Sina Toossi
@sinatoossi.bsky.social
senior fellow at the @CIPolicy.bsky.social | write a lot about Iran, US foreign policy, Middle East | bylines Foreign Affairs, Foreign Policy, the Guardian & elsewhere | check out my substack: sinabeyondborders.com
The fact that the NYT even entertains such an outlandish, agenda-driven accusation isn’t just bad journalism.
It’s how establishment outlets police the boundaries of “acceptable” debate and manufacture controversy over positions & people they want to keep on the margins.
It’s how establishment outlets police the boundaries of “acceptable” debate and manufacture controversy over positions & people they want to keep on the margins.
November 10, 2025 at 4:01 PM
The fact that the NYT even entertains such an outlandish, agenda-driven accusation isn’t just bad journalism.
It’s how establishment outlets police the boundaries of “acceptable” debate and manufacture controversy over positions & people they want to keep on the margins.
It’s how establishment outlets police the boundaries of “acceptable” debate and manufacture controversy over positions & people they want to keep on the margins.
15/ Video of Trump's further remarks on Iran today: We have a very big meeting with them on Saturday. We’re dealing with them directly, not through surrogates. Maybe a deal will be made. It’ll be really great for Iran. We are meeting on Saturday at almost the highest level.
April 7, 2025 at 10:22 PM
15/ Video of Trump's further remarks on Iran today: We have a very big meeting with them on Saturday. We’re dealing with them directly, not through surrogates. Maybe a deal will be made. It’ll be really great for Iran. We are meeting on Saturday at almost the highest level.
🧵In a striking moment at the White House today, Trump told reporters that direct talks with Iran have begun—and will continue this Saturday.
The implications could be huge.
Here's why this matters and what could really be happening behind the scenes.
>>>
The implications could be huge.
Here's why this matters and what could really be happening behind the scenes.
>>>
April 7, 2025 at 10:08 PM
🧵In a striking moment at the White House today, Trump told reporters that direct talks with Iran have begun—and will continue this Saturday.
The implications could be huge.
Here's why this matters and what could really be happening behind the scenes.
>>>
The implications could be huge.
Here's why this matters and what could really be happening behind the scenes.
>>>
“Forgive me, mother. I chose a path that was helping people.”
He was a medic. Shot in the head by Israeli forces while saving lives. Buried in a mass grave.
Israel tried to cover it up. But video found on his body proves the truth.
Another atrocity in a genocidal war.
He was a medic. Shot in the head by Israeli forces while saving lives. Buried in a mass grave.
Israel tried to cover it up. But video found on his body proves the truth.
Another atrocity in a genocidal war.
April 5, 2025 at 7:27 PM
“Forgive me, mother. I chose a path that was helping people.”
He was a medic. Shot in the head by Israeli forces while saving lives. Buried in a mass grave.
Israel tried to cover it up. But video found on his body proves the truth.
Another atrocity in a genocidal war.
He was a medic. Shot in the head by Israeli forces while saving lives. Buried in a mass grave.
Israel tried to cover it up. But video found on his body proves the truth.
Another atrocity in a genocidal war.
Trump has reportedly fired several NSC staffers for being too hawkish.
Could Waltz be next? His call for a Libya-style dismantlement of Iran’s nuclear program isn’t a path to a deal, it's a formula for making war inevitable.
Could Waltz be next? His call for a Libya-style dismantlement of Iran’s nuclear program isn’t a path to a deal, it's a formula for making war inevitable.
April 3, 2025 at 4:35 PM
Trump has reportedly fired several NSC staffers for being too hawkish.
Could Waltz be next? His call for a Libya-style dismantlement of Iran’s nuclear program isn’t a path to a deal, it's a formula for making war inevitable.
Could Waltz be next? His call for a Libya-style dismantlement of Iran’s nuclear program isn’t a path to a deal, it's a formula for making war inevitable.
Iran is unlikely to accept the same strict terms of the 2015 nuclear deal. But as the piece notes, a new deal should as a priority see Iran eliminate its 60%+ enriched uranium stockpile, in exchange for US sanctions relief and opening the door for investment in Iran.
March 24, 2025 at 6:06 PM
Iran is unlikely to accept the same strict terms of the 2015 nuclear deal. But as the piece notes, a new deal should as a priority see Iran eliminate its 60%+ enriched uranium stockpile, in exchange for US sanctions relief and opening the door for investment in Iran.
Bernie Sanders and AOC are drawing massive crowds across the country with their #FightTheOligarchy tour.
The energy is real. The message is clear.
Most Americans want bold change, yet Democratic party leaders keep missing the moment, just like they did in 2016, 2020, and 2024.
