Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) spokesman said Trump's claim that the US held secret backchannel talks with IRGC officials about war is "a delusion born of failure".

On Aug. 17 China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a routine briefing that Jordan’s King Abdullah II will make his ninth visit to China since ascending the throne. The king will hold talks with President Xi Jinping, meet Premier Li Qiang and NPC chair Zhao Leji, and will visit Shanghai and Shenzhen. China said it seeks to use the visit to advance the China‑Jordan strategic partnership and contribute to regional peace, stability and development.

Fox News reported Trump said he is "not in a hurry" on Iran and claimed there are secret communication channels with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). He warned the United States would bomb Oman if it interferes with US operations. He also said he may support a candidate in Israel's election.