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Admiral James Stavridis, USN, Ret.

@admiralstav.bsky.social

16K followers 127 following 747 posts

Vice Chair,The Carlyle Group; Chair, Rockefeller Foundation Board; PhD; ADM, USN(Ret.) fmr Supreme Allied Commander at NATO Website: AdmiralStav.com

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Admiral James Stavridis, USN, Ret. @admiralstav.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

The last America troops have left Iraq. I believe a small US presence would have served both nations better. But was the war a total disaster? My take in @Bloomberg @Opinion www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti...

The Iraq War Is Finally Over. It Did Some Good

While most Americans may think the Iraq War is long over, it wasn’t until this week that the last US troops departed, ending a long and painful experience for both nations that began with the US invas...

Admiral James Stavridis, USN, Ret. @admiralstav.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

www.usni.org/magazines/pr...

Of Tomahawks and Terrorists

Stavridis survived the Pentagon attack after overseeing earlier strikes targeting bin Laden.

Admiral James Stavridis, USN, Ret. @admiralstav.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

With Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz leaking, will Tehran lash out to disrupt the flow of oil? And speaking of disruption, the Pentagon's plan to cut 20% of senior leaders would be very turbulent. My discussion with John Berman on @cnn.com : youtu.be/ol5RYBG4vRw

YouTube video by ADM STAV VIDEOS

Admiral James Stavridis, USN, Ret. @admiralstav.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Exploding parcels. Cut Baltic cables. A drone packed with explosives at Leipzig airport. Putin's shadow war is escalating, and NATO needs a firmer answer that stops short of full-scale war. Here's how: www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti...

Putin’s Shadow War Is Testing NATO’s Restraint

Russian President Vladimir Putin, frustrated by his bogged-down war in Ukraine, is trying to intimidate the European nations that — given President Donald Trump’s severe cuts in aid to Kyiv — are now ...

Admiral James Stavridis, USN, Ret. @admiralstav.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Covered a lot of ground with Sara Sidner on @CNN.com this morning: the Houtis opening a new front on the Red Sea, Ukraine's massive drone strike on Moscow, and the President's proposed arch near Arlington National Cemetery. youtu.be/__wfIJ5L55w

YouTube video by ADM STAV VIDEOS

Admiral James Stavridis, USN, Ret. @admiralstav.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Admiral James Stavridis, USN, Ret. @admiralstav.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

www.pilotonline.com/2026/09/19/c...

pilotonline.com

Column: The USS Doris Miller is America’s aircraft carrier. We should never give it up.

When our ships are named for sailors such as Miller it honors the heroism and sacrifices of all U.S. sailors, former acting Navy Secretary Thomas Modly writes in a guest column.

Admiral James Stavridis, USN, Ret. @admiralstav.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Admiral James Stavridis, USN, Ret. @admiralstav.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

SECAF Meink just ended decades of strategic ambiguity. The US now says out loud what everyone assumed: we have weapons in orbit. That's a deterrent message aimed squarely at Moscow and Beijing. My take on why now, and why it matters — www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti...

The US Wants China to Know It Has Weapons in Space

In a surprising statement this week, Secretary of the Air Force Troy E. Meink revealed that the US has weapons in space. He said, “We are increasing readiness against existing threats, and the United ...

Admiral James Stavridis, USN, Ret. @admiralstav.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Re Iran the President has 3 options:Walk away and leave the region unstable, Strike hard and risk an expensive, inconclusive fight, Or maintain the economic pressure and wait Tehran out. My money is on #3. My wide ranging discussion with Brianna Keilar of @CNN.com here: youtu.be/iNN87lpLBLk

YouTube video by ADM STAV VIDEOS

Admiral James Stavridis, USN, Ret. @admiralstav.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

China and Iran, Ukraine's strikes on Russian fuel, and why calling the AI risk a "hoax" gets it wrong. I covered all three topics with @smerconish.bsky.social this week. Worth the watch: youtu.be/B3wliYbVWPU?... via @YouTube

