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Trump bets Gulf cash can end 47-year standoff with Iran

Monday, June 22, 2026 · from 5 podcasts, 9 episodes
  • The US is pledging Gulf state funds to rebuild Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, abandoning regime-change goals.
  • Israel sees the deal as an existential betrayal and vows to continue fighting Hezbollah.
  • Trump is publicly humiliating Netanyahu to reframe a military stalemate as a diplomatic win before midterms.

The United States is preparing to pay Iran to stop a war it cannot afford to keep fighting. A leaked memorandum of understanding, detailed across multiple reports, commits Washington to facilitating a $300 billion regional reconstruction fund and the immediate release of at least $24 billion in frozen Iranian assets. In return, Iran reopens the Strait of Hormuz - which it closed, causing the largest energy disruption in modern history - and promises not to pursue nuclear weapons. Tucker Carlson and Trita Parsi argued on The Tucker Carlson Show that this isn't diplomacy but a forced retreat, driven by depleted U.S. missile defense stocks and strategic oil reserves at a 43-year low.

"This isn't a diplomatic preference; it is a forced retreat. Carlson argues the US military has reached the limit of its industrial capacity."

- The Tucker Carlson Show

The deal collapses the core U.S.-Israeli strategy of the last decade. For months, President Trump demanded Iran's unconditional surrender. Now, as Jeremy Scahill reported on Breaking Points, the administration is returning to the pre-war status quo but with Iran stronger, having fought a superpower to a standstill. The shift has shattered Donald Trump's alliance with Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump now accuses the Israeli Prime Minister of "indiscriminately murdering" civilians and suggested Syria might handle Hezbollah better. Israeli polls show Trump's approval there has plummeted from +25 to -25.

Israel’s entire security doctrine is based on limitless American support. Parsi explained that this "military hegemony on crack" assumes the U.S. will always outgun every combination of Israel's rivals. The new deal, by resolving U.S.-Iran tensions, removes the justification for that massive American presence. Israeli leaders are in revolt; Defense Minister Yoav Gallant confirmed the military won't stop its campaign in Lebanon, and opposition leader Yair Lapid called the agreement Israel's "greatest strategic failure."

"Trump is calling it a win, but the terms look like a total reversal... Trump is basically paying them to stop fighting."

- Jeremy Scahill, Breaking Points

Washington is trying to spin a military retreat as a strategic pivot. Vice President JD Vance is selling the deal as a way for America to finally walk away from the Middle East's problems and focus on the domestic economy, as reported on Breaking Points. Behind the scenes, the threat of force remains. Senator Lindsey Graham, after a briefing with Trump, outlined a contingency plan on the No Agenda Show: if Iran violates the ceasefire, the U.S. will seize the Strait of Hormuz by force and charge transit tolls.

The immediate fuse is Lebanon. A fragile ceasefire is in place, but as Breaking Points host Ryan Grim noted, Israel insists it can still "confront threats," which likely means continued operations. Hardliners in Tehran are waiting for any Israeli provocation to justify restarting the war. The 60-day negotiation window for a final nuclear agreement gives Iran maximum leverage, with global oil inventories at rock bottom. The peace is a temporary holding pattern, bought with Gulf cash and reliant on a truce that neither side fully accepts.

