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: dissidentforeignpolicy.com
Reposted by Sina Toossi
Yes! Understand this, you’ll understand 99% more than many Iran “experts!”
“Eat grass before becoming a colony again.”
The Polish Foreign Minister's line echoes across the world, from Iran and Taiwan to Latin America and Palestine.
I wrote about the universal struggle to resist domination and the hard tradeoffs nations face 👇
The Polish Foreign Minister's line echoes across the world, from Iran and Taiwan to Latin America and Palestine.
I wrote about the universal struggle to resist domination and the hard tradeoffs nations face 👇
Why Some Countries Fight So Hard to Stay Independent
Poland’s foreign minister has remarked that his country would “eat grass” before ever becoming a Russian colony again.
www.dissidentforeignpolicy.com
November 13, 2025 at 4:49 PM
Yes! Understand this, you’ll understand 99% more than many Iran “experts!”
“Eat grass before becoming a colony again.”
The Polish Foreign Minister's line echoes across the world, from Iran and Taiwan to Latin America and Palestine.
I wrote about the universal struggle to resist domination and the hard tradeoffs nations face 👇
The Polish Foreign Minister's line echoes across the world, from Iran and Taiwan to Latin America and Palestine.
I wrote about the universal struggle to resist domination and the hard tradeoffs nations face 👇
Why Some Countries Fight So Hard to Stay Independent
Poland’s foreign minister has remarked that his country would “eat grass” before ever becoming a Russian colony again.
www.dissidentforeignpolicy.com
November 13, 2025 at 4:04 PM
“Eat grass before becoming a colony again.”
The Polish Foreign Minister's line echoes across the world, from Iran and Taiwan to Latin America and Palestine.
I wrote about the universal struggle to resist domination and the hard tradeoffs nations face 👇
The Polish Foreign Minister's line echoes across the world, from Iran and Taiwan to Latin America and Palestine.
I wrote about the universal struggle to resist domination and the hard tradeoffs nations face 👇
Reposted by Sina Toossi
The new Epstein emails are the most incriminating evidence to date on Trump & Epstein & let's be clear, there has been plenty of incriminating evidence for many years. So, can we stop treating this like a process story and start focusing squarely on the likelihood Trump is a pedophile sex criminal.
November 12, 2025 at 2:09 PM
The new Epstein emails are the most incriminating evidence to date on Trump & Epstein & let's be clear, there has been plenty of incriminating evidence for many years. So, can we stop treating this like a process story and start focusing squarely on the likelihood Trump is a pedophile sex criminal.
Beware of narratives that serve to manufacture consent for another war, especially a new one against Lebanon or Iraq.
Both are in the Netanyahu government's crosshairs, even as Israel’s military is worn down.
They're hunting for another war & trying to drag the U.S. along.
Both are in the Netanyahu government's crosshairs, even as Israel’s military is worn down.
They're hunting for another war & trying to drag the U.S. along.
November 10, 2025 at 4:36 PM
Beware of narratives that serve to manufacture consent for another war, especially a new one against Lebanon or Iraq.
Both are in the Netanyahu government's crosshairs, even as Israel’s military is worn down.
They're hunting for another war & trying to drag the U.S. along.
Both are in the Netanyahu government's crosshairs, even as Israel’s military is worn down.
They're hunting for another war & trying to drag the U.S. along.
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.
Centrist Dems aren’t built for moments like this. They rose in a politics designed to preserve status quo institutions of power, not challenge them.
This is why they'll crumble even when "democracy" is on the line.
Their instincts simply aren't fit for this Trump-era authoritarian moment.
This is why they'll crumble even when "democracy" is on the line.
Their instincts simply aren't fit for this Trump-era authoritarian moment.
November 10, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Centrist Dems aren’t built for moments like this. They rose in a politics designed to preserve status quo institutions of power, not challenge them.
This is why they'll crumble even when "democracy" is on the line.
Their instincts simply aren't fit for this Trump-era authoritarian moment.
This is why they'll crumble even when "democracy" is on the line.
Their instincts simply aren't fit for this Trump-era authoritarian moment.
Reposted by Sina Toossi
Iran’s postwar politics are in flux.
Beneath the surface noise, one trend is unmistakable:
Tehran is pivoting more decisively toward China, out of necessity.
@sinatoossi.bsky.social
foreignpolicy.com/2025/09/11/i...
Beneath the surface noise, one trend is unmistakable:
Tehran is pivoting more decisively toward China, out of necessity.
@sinatoossi.bsky.social
foreignpolicy.com/2025/09/11/i...
