What Kind of Change Is Coming to Iran?

The podcast explores the potential future of Iran amid widespread protests against the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's regime. Carnegie Endowment senior fellow Karim Sadjadpour discusses the protests' nationwide reach, diverse participants, and ferocious slogans indicating deep dissatisfaction with the theocratic government's political brutality and economic mismanagement. He notes the regime's regional humiliations by Israel and internal failures have weakened its image. While external military intervention is viewed skeptically, offensive cyber operations to restore internet connectivity are suggested as a helpful measure for protesters. Sadjadpour considers scenarios for Iran's future, including a transition to a strongman leader from the security services, driven by economic populism and Iranian nationalism.