Source Intelligence

- Deep dive into what was said in the episodes

No Agenda Show
No Agenda Show

Adam Curry

1879 - "Grace and Assurance"Jun 21

  • Adam Curry and John Dvorak analyze NPR and other clips reporting Iran's threat to close the Strait of Hormuz due to Israeli attacks in Lebanon, and U.S.-Iran ceasefire violations.
  • The hosts discuss President Trump and Vice President Vance using tough language against Israel, with Vance questioning Israel's strategy of killing to solve security problems.
  • Curry and Dvorak critique media commentary framing Trump as tired and isolated at the G7 summit, contrasting him with younger leaders like Macron.
  • Susan Rice argues the Iran MOU is a 'horrific surrender' granting Iran oil sales, frozen assets, and future tolls on the Strait of Hormuz, contrasting it with the Obama-era JCPOA.
  • Lindsey Graham outlines a Trump strategy: if diplomacy fails, the U.S. will seize the Strait of Hormuz, charge tolls, expand the Abraham Accords with Saudi Arabia in 2026, and strike Iran directly.
  • Dvorak speculates Netanyahu may prolong conflict to maintain political power as a wartime leader, comparing it to George Bush's use of terror alerts.
  • Tulsi Gabbard released documents on her final day as DNI alleging Fauci funded gain-of-function research at Wuhan, lied to Congress, and covered up wrongdoing.
  • Curry highlights a Washington Post hit piece on Gabbard published immediately after her departure, linking it to intelligence community protection of mRNA vaccine programs.
  • Robert Malone claims mRNA technology was a CIA program pushed by DARPA and In-Q-Tel, explaining why Gabbard's Fauci report faces suppression.
  • CNN reports over 150 flu cases at Joint Base San Antonio weeks after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ended mandatory flu vaccines, implying correlation.
  • Minority contractors claim the Obama Presidential Center owes them millions, with total costs ballooning from $300 million to over $850 million.
  • President Trump told Axios he sees no limits to his power and claims the Iran deal represents unconditional surrender.
  • CNN criticizes acting DNI Bill Pulte for requesting employee lists and asking about security details, with CIA veteran John Seifer calling him unserious.
Also from this episode: (6)

Culture (1)

  • Adam Curry notes Father's Day is celebrated on June 21st in 86 countries, but Catholic Europe observes it on March 19th and Germany ties it to Ascension.

War (1)

  • Rand Corporation analyst Scott Savitz estimates clearing mines in the Strait of Hormuz could take weeks or months, with full traffic resuming within weeks.

Business (1)

  • Adam Curry cites California's high fuel prices due to special fuel blends and refinery policies, noting Texas gasoline is around $4.20 while California is $2 more per gallon.

Health (1)

  • The Ebola outbreak in Congo has at least 900 cases and 250 deaths, with contact tracing at only 4,000 against a target of 33,000.

AI & Tech (2)

  • CNBC reports tech giants plan $750 billion in AI infrastructure spending this year, driving them to raise debt as free cash flow hits dot-com era lows.
  • Dvorak explains AI models like Claude can degrade if corrected; he advises resetting context entirely rather than pointing out errors.

1878 - "Dream Build Loop"Jun 18

  • John Dvorak argues UK's GDP per capita ranks lower than every U.S. state, citing Mississippi at $55k versus UK's $52k.
  • Dvorak says NPR blamed Elon Musk and Tommy Robinson for sparking UK riots, claiming NPR characterized a beheading video as a bystander clip.
  • Curry discusses UK PM Keir Starmer's proposed ban on social media for children under 16 under a digital ID system.
  • Curry plays audio stating Keir Starmer switched stance on Iran, now supporting a U.S.-led peace deal after UK defense resignations.
  • The hosts criticize media comparisons between Trump's Iran deal and Obama's JCPOA, stating Trump's MOU simply warns 'bomb you' if Iran violates.
  • Curry notes JD Vance defended Trump's Iran deal on CBS, contrasting it with Obama's JCPOA by claiming U.S. destroyed Iran's nuclear program.
  • Dvorak reports Iran demands sanctions relief, frozen funds release, and Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon as part of negotiations.
  • Curry claims Trump's deal includes Gulf states funding a $300 billion reconstruction fund for Iran.
  • The hosts discuss an LA voter fraud case where a signature gatherer paid homeless people $2-3 to register, using her address.
  • Dvorak cites claims of late mail-in ballots in LA disproportionately approved a sales tax increase from 9.75% to 10.25%.
  • Curry describes a DOJ indictment alleging an SPLC senior official dated a white supremacist informant and funneled over $1 million in donor funds into joint accounts.
  • Dvorak cites Bernie Sanders proposing a 5% annual dividend from a $7 trillion AI fund, starting at $1,000 per person.
Also from this episode: (8)

Culture (2)

  • Adam Curry notes FIFA tourists from Europe, Australia, and Japan are surprised by America's hospitality, size, and specific icons like yellow school buses and fire hydrants.
  • Curry mentions Byron Allen replaced Colbert's slot with 'Comics Unleashed' to save CBS $150-170 million annually.

Science (1)

  • Dvorak cites a study claiming San Andreas fault pressure is higher than in the last 1,000 years, warning of a potential 'big one'.

