“What is Iran demanding in order to end the war?,” BBC, 3-26-26. “Iran’s state broadcaster Press TV has quoted a “senior political-security official” as saying that Iran has rejected a US proposal aimed at ending the current war. “Iran will end the war when it decides to do so and when its own conditions are met,” the official reportedly told the broadcaster. They outlined five conditions to Press TV that would need to be met in order to end the war: A complete halt to “aggression and assassinations” by the enemy. The establishment of concrete mechanisms to ensure that the war is not reimposed on the Islamic Republic. Guaranteed and clearly defined payment of war damages and reparations. The conclusion of the war across all fronts and for all resistance groups involved throughout the region. International recognition and guarantees regarding Iran’s sovereign right to exercise authority over the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials have repeatedly said they want a complete end to the war, and not just a ceasefire.”
This is Barbary Coast-style pirate blackmail to sail through an international strait. “Iran MP says Hormuz fee proposal to be reviewed next week,” Iran International, 3-26-26. “A draft proposal to let Iran collect transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz has been prepared and would be sent to parliament’s research center next week for legal review, an Iranian lawmaker said on Thursday. Mohammadreza Rezaei Kouchi said he had prepared the draft jointly with Tehran lawmaker Somayyeh Rafiei and that they planned to finalize it with a legal team.”
“Israel dropped two Iran officials from hit list on Pakistan request – Reuters,” Iran International, 3-26-26. Israel removed Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf from its hit list after Pakistan asked Washington not to target them, Reuters reported on Thursday, citing a Pakistani official. “The Israelis had their … coordinates and wanted to take them out, we told the US if they are also eliminated then there is no one else to talk to, hence the US asked the Israelis to back off,” the official said.” So, Araghchi and Ghalibaf have a Get Out of Jail Free card and automatically become the most powerful people in Iran.
I don’t know yet if he is still alive. “Iran Guards navy commander Tangsiri targeted in Bandar Abbas – Israeli media,” Iran International, 3-26-26. “Iran’s Revolutionary Guards navy commander Alireza Tangsiri was targeted in Bandar Abbas, Israeli media reported, citing an official. The official said Tangsiri was responsible for the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.”
“Israel Says It Killed IRGC Navy Commander Responsible for Blocking Strait,” WSJ, 3-26-26. Was he following orders or acting on his own initiative? Either way, or both, he was blocking a strait protected by international law treaty (UNCLOS, Art. 19, “innocent passage”) and international law custom (which Iran had pledged to uphold). And either way or both, he made he wrong call. Let us remember that everywhere any of these Iran commanders can surrender, resign, flee and ask for asylum, there are many alternatives. See also “Israel kills Alireza Tangsiri, IRGC Navy chief ‘behind blocking of Strait of Hormuz’,” JPost, 3-26-26.
“Generation Jihad | The Hormuz Shake(down),” FDD Long War Journal, 3-26-26. “Iran says the Strait of Hormuz is closed. It’s not. Ships are still moving. Oil is still flowing. Just not for everyone. Friends pass. Also anyone with millions of dollars to spare. Enemies don’t. This isn’t a blockade. It’s a shakedown.” This interview also makes the point I’ve made, there is no sense in the U.S. Navy letting Iranian tankers pass through the strait. Just seize them and hold them off of Oman and use them in the negotiating process.
“Trump’s Iran strategy is to pursue two off-ramps at once,” BBC, 3-26-26.
“Trump Extends Deadline for 10 Days as Peace Talks Persist,” Truth Social, 3-26-26.
“Iran moves to formalize control over the Strait of Hormuz – report,” i24, 3-26-26.
Yes. Do not seize Kharg. Simply embargo Iran’s tankers which leave Hormuz. “Analysis: Why seizing Iran’s Kharg Island could be a trap of America’s own making,” FDD Long War Journal, 3-26-26.
“Iran’s Long Game: Decades of Preparation Are Paying Off,” Foreign Affairs, 3-26-26.
“Iran, Hezbollah continue launching salvos towards Israel | LIVE BLOG,” i24, 3-26-26.
“Why these 6 Iranian islands could be crucial to Trump’s “final blow” of the war,” Axios, 3-26-26.
“Generation Jihad | The Hormuz Shake(down),” FDD Long War Journal, 3-26-26. “Iran says the Strait of Hormuz is closed. It’s not. Ships are still moving. Oil is still flowing. Just not for everyone. Friends pass. Also anyone with millions of dollars to spare. Enemies don’t. This isn’t a blockade. It’s a shakedown.”
“Iran’s former diplomats warn of prolonged regional war,” Iran International, 3-26-26.
“Rubio: Iran at ‘weakest point’ yet still attacking embassies and hotels,” Iran International, 3-26-26.