The energy is real. The message is clear.
Most Americans want bold change, yet Democratic party leaders keep missing the moment, just like they did in 2016, 2020, and 2024.
March 22, 2025 at 7:01 PM
Bernie Sanders and AOC are drawing massive crowds across the country with their #FightTheOligarchy tour.
The energy is real. The message is clear.
Most Americans want bold change, yet Democratic party leaders keep missing the moment, just like they did in 2016, 2020, and 2024.
The energy is real. The message is clear.
Most Americans want bold change, yet Democratic party leaders keep missing the moment, just like they did in 2016, 2020, and 2024.
In one day last week, Israel killed over 200 children in Gaza, the "largest child massacre in its history."
In the past 18 months, Israel has killed over 14,500 children.
This isn’t ancient barbarism. It's happening now, in plain sight, with the full backing of the US & Europe.
In the past 18 months, Israel has killed over 14,500 children.
This isn’t ancient barbarism. It's happening now, in plain sight, with the full backing of the US & Europe.
March 22, 2025 at 6:04 PM
In one day last week, Israel killed over 200 children in Gaza, the "largest child massacre in its history."
In the past 18 months, Israel has killed over 14,500 children.
This isn’t ancient barbarism. It's happening now, in plain sight, with the full backing of the US & Europe.
In the past 18 months, Israel has killed over 14,500 children.
This isn’t ancient barbarism. It's happening now, in plain sight, with the full backing of the US & Europe.
7/ Meanwhile, earlier this week, UAE National Security Advisor Tahnoun bin Zayed visited DC.
Some speculate he was carrying Iran’s response to Trump’s letter but this remains unconfirmed.
Some speculate he was carrying Iran’s response to Trump’s letter but this remains unconfirmed.
March 21, 2025 at 6:39 PM
7/ Meanwhile, earlier this week, UAE National Security Advisor Tahnoun bin Zayed visited DC.
Some speculate he was carrying Iran’s response to Trump’s letter but this remains unconfirmed.
Some speculate he was carrying Iran’s response to Trump’s letter but this remains unconfirmed.
6/ Khamenei was more direct today:
-“Americans should know... they will never get anywhere through threats.”
-Iran will have tit-for-tat response to threats
This is consistent with his posture going back decades:
-Pressure met with pressure
-Concessions met with concessions
-“Americans should know... they will never get anywhere through threats.”
-Iran will have tit-for-tat response to threats
This is consistent with his posture going back decades:
-Pressure met with pressure
-Concessions met with concessions
March 21, 2025 at 6:38 PM
6/ Khamenei was more direct today:
-“Americans should know... they will never get anywhere through threats.”
-Iran will have tit-for-tat response to threats
This is consistent with his posture going back decades:
-Pressure met with pressure
-Concessions met with concessions
-“Americans should know... they will never get anywhere through threats.”
-Iran will have tit-for-tat response to threats
This is consistent with his posture going back decades:
-Pressure met with pressure
-Concessions met with concessions
4/Iran broke its official silence on the content of Trump's through Foreign Minsiter Abbas Araghchi.
In a Nowruz (New Year) interview, he said: "Trump’s letter is more of a threat, but he claims there are also opportunities. We’ll consider both."
In a Nowruz (New Year) interview, he said: "Trump’s letter is more of a threat, but he claims there are also opportunities. We’ll consider both."
March 21, 2025 at 6:37 PM
4/Iran broke its official silence on the content of Trump's through Foreign Minsiter Abbas Araghchi.
In a Nowruz (New Year) interview, he said: "Trump’s letter is more of a threat, but he claims there are also opportunities. We’ll consider both."
In a Nowruz (New Year) interview, he said: "Trump’s letter is more of a threat, but he claims there are also opportunities. We’ll consider both."
2/ According to Abdulkhaleq Abdulla, an academic close to the Emirati government, Trump’s letter to Iran outlines maximalist demands:
– Dismantle Iran’s entire nuclear program
– Zero uranium enrichment
– End support for groups like Hezbollah & Houthis
– Withdraw from Iraq/Syria
– Dismantle Iran’s entire nuclear program
– Zero uranium enrichment
– End support for groups like Hezbollah & Houthis
– Withdraw from Iraq/Syria
March 21, 2025 at 6:36 PM
2/ According to Abdulkhaleq Abdulla, an academic close to the Emirati government, Trump’s letter to Iran outlines maximalist demands:
– Dismantle Iran’s entire nuclear program
– Zero uranium enrichment
– End support for groups like Hezbollah & Houthis
– Withdraw from Iraq/Syria
– Dismantle Iran’s entire nuclear program
– Zero uranium enrichment
– End support for groups like Hezbollah & Houthis
– Withdraw from Iraq/Syria
🚨Where do things stand between the US & Iran right now?