AI & Tech (2)

  • Dvorak notes Jeff Bezos coined 'dream-build loop' for AI, arguing it will create a labor shortage by enabling more invention.
  • Curry claims NVIDIA plans to raise $20 billion in debt despite strong profits.

Business (2)

  • Curry cites Fortune 500 data showing top GDP contributors are Walmart, Amazon, and United Health Group, not AI firms.
  • Dvorak cites a Pharma Reform Alliance ad stating Americans see nine pharma ads daily and drug makers spent $9 billion on DTC ads in 2025.

Education (1)

  • Dvorak reports a Colorado teacher was fired for requiring students to kiss in French skits; one student refused and received a zero.

6/19/26: Iran Deal on Brink of Collapse, Neocons Fuming at Trump, Hasan Piker Rally BannedJun 19

  • Ryan Grim reports the renewed ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, set to begin at 4 PM local time, does not require Israeli withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territory.
  • JD Vance argued Israel should stop attacking Trump, its only powerful global ally, and noted two-thirds of Israel's defensive weapons over the last three months were American-made and paid for by U.S. taxpayers.
  • Noga Tarnopolsky describes Israeli society as fractured and collapsing post-October 7th, with Netanyahu's government achieving a coup-like takeover of state power.
  • Tarnopolsky notes Netanyahu has not appeared publicly in days and hasn't issued pre-taped videos, suggesting he doesn't know how to respond to Trump's diplomatic shift.
  • Krystal highlights polling showing 82% of Jewish Israelis support forcible expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza and 61% support expelling Palestinian citizens from Israel, citing a Penn State University poll.
  • Saagar cites an N12 News poll finding 71% of Israelis distrust Trump to preserve Israel's interests in a final deal with Iran, with only 13% still trusting him.
  • Emily Jashinsky says Trump seeks 'ribbon-cutting' ceremonies for ceasefires to cement a public perception he ended wars, aiming for the PR benefit of being seen as the peacemaker.
  • Ryan Grim argues the IAEA verified Iran was compliant with the JCPOA until the U.S. unilaterally withdrew, then Trump twice killed Iranian negotiators during subsequent talks.
  • Krystal says Trump's logic for the ceasefire deal was influenced by oil executives warning of supply issues and market reactions, where peace caused market rises and war caused dips.
  • Ryan Grim notes Trump fears being remembered as a 'Hoover' or 'Carter' symbolizing weakness, which motivates him to avoid risky military ventures and seek legacy-building peace deals.
  • May Lot Kiros claims her opponent Diana DeGette signaled donors to levy racist attacks and accused Hasan Piker of antisemitism, which contributed to venues canceling their rally.
  • Julie Gonzales says John Hickenlooper has voted for ten different Trump Cabinet nominees, skipped six debates, and engages in centrist incrementalism disconnected from Colorado voters' economic rage.
  • Gonzales will not vote for Chuck Schumer as Democratic leader, citing his role in managing the party's descent rather than fighting fascism, and seeks a leader who ends corporate PAC money addiction.
Also from this episode: (2)

War (2)

  • Grim says Israel claims the ceasefire still permits them to destroy civilian infrastructure in southern Lebanon, aiming to make the area uninhabitable for returning displaced civilians.
  • Iran reportedly warned the U.S. it will attack Israel without warning if Israel continues its current behavior, moving away from demonstrative strike diplomacy.

6/17/26: Trump Lashes Out At Israel, Prof Pape On US Surrender, Israelis Hysterical Over DealJun 17

