“WE DO NOT NEED THE HELP OF ANYONE!” This post by President Donald Trump is one of the many mixed messages sent from his Truth Social account this week. It contrasts with his earlier appeals for world leaders, including NATO countries such as Canada, to step up and help defend the critically important Strait of Hormuz.

As the war in the Middle East enters its third week, CBC’s Washington correspondents Willy Lowry, Paul Hunter and Katie Simpson take a look at Trump’s attempts at political peer pressure and how world leaders are responding to his ever-shifting demands.

As the U.S. war in the Middle East continues, gas prices are on the rise and American voters are paying attention. Affordability remains a key issue, and President Donald Trump’s decision to wage war on Iran is drawing criticism not only from Democrats, but from within his MAGA base.

As the November midterms approach, will the war overseas lead to a referendum on the Trump administration at home?

CBC’s Washington correspondents Paul Hunter, Willy Lowry and Katie Simpson unpack the economic cost of war on Iran — and ask whether Americans seem willing to pay.

Reactions to the U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran are mixed. Members of Congress are accusing President Donald Trump of starting an illegal war, questioning why he failed to seek congressional approval ahead of the strikes. Meanwhile, U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has said the military intervention will follow 'no stupid rules of engagement.' The operation has put U.S. allies in a tricky position. Many — including Canada — have said there is some validity in targeting Iranian nuclear sites. But how far does that support go?

With all eyes on the Middle East, CBC’s Washington correspondents Willy Lowry, Paul Hunter and Katie Simpson walk us through what has become yet another way Trump is testing his executive powers.