Here are Press TV's latest top stories at 2:00 GMT on August 17, 2026.

Political analysts Tony Gosling and John Bosnitch argue that the US has lost its war with Iran and is seeking an exit, while Iran remains determined to defend its sovereignty and control of the Strait of Hormuz.

MIT Professor Ted Postol examines how advances in Iran's missile technology are reshaping the military balance in West Asia.

Sa'd Nimr argues that Iran will not surrender, despite US military pressure, contending that the American aggression has failed and predicting Washington will ultimately return to negotiations.

Journalist Mohsin Abbas argues that future US military aggression against Iran is unlikely to be sustainable due to strategic, logistical, and political constraints.

Here is an interview on escalating West Asia tensions, arguing that US and Israeli actions have fueled regional instability, while portraying Yemen's Ansarullah movement as resilient against US and Saudi military pressure.

Sa'd Nimr argues that fears of regional retaliation, economic disruption, and devastating consequences for the Israeli regime and US interests make a wider war with Iran unlikely.