Iran’s Foreign Policy Is Changing in Real Time
The debate in Tehran is heating up—and moving in unexpected directions.
foreignpolicy.com
September 11, 2025 at 11:42 PM
Iran’s postwar politics are in flux.
Beneath the surface noise, one trend is unmistakable:
Tehran is pivoting more decisively toward China, out of necessity.
@sinatoossi.bsky.social
foreignpolicy.com/2025/09/11/i...
Beneath the surface noise, one trend is unmistakable:
Tehran is pivoting more decisively toward China, out of necessity.
@sinatoossi.bsky.social
foreignpolicy.com/2025/09/11/i...
Reposted by Sina Toossi
Important analysis from @sinatoossi.bsky.social:
“The lesson in Iran is that international law and institutions no longer matter, so Tehran must act on its own national interests.” thebulletin.org/2025/10/why-...
“The lesson in Iran is that international law and institutions no longer matter, so Tehran must act on its own national interests.” thebulletin.org/2025/10/why-...
Why Europe's snapback gamble against Iran will backfire
European and US officials have said that diplomacy remains an option. But Europe's "snapback" of UN sanctions on Iran shrinks the possibility of successful diplomacy and fuels escalation.
thebulletin.org
October 2, 2025 at 1:38 PM
Important analysis from @sinatoossi.bsky.social:
“The lesson in Iran is that international law and institutions no longer matter, so Tehran must act on its own national interests.” thebulletin.org/2025/10/why-...
“The lesson in Iran is that international law and institutions no longer matter, so Tehran must act on its own national interests.” thebulletin.org/2025/10/why-...
Reposted by Sina Toossi
Trump believes he can get more than a nuclear deal from Iran, but pressure will make Tehran stick to its guns and turn to China and Russia – @sinatoossi.bsky.social told @theguardian.com
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Trump’s Middle East ‘peace’ pitch to Iran falls flat in Tehran and Jerusalem
In a Knesset speech, Trump urged Israel to reconcile with its longtime foe Iran. Both governments dismissed the idea
www.theguardian.com
October 16, 2025 at 4:10 PM
Trump believes he can get more than a nuclear deal from Iran, but pressure will make Tehran stick to its guns and turn to China and Russia – @sinatoossi.bsky.social told @theguardian.com
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Reposted by Sina Toossi
Very valuable @nonzeronews.bsky.social podcast conversation about this weekend's US-Iran talks between @sinatoossi.bsky.social and @connorechols.bsky.social. www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwYz...
How Trump could strike a deal with Iran | NonZero World feat. Sina Toossi
YouTube video by Nonzero
www.youtube.com
April 13, 2025 at 4:16 AM
Very valuable @nonzeronews.bsky.social podcast conversation about this weekend's US-Iran talks between @sinatoossi.bsky.social and @connorechols.bsky.social. www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwYz...
I spoke to The Hill about the Trump-Iran talks set to begin. This could be a real opening — if both sides recognize that serious diplomacy, not threats or ultimatums, is the only viable path to avoid conflict.
thehill.com
April 10, 2025 at 1:24 PM
I spoke to The Hill about the Trump-Iran talks set to begin. This could be a real opening — if both sides recognize that serious diplomacy, not threats or ultimatums, is the only viable path to avoid conflict.
Trump blindsided Netanyahu by announcing high-level talks with Iran. It’s a rare opening for diplomacy—and the war camp is scrambling to shut it down.
I've written in Mondoweiss on why the US must not waste this chance:
I've written in Mondoweiss on why the US must not waste this chance:
Trump must continue to move toward Iran talks, even as Netanyahu tries to derail it
Donald Trump’s surprising announcement that talks are starting with Iran gives the White House a pivotal choice: follow pro-Israel hawks calling for a military confrontation with Iran, or chart a dipl...
mondoweiss.net
April 9, 2025 at 1:06 PM
Trump blindsided Netanyahu by announcing high-level talks with Iran. It’s a rare opening for diplomacy—and the war camp is scrambling to shut it down.
I've written in Mondoweiss on why the US must not waste this chance:
I've written in Mondoweiss on why the US must not waste this chance:
🧵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.
🧵There’s no military solution to Iran’s nuclear program. Strikes might set it back a year—at best—but carry a high risk of pushing Iran to weaponize.
Retaliation would also likely be fierce: Iran’s missiles and drones can overwhelm US & Israeli defenses.
>>>
Retaliation would also likely be fierce: Iran’s missiles and drones can overwhelm US & Israeli defenses.
>>>
April 3, 2025 at 8:11 PM
🧵There’s no military solution to Iran’s nuclear program. Strikes might set it back a year—at best—but carry a high risk of pushing Iran to weaponize.
