First Thing: Trump threatens to ‘blow up’ US ally Oman if it does not ‘behave’ over strait of Hormuz

Key Points:

• During a cabinet meeting, Donald Trump threatened to “blow up” Oman if it did not “behave” regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, amid reports of Iran and Oman discussing toll charges for ships passing through the strategic waterway.
• Israel has ordered residents in southern Lebanon to evacuate as it escalates military operations against Hezbollah, following over 120 airstrikes and resulting in significant casualties and displacement in the region.
• The UN’s World Meteorological Organization warns that a record-breaking hot year is nearly certain by 2030 due to the intensifying climate crisis, with an 86% chance that a year between 2026 and 2030 will surpass 2024 as the hottest on record.
• WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has called for an immediate ceasefire in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo to address the Ebola outbreak, which has seen over 1,000 suspected cases and 246 deaths amid ongoing conflict.
• Additional news includes Jill Biden expressing concern over Joe Biden’s health during the 2024 presidential debate, the rescue of five people from a flooded cave in Laos, Hungary’s decision to remain in the International Criminal Court, and rising interest in “balcony solar” technology in the US to combat increasing energy costs.