Trump Calls AI Fears a “Hoax.” Admiral Stavridis Disagrees

YouTube video by Michael Smerconish

Admiral James Stavridis, USN, Ret. @admiralstav.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Oil at $120 a barrel isn't hypothetical if the Strait of Hormuz stays this squeezed. My take on @CNN.com with Kate Bolduan on the two blockades reshaping the Gulf: youtu.be/6qgZuy6ip-Q

YouTube video by ADM STAV VIDEOS

Admiral James Stavridis, USN, Ret. @admiralstav.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

I was on the fourth deck of the Pentagon on 9/11. The plane hit the second. That's the whole difference in my being here today. Thoughts on what changed forever in an instant, with @kasie.bsky.social on @cnn.com today. youtu.be/Vy40vudQfcY

YouTube video by ADM STAV VIDEOS

Admiral James Stavridis, USN, Ret. @admiralstav.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Twenty-five years ago I was nearly killed when AA Flight 77 struck the Pentagon. On the anniversary, I've written about what that day taught me — about the illusion of safety, the value of allies, and a fabric of national unity I worry has frayed badly since. www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti...

I Was in the Pentagon on 9/11. Here’s What I Learned

Twenty-five years ago today, I was almost killed in the Pentagon. As a recently promoted one-star rear admiral, I was very proud of the new gold insignia on my sleeves. My job was on the Navy staff, a...

Admiral James Stavridis, USN, Ret. @admiralstav.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Question: If President Trump says New Mexico is New America, are Spanish city names also doomed? Will Los Angeles become The Angels? San Diego now St. James? San Fran now St Frank? And don't get me started on New ENGLAND. Geez.

Admiral James Stavridis, USN, Ret. @admiralstav.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

The Army is rudderless right now — and it couldn't come at a worse time. My latest @opinion.bloomberg.com column www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti...

Hegseth Has Turned the Army Into a Rudderless Ship

The sudden departure of Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll, following months of tension with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, is a serious blow to American security. Worse, his resignation follows t...

Admiral James Stavridis, USN, Ret. @admiralstav.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Excellent and accurate description of logistical challenges facing our forward deployed warships www.nytimes.com/interactive/...

Inside Supplying U.S. Warships During the Iran War (Gift Article)

Iranian attacks have upended the Navy’s supply chain in the Middle East, causing a strain on the aircraft carriers, destroyers and amphibious ships that are being kept in the region indefinitely.

Admiral James Stavridis, USN, Ret. @admiralstav.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

The situation in the Middle East is critical, but so is the internal health of our armed forces. Joined Kate Bolduan on @cnn.com to discuss the top-level leadership vacancies in the U.S. Army. youtu.be/YSo8Pw8s9nY

YouTube video by ADM STAV VIDEOS

Admiral James Stavridis, USN, Ret. @admiralstav.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

There is real wisdom in this series of smart essays by author Ric North Patterson, looking at the challenges ahead. I recommend it highly. amzn.to/4cn1Cz3

Admiral James Stavridis, USN, Ret. @admiralstav.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

Adm. Caudle's line says it all: "the enemy gets a vote." Six months into the Iran campaign, the readiness bill is coming due — Navy destroyers, Patriot batteries, a Pacific carrier all stretched thin. Strategy is choices under scarcity. wapo.st/4wT23bL

Military leaders warn Hegseth against extending Iran war operations

A recent classified assessment advised that prolonged large-scale operations in the Middle East risk weakening U.S. capabilities elsewhere.

Admiral James Stavridis, USN, Ret. @admiralstav.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Hopefully, plans to change the name and design of CVN-81 are losing steam. t.co/hsCyC3mcgE

https://www.thecipherbrief.com/electromagnetic-catapult

Admiral James Stavridis, USN, Ret. @admiralstav.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Fact: Canada has a brave and professional military. It has deployed into combat with us many times, including D-Day. Canadian troops, under my NATO command, faced intense fire in Afghanistan where many were killed in action. I honor their memory and salute them. 🇨🇦 www.yahoo.com/news/politic...

