For any president, accusing another country of an act of war presents a challenge to overcome skepticism at home and abroad. For a president known for falsehoods and bombast, it is far more daunting.
In his first public comments since two ships were damaged by explosions, the president said “Iran did do it” and warned Tehran against closing the Strait of Hormuz.
The president appeared to backtrack on comments earlier in the week when he said he would not necessarily call the F.B.I. if Russia or another hostile power offered damaging information about a rival.
A previously unreleased design concept made by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in late 2016 reveals what a Harriet Tubman $20 bill might look like.
The president has said Tehran will suffer if American interests are threatened. But he has been vague about what his response might be, and the administration is divided.
The president said it was no different than meeting with the queen of England, but Republicans joined Democrats in condemning his willingness to collaborate with a hostile foreign power.