Donald Trump recently sent a letter to Iran—via the UAE—asking for negotiations.
But if the contents are as reported, we may be headed for a major collision course.
Here's a breakdown >>>🧵
Donald Trump recently sent a letter to Iran—via the UAE—asking for negotiations.
But if the contents are as reported, we may be headed for a major collision course.
Here's a breakdown >>>🧵
March 21, 2025 at 6:36 PM
🚨Where do things stand between the US & Iran right now?
Donald Trump recently sent a letter to Iran—via the UAE—asking for negotiations.
But if the contents are as reported, we may be headed for a major collision course.
Here's a breakdown >>>🧵
Donald Trump recently sent a letter to Iran—via the UAE—asking for negotiations.
But if the contents are as reported, we may be headed for a major collision course.
Here's a breakdown >>>🧵
Happy #Nowruz! Today marks the arrival of spring and the ancient Persian New Year, celebrated for millennia across Iran, the Middle East, the Caucasus, and Central Asia.
May this new year bring everyone renewal, joy, and peace.
عید همگی مبارک🌺
May this new year bring everyone renewal, joy, and peace.
عید همگی مبارک🌺
March 20, 2025 at 4:10 PM
Happy #Nowruz! Today marks the arrival of spring and the ancient Persian New Year, celebrated for millennia across Iran, the Middle East, the Caucasus, and Central Asia.
May this new year bring everyone renewal, joy, and peace.
عید همگی مبارک🌺
May this new year bring everyone renewal, joy, and peace.
عید همگی مبارک🌺
The thing about taking political prisoners is that you often inadvertently forge leaders for a movement.
Mahmoud Khalil’s letter is a testament to that. It echoes the defiant words of MLK from jail, of Iranian prisoners who turned their cells into podiums. And countless others.
Mahmoud Khalil’s letter is a testament to that. It echoes the defiant words of MLK from jail, of Iranian prisoners who turned their cells into podiums. And countless others.
March 19, 2025 at 1:10 PM
The thing about taking political prisoners is that you often inadvertently forge leaders for a movement.
Mahmoud Khalil’s letter is a testament to that. It echoes the defiant words of MLK from jail, of Iranian prisoners who turned their cells into podiums. And countless others.
Mahmoud Khalil’s letter is a testament to that. It echoes the defiant words of MLK from jail, of Iranian prisoners who turned their cells into podiums. And countless others.
🧵The slaughter of hundreds of innocent children, women, and civilians in Gaza was the price for the fanatical Ben-Gvir’s return to Netanyahu’s government.
A desperate bid to keep his grip on power and push through a budget before the end of March.
>>>
A desperate bid to keep his grip on power and push through a budget before the end of March.
>>>
March 18, 2025 at 3:33 PM
🧵The slaughter of hundreds of innocent children, women, and civilians in Gaza was the price for the fanatical Ben-Gvir’s return to Netanyahu’s government.
A desperate bid to keep his grip on power and push through a budget before the end of March.
>>>
A desperate bid to keep his grip on power and push through a budget before the end of March.
>>>
Israel’s Maariv newspaper: “While the public is exhausted by war, Netanyahu is quietly building a dictatorship.”
So in America will we be allowed to quote Israelis criticizing their own government, or will that be repressed too?
www.maariv.co.il/journalists/...
So in America will we be allowed to quote Israelis criticizing their own government, or will that be repressed too?
www.maariv.co.il/journalists/...
March 17, 2025 at 7:41 PM
Israel’s Maariv newspaper: “While the public is exhausted by war, Netanyahu is quietly building a dictatorship.”
So in America will we be allowed to quote Israelis criticizing their own government, or will that be repressed too?
www.maariv.co.il/journalists/...
So in America will we be allowed to quote Israelis criticizing their own government, or will that be repressed too?
www.maariv.co.il/journalists/...
Trump promised peace but is now enabling Israel’s ceasefire violations & risking a bigger war.
The Houthis say their attacks are a response to Israel blocking aid to Gaza.
Bombing Yemen won’t solve this, only real diplomacy will. That’s what Trump ran on, not endless war.
The Houthis say their attacks are a response to Israel blocking aid to Gaza.
Bombing Yemen won’t solve this, only real diplomacy will. That’s what Trump ran on, not endless war.
March 17, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Trump promised peace but is now enabling Israel’s ceasefire violations & risking a bigger war.
The Houthis say their attacks are a response to Israel blocking aid to Gaza.
Bombing Yemen won’t solve this, only real diplomacy will. That’s what Trump ran on, not endless war.