Trump Official Called Out for Claiming Canada Has No Military

The transportation secretary does not believe that Canada has a military. Sean Duffy, the reality-TV persona turned Trump cabinet member, raged against Canada, a strategic U.S. ally, and seemed to imp...

Admiral James Stavridis, USN, Ret. @admiralstav.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

Joined Isabel Rosales on @CNN.com to discuss three important security stories: Ukraine's air defense shortages, maritime operations in the Persian Gulf, and honoring WWII Navy hero Doris Miller. youtu.be/Q_4khlUWdqM

YouTube video by ADM STAV VIDEOS

Admiral James Stavridis, USN, Ret. @admiralstav.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

On @CNN.com this morning with Sara Sidner analyzing the current U.S. naval posture regarding Iran, the difficulties of enforcing a global blockade, and the vital supply chain lessons as USS George Washington relieves USS Abraham Lincoln in the region. youtu.be/F6I7lzKwDm0

YouTube video by ADM STAV VIDEOS

Admiral James Stavridis, USN, Ret. @admiralstav.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

Hope the Trump 47 administration doesn't undo the excellent decision to name aircraft carrier for WWII hero Doris Miller. Original decision made by - checks notes - the Trump 45 administration. www.cnn.com/2026/08/20/p...

Exclusive: Navy weighs renaming carrier slated to honor Black war hero, potentially switching it to Trump | CNN Politics

The US Navy is working to rename an aircraft carrier under construction that was set to honor a Black sailor hailed for his heroic actions during the attack on Pearl Harbor, three sources familiar wit...

Admiral James Stavridis, USN, Ret. @admiralstav.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Just now with Erica Hill on @cnn.com talking about North Korea -- and also possible new approaches on the war with Iran youtu.be/QjoDmekKIgA

YouTube video by ADM STAV VIDEOS

Admiral James Stavridis, USN, Ret. @admiralstav.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

I joined Wolf Blitzer on @CNN.com ’s The Situation Room this morning to break down the latest in the Middle East. With Iran narrowing its demands on the Strait of Hormuz, there is a window for diplomacy. youtu.be/6rWUFIa_Dj8

CNN SITUATION ROOM 8 18 26

YouTube video by ADM STAV VIDEOS

Admiral James Stavridis, USN, Ret. @admiralstav.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

I joined Audie Cornish on @cnn.com this morning to discuss carrier rotations, Sailor morale, and the strategic trade-offs of shifting the USS George Washington from Japan to the Arabian Sea. www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbrF...

YouTube video by ADM STAV VIDEOS

Admiral James Stavridis, USN, Ret. @admiralstav.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Sat down with Kasie Hunt on @CNN.com today to talk North Korea, Iran, and the USS Abraham Lincoln's extraordinary deployment. Some of what we're doing right now — courting Kim, threatening Oman — cuts against our own interests. www.youtube.com/watch?v=rt1J...

CNN THE ARENA 8 17 2026

YouTube video by ADM STAV VIDEOS

Admiral James Stavridis, USN, Ret. @admiralstav.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

My latest in @opinion.bloomberg.com www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti...

Containing North Korea Requires an 'Economy of Force'

The world’s gaze is appropriately focused on conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. Neither looks to be settled soon, despite a great deal of military action, sporadic diplomatic efforts and ongoin...

Admiral James Stavridis, USN, Ret. @admiralstav.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

youtu.be/tBGo5AHCYQ4

CNN THE ARENA AUG 14 26

YouTube video by ADM STAV VIDEOS

Admiral James Stavridis, USN, Ret. @admiralstav.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

Restoring steam catapults, and moving aircraft carrier islands are not great ideas, but at least POTUS has not ordered ballrooms be installed in our ships (yet). wapo.st/4wqjGiV

Navy weighs major warship redesign to match Trump’s preferences

The president wants the new fleet of aircraft carriers to more resemble those from World War II. Such a change could cost billions.

