August 18, 2026

The American Conservative Morning Briefing · Aug 18, 2026 · 4m

Good morning! Today is Tuesday, August 18th 2026, and this is The American Conservative's Morning Brief. The 60-day U.S.–Iran memorandum of understanding expired Monday with Tehran denying any extension, as Iran hardens its demands to include war reparations, sanctions relief, and a full American military withdrawal from the region. On day 171 of the Iran War, President Trump threatened to bomb Oman if it "gets in the way" of a deal, even as Vice President Vance stressed cheap gasoline as the administration's top priority and Brent crude closed above $89 a barrel. Allum Bokhari argues…