Iran on the Brink

The episode analyzes the widespread protests in Iran, driven by economic hardship and a desire for political and social freedoms. It highlights the severe inflation, which has drastically increased the price of basic goods, sparking initial protests in Tehran's bazaar that quickly spread nationwide. The Iranian government's response shifted from conciliatory to violent, marked by internet blackouts and a brutal crackdown resulting in numerous deaths and injuries. The conversation also covers external pressures on Iran, including military threats from the U.S. and Israel, and the weakening of Iran's regional allies. Farnaz Fassihi, a journalist covering Iran, provides insights into the potential for further instability and the long-term impact on the Iranian people.