  • Robert Pape argues Trump's leaked Iran MoU surrenders to a stronger Iran, giving it $20-30B upfront and allowing Gulf investment, with a roadmap to regional hegemony and potential nuclear weapons.
  • Pape warns Iran enters a 60-day 'maximum leverage' period as global oil inventories bottom, letting it demand US troop withdrawal or re-close Hormuz if terms aren't met.
  • Trump publicly suggested Syria could handle Hezbollah better than Israel, sparking fury and a collapse of his approval in Israel from +25 to -25.
  • The leaked MoU includes a US pledge to ensure $300B in financing for Iran's economic development, unfreeze assets, and lift sanctions immediately.
  • Trump downplayed the uranium collapse at Fordow, calling it 'half a million' and not valuable, framing Iran's 'status quo' promise not to excavate as a win.
  • JD Vance and Lindsay Graham defend the deal by pointing to the 60-day nuclear negotiation window, arguing it sets Iran up to comply.
  • Netanyahu's pre-MoU attack on Beirut prompted the US to add a clause protecting Lebanon's territorial sovereignty, forcing Israeli troop withdrawal.
  • Iranian MP Ibrahim Azizi posted that the US came to the table on Iran's terms, warning any breach will face a 'crushing response.'
  • Pape's escalation trap model predicts Trump must either escalate further or withdraw US forces, accepting Iranian primacy - the only two end states.
  • Israeli politics now incentivize candidates to defy the US, breaking decades of 'loyalty to Washington' campaigns, as Netanyahu’s credibility collapses.
  • Israel's military capacity is depleted: it relies on US Navy interceptors, uses costly long-range strikes from Iraq due to refuel limits, and has double-digit missile stocks.

6/15/26: Trump Says Iran Deal Is Done, Jeremy Scahill On US Capitulation, Israelis Meltdown Over DealJun 15

  • Jeremy Scahill reports Trump faced imminent Iranian missile retaliation after Israel bombed Beirut, forcing last-minute concessions including a more rapid Strait of Hormuz reopening and a US pledge to compel Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon.
  • Iran's published deal terms require $24 billion in frozen assets released, $300 billion in reconstruction plans, full sanctions suspension, and removal of its missile program and support for resistance groups from the agenda.
  • Scahill notes the deal's provisional structure gives Iran leverage: if the US fails to enforce terms like a Lebanese ceasefire, Iran can halt the 60-day nuclear negotiation window.
  • Scahill describes Trump's deal as capitulation, returning to pre-war leverage points but with Iran stronger, and argues the final terms may be worse than Iran's pre-war February offers.
  • Scahill says Iranian officials anticipate another war with Israel, viewing the current deal as a phase, and believe the US-Israel strategy aims to decouple Hezbollah from Iran.
  • Israeli political opposition is unified: Yair Lapid calls the deal Israel's greatest strategic failure, and Bezalel Smotrich vows to continue a campaign to topple Iran in 'creative ways.'
  • Saagar cites Israeli Telegram comments framing the war as a loss and Iran teaching America a lesson, while US pundits like Mark Levin warn the deal emboldens Iran to attack Israel.
  • Lindsey Graham's statement positions JD Vance as the deal's architect, signaling future congressional scrutiny and potential criticism without directly attacking Trump.
  • Iran argues Gaza requires a separate diplomatic track and lacks the same leverage as Lebanon, where Hezbollah directly joined the warfront, dispelling the myth of Iran as Hamas's puppet master.
  • Scahill notes Israel has killed approximately 1,000 Palestinians in Gaza since the October ceasefire, exceeding the number of Israeli civilians killed on October 7th.

Did Iran Come Out on Top in the Peace Deal?Jun 19

  • David Sanger clarifies the 'deal' refers to a memorandum of understanding to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a process taking 30 days, with substantive issues like Iran's nuclear program negotiated later over 60 days.
  • David Sanger states Iran discovered immense economic leverage by closing the Strait of Hormuz, causing the largest energy supply disruption in modern history.
  • David Sanger details the June 2025 US bombing of three Iranian nuclear sites, including one in Isfahan containing 970 pounds of near-bomb-grade enriched uranium.
  • Tyler Pager describes Republican divisions, with Iran hawks like Lindsey Graham fearing a deal legitimizes Iranian nuclear capability, while others oppose the war's economic costs.
  • David Sanger argues the weekend military strikes targeted Iranian missile sites, drones, and mine-laying boats, a 'self-defense action' to remind Iran of US force during delicate negotiations.
  • Tyler Pager notes a Sunday White House briefing revealed no finalized deal, unclear disposal method for enriched uranium, and difficulty reaching Iran's supreme leader in hiding.
  • David Sanger contextualizes the conflict as a 47-year struggle, with Iran viewing Trump's 2.5-year term as a window to stall and preserve nuclear capability for the next administration.
  • Tyler Pager states Republicans fear gas prices exceeding $5 a gallon without a Strait reopening, a dangerous economic pressure point for the upcoming midterm elections.
  • David Sanger compares the potential Iran deal to the Gaza agreement, where initial easy terms were settled but hard issues like Hamas disarmament remain unresolved months later.
  • David Sanger notes President Trump's shifting objectives, from demanding Iran's unconditional surrender 11 weeks ago to now negotiating a return to the pre-war status quo.
  • Trump's Monday demand for universal adoption of the Abraham Accords complicated Arab-mediated Iran talks, as countries like Saudi Arabia and Egypt have no interest.
  • Ken Paxton won the Texas Republican Senate primary, defeating incumbent John Cornyn, after receiving Trump's endorsement despite Cornyn calling him an embarrassment.

