Barbara Slavin

Some of the Iran-linked oil / refined products tankers that attempted to cross the Strait of Hormuz have either stopped or performed U-turns. The blockade, so far, appears effective. Remember, the vessels are not stopped in the middle of the strait, but on the approaches.

BREAKING: Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov says Russia has repeated an offer to accept Iran’s enriched uranium as part of a potential agreement with the US. 🔴 LIVE updates: aje.news/ytriqs

Saudi Arabia is voicing a broader international concern that U.S. blockade is a dangerous escalation. It further closes all trade in the Persian Gulf, could lead to more violent conflict there but also lead to disruption of trade in the Red Sea. It could bring the global economy to its knees before it does Iran, especially since Trump is still asking for surrender rather than a deal.

WSJ: Saudi Arabia is pressing the U.S. to drop its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and return to the negotiating table, fearing President Trump’s move to close it off could lead Iran to escalate and disrupt other important shipping routes, Arab officials said.

My latest analysis, published by Stimson Center, explores Turkey’s emerging role as a mediator in the US–Israel–Iran conflict. stimson.org/2026/turkey-al… @StimsonCenter @barbaraslavin1

So in the best case, this article argues, maybe a blockade creates an economic crisis inside Iran within six months. Who is seriously considering this option? economist.com/middle-east-an…

To prevent Iran from selling oil, Trump has blockaded the blockade — but not waived the sanctions waiver. 🤦🏼‍♀️ So $1 billion of Iranian oil, at sea BEYOND the Strait, is available for sanctions-free purchase, per @BrettErickson28 to Washington Post. Total strategic incoherence.👇

@rmslim Which was not very strong to begin with

Stupid statements like these by #Hezbollah officials before start of negotiations weaken #LB’s negotiating position.

@EmmaMAshford If the Iranians offered 5 years of no enrichment that’s better than the Jcpoa.

@mxsgl @NicoleGrajewski There aren’t any.

@NicoleGrajewski @barbaraslavin1 You’re saying Barbara defended the regime’s violence against its people? On multiple occasions? Are you sure? Because that is quite an accusation. Do you have any examples?

Two things can be true at once: the Islamic Republic is a brutal, repressive regime likely to become worse, and this war accomplished precisely none of its objectives. But there is no room for shills on either side.

"Iran is said to have offered to suspend uranium enrichment for five years; the U.S. is insisting on a 20-year ban."

one reason #Turkey wants an end #IranWar‌ 'every $1 rise in the price of a barrel of oil adds roughly $400 million to Turkey’s annual energy bill.' read @_burakcancelik @StimsonCenter stimson.org/2026/turkey-al…

never say never #IranWar peace talks @StimsonCenter @BBCAMERICA

Together with my committed team, I have reopened today the Spanish Embassy in Tehran in order to join in efforts for peace from every possible quarter, following Minister @jmalbares instructions

A moratorium can be acceptable to Iran and the length can be negotiated. The principle of enrichment however is non-negotiable.

Officials are looking at potential dates and locations should ongoing talks with Iran and mediators in the region progress in the coming days, the source said, describing the discussions as preliminary. “We need to be prepared to stand something up quickly should things head in that direction,” the source said. Several locations for Saturday’s negotiations had been floated before all parties agreed on Islamabad, including Geneva, Vienna and Istanbul. Geneva and Islamabad are again on the table as potential options for another round, the source familiar said.

@SinaToossi Like invading Lebanon to decimate the PLO and getting Hezbollah in return.

Netanyahu’s statement is a case study in self-inflicted crises. The uranium stockpiles he wants gone didn’t exist under the 2015 deal he helped kill. The Hormuz crisis stems from the war he pushed for. They broke what was working & demand solutions to the problems they created.

@AmbJohnBolton What opposition? What leader?

The people of Iran are overwhelmingly against the regime in Tehran, but they’re disorganized and they need outside help. Trump made a mistake by not consulting with and aiding the Opposition before the U.S. attacked the regime. youtu.be/r1cmkwEhykg?si…

J Street position on aid to Israel: This moment demands a reset. The U.S. should end unconditional financial military subsidies to Israel and to move towards a relationship where we treat Israel like any other ally. J Street supports: (1) Phasing out taxpayer-funded military aid when the current agreement ends in 2028. (2) Ensuring Israel can defend itself, by selling – but not subsidizing with U.S. taxpayer dollars – the weapons it needs, including Iron Dome. (3) Enforcing U.S. law on how American arms are used, including withholding certain weapons when those laws are violated. Why now? The current U.S. aid agreement expires in 2028. This is the moment to chart a smarter path forward. At the same time, after the devastation in Gaza and ongoing suffering in the West Bank, it is clear that the status quo is no longer sustainable. Israel is strong, prosperous and capable of paying for its defense. Treating Israel as an exception and supplying it with a blank check worth billions has made support for the country more divisive and less sustainable. Simply put, the U.S. should treat Israel like any other partner. The normalization of this relationship doesn’t weaken the alliance – it strengthens it, protects democracy and secures long-term bipartisan support.