The Houthis say their attacks are a response to Israel blocking aid to Gaza.
Bombing Yemen won’t solve this, only real diplomacy will. That’s what Trump ran on, not endless war.
4/ While their statement urged lifting unilateral sanctions and rejected the threat of force, it also emphasized respect for the NPT and Iran ensuring its nuclear program remains peaceful—a reminder that Russia and China still oppose Iran weaponizing.
March 14, 2025 at 6:35 PM
4/ While their statement urged lifting unilateral sanctions and rejected the threat of force, it also emphasized respect for the NPT and Iran ensuring its nuclear program remains peaceful—a reminder that Russia and China still oppose Iran weaponizing.
🧵The Iran-China-Russia meeting in Beijing shows the Iran nuclear crisis isn’t what it was a decade ago.
If the E3 trigger snapback, they risk not just weak US coordination but undermining the entire UN system.
A smarter path: serious diplomacy now.
>>>
If the E3 trigger snapback, they risk not just weak US coordination but undermining the entire UN system.
A smarter path: serious diplomacy now.
>>>
March 14, 2025 at 6:32 PM
🧵The Iran-China-Russia meeting in Beijing shows the Iran nuclear crisis isn’t what it was a decade ago.
If the E3 trigger snapback, they risk not just weak US coordination but undermining the entire UN system.
A smarter path: serious diplomacy now.
>>>
If the E3 trigger snapback, they risk not just weak US coordination but undermining the entire UN system.
A smarter path: serious diplomacy now.
>>>
8/ Incredibly, the report talks about a years-long war while claiming in the previous sentence: “The opportunity may now outweigh risk when it comes to preventive action.”
So which is it—low risk, or an endless war?
So which is it—low risk, or an endless war?
March 13, 2025 at 6:53 PM
8/ Incredibly, the report talks about a years-long war while claiming in the previous sentence: “The opportunity may now outweigh risk when it comes to preventive action.”
So which is it—low risk, or an endless war?
So which is it—low risk, or an endless war?
7/ To be fair, the author acknowledges the US would need to commit to years-long strikes: “If prevention is to be a sustainable strategy, however, the cost-benefit calculus must continue to favor military & covert action in the months and years to come.”
March 13, 2025 at 6:53 PM
7/ To be fair, the author acknowledges the US would need to commit to years-long strikes: “If prevention is to be a sustainable strategy, however, the cost-benefit calculus must continue to favor military & covert action in the months and years to come.”
5/ WINEP claims Israel “eviscerated” Hezbollah. Reality check: Hezbollah was still striking Tel Aviv days before the ceasefire.
The idea that Iran is an "easy" target now ignores the harsh realities of Israel’s recent wars.
I broke this down here: internationalpolicy.org/publications...
The idea that Iran is an "easy" target now ignores the harsh realities of Israel’s recent wars.
I broke this down here: internationalpolicy.org/publications...
March 13, 2025 at 6:52 PM
5/ WINEP claims Israel “eviscerated” Hezbollah. Reality check: Hezbollah was still striking Tel Aviv days before the ceasefire.
The idea that Iran is an "easy" target now ignores the harsh realities of Israel’s recent wars.
I broke this down here: internationalpolicy.org/publications...
The idea that Iran is an "easy" target now ignores the harsh realities of Israel’s recent wars.
I broke this down here: internationalpolicy.org/publications...
4/ The author is explicit: Bombing Iran means an "open-ended, multiyear campaign" to degrade its nuclear program and "contain a diminished Iran."
Translation: another endless war in the Middle East.
Have we learned nothing from the last 20 years?
Translation: another endless war in the Middle East.
Have we learned nothing from the last 20 years?
March 13, 2025 at 6:51 PM
4/ The author is explicit: Bombing Iran means an "open-ended, multiyear campaign" to degrade its nuclear program and "contain a diminished Iran."
Translation: another endless war in the Middle East.
Have we learned nothing from the last 20 years?
Translation: another endless war in the Middle East.
Have we learned nothing from the last 20 years?
3/ Then comes a major contradiction: The report admits Iran's strategic posture is centered on managing risk & avoiding escalation & a broad conflict.
Given this, how would bombing Iran—an act that would guarantee a broader conflict—serve US interests?
Given this, how would bombing Iran—an act that would guarantee a broader conflict—serve US interests?
March 13, 2025 at 6:51 PM
3/ Then comes a major contradiction: The report admits Iran's strategic posture is centered on managing risk & avoiding escalation & a broad conflict.
Given this, how would bombing Iran—an act that would guarantee a broader conflict—serve US interests?
Given this, how would bombing Iran—an act that would guarantee a broader conflict—serve US interests?