Trump Puts Bibi in His Place & Neocon Heads Implode Over Peace in Iran. Tucker & Piers Morgan React.Jun 18

  • Tucker Carlson outlines a 14-point memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran, set for signing in Switzerland, which signals a major diplomatic reversal.
  • Carlson argues the agreement effectively ends the American military posture in the Persian Gulf, requiring the US to end its naval blockade of Iran and withdraw its warships within 30 days.
  • The memorandum grants Iran and Oman joint control over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a shift Carlson frames as a surrender of US power over a fifth of global oil and gas flows.
  • Carlson states the US will be involved in raising a $300 billion fund for Iran's reconstruction and economic development, a point leaked and confirmed by US officials.
  • The agreement commits the US to terminate all sanctions against Iran, including UN resolutions and unilateral measures, which Carlson notes have crushed Iran's economy for generations.
  • Carlson claims Iran reaffirms it will not procure nuclear weapons in the agreement, but argues the incentive to get them is overwhelming now that the country will be financially empowered.
  • Carlson says the US will issue waivers for Iran to export crude oil and resume banking transactions, ending a decades-long policy of economic isolation.
  • The memorandum requires the US to release Iran's frozen funds held since 1979, addressing a long-standing matter of national pride and economic need for Iran.
  • Carlson argues the agreement is a humiliating loss for the US, forced by two realities: depleted military stockpiles and drained oil reserves.
  • Carlson asserts Trump was misled by Netanyahu, who promised regime collapse in Iran after decapitation strikes, a plan that failed as the IRGC structure proved resilient.
  • Carlson cites polling showing a dramatic shift, with nearly two-thirds of Americans now holding a negative view of Israel - a lifetime record high for disapproval.
  • Piers Morgan argues Netanyahu's war-mongering is driven by personal political survival, using conflict to delay his criminal prosecution and maintain power.
  • Morgan and Carlson state Israel used the US-Iran war as a pretext to launch a separate campaign in Lebanon, aiming to seize land south of the Litani River.
  • Carlson claims Israel has murdered over 100 journalists in Gaza to suppress coverage and that the Palestinian death toll exceeds 100,000, with women and children as the majority.
  • Piers Morgan cites a new Israeli law creating a two-tier justice system where Palestinians deemed terrorists can be executed, while Israelis would not face the same penalty.

The Key Points of Trump’s Iran Peace Deal, Israel’s Nightmare Scenario and What to Expect NextJun 15

