FDD Morning Brief Is Iran next in line after Venezuela? | feat. Carine Hajjar
Jan 7, 2026
Carine Hajjar, an opinion journalist at The Washington Post with a focus on the Middle East and Venezuela, discusses the impact of Venezuelan politics on Hezbollah's operations. She explores the implications of a potential Maduro downfall for Iran, given their strategic alliance. The conversation also delves into U.S. policies targeting illicit oil shipments and aiding Iranian protesters. Additionally, Hajjar reflects on domestic protests in the U.S. and the fragile stability in Lebanon, highlighting risks of civil conflict related to Hezbollah.
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Iran's Network Of State Allies Is Shrinking
- Iran has lost two important state partners recently: Assad's Syria and Maduro's Venezuela.
- That shrinking network isolates Tehran and weakens its trade, defense, and diplomatic reach.
Protests Expose Regime's Priorities Versus Public Needs
- Large-scale protests in Iran show popular anger over economic failure and regime priorities.
- Protesters question why Tehran funds proxies like Hezbollah while people lack water, electricity, and food.
Pressure Sanction-Evasion Shipping Networks
- Targeting illicit tanker operations helps enforce sanctions and reduce regime revenue.
- Apply the same maritime pressure to Iranian sanction-evasion networks as was done against Venezuelan oil shipments.