Tensions Overseas and Tensions at Home - “The Sunday Political Brunch” - May 17, 2026

With the ongoing war in Iran in a tenuous ceasefire, there were also international tensions with China. That aside, there are more political battles at home as the midterm elections get closer. Let’s “brunch” on all that and more this week:

“Iran War Update” – It’s not what most people want to hear. This past week, President Donald Trump said the fragile U.S. ceasefire with Iran is on “life support.” Trump said of the latest peace proposal from Iran, “I would call it the weakest right now after reading that piece of garbage they sent us. I didn’t even finish reading it.” Various sources indicate the U.S. wants Iran to completely reopen the Strait of Hormuz and to surrender any enriched uranium it has. But Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said, “The American side still insists on its one-sided views and unreasonable demands.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated that the military conflict could resume, but has given no timeline.

“Trump vs. Congress on Iran”