  • Trump’s emerging peace deal with Iran includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz, lifting the U.S. blockade, and a staged release of Iran’s own frozen funds via GCC intermediaries.
  • Iran had $120-150 billion frozen in international banks due to U.S. sanctions, a status since 2018. They seek an initial release of roughly 8-10% of this sum.
  • The 2015 Obama settlement of $1.7 billion to Iran was for undelivered military equipment purchased by the Shah in 1977, not frozen assets, necessitating a cash transfer due to banking sanctions.
  • A regional ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah is a prerequisite for the deal, requiring the U.S. to constrain Israel and Iran to constrain Hezbollah. Israeli attacks on Beirut were a deliberate sabotage attempt.
  • Trump misread Iran, believing they feared war more than surrender. The Iranian system fears capitulation far more, viewing surrender as the end of the Islamic Republic.
  • Iran’s refusal to engage Trump directly before the war reinforced his perception of their weakness, as Trump views direct negotiation as a sign of strength.
  • Iran employs ‘simulated irrationality’ as a deliberate policy to appear unpredictable, a strategy derived from their historical vulnerability to British manipulation in the 1800s.
  • Iran needs the deal for sanctions relief; their economy suffered $300 billion in war damage. Sanctions, like those on Iraq, destroy societal fabric by collapsing economic incentives.
  • Under Saddam Hussein, sanctions reduced Iraq’s economy to $16 billion total, causing a collapse in literacy and education, particularly for girls.
  • Israeli officials in 2004 expressed despair that younger generations no longer believed in peace, seeing perpetual warfare as the only normal state for Israel.
  • Israel’s security doctrine assumes all neighbors have intent to destroy it, so it focuses solely on capability, aiming for perpetual military hegemony sustained by limitless U.S. support.
  • Saudi Arabia shifted to diplomacy with Iran after Trump refused to intervene in 2019, proving that removing unconditional U.S. support can lead to regional stability.
  • Israeli fear of abandonment drives opposition to U.S.-Iran diplomacy; they believe American friendship with Iran would lead to U.S. withdrawal, leaving Israel isolated.
  • Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz is now based on missile and drone capability from its 1500km shoreline, not old mining tactics, making the threat permanent.
  • The Islamic Republic’s support base is only 15-20% of Iran’s population, but the war boosted their confidence, making the system temporarily stronger.
  • Israeli intelligence penetration of Iran was extensive pre-war, using flipped agents, but that capability vanished during the conflict, suggesting assets were expended or neutralized.
  • Three consecutive Mossad heads and Ehud Barak have stated Iran is not an existential threat to Israel, contradicting the public talking point used to mobilize U.S. action.
  • The Tom Cotton amendment mandates U.S. intelligence sharing with Israel, requiring presidential intervention to stop it, structurally embedding U.S. support despite waning public approval.
  • Think tanks in Washington operate with zero transparency on foreign government and weapons industry funding, corrupting policy advice without disclosure.
  • The Quincy Institute, co-founded by Trita Parsi and Andrew Bacevich, aims to bridge anti-war left and right traditions, challenging the neoliberal-neocon consensus on foreign policy.
Also from this episode: (1)

Middle East (1)

  • Post-war, the U.S. will likely not rebuild its 19 Middle Eastern bases; GCC states may buy more American weapons but not host bases, which served as attack magnets not deterrents.

🇮🇱 The Deal Has Been Signed — Israel Didn’t See This Coming | Simon Dixon on CapitalCosm w/ DannyJun 17

  • Simon Dixon argues the G7 meeting featured Trump criticizing Netanyahu over targeting civilians in Lebanon, framing it as a public shift in the US-Israel relationship.
  • Dixon contends a Memorandum of Understanding between the US, Iran, and Israel will be signed imminently, initiating a 60-day negotiation period focused on sanction relief and post-war reconstruction contracts.
  • He posits the core of the deal is sanction relief for Iran, which would bring two to four million barrels of Iranian oil back to market and fundamentally alter Israel's regional role by removing its primary adversary.
  • A $300 billion fund for regional reconstruction is central to Dixon's analysis. He believes it will finance contracts blending GCC, Chinese, and Western capital, not function as direct reparations.
  • Dixon interprets the conflict as a coordinated asset-stripping exercise by transnational capital, where Israel serves military interests and the US serves financial interests, both subordinate to greater powers.
Also from this episode: (5)

Business (1)

  • Dixon claims the SpaceX IPO's success was a critical liquidity event for markets, creating paper wealth for Elon Musk and setting a positive tone for subsequent AI company public offerings.

War (1)

  • He views the war's destruction as strategic, arguing blown-up infrastructure was targeted for rebuild under a new order, with China, Gulf states, and Western capital all competing for contracts.

Elections (1)

  • He predicts Israel will face regime change and be integrated into GCC-aligned structures, facilitating a Palestinian state and shifting from a war economy to a regional investment hub.

Inflation (1)

  • Dixon cites current US economic data of 4.2% inflation and 6% PPI as indicators the country is moving into a short-term inflation cycle.

Macro (1)

  • He notes the Bank of Japan's rate hike is decoupling from the yen carry trade, while the Bank of England remains stuck in stagflation, still recovering from supply chain issues linked to the Strait of Hormuz closure.