Tugboat Daily Brief - Iran-Israel Conflict - 2026-08-18
The expiration of the US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding has ended a sixty-day diplomatic window, prompting Tehran to shift to offensive operations and threaten the Strait of Hormuz. Markets are reacting with rising oil prices and a surge in gold as investors hedge against increased maritime disruptions and potential direct confrontation.
Key Developments
The expiration of the US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding has ended the sixty-day diplomatic window and hardened Washington’s rhetoric.
Iran has shifted from a defensive to an offensive posture, threatening the Strait of Hormuz while…
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