meetings Monday, with none open to the press.
Both chambers of Congress are out but hold pro forma sessions Monday.