August 18, 2026 — Trump declares Strait of Hormuz as ‘new US territory’ day after MoU deadline expires. When asked whether he was working to extend the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Trump declined to answer and shook his head no.

August 18, 2026 — Saudi textbooks show ‘significant’ progress on antisemitism, tolerance & religious minorities. Study finds greater emphasis on moderation, critical thinking, tolerance

August 18, 2026 — Vessel struck in Hormuz; Iran vows to keep waterway shut until US complies with June deal. Crew casualty reported in attack on ship; data shows Hormuz crossings rose slightly from weekend, but remain in single digits

August 18, 2026 — Meeting with Kushner, PM doubles down on IDF remaining in Gaza until Hamas disarmed. Kushner predicts progress in Hamas weapon handover within 30 days, reportedly cautions PM against interpreting ‘imminent threat’ too broadly when approving Gaza strikes

August 18, 2026 — Middle East chessboard: why the Mecca pact could be good news for Israel. Analysis: In the Middle East’s strategic chess game, the Saudi-Turkish-Pakistani triangle is aimed chiefly at Tehran, not Israel; with Saudi financing, Turkish technology and Pakistani military power, the emerging bloc could shift regional deterrence in Jerusalem’s favor

August 18, 2026 — Kushner: Gaza demilitarization could begin within 30 days. “And hopefully filling in some of the tunnels as well in the next 60 to 90 days,” the Trump administration envoy said.

August 17, 2026 — Israel sees signs Iran’s hard-line leadership is preparing for an offensive move. Israeli official says Tehran could escalate against energy infrastructure, shipping routes and US allies if it concludes the blockade threatens regime stability, while both sides prepare for a possible new round

August 17, 2026 — US-Iran remain deadlocked as 60-day MoU window expires with no breakthroughs An Iranian official has claimed that no talks of an extension took place, that the United States violated the interim agreement just 48 hours after it was reached, and that it later withdrew from it.

August 17, 2026 — Hamas, Hezbollah coordinating attacks with Iran as IDF warns of rebuilt ‘axis of evil’ IDF says Hamas, Hezbollah coordinating with Iran to rebuild terror axis amid increased friction on Gaza, Lebanon fronts • White House pressure limits Israeli strikes in Gaza City, targeted killings

August 14, 2026 — Officials say US forces on track to complete Iraq pullout by September 30. Washington, Baghdad agreed in 2024 to wind down US-led operations against the Islamic State; Iraq also calls on Iran-backed militias to disarm, though they’re unlikely to do so

August 14, 2026 — ‘Just like before Oct. 7’: Gaza border surveillance troops say they’re seeing terror activity. Kushner and Mladenov to visit Israel next week to lean on Netanyahu to restore halt on strikes, adhere to humanitarian commitments, in bid to advance Hamas disarmament, source says

August 14, 2026 — Rare glimpse inside Iran: The plan to topple the regime without Israeli help. The regime in Tehran is trying to convince the world that it emerged from the war stronger than ever, but testimony from inside Iran paints a different picture.