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On August 15, according to CCTV International News, Israel will hold parliamentary elections in October this year. Recent polls released by several Israeli media outlets show that Prime Minister Netanyahu's approval ratings are low. So far, U.S. President Trump has not expressed clear support for Netanyahu in the Israeli elections. Reports also indicate that several of Netanyahu's competitors are concerned that Trump may support the incumbent Prime Minister. Sources revealed that they conveyed messages to Trump and his aides through intermediaries, urging Trump to remain neutral. A former U.S. official familiar with the situation stated that Netanyahu's poor performance in the polls has dissuaded Trump from intervening in the matter.

On August 15, the conflict between the U.S. and Iran continues to escalate, with oil transportation through the Hormuz Strait still at a standstill. Iran stated that it will not restore navigation in the Strait unless the U.S. accepts the 'reality of failure' and stops its pressure. U.S. President Trump claimed that the public needs to accept higher gasoline prices as the cost of curbing Iran's nuclear program. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Gharib Abadi stated that the opening and closing of the Hormuz Strait will be determined by Iran. He mentioned that as long as the U.S. 'does not accept failure and continues to fantasize,' Iran will continue to impose restrictions on Strait shipping. According to Reuters, before the conflict, the Hormuz Strait accounted for about one-fifth of the world's oil supply, but the volume of tankers has significantly decreased. Data from ship tracking agency Kpler shows that only two vessels passed through the Strait on Friday, with no records of crude oil transportation, far below the pre-conflict level of over 130 vessels per day. Trump stated at a political rally in New York that the rise in U.S. gasoline prices is the price to pay to prevent 'evil nations' from acquiring nuclear weapons. He said American consumers need to accept 'slightly higher' gas prices. Data from the American Automobile Association (AAA) indicates that the average gasoline price in the U.S. has risen to about $4.08 per gallon, a 29% increase year-on-year. International oil prices have also been affected, with Brent crude futures rising about 6% this week and WTI crude futures increasing about 5.4%. Meanwhile, Iran's economy is also under pressure. Iranian President Raisi stated that U.S. port blockades and sanctions on Iranian oil exports have exacerbated domestic inflationary pressures. Currently, there has been no resumption of peace negotiations between the U.S. and Iran. U.S. Treasury Secretary Mnuchin announced that more economic measures against Iran will be revealed next week. At the same time, Iranian-backed Houthi forces have launched a new round of attacks in Yemen, raising concerns about further escalation of regional conflicts.

On August 15, U.S. President Trump confirmed on the 14th that the USS Lincoln aircraft carrier, which has faced scrutiny over living conditions and crew mental health due to its long deployment in the Middle East, will be replaced. Trump stated to the media at Andrews Joint Base in Maryland that the USS Lincoln is 'currently or soon will be' departing and will be 'replaced by another very similar ship.' According to U.S. reports on the 13th, the USS George Washington is being prepared to be sent to the Middle East to take over from the USS Lincoln. When asked about increasing concerns among the families of service members regarding the safety of the crew, Trump responded, 'No, they are not.' He also mentioned that the USS Lincoln's nearly nine-month deployment is 'far from enough.' (CCTV News)