همشهری آنلاین
00:46
On August 17, 2026, Iranian media focused on Trump's claim of a direct backchannel with the IRGC, which the IRGC denied. State-aligned outlets dismissed the claim as delusion from US failure, while foreign Persian media reported both the claim and denial. The day also saw coverage of the drone attack on the KRG prime minister's office, with Iran denying involvement, and Trump's threat to bomb Oman if it obstructed US actions over the Strait of Hormuz. The shipping decline in the strait remained a concern, with reports of Saudi oil being offered near Oman and Yemeni attacks on Saudi Arabia. The US decision to reduce military exercises with South Korea was interpreted by some as punishment for non-participation in the war against Iran.