US President Donald Trump met with 16-year-old Ryahder Williams, a lifeguard who rescued a 10-year-old boy from drowning at Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz in July. Trump praised Williams for his prominent actions, calling the rescue “incredible.” The incident, captured on video, went viral and was viewed by millions of people. “Lo que hiciste fue increíble y todo el mundo lo vio,” Trump said to Williams in the Oval Office. The young lifeguard expressed his desire to become a firefighter and wants more people to understand the dangers of rip currents and ocean waves.

Trump Warns of Bombing Oman

Amid the meeting with the lifeguard, Trump escalated tensions in the Middle East by threatening to bomb the Sultanate of Oman. According to the Kurier, Trump told Fox News, “Wenn der Oman uns in die Quere kommt, werden wir sie in Grund und Boden bombardieren”—translating to, “If Oman comes in our way, we will bomb them to the ground.” The statement came after a failed agreement between the United States and Iran, which had expired after 60 days. No agreement was reached on issues such as a ceasefire, free shipping in the Strait of Hormus, or a resolution to the Iranian nuclear program.

The Watson reported that the agreement between Teheran and Washington required Oman and Iran to jointly find a solution for shipping through the Strait of Hormus, in coordination with neighboring countries and in accordance with international law. Despite constructive talks, no solution has been announced. Oman, often referred to as the “Switzerland of the Middle East” for its role as a mediator, has not taken sides in the conflict. Trump, however, said he is not under pressure and told Iran to “raise the white flag” in the face of increasing pressure.

Middle East Tensions and International Reactions

The Strait of Hormus remains a flashpoint for regional tensions. A ship in the strait was recently struck by a projectile, causing oil prices to rise. The United Nations also weighed in on the crisis. UN Secretary-General António Guterres, through his spokesperson, stated that “there is no military solution to this conflict” and urged both the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States to resume negotiations and “moderate the rhetoric we have heard in recent days.”

In Israel, peace remains elusive. Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stated that Israel is blocking a Gaza ceasefire and is willing to kill “30-40 people per night.” Israel also plans to continue its attacks in Lebanon without withdrawing troops. According to the Kurier, Israel has been described as having a policy of “Das sind keine Menschen”—translated from the German as “These are not people.”

Domestic and Regional Fallout

Trump’s comments on Oman have sparked resistance in the US Congress. Also, the Iranian government reportedly considered shooting down Trump’s luxury Boeing 747, according to the Kurier. The situation has led to increased regional uncertainty, with Iran threatening to escalate tensions in the Strait of Hormus and the broader region if the US does not fully implement the preliminary peace agreement.

Ryder Williams, the lifeguard, received a major civilian award from Trump and expressed gratitude for the support of his fellow lifeguards, who perform such rescues daily. He said, “Este es mi trabajo y amo lo que hago.” The child he rescued, Nathaniel Rai, will turn 11 years old on Tuesday.