Admiral James Stavridis, USN, Ret. @admiralstav.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Joined Pamela Brown on CNN to discuss naval strategy, the Strait of Hormuz, and the heavy toll long deployments take on military personnel. Clip below. youtu.be/tMEaIc8oPho

CNN THE ARENA 8 14 26

YouTube video by ADM STAV VIDEOS

Admiral James Stavridis, USN, Ret. @admiralstav.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

On the latest Navigating Leadership, Fareed Zakaria and I discuss lessons from Lee Kuan Yew, Angela Merkel, and FDR—and why great leadership requires the discipline to balance vision with action. Watch here from Carlyle: www.carlyle.com/navigating-l...

Fareed Zakaria on the rarest combination in leadership

Admiral Jim Stavridis joins Fareed Zakaria at the International House in New York City to reflect on the rarest skill among leaders; the ability to both envision the future and build it.

Admiral James Stavridis, USN, Ret. @admiralstav.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

iPutin's betting NATO is more window than wall. My new column in @opinion.bloomberg.com on why the alliance needs to prove him wrong www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti...

Putin Can’t Break Down NATO’s Door. He’s Trying the Window

Recent reporting says Russian President Vladimir Putin is considering testing the resolve and combat responses of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization over the next couple of years. Despite being ou...

Admiral James Stavridis, USN, Ret. @admiralstav.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

Boom. This list of unacceptable and maximalist demands narrows the options for the Trump administration. Iran is overplaying its hand and it appears the hardliners are in control. The likelihood of a deal in the immediate term is declining. www.nytimes.com/2026/08/08/w...

Iran Issues List of Demands, Dampening Hopes of Reopening Strait of Hormuz (Gift Article)

The head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until the United States met certain conditions.

Admiral James Stavridis, USN, Ret. @admiralstav.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

If current reports on depleted air defense interceptors are accurate, our global readiness faces serious strain. Enjoyed breaking down the strategic implications with Sara Sidner on @CNN.com this morning. youtu.be/QL3fen9kBPU

YouTube video by ADM STAV VIDEOS

Admiral James Stavridis, USN, Ret. @admiralstav.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Saudi Arabia is stepping up to break the Houthis' grip on the Red Sea — building a coalition with Egypt, Turkey and Pakistan. My latest for @opinion.bloomberg.com on whether it can succeed where Hormuz efforts have struggled www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti...

Saudi Arabia Can Break the Houthis’ Grip on the Red Sea

The Strait of Hormuz isn’t the only Middle Eastern naval chokepoint under threat: In the Red Sea, vital shipping is being disrupted by an Iranian proxy, the Houthis of Yemen. Now Saudi Arabia, the nat...

Admiral James Stavridis, USN, Ret. @admiralstav.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

In this week's “The Carlyle Compass,”I examine the strategic options facing the Trump administration as tensions with Iran continue to shape regional security, global energy markets, and the broader geopolitical landscape. tinyurl.com/yeu7zfvx

Three paths forward on Iran

Admiral Jim Stavridis weighs the odds on how the standoff over Iran and the Strait of Hormuz is likely to unfold in the weeks ahead.

Admiral James Stavridis, USN, Ret. @admiralstav.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

Summer of '75 I was a MIDN 1/C at USNA & went on summer cruise on a brand new aircraft carrier, USS Nimitz. I had a chance to spend time with the CO, a heroic Vietnam-era pilot Bryan Compton.Now 94, he just attended the retirement of the carrier he commissioned.Sail proud, sir! tinyurl.com/ykcf3nnm

A Last Look at ‘Old Salt’: Former USS Nimitz Sailors Say Goodbye - USNI News

ABOARD AIRCRAFT CARRIER USS NIMITZ — Four hundred former USS Nimitz (CVN-68) sailors and their families streamed off buses on Pier 14 at Naval Station Norfolk, Va., and up the brow of the oldest carri...

Admiral James Stavridis, USN, Ret. @admiralstav.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

One interceptor for 27 incoming ballistic missiles this weekend — that's the price of the Patriot shortage Zelensky is now sounding the alarm on. We don't have years to wait on new production. Smart piece by Mark Montgomery on how Washington could move now. www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/202...

washingtonpost.com

Opinion | The fastest way to help Ukraine stop Russia’s missile threat

Ukraine's F-16s could hunt ballistic-missile launchers within weeks — if Washington unlocks one capability.