Retaliation would also likely be fierce: Iran’s missiles and drones can overwhelm US & Israeli defenses.
>>>
Retaliation would also likely be fierce: Iran’s missiles and drones can overwhelm US & Israeli defenses.
>>>
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.
The US military buildup—2 carriers, B-2s to Diego Garcia—may signal strength, but it hasn’t even neutralized Houthi strikes.
An attack on Iran would trigger wider conflict while likely failing to destroy Iran’s retaliatory capabilities.
How credible is this threat, really?
An attack on Iran would trigger wider conflict while likely failing to destroy Iran’s retaliatory capabilities.
How credible is this threat, really?
Trump seriously considering Iran's offer of indirect nuclear talks
But he's also flooding military assets to the region for plan b.
www.axios.com
April 2, 2025 at 5:11 PM
The US military buildup—2 carriers, B-2s to Diego Garcia—may signal strength, but it hasn’t even neutralized Houthi strikes.
An attack on Iran would trigger wider conflict while likely failing to destroy Iran’s retaliatory capabilities.
How credible is this threat, really?
An attack on Iran would trigger wider conflict while likely failing to destroy Iran’s retaliatory capabilities.
How credible is this threat, really?
Eid Mubarak to all who celebrate!
This joyous and festive arrives under a heavy shadow once again, as Palestinians endure unimaginable suffering at the hands of a brutal war machine.
This joyous and festive arrives under a heavy shadow once again, as Palestinians endure unimaginable suffering at the hands of a brutal war machine.
March 30, 2025 at 6:21 PM
Eid Mubarak to all who celebrate!
This joyous and festive arrives under a heavy shadow once again, as Palestinians endure unimaginable suffering at the hands of a brutal war machine.
This joyous and festive arrives under a heavy shadow once again, as Palestinians endure unimaginable suffering at the hands of a brutal war machine.
Trump wants a deal with Iran but many of his advisers are pushing war.
Such a war would drain US resources, distract from domestic priorities & weaken America’s global leverage.
Yet, there’s still a real path to a deal.
I break it down in Responsible Statecraft:
Such a war would drain US resources, distract from domestic priorities & weaken America’s global leverage.
Yet, there’s still a real path to a deal.
I break it down in Responsible Statecraft:
The war over war with Iran has just begun
Trump says he wants a deal but stakeholders in and outside of his administration are pushing for conflict
responsiblestatecraft.org
March 28, 2025 at 4:09 PM
Trump wants a deal with Iran but many of his advisers are pushing war.
Such a war would drain US resources, distract from domestic priorities & weaken America’s global leverage.
Yet, there’s still a real path to a deal.
I break it down in Responsible Statecraft:
Such a war would drain US resources, distract from domestic priorities & weaken America’s global leverage.
Yet, there’s still a real path to a deal.
I break it down in Responsible Statecraft:
Reposted by Sina Toossi
Not sure if this has been shared here yet, but this is video of Rumeysa Ozturk's arrest posted by WCVB. It's terrifying.
March 26, 2025 at 4:44 PM
Not sure if this has been shared here yet, but this is video of Rumeysa Ozturk's arrest posted by WCVB. It's terrifying.
In this sharp piece, Hadi Kahalzadeh of Brandeis University explains how Trump’s “maximum pressure” campaign backfired--hurting the US, hardening Iran’s ruling elite, and pushing Iran onto a path of “neither prosperity nor imminent collapse."
Why Trump's return to 'maximum pressure' on Iran is doomed to fail again
The current administration's reimposition of sanctions, based on flawed assumptions about Iran's vulnerability, repeats past mistakes and won't undermine the regime
www.middleeasteye.net
March 24, 2025 at 7:08 PM
In this sharp piece, Hadi Kahalzadeh of Brandeis University explains how Trump’s “maximum pressure” campaign backfired--hurting the US, hardening Iran’s ruling elite, and pushing Iran onto a path of “neither prosperity nor imminent collapse."
A compelling piece in the NYT calling for a new nuclear agreement with Iran that "should center on the same simple tenets: Iran pulling back its nuclear program from producing weapons-grade fissile material in exchange for relief from US sanctions."
Opinion | Stop Iran’s Nuclear Threat With a Deal, Not Conflict
The Trump administration should back away from threats and engage Iran in an effort to bring a diplomatic halt to its nuclear weapons capability.
www.nytimes.com
March 24, 2025 at 6:06 PM
A compelling piece in the NYT calling for a new nuclear agreement with Iran that "should center on the same simple tenets: Iran pulling back its nuclear program from producing weapons-grade fissile material in exchange for relief from US sanctions."
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.