Section archive

The Ledger

Sharp, direct and opinionated. One argument, one verdict, every time — on the world's most consequential developments in diplomacy, geopolitics and international affairs. Not a news summary. Not a survey of perspectives. A position, taken clearly and defended honestly. If something significant happened, there is a view on it here. Read it before you form your own.

All desks 1971 9/11 A. Wess Mitchell Abbas Araghchi Abhijeet Dipke Abolition Abraham Accords ACCORD Accountability Adel Nassar Afghanistan Africa Aga Khan Foundation Aggression AI Governance AIPAC air defence Al Udeid Alliance Allison Carnegie Amarna Letters American University Americas Amir-Ali Karimi Amir-Mohammad Karimi Amitav Acharya Ammonium Nitrate Amnesty International Amos Azaria Analysis Ancient History Anderson Salcedo Lozano Angelo Mejia Melendez Ankara António Guterres Aoun AP Application Guide AQ Khan Arab leaders Arabian Sea Arabic Araghchi Aramco Armenia Armenian Genocide Armin Krishnan Arrest Warrant arsenal Artificial Intelligence

The Ledger

The Blockade Is the War

The US naval blockade of Iranian oil exports did not end with the ceasefire announcement. It continued under different legal framing as a mechanism of pressure. Washington called it enforcement. Tehran called it a continuation of war by other means. Tehran was closer to the truth.