Admiral James Stavridis, USN, Ret. @admiralstav.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

Is the Middle East conflict opening a new Western front? I joined Brianna Keilar on @CNN.co, to discuss the widening strikes, Iranian threats against EU/NATO partners, and the imperative of protecting international waterways. youtu.be/fzhzJgalDeo

YouTube video by ADM STAV VIDEOS

Admiral James Stavridis, USN, Ret. @admiralstav.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

A tough set of decisions lies ahead in the Middle East—from military pressure and covert capabilities to building broader coalitions. I sat down with Kasie Hunt on @cnn.com to weigh in on what 'going big' really entails and where we go from here youtu.be/nmMW5_981OE

CNN THE ARENA 7 24 26

YouTube video by ADM STAV VIDEOS

Admiral James Stavridis, USN, Ret. @admiralstav.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

Joined Wolf Blitzer on @cnn.com this morning along with David Sanger and Betsey Klein to discuss potential U.S. military escalation with Iran. Airstrikes alone have clear limits—and the military options remaining are far from simple. youtu.be/TiQZv8PRm74?...

CNN SIT ROOM 7 24 26

YouTube video by ADM STAV VIDEOS

Admiral James Stavridis, USN, Ret. @admiralstav.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

The reaction to a possible U.S.-Saudi civilian nuclear deal has been sharp — understandably, given how the word "nuclear" and "Saudi Arabia" land together. My take on @CNN.com with Audie Cornish this morning. youtu.be/B61GBX1XyOg

CNN THIS MORNING 7 23 26

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Admiral James Stavridis, USN, Ret. @admiralstav.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

One closed strait is a crisis. Two is a global oil shock. The Houthis just declared a blockade at the Bab el-Mandeb — my take on convoys, coalitions, and what comes next if diplomacy fails. My latest in @opinion.bloomberg.com www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti...

Losing Control of One Strait Was Bad. Let’s Not Make It Two

The conflict between the US and Iran has focused the world’s attention on the Strait of Hormuz. But there is another, less-discussed global chokepoint to the west of the Persian Gulf: the Bab el-Mande...

Admiral James Stavridis, USN, Ret. @admiralstav.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Joined John King on @cnn.com AC360 with former Congressman Adam Kinzinger to analyze current U.S. military posture, maritime security choke points, and the strategic road ahead in the Middle East youtu.be/OOXYEUIIWXM

CNN AC360 7 21 26

YouTube video by ADM STAV VIDEOS

Admiral James Stavridis, USN, Ret. @admiralstav.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

While the world is watching the Strait of Hormuz, we can't afford to ignore another choke point the Bab-el-Mandeb—the 'Door of Grief.' I joined Michael Smerconish on SiriusXM to discuss how Houthi activity in the Red Sea could deal a massive second blow to global trade youtu.be/I6cPRz4KEV4?...

Admiral Stavridis' warnings about escalation

YouTube video by Michael Smerconish

Admiral James Stavridis, USN, Ret. @admiralstav.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

I joined Bianna Golodryga @cnn.com this morning to address the tragic loss of our service members and the widening conflict in the region. We need a coordinated strategy to counter these growing threats to global maritime trade. youtu.be/SXUK9LvgXNE

CNN NEWS CENTRAL 7 20 26

YouTube video by ADM STAV VIDEOS

Admiral James Stavridis, USN, Ret. @admiralstav.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

40% of Canada's landmass sits in the Arctic. As Ottawa ramps up defense spending, that's where the smart money should go. My take on Canada's Arctic strategy, out today in @opinion.bloomberg.com www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti...

How Canada Can Gear Up for the Arctic Great Game

At the North Atlantic Treaty Organization summit this month, Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada repeatedly emphasized that his nation is undertaking a massive buildup in